Smart Energy Voices, an SED podcast, features conversations with leaders of the energy transition. In each episode, Smart Energy Decisions with Debra Chanil dig...
Heard at Net Zero Forum: The Current State of Clean Energy
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Peter Kelly-Detwiler delves into the latest advancements and challenges in decarbonization and clean energy across the U.S. He highlights progress in geothermal energy, nuclear energy, and long-duration storage solutions while addressing efficiency hurdles. Kelly-Detwiler explores the rising energy demands of AI-driven data centers and their implications for power grids, alongside updates on electric vehicles, hydrogen projects, and virtual power plants as utilities shift toward decentralized capacity. He also examines the volatility of voluntary carbon markets due to credibility issues and stresses the need for collective effort and innovative strategies to tackle the complexities of decarbonizing our global economies.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
The evolving gen mix (02:57)
Geothermal energy updates (15:25)
The rapid growth of AI-driven data centers (20:16)
Insights on EVs (25:20)
The credibility of carbon markets today (28:11)
For full episode show notes, click here.
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Peter Kelly-Detwiler has 30 years of experience in the electric energy industry, with much of his career in competitive power markets. He’s currently a leading consultant in the electric industry, providing strategic advice to clients and investors, helping them to navigate the rapid evolution of the electric power grid. Mr. Kelly-Detwiler offers numerous keynotes and workshops on a wide range of topics. He has also written widely on energy issues for Forbes.com and GE, with over 300 articles to his credit. His book on the transformation of electric power markets – “The Energy Switch” – was published by Prometheus Books in June of 2021.
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33:01
On the Frontier of Carbon-Free Resources with Microsoft
In this episode of Plugged In, Host Chuck Hanna from Constellation talks with Adrian Anderson, General Manager of Carbon-Free Electricity, Renewable Energy & Carbon Dioxide Removal at Microsoft, about advancing carbon-free energy and data-driven sustainability. Adrian shares Microsoft’s sustainability goals, including their 100% renewable energy targets and the crucial role of data granularity for accurate carbon reporting. He highlights Microsoft’s investments in carbon reduction and innovation, such as the company’s Carbon Innovation Fund and its work in long-term power offtake agreements. They also cover the challenges and strategies around Scope 3 emissions, building carbon-free infrastructure, and fostering collaboration with utilities to support a sustainable future.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Importance of data in energy management (03:47)
Microsoft’s initiatives to achieve targets (08:53)
Microsoft’s Carbon Innovation Fund (13:46)
Scope 3 emissions and building infrastructure challenges (15:38)
Collaboration with utilities to address constraints (16:25)
Click here for detailed show notes
Connect with Adrian Anderson
On LinkedIn
Adrian Anderson is General Manager of Carbon-Free Electricity, Renewable Energy & Carbon Dioxide Removal at Microsoft. He has worked for a decade at the intersection of hyperscale and clean energy for Apple, Amazon, Google, and now Microsoft. Prior to leading teams in this capacity, he worked in renewable energy for a decade. In his current role, Adrian leads the organization within Microsoft responsible for all wholesale carbon-free electricity purchases and carbon dioxide removal programs.
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If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decisions Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]
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20:48
Reaching Net Zero: Kingspan’s Planet Passionate Program
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Brent Trenga, Director of Sustainability at Kingspan North America, shares the company’s ambitious Planet Passionate program and its progress over the first four years of this 10-year initiative. Brent dives into the challenges they faced and the innovative solutions they have implemented to overcome them. He also highlights the value of benchmarking, setting aggressive sustainability targets, and internal buy-in from company leadership and employees to drive impactful change in sustainability efforts for this global building products manufacturer.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Overview of Kingspan’s Planet Passionate program (03:08)
Earning company-wide engagement in sustainability (05:23)
Kingspan’s approach to whole life carbon (13:42)
Challenges in implementing the Planet Passionate program (16:42)
Advice for companies starting sustainability programs (21:23)
Click here for detailed show notes
Resources:
Kingspan Certifications
Planet Passionate Program
Connect with Brent Trenga
On LinkedIn
Brent Trenga has truly run the construction industry gamut serving in various roles including architect, developer, and even project owner, allowing him to fully understand the sustainability ecosystem. As Sustainability Director for Kingspan North America, Brent is committed to reducing the environmental impact of business operations, products, and services through continuous improvement and environmental transparency.
Since 2015, Brent has led Kingspan North America’s material health and transparency program while driving a culture of healthier building, healthier planet, healthier people across Kingspan’s global footprint. Brent also leads Kingspan’s global Planet Passionate 2030 program looking after the Americas, supports strategic planning for the business development group, and provides insight on current and future sustainability initiatives keeping Kingspan at the forefront of our industry.
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28:31
The Evolving Landscape of Nuclear Technologies
Welcome to the first episode of Plugged In: Exploring Energy. In this podcast miniseries, host Chuck Hanna from Constellation sits down with Benton Arnett from the Nuclear Energy Institute to discuss how nuclear power is transforming to meet today’s energy needs. They also explore emerging tech like small modular reactors (SMRs) and the growing demand for clean energy in sectors like AI and data centers.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Changes in the nuclear energy sector over the past decade (01:23)
Role of SMRs in meeting future energy needs (06:28)
Tech giants and the shift to clean nuclear power (11:00)
Evolving role of microreactors in various industries (14:58)
Policy and regulatory actions for nuclear advancement (18:26)
Click here for detailed how notes
Connect with Benton Arnett
On LinkedIn
Benton Arnett, Senior Director of Markets and Policy at the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), leads the development and execution of policy advocacy strategies to advance the interests of the nuclear energy industry. With over a decade of experience in government affairs, issues management, and strategic partnerships, he has a proven track record of influencing policy outcomes, building coalitions, and effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders. Arnett holds a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Texas A&M University, where he specialized in energy, transportation, and technology policy. He is passionate about promoting energy policy that supports national security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
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Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio
If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decisions Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]
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25:24
Heard at REF: Renewable Thermal — The Next Frontier in Decarbonization
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Zephyr Taylor, Global Commercial Head and Category Director for Renewable Energy at Mars, Inc., takes a close look at the topic of Scope 1 emissions and industrial heat decarbonization. While many companies are comfortable sourcing renewable electricity for their Scope 2 targets, Scope 1 — specifically the challenge of decarbonizing industrial heat — is a different story. This episode tackles the technology, economics, and internal company dynamics required to make progress in this area.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…
Understanding Scope 1 decarbonization (02:37)
Technological solutions for renewable thermal (05:01)
Challenges and market dynamics of renewable thermal (09:11)
Mars' renewables projects (13:30)
Click here for detailed show notes
Connect with Zephyr Taylor
On LinkedIn
As the Global Commercial head for Renewable Energy & Carbon Credits at Mars Inc., Zephyr Taylor oversees Mars’ renewable energy sourcing throughout the world – including market assessment, supplier engagement, deal structuring and negotiation, and key internal stakeholder partnering, alongside team oversight and organizational alignment. Zephyr has led the development and execution of strategic sustainability initiatives in the public and private sector globally. His expertise spans policymaking, commercial negotiation, project development and transaction structuring, and thought leadership on organizational reform and stakeholder mobilization. Zephyr holds an MBA and Master of Environmental Management degrees from Yale University. He received his undergraduate degree with Highest Honors in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on
Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio
If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decisions Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]
Smart Energy Voices, an SED podcast, features conversations with leaders of the energy transition. In each episode, Smart Energy Decisions with Debra Chanil digs deep with industry movers and shakers to reveal insights you can learn from in their stories, personalities and visions for the future.