Tag: climateconfident

Offshore wind turbines
Climate Change, Climate Confident

The Viability of a 100% Renewable Energy Grid: Insights from Anja Frada of Wärtsilä Energy
Offshore wind turbines

When we think about the future of energy, the concept of a 100% renewable energy grid often comes up. But is this vision feasible? To shed light on this subject, I turned to Anja Frada, the COO of Wärtsilä Energy, on the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast.

Anja and her team at Wärtsilä Energy are at the forefront of this renewable revolution, and her insights provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie in the path towards a sustainable energy future.

Renewable Energy: An Economic Imperative

Anja emphasized the economic viability of renewable energy. According to her, “When we look at where we are today, we can clearly see the economic incentive to invest in renewables, and then flexibility as a result.” A promising statement from someone with her finger on the pulse of the industry.

She also discussed the importance of flexibility in the energy system, an essential component that goes hand in hand with renewable energy. This flexibility comes from a combination of renewable energy sources, energy storage, and other flexible technologies, providing a grid that can adapt to the variability of renewable power.

EU Energy Market Reforms

The conversation also delved into the impact of recent EU energy market reforms, which are transforming the way the electricity market operates. For Anja, a holistic view of the energy system is crucial in this era of transformation.

“I think it’s very important that we look holistically at the energy system to understand how should we build it out and what type of investments should we do? And then build also a market that ensures those investments will happen,” she explained.

Building an Incentive Structure

A pivotal aspect of our transition towards a renewable future lies in creating the right incentive structure. This drives investment into renewable energy and the necessary flexibility solutions. “We need to ensure that there is the right incentives to do those investments,” Anja emphasized.

Listen to the Full Episode

Anja’s insights underscore the reality that a 100% renewable energy grid is not only possible but also economically viable. It will require innovation, investment, and a thoughtful approach to market incentives, but the path forward is clear.

To hear more about Anja’s perspective on the future of renewable energy, tune in to the full episode of the Climate Confident podcast, or watch it on YouTube. From the economic incentives driving renewable energy investment to the role of EU energy market reforms, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of our energy landscape.

Finally, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Stay climate confident, and let’s make a change together!

Photo credit Nina Ali on Flickr

Windfarm at sunset
Climate Change, Climate Confident

Decarbonising Energy and Driving Resilience with Gareth Evans, CEO of Veckta

Have you ever wondered how businesses and communities can become more resilient while decarbonising their energy systems? Look no further! In the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gareth Evans, CEO of Veckta, an innovative company that focuses on helping organizations design, build, and operate clean, secure, and resilient energy systems.

During our conversation, Gareth shared some fascinating insights on the current state of energy transition and decarbonisation efforts. As we discussed the various challenges and opportunities presented by the global shift towards renewable energy, it became apparent that organizations like Veckta play a critical role in accelerating the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.

One of the key points Gareth highlighted is the importance of microgrids in enhancing energy resilience. These localized energy systems can help businesses and communities maintain a stable and secure energy supply, even in the face of power outages or other disruptions. By investing in their own energy systems, organizations can not only protect themselves from outages but also save money by avoiding the costs and losses associated with such disruptions.

Gareth also explained how Veckta is revolutionizing the way organizations approach their energy systems. Through its cutting-edge platform, Veckta provides comprehensive solutions for designing, sourcing, and operating microgrids, ensuring that businesses can benefit from reliable, clean energy. By harnessing the power of renewable energy sources and advanced technologies, Veckta is helping its clients to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, while also increasing their energy resilience.

But the conversation didn’t stop there! We delved into the broader implications of the energy transition and its impact on businesses, communities, and the planet. Gareth emphasized the importance of embracing this transition as an opportunity to build customer loyalty, employee loyalty, and to do right by our communities. He also shared his thoughts on the vital role that collaboration plays in overcoming the challenges of decarbonisation and driving the energy transition forward.

To learn more about Veckta’s pioneering work in the field of energy transition and decarbonisation, and to hear Gareth’s fascinating insights on the future of energy, be sure to listen to the full episode of the Climate Confident podcast. You won’t want to miss this engaging and informative discussion that will leave you inspired to take action in the fight against climate change.

Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation with Gareth Evans. To listen to the full episode, follow this link or search “Climate Confident” wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s come together and drive the energy transition towards a cleaner, more resilient future for all!

Finally, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Stay climate confident, and let’s make a change together!

Photo credit John Morton on Flickr

Sugar close-up
Climate Change, Climate Confident

Sweet Proteins: A Tasty Solution to Climate Change and Health Crises

In the latest episode of my Climate Confident podcast, I had an enthralling conversation with Ali Wing, CEO of Oobli, who introduced us to the fascinating world of sweet proteins. These zero-calorie proteins not only offer a healthier alternative to traditional sugars but also hold the potential to address the growing concerns around climate change and the global health crisis caused by obesity and diabetes.

A Sweet Revolution

Oobli’s innovation lies in harnessing the power of precision fermentation to produce sweet proteins. This process is not only sustainable but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and resource usage compared to conventional sugar production methods. Ali explained that sweet proteins have been part of nature for millions of years, and Oobli aims to make them accessible to the masses, offering a sweet solution for people with dietary restrictions, such as diabetics.

Global Impact

One of the most striking takeaways from our conversation is the potential for sweet proteins to revolutionize the food industry and contribute to a more sustainable future. As Ali mentions, “The biggest challenge that our cousins in meat and dairy have, and I’m a huge advocate of all of them, particularly from a climate point of view, is you still don’t have consumers adopting at a fast enough rate. Whereas in sugar and sugar alternatives, you have consumers looking every which way.”

This indicates a unique opportunity for sweet proteins to gain rapid adoption among consumers, leading to a massive shift in the way we consume and produce sweeteners, ultimately benefiting the environment.

Sweet Applications

Oobli is just beginning to explore the potential applications of sweet proteins. Currently, they’re focusing on chocolates and fruity sweet teas. However, Ali believes that sweet proteins have a particularly significant role to play in the beverage industry. She notes that 40% of our daily added sugar comes from liquids, which has been the primary change in our diets over the last 20 to 40 years.

“Taking [sugar] out and just filling the rest with water is a very quick fit. But it’s also a good reminder for everybody when they think about where they are with their overall health equation is really paying attention to the sugar load in drinks.”

Call to Action

I encourage you to listen to the full episode of the Climate Confident podcast to hear more about Oobli’s journey, the incredible potential of sweet proteins, and how they can play a pivotal role in addressing climate change and global health crises.

Listen to the full episode here or look for Climate Confident in your podcast app of choice, and it will be the most recent episode.

Sweet proteins are an exciting innovation that can help us combat climate change while improving our health. It’s time to embrace this sweet revolution and create a more sustainable, healthier future for all.

Finally, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Stay climate confident, and let’s make a change together!

Photo credit Tom Coates on Flickr

Mind the Gap
Climate Change, Climate Confident

Bridging the Gap: Richard Delevan on Climate Tech, IPCC Reports, and Empowering Change

Climate change is a complex and often overwhelming issue. That’s why it’s crucial to have experts who can not only help us understand the latest scientific reports but also guide us in finding innovative solutions. In a recent episode of my Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Richard Delevan (@rdelevan), a communications consultant who works with energy and climate tech companies. We discussed the latest IPCC synthesis report, the importance of climate tech solutions, and the power of effective communication in driving change.

Richard shared his insights on the IPCC report, emphasizing that while it paints a dire picture, there is still hope. He highlighted the significance of climate tech in mitigating the impacts of climate change, stating that “technology and innovation are essential, especially in the energy sector.” Richard also noted that while the IPCC report is grounded in science, it is still subject to a political process, and this can sometimes dilute the urgency of its message.

We also discussed the role of effective communication in the climate change conversation. Richard emphasized the importance of crafting a compelling narrative that moves beyond simply identifying villains and victims. Instead, he argued for a more inclusive approach that helps people understand their role in addressing climate change and encourages collective action.

One of the most inspiring aspects of our conversation was Richard’s perspective on the impact of young activists like Greta Thunberg. He believes that political leaders can learn valuable lessons from her ability to ask difficult questions and cut through the noise. The key, Richard explained, is to focus on creating a vision of a desirable future where everyone has a stake and can participate.

When asked what people should be paying more attention to, I pointed out the scarcity of climate news in mainstream media, especially when it comes to positive stories. That’s one of the reasons I started the Climate Confident podcast – to highlight the good news and inspire people to take action. As I mentioned in the episode, “hearing these good news stories every week, it stops me collapsing into a ball, sobbing on the floor, throwing my hands up in despair.”

I encourage you to listen to the full episode with Richard Delevan for a deeper understanding of the latest IPCC synthesis report, the power of climate tech, and the importance of effective communication in driving climate action. Let’s face the future with a bit of humor, humility, and the knowledge that together, we can make a difference.

Click here to listen to the full episode and subscribe to the Climate Confident podcast. Don’t forget to check out Richard’s LinkedIn profile and sign up for his Week in Climate Tech newsletter for more insights.

Finally, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Stay climate confident, and let’s make a change together!

Photo credit Ryan Orr on Flickr

Airbus Zeroe Fuel Cell demonstrator aircraft
Climate Confident

Title: Debunking the Hydrogen Hype: Michael Barnard on the Future of Energy

In the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I dive deep into the world of hydrogen and its role in our sustainable future. My guest, Michael Barnard (@mbarnardca on Twitter), Chief Strategist of The Future Is Electric (@tfie1 on Twitter), shares his expert insights on the viability of hydrogen as an energy source and its potential to transform industries.

As we face the challenge of mitigating climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, hydrogen has been hailed as a miraculous energy solution. However, Michael Barnard debunks some of the most common myths surrounding hydrogen’s potential, offering a reality check on its limitations and the role it may truly play in our future.

One key takeaway from the conversation is Michael’s assertion that “hydrogen is a terrible battery.” He explains that hydrogen has low energy density and high conversion losses, making it a less efficient energy storage solution than widely believed. Michael also emphasizes that hydrogen’s role in aviation and marine transport is overhyped, with its chances in these sectors being slim.

Michael goes on to discuss the factors driving the hydrogen hype, particularly the influence of the fossil fuel industry. He suggests that governments and industries are promoting hydrogen to keep fossil fuel infrastructure relevant, even as the world moves towards a more sustainable energy mix. As Michael puts it, “There’s a moral case for fossil fuels, but it’s now over.”

Furthermore, Michael delves into the challenges faced by the fossil fuel industry and the role hydrogen may play in their future. He highlights the complexities and potential impacts of hydrogen production from fossil fuels, particularly in countries like Canada and Norway.

One of the most thought-provoking moments in the conversation is Michael’s exploration of hydrogen’s potential in decarbonizing industrial heat production. While some proponents of hydrogen argue that it could play a significant role in this sector, Michael remains cautious, emphasizing the need for more research and innovation to fully understand its capabilities.

Throughout the episode, Michael maintains a bold vision for a sustainable future, stating, “We don’t want the fossil fuel industry around anymore.” He believes that electrification and renewable energy sources will replace fossil fuels over time, and that hydrogen will only play a limited role in the broader energy transition.

In conclusion, this eye-opening conversation with Michael Barnard sheds light on the reality of hydrogen’s role in our sustainable future. It provides listeners with a much-needed reality check, urging them to look beyond the hype and focus on the facts. To learn more about Michael’s work and gain a deeper understanding of hydrogen’s potential and limitations, listen to the full episode of the Climate Confident podcast here.

Finally, don’t forget to follow the Climate Confident podcast for weekly inspiring stories and remember, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Photo copyright ©Airbus SAS 2021