In this insightful episode of the Energy Impacts podcast, David Blackmon sits down with renowned energy expert and author Dan Yergin to explore the evolving landscape of global energy. Yergin’s best-selling books include “The New Map,” “The Quest,” and “The Prize.”
In the fast moving 30-minute interview, Daniel and David unpack key takeaways from the recent CERAWeek conference, including the rising demand for electricity driven by AI and data centers, the U.S.'s growing influence in global LNG markets, and the strategic implications of rare earth mineral supply chains dominated by China.
Yergin also discusses the urgent need for infrastructure reform, the long timelines for mining and nuclear deployment, and why the energy transition may be more of an “energy addition.” From geopolitical tensions to copper shortages, this conversation provides a comprehensive look at the forces reshaping energy policy, markets, and global power dynamics.
Foreign Affairs “The Energy Transition Needs a Reality Check” op/ed by Yergin: https://www.ceraweek.com/en/news/press-releases/foreign-affairs-the-energy-transition-needs-a-reality-check
Books by Daniel Yergin: https://www.amazon.com/Prize-Daniel-Yergin/dp/1847376460?adgrpid=186996878628&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426888&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14490381126824490089&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9191716&hvtargid=dsa-2414841787166&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=14490381126824490089--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Healthmedia_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk
CERAWeek Home Page: https://www.ceraweek.com/en
S&P Global Study on The Future of Copper: https://cdn.ihsmarkit.com/www/pdf/0722/The-Future-of-Copper_Full-Report_14July2022.pdf
S&P Global Report on Chinese Control of Supply Chains: https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/critical-minerals-sourcing-rises-trade-troubles
Highlights of the Podcast
00:01 - Introduction
01:21 - CERAweek Themes
03:43 - U.S. LNG as a Geopolitical Power
05:20 - Pipeline Infrastructure & U.S. Gas Abundance
07:26 - Strait of Hormuz & Geopolitical Stakes
09:16 - U.S. Global Energy Role Post-WWII
11:14 - Rare Earths & Mineral Security
13:33 - Copper Shortage: “Copper in the Age of AI”
15:21 - U.S. Permitting Crisis
18:00 - Grid Strain & Nuclear Outlook
20:33 - Solar & Wind Investment Timeline
22:19 - Crypto and Industrial Power Demand
23:46 - Ukraine War & NATO Shifts
25:42 - Defense Spending vs. Energy Transition
27:07 - Energy Transition: Reality vs. Aspirations
29:15 - Looking Ahead