Arina Khotimsky recently finished her undergraduate degree at MIT, where she studied Material Science & Engineering with a focus on climate and energy. She served as the Co-President of the MIT Energy and Climate Club, the organization which runs MIT’s EnergyHack, Energy Conference, and many other notable events. We spoke to Arina about her involvement in this club and the lessons she learned, such as the importance of overcoming the fear of reaching out to get involved in extracurriculars. She also gives students advice for making the most of on and off campus opportunities. We conclude the episode by talking about what’s next for her, which includes pursuing a Masters in International Energy at Sciences Po in France!

Keynotes:

- Getting involved in energy and climate on a college campus

- Overcoming the fear of failure when it comes to new opportunities

- Why energy is such an exciting field

For the last 70 years, Jones Power has been a leader primarily for midstream oil & gas projects, but now, they’re diving headfirst into renewable development and emerging as a top company for renewable project construction.

John Clark, CEO of Jones Power, joins us on the show to talk about the concept of energy transition vs. emissions transition and how we consider the balance of clean energy with energy that is reliable, secure, and affordable as we seek to both decarbonize and end energy poverty. We also discuss how to navigate such a bold transition with company culture, how to have productive conversations with people who don’t agree with you, and the changes John hopes other traditional energy companies make to promote sustainability.

Tune in for an insightful discussion with a pro-energy, anti-emissions leader with a big vision for our energy future. To learn more about Jones Power, check out their website here: https://jonespower.com/about-us/.

Keynotes:

-The difference between emissions transition and energy transition

-Balancing clean energy with energy security, reliability, and affordability

-How the shift toward working in clean energy affected company culture, and tips for managing such a transition within a company

-How to have productive conversations with energy dissidents

And follow us on:

Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

Today we spoke to Mudit Agrawal. Aside from being Energy Terminal’s Director of Programs, Mudit’s experience in startups and clean energy is extensive. His energy journey began in climate advocacy, but then when he got to Duke he began getting involved in energy startups like Joules Accelerator, Ribbit Network, and Nextera. Mudit explains how he got these jobs, what it’s like to work at startups, and how important it is to network/build relationships. He also outlines the value of gaining startup experience, such as learning how to be a flexible and versatile individual. Finally, we conclude the episode by discussing his work at Energy Terminal, so give this episode a listen to learn more about our Emerging Leaders Program and Community Hub!

Resources Mentioned:

Ribbit Network

Climate Base

Emerging Leaders Program

ET Community Hub

Keynotes:

- The benefits of getting startup experience as an undergrad

- Networking and relationship building is critical in today’s job market

- How to find jobs at startups

“The energy transition is by far the largest mobilization of capital and the largest use of capital the world has ever seen.”

Wil Vanloh, Founder and CEO of Quantum Energy Partners joins us on the show to tell us not just why the energy transition is revolutionizing energy finance, but how to take advantage of the emerging opportunities.

Having founded his own investment bank at age 24 and Quantum at age 28, Wil has been at the forefront of major transitions in the industry from the shale revolution to the clean energy transition. In the conversation, we talk about how Quantum’s strategy has changed amid major energy events, how they think about impact alongside financial returns, and where the industry is heading. We also discuss the gaps in the market, the opportunities for young people to get involved, and why a career in energy can be more impactful than any other industry.

This is a special episode released in collaboration with Energy Dialogues Perspectives Series.

Keynotes:

-The biggest changes in the energy industry in the past 25 years

-The opportunities for global impact working in the energy industry

-Why we need diverse and flexible funding solutions for different energy companies

-How the energy transition is changing the way we think about investing

And follow us on:

Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

“The energy transition is by far the largest mobilization of capital and the largest use of capital the world has ever seen.”

Wil Vanloh, Founder and CEO of Quantum Energy Partners joins us on the show to tell us not just why the energy transition is revolutionizing energy finance, but how to take advantage of the emerging opportunities.

Having founded his own investment bank at age 24 and Quantum at age 28, Wil has been at the forefront of major transitions in the industry from the shale revolution to the clean energy transition. In the conversation, we talk about how Quantum’s strategy has changed amid major energy events, how they think about impact alongside financial returns, and where the industry is heading. We also discuss the gaps in the market, the opportunities for young people to get involved, and why a career in energy can be more impactful than any other industry.

This is a special episode released in collaboration with Energy Dialogues Perspectives Series.

Keynotes:

-The biggest changes in the energy industry in the past 25 years

-The opportunities for global impact working in the energy industry

-Why we need diverse and flexible funding solutions for different energy companies

-How the energy transition is changing the way we think about investing

And follow us on:

Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

When you think of energy poverty, you probably think of rural areas far off the grid or halfway across the world. However, the often unseen reality is that there are people right here in the U.S., in our own communities, who struggle to keep the lights on in the face of surging energy prices.

In this episode, we engage in a panel-style discussion with returning guest Scott Tomlinon, CEO and Founder of Choir Power; Jade Davis, board member of Choir and Senior Vice President of Energy Policy at the Port of Cleveland; and David J. Neff, serial entrepreneur and partner at venture capital firm Ecliptic capital. Our guests bring together a unique mix of perspectives and experiences to tackle energy poverty from three main lenses: technology, policy, and investment.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on the causes of energy poverty and the solutions that will solve it.

Keynotes:

-The prevalence of energy poverty both domestically and abroad

-The side effects of energy poverty on health, education, and the economy

-How technology, policy, and investment can merge to end energy poverty for good

-The most impactful avenues to reduce energy poverty

And follow us on:

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

What would you do if your power went out for 3 months? Or if you had to time your studying to when the electricity grid was most reliable?

These real-life experiences inspired Promise Nwogu to found African Youths in Energy Network, an organization with the mission to put young people at the heart of energy conversations and to end energy poverty for all. Promise graduated from university in 2021 with a degree in petroleum engineering and joined a solar-powered appliance company. Through AYEN, he now helps other young people access careers and avenues to make their impact in energy.

In the episode, we discuss how Promise’s upbringing influenced his perspective on energy, the difficulties approaching energy conversations in developing countries, his goal for AYEN, and his future plans.

Keynotes:

-How youth perspectives on the energy transition differ between Africa and the U.S.

-The biggest obstacles to youth in developing nations accessing opportunities in the energy industry–and the solutions to address them

-Balancing energy transition with energy poverty and fossil fuels with renewables

-How international partnerships and funding can make energy opportunities more accessible

Partnerships, and often unconventional ones, are at the heart of meaningful progress in the energy transition. And what better way to explore this topic than with Monika Simoes, Founder and CEO of Energy Dialogues, Energy Terminal’s founding podcast sponsor and long-time partner.

Monika’s work at Energy Dialogues involves bringing together executives, thought leaders, and stakeholders from across the energy industry. Through their events, content, and network, they’ve facilitated many groundbreaking partnerships and conversations that have created incredible growth and progress. In the episode, we discuss the partnership between Energy Terminal and Energy Dialogues, navigating the tough conversations the energy industry needs to have, the perspectives of energy executives and nextgen leaders, and much more.

Keynotes:

-How to facilitate meaningful conversations on complex energy topics

-The ideas that top energy executives want the next generation to know

-The partnerships shaping the future of energy

-Creating a collaborative environment to advance emission-reducing energy solutions

And follow us on:

Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

McKenna Dunbar is a recent college graduate, founder of MOCOKONO and the Ecological Justice Initiative, and Building Electrification Lead at the Sierra Club. When they were young, they had a passion for robotics and technology, which then grew into a desire to be involved in energy. We begin by delving into their long list of environmental experiences then dive into topics including energy burden, building electrification, and the importance of empathy in the energy space. The episode concludes with a conversation on climate mental health and supporting yourself while working towards such an urgent issue, in addition to McKenna’s post-grad plans.

Keynotes:

- More young people are needed in energy for the dialogue to truly be intergenerational

- Fostering open conversation and empathy in the energy space

- Climate mental health and energy burden

To create an energy transition that is not just clean, but also lasting and sustainable, justice and equity must be at the forefront of conversations.

Our guest Raya Salter, Founder of the Energy Justice Law and Policy Center and “Climate Auntie,” shines a light on the world of energy justice and how communities are a central part of a successful transition. Throughout her career as an activist, lawyer, and storyteller, Raya has worked to address harms caused by energy systems while promoting a transition to clean energy. In the episode, we discuss the origins of energy justice, how communities and individuals can have their voice heard, the role of policy in shaping equitable solutions, and much more.

Keynotes:

-The intersection between energy justice and environmental justice

-The importance of objective analysis and the trap of “good” vs. “bad”

-The role of fossil fuels and their complicated history relating to energy justice

-Opportunities for youth involvement and activism

Shikhar Verma is a student and the Founder and Chief Investment Officer at the Rice New Energy Fund (RNEF), a $200K energy fund managed by students. They focus on exposing students to investment management, involving students in the energy transition, and building and leveraging an industry network. Shikhar begins by outlining how he got his start in energy and made his way to Rice University, and then goes into detail about RNEF, from building the team and raising capital to his hopes for the fund moving forward. Finally, he shares his biggest lessons from his experiences so far, such as having clear goals and finding a balance between looking good and actually being good at what you are doing.

Keynotes:

- How to identify a niche and fill the gap

- The process of raising capital and building a team

- Balancing looking good and being good at what you do

And follow us on:

Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

Brendan Duval, CEO and Founder of the Glenfarne Group, walks us through the importance of equitable investment, especially in the context of the energy transition. The Glenfarne Group LLC, an asset management firm, invests its assets into global energy infrastructure, looking to help decarbonize energy systems throughout the globe. But, investing in the energy transition does not mean just investing in renewables, it means taking a “fully engaged approach”, i.e. investing in coal plants for the purpose of decommissioning them, and looking at other traditional fuel sources more holistically to see how existing infrastructure can be appropriately altered. Brendan is a firm believer that appropriate investment is key in speeding the transition forward, and his insights on this are ones you don’t want to miss!

Keynotes:

Investment’s role in the energy transition

What is conscious capital allocation + why is it important

The importance of supporting and engaging local communities when working globally

And follow us on:

Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

In the first episode of Energy Terminal’s SPARK series where we highlight Gen Zers working in energy, we talk to William Reynolds, a recent college graduate with extensive experience in clean tech startups and environmental work. Will took a non-traditional path to get to where he is today, moving away from his home in New Zealand at age 17 to work for startups in San Francisco, London, and China. His desire to work in technology began with a fear that the trajectory of biotech and AI could lead to a dystopian future for society, but he soon realized that climate underpinned our success in just about everything. He then decided to pursue his degree at Duke University, but is now back to his startup work with Cemvita, a Houston-based biotech company. Will tells us about his unique work experiences, but also shares his thoughts on individual action, gives tips for how to get involved in startups, and explains the importance of everyone linking their careers to the environment.

Resources mentioned:

Third Derivative

Greentown Labs

Climate Base

Keynotes:

-Taking a non-traditional career path

-Effect of individual vs. systemic action on climate change

-How and why you should tie your passions/career to energy and climate

And follow us on:

Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

The electric vehicle is an icon of cleantech and the sustainable technology shaping our future. But how do we build the national charging network we need to support EVs across the country?

Joining us on the show is Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo, the company building one of the largest fast charging networks in the country. Cathy has worked across government and the private sector as the CEO of both public and private companies, an advisor to the White House, and the Assistant Secretary of Energy. Across her career, she’s worked to reduce emissions and enable sustainable energy technology deployment across the globe.

In the episode, we discuss the most pressing challenges to EVs and EV charging. How is EV charging economical? Are EVs actually sustainable? How do we address supply chain constraints? We then explore solutions to each of these challenges, drawing on a mix of technology, policy, and economic developments needed to address the growing EV market.

And follow us on:

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

How do many renewable technologies get off the ground? Is public capital really important to the success of the energy transition?

In this episode we talk with Jonah Wagner, Chief Strategist at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office. We learn how the Loan Programs Office has successfully jumpstarted many renewable technologies (i.e. utility scale solar), and what current technologies it is looking at. Public funding and support is crucial to the success of emerging technologies, and in this episode we learn exactly why. Finally, Jonah shares his excitement about the energy transition, and shows us that this new energy future is possible if everyone starts working towards it.

Referenced in the episode:

Monthly Application Activity Report

Pathways to Commercial Liftoff

DOE LPO Careers

More important than financing, policy, or even technology is the workforce that will build the energy transition. Over the next decade, we’ll see millions of new jobs created in the energy industry led by a booming cleantech sector.

Joining us on the show is Jason Radisson, serial unicorn breeder and CEO and Founder of Movo, a company leveraging technology to provide frontline workforce solutions to the clean energy, healthcare, and warehousing industries and more. In the episode, we talk about what kinds of energy jobs are in highest demand, how universities and trade schools can shift their curriculum to support cleantech jobs, how to find entry-level energy jobs, and much more. If you’re a young person looking for clean energy jobs or a company looking to hire more effectively, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Keynotes:

-What kinds of jobs are in highest demand

-How workforce development in energy varies around the world

-What skills are more important for the energy workforce of the future

The European Energy Crisis flipped the energy world on its head in one of most influential events in energy history. Gas and electricity prices surged, Europe rushed to replace the 40% of its natural gas supply that came from Russia, and the world scrambled to stem the worst outcomes. Now a year on from the inception of the crisis, what does the situation look like? How has the balance of power in energy shifted? And how has the speed of the energy transition changed?

Here to answer these questions is Gerard Reid, founder and host of the Redefining Energy podcast and founder of Alexa Capital, a European investment bank supporting the energy transition. He is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Energy Council, which brings together business and government leaders to shape our energy future. As a well-known voice on all things energy, he brings his expertise to the episode to break down Europe’s energy situation and what it means for the energy transition going forward.

Keynotes:

What really caused the European energy crisis and what’s happening now

How the crisis has shaped energy policy and the future of energy security

The effects of the crisis on the speed of the energy transition in Europe and globally

How the IRA is shifting the global balance of power around the energy transition, and how Europe is responding

We see it all the time: millions for emerging startups and successful fundraising rounds. In this episode, we go behind the headlines to uncover the gaps in energy financing and how we can address these gaps to speed the energy transition.

Joining us on the show is Hilary Vogelbaum, Senior Analyst at S2G Ventures and MIT Engineering grad. Hilary has given two TED Talks on how we can break down barriers to more effectively tackle climate change and the energy transition as well as how people with non-traditional backgrounds can make an impact. In the episode, we talk about the concept of “radical inclusion” to bring together diverse perspectives, how she got started with a career in energy venture capital, and the opportunities she sees for startups and investors to take advantage of funding gaps.

Keynotes:

The role of “radical inclusion” to speed up the energy transition

The biggest gaps in energy venture capital and how to address them

Bringing diverse people and perspectives to the conversation

From blizzards in Alaska to drilling on a golf course in Los Angeles, Collin McClelland has seen it all when it comes to the oil and gas industry.

Collin entered the industry right out of high school when he started drilling wells in the Permian Basin in west Texas. Over 8 years in the industry, Collin learned the ins and outs of oil & gas drilling, working in every major oil field in the country. He got started in social media by building an Instagram account to over 300k followers and founded Digital Wildcatters in 2018 to change the status quo of the energy industry and to raise energy IQ.

In the episode, we tackle 2 main misconceptions:

1. Isn’t oil and gas just gonna go away soon?

2. The energy industry is just a bunch of old guys deciding where to drill the next well, right?

When you think about sustainability, you might not think about industries like chemicals, industrials, and oil & gas. But for sustainability-focused professionals, these sectors hold some of the biggest opportunities to make a massive impact.

On Episode 23, we’re joined by Brandon Spencer, President of ABB’s Energy Division. Leading more than 8500 employees across 43 countries, Brandon works with companies across hard-to-abate industries to reduce emissions along their value chains by combining technology solutions with industry best practices. In the episode, we talk about the future of emissions-intensive industries, why it’s important to work with them to drive decarbonization, how sustainability professionals can make an impact, and how to get involved.