Shows
Decarb ConnectFOAK 2.0 - What I learned in the last year since FOAK emerged as a conceptFirst-of-a-Kind (FOAK) projects are critical to scaling breakthrough decarbonization technologies, yet they don’t fit neatly into traditional funding models. Investors, developers, and strategic partners need to navigate a complex ecosystem to make these projects bankable and viable. In this episode, I talk with David Yeh, a veteran climate tech investor and one of the key voices from our TechInvest event last autumn. He’s been at the forefront of FOAK investing and is here to share what he’s learned over the past year about getting these projects off the ground.David was previously featured on the Catalyst podcast discus...2025-04-1044 min
Decarb ConnectLSB’s view on market development for low carbon productsWho will pay for industrial products with low or no carbon footprint? Received wisdom is that people won’t pay a green premium, and yet consumers and many manufacturers further down value chains are keen to have access to products that don’t carry high co2 intensity and see value in the environmental benefits of those products. So where these markets exist, albeit nascent, what levers exist that can help it take shape and come to scale? Join Alex Cameron, CEO of Decarb Connect and Jakob Krummenacher, Vice President of Clean Energy at LSB, fo...2025-04-0254 min
Decarb ConnectThe Climate Decade in Focus: A 2025 Status ReviewWith 2025 underway, we are midway through what is the most significant decade in tackling climate and the energy transition. Listen in to this conversation between Alex Cameron, Founder of Decarb Connect, and Ben Moens, Managing Director of Engie Impact, as they explore the progress, headwinds and tailwinds impacting industrial decarb. You’ll get insights into 5 key technologies still set to impact industrial decarb, and also the route forward and expectations of where we will be by 2030. Key Takeaways: · How the shift in delivery and attitudes around industrial decarbonisation will shape the next 5 years· ...2025-01-2351 min
Decarb ConnectBASF Canada: How to drive superior levels sustainability engagement through employees and other stakeholdersIn this episode, Eva Musso – Head of Sustainability and Government Relations for BASF Canada, talks with Alex about why BASF Canada has had such a strong focus on employee and supply chain sustainability engagement programmes and the value of this activity to the business. Sustainability cannot be the remit of just one person, but many companies find the scale of the issue and the busyness of staff can be a block to meaningful engagement. So have Eva and her team achieved great results? We explore: How Eva’s background in Governmen...2024-11-0641 min
Decarb ConnectHow SMEs and Scale Ups are catalyzing decarb and industrial change: Peter Dushenski, Managing Director of GlasCurtainIn this episode Peter Dushenski, Managing Director of GlasCurtain (building materials producer), talks with Alex about the role that nimble and innovative companies can play in driving innovation and decarb activity by larger players. If you’re someone working in a start up or SME you’ll enjoy this as a clarion call for your work in the climate space – and if you’re working in a larger business, its worth listening in to hear examples of how nimble companies are adapting products for the low carbon market. The conversation explores what it will...2024-10-0449 minDecarb ConnectHow start-up companies are catalyzing decarb and industrial change: Peter Dushenski, Managing Director of GlasCurtainIn this episode Peter Dushenski, Managing Director of GlasCurtain (building materials producer), talks with Alex about the role that nimble and innovative companies can play in driving innovation and decarb activity by larger producers. If you’re someone working in a start up or SME you’ll enjoy this as a clarion call for your work in the climate space – and if you’re working in a larger business, its worth listening in to hear examples of how nimble companies are adapting products for the low carbon market. The conversation explores what it will...2024-10-0449 min
Decarb ConnectApoorv Sinha of Carbon Upcycling explores how to commercialize the Co2 Waste-to-Value ChainCarbon Capture Utilization is a growing category of tech and in this episode Alex Cameron, CEO of Decarb Connect, talks with one of the most advanced disruptors in the space about how they have created a commercial business model for co2 recycling that creates real financial as well as climate value. Seeing waste (in the form of co2 in particular) as a solution vs problem is the starting point – right now the team uses carbon dioxide emissions from any industry to lower the carbon intensity of concrete and more low-co2 materials are being unlocked through thei...2024-09-1352 min
Decarb ConnectHow Urban Future Lab delivers high start-up to scale-up climate tech success resultsListen in to this conversation between Fred Clerc, Interim MD of Urban Future Lab (part of NYU Tandon School of Engineering), and Alex Cameron, Founder of Decarb Connect as they talk about the accelerator program UFL runs and its outsized performance results. UFL has welcomed 170 companies into its accelerator programs the last few years, and these have gone on to raise more than $2.5bn and have an 85% success rate.. great stats by anyone’s measure. You’ll hear about the hardtech landscape that Fred and team focus on and what they have learned in the last f...2024-08-3052 min
Decarb ConnectCRH Ventures’ drive to support First Of A Kind plants and tech commercializationJoin Eduardo Gomez Mendoza, SVP and Head of CRH Ventures as he shares his perspective on how we can scale the most-needed hardware tech to deliver industrial decarbonisation. Welcome to this special edition of the Decarb Connect podcast featuring one of the 50+ speakers at Decarb Techinvest. We will be exploring, through a few conversations, how we scale up (beyond series B) and truly commercialise the hardware tech that transform our most essential, but co2 intensive, sectors. Eduardo Gomez Mendoza, SVP and Head of CRH Ventures, took on the mission to launch and...2024-08-2331 min
Decarb ConnectHow do we make climate tech, and new hardtech platforms in particular, more profitable?Join Alex Cameron, Founder of Decarb Connect and Anne Lyck Smitshuysen, partner in DynElectro for a discussion about how scaling climate tech can make new hardware platforms cost effective and profitable, even in early stages. Anne is a fuel cell specialist and a member of the Forbes 2023 30 under 30 list – she holds a Masters in Physics and Nanotechnology and is focused on bringing unique Power-to-X technologies to market which produce carbon-neutral green fuels. So much to check out in this conversation, including: • How do we change and challenge the perception that climate tech can’t be eco...2024-08-0829 min
Decarb ConnectEmbedding AI to dramatically improve the co2 output and energy spend of data centres and other energy-intensive sectorsIf you’re exploring using AI to reduce energy spend and co2 output, or are investing in this space, listen in to Alex’s conversation with Clifford Federspiel, the co-founder and President/CTO of Vigilent, an AI platform focused on optimizing energy use and reducing carbon emissions in data centers. With a background in mechanical engineering and AI/control systems research and applications, Cliff and his co-founders have built a business over 20 years that now operates in 31 countries and serves mission-critical data centres in a variety of settings. Listen in for these takeaways: - ...2024-07-2538 min
Decarb ConnectCCU, Fertilisers and FMCG: CCm Technologies role in taking waste CO2 emissions to solve Scope 3 challengesIn 2023 the University of Cambridge published details that quantified how manure and synthetic fertilisers emit the equivalent of 2.6 gigatonnes of carbon per year which is more than the emissions from global aviation and shipping combined. Read up on that article in Nature Magazine here. Global fertiliser production is both essential and also hugely energy-intensive, yielding around 1.5% of total global CO2 emissions. CCm Technologies is a UK-based company scaling up to provide zero carbon fertilisers by taking CO2 waste streams and combining them with organic materials. With plans to triple production in the next few years, an...2024-07-1146 min
Decarb ConnectDr Nicola Kimm: Exploring the strategic role and influence of sustainability and decarbonisation at Heidelberg MaterialsListen in to this recording with Dr. Nicola Kimm, Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer at Heidelberg Materials, to learn about the strategic role that sustainability has at Heidelberg Materials and its involvement at board level, with value chain partners and across key projects. Key Takeaways- How involving sustainability at board level drives both the right outcomes but also ensures a business lens for sustainability activity- Heidelberg Material’s structure for Sustainability: sustainability strategy, R&D, carbon capture, innovation scaling- The timeline and activity that is supporting the first full-s...2024-06-2730 min
Decarb ConnectHow the nuclear market can be restructured and reimagined to effectively tackle industrial decarbonisation and the energy transition In this episode we look to a very specific nuclear technology that reuses nuclear waste. You’ll hear from Andrew Murdoch, the Managing Director of UK Ops for newcleo as he talks through the structural and market changes that would support wider use of nuclear as a clean energy. Key takeaways to listen out for: What it takes to create a zero carbon nuclear SMR plant?How the technology originated – what were the roots of resuing nuclear waste as a fuel? You’ll hear about the timeline to selling the first clean power from n...2024-06-1341 min
Decarb ConnectSecuring authentic customer-driven demand for the energy transition and its critical projectsKrista Johnson brings a real passion for enabling universal access to clean energy to this episode of the podcast. Listen in for a conversation that explores what it means to get true customer-driven demand for projects and how to engage authentically and positively with the neighbours and stakeholders of your projects. Anyone working to execute major projects in decarb or energy transition knows that customer engagement is increasingly requiring a total change in approach. In the US, the incentive-based policy approach absolutely demands that projects have real customer buy-in. Early engagement is key to invite st...2024-06-0341 min
Decarb ConnectRebuilding global fertiliser market infrastructure to drive net zeroJoin Alex Cameron for this episode which welcomes Petter Østbø, former CEO of EuroChem and Founder/CEO of AtlasAgro. You’ll hear about the route to net zero in global fertilisers and the development of AtlasAgro’s ‘plant of the future’. The economic realities that large fertilizer companies face, largely due to fossil fuel-based assets and the nature of urea products, mean that decarbonisation of the ferts market as been slow . You’ll hear about how AtlasAgro is disrupting the market with its plans to build a network plants fuelled by clean hydrogen to bring green nitrate...2024-05-1626 min
Decarb ConnectGuest Podcast: The price of everything - SAFThis week we are partnering with General Index to share their episode which explores the market and pricing dynamics around SAF. We chose this episode as our Guest Podcast because of the links with co2 reuse, industrial decarbonization as well as the opportunity to host a discussion which was more focused on the economics of a key green product. The aviation sector’s goal is to hit net zero by 2050 – and given the challenge of abating the sector, the potential for new, sustainable fuels is important. This episode of The Price of Every...2024-05-0240 min
Decarb ConnectBruno Fux, Siam City Cement: Driving decarbonisation and sustainability at Siam City CementIn this week’s podcast, Bruno Fux joins Alex Cameron to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for decarbonisation in Vietnam, and specifically his plans for Siam City Cement. considering the country's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. You’ll hear a comparison of Siam City Cement's initiatives vs those in regions benefiting from more robust policy incentives and will hear about the company's proactive steps towards lowering emissions and increasing circularity. Whether it's replacing fossil fuels, reducing the clinker factor in cement, or engaging with the next generation of sustainability leader...2024-04-1839 min
Decarb ConnectSteve Meller, Founder & CEO, CH4 Global: Reducing methane in cattle with the twin focus of radical climate impact plus a profitable, marketable and scalable tech platformSteve Meller, Founder and CEO of CH4 Global, joined Alex to talk about the scale up of his company which is focused on massively reducing methane emissions from cattle using a seaweed technology. Steve Meller brings experience from the corporate, entrepreneurial and academic world to his leadership of CH4 Global – all are playing their part from the selection of the tech, the selection of the team and the essential core of a product that is commercially profitable from first sale. Listen to hear how Steve has led the scale up from research and lab development thro...2024-04-0454 min
Decarb ConnectCharacterizing the opportunity and unique challenges for India’s clean energy transition: Jai Asundi of CSTEP India’s watershed moment in climate-terms was the Paris COP where commitments were made on co2 sequestration, co2 intensity and renewables. More recently at COP Last year more commitments were made including hitting Net Zero by 2070. India is a developing industrial nation that needs to balance the right of a population to seek better overall living standards but which also needs to find the right response to internal and external calls for supporting its own industrials as they decarbonize. Post-CBAM, discussions are ongoing about the nature of a carbon market or more ca...2024-03-1453 min
Decarb ConnectWhat industrials need to know about co2 transport and storage with Malc Kent, CGG CCS drives discussion whether you’re for it, against it or just hope it’s a solution you’ll be able to use. In this episode, Alex Cameron talks with Malc Kent to get to the heart of the questions that industrial members of the Decarbonization Leaders Network ask, specifically: o What do we really know about the safety and security of long term underground storage?o Are we learning much from previous project successes, failures or issues?o Could industrials store co2 underground on or in close proximity to their sites?o How d...2024-02-2956 min
Decarb ConnectPoint Source Carbon Capture: Amines, MOFs, Membranes – Understanding the pro’s and con’s with Erica Nemser of CMS If you’re an industrial or an investor exploring the Carbon Capture space, listen in to this conversation with Erica Nemser, CEO of Compact Membrane System, and Alex Cameron, CEO of Decarb Connect. You’ll hear about the growing ecosystem, types of point source carbon capture technology – and also will get the inside story on how CMS is scaling its solution and business. Erica brings a background as an economist and a former McKinsey leader to her leadership of CMS and has scaled the company from a research lab to a commercially-driven, profitable, and market-making company. You’ll...2024-01-1837 min
Decarb ConnectAbby Smith, Team Pennsylvania: The essential role of a neutral convener in driving forward state-wide decarbonization opportunities Team Pennsylvania (Team PA) has 27 years of history as a non-partisan organisation convening public-private partnerships are critical economic opportunities. Abby Smith joins Alex to talk about what the role of neutral convener can do to accelerate non-partisan pathways around decarbonization (and other issues) and just what it is that they do to bring vastly different voices to the table to work out how to get great outcomes for Pennsylvania as a state. Given that the state is the US’s second biggest energy producer and a major energy exporter, it is key for...2024-01-0439 min
Get Up in the CoolEpisode 383: Countercurrent (Alex Sturbaum and Brian Lindsay)Welcome to Get Up in the Cool: Old Time Music with Cameron DeWhitt and Friends! This week’s friends are Alex Sturbaum and Brian Lindsay of Countercurrent. We recorded this a couple weeks ago at my home in Portland, OR.
Tune in this episode:
Cats in the Henhouse / Free Little Bird / Fair Wind (0:31)
Whiteface (14:06)
The Margaret Keene (from Mile 12) (28:10)
Little Pine Siskin (41:51)
Her Bright Smile / Skating on the Harbourfront (46:59)
Fiddler’s Prerogative (57:00)
Bonus Track: Benton’s Dream
Buy Countercurrent’s new album Not So But Far Otherwise on Bandcamp
Follow them on Instagram
and Face...2023-12-271h 02
Decarb ConnectNational Highways – how a major buyer can work with industry and contractors to build a market for low carbon strategic materialsNational Highways owns the strategy for a significant proportion of the UK’s roads and are a major buyer of asphalt, cement and steel. In this podcast you’ll join Alex Cameron, Founder of Decarb Connect, in conversation with the Executive Director of Procurement, Malcolm Dare, and the Director of Environmental Sustainability, Steve Elderkin, to learn how they are driving the adoption of lower carbon materials. Whether you’re UK-based or not, the goal of this conversation is to highlight ways of working across a value chain to create a market for low carbon materials. You’ll h...2023-12-2142 min
Decarb ConnectArun Gupta, CEO, Skyven How to scale technology that’s critical to industrial decarbonization?The typical belief around industrial net zero is that industrial processes are “hard-to-abate” because of complex processes which require additional tech and because at-scale projects are financially unattractive. But what if there was already an example of financing-in-action and technology that can remove barriers to decarbonization more quickly? Listen in to this conversation with Arun Gupta, CEO of the decade-old Skyven and hear about how their approach to decarbonization has gone through early iterations to now offer energy-as-a-service – technology based around industrial heat pumps and more – that comes with the finance solution built-in. Alex and Ar...2023-12-0738 min
Decarb ConnectThe Rt Hon. Chris Skidmore, MP: Can the UK retain a global leadership role in Net Zero?Chris was first elected to Kingswood Constituency in 2010 and still serves there, the area he grew up in. He took on the portfolio for Minister of Energy in 2019 and since then has had a specific focus on how the UK can really lead on climate issues and deliver net zero. With its 2019 legislation, the UK became the first G7 country to commit to net zero – but is this leadership role being maintained or wasted? By 2050, the UK is legally required to have reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% from 1990 levels. In this podcast we’ll explor...2023-11-2338 min
Decarb ConnectWhat to expect from COP28 with Anand Gopal, Executive Director, Energy InnovationTo kick off the new series of Decarb Connect’s podcast, join Alex Cameron and Anand Gopal, Executive Director of Policy Research at Energy innovation, to explore their expectations of COP28 and how industrial decarbonisation could be pushed forward at the meeting. Whether you’re 100% focused in the climate space or not, there’s no escaping the media coverage of the COP series – and this year’s location and chairman are bringing a lot of different views to the fore even before the meeting has started. Learn about how different stakeholders are preparing...2023-11-0941 min
Decarb ConnectMarty Neese, CEO of Verdagy: Reasons for Green H2 Optimism (and its path to fossil parity)Green hydrogen is one of the climate technologies that has its fair share of detractors and supporters. In this episode we explore some of the common assumptions about green h2 and identify the reasons we can be positive about its future. Decarbonisation leaders in steel, glass and a range of sectors have their sights set on hydrogen as their future fuel solution – barriers to adoption are receding, but what’s the timeline for this market to really have an impact? Marty Neese is the CEO of Verdagy, he joins Alex Cameron for a c...2023-08-3139 min
Decarb ConnectScott Harden | Schneider Electric: The role of the Prosumer in accelerating the energy transition - what solutions will enable a more resilient and flexible grid?Scott Harden, CTO of Innovation at Schneider Electric, leads the technology roadmap for Innovation across Schneider Electric, which as all our listeners will know is a leader in the sustainability. Scott joins the podcast to talk about the prosumer and its impact in the energy transition. Our core discussion centers on the need for electrification and increased resilience across the grid (both are key to industrials targeting decarbonization), so listen in to hear our wide ranging discussion on these kinds of points: - What does a fully decarbonised grid look like… physically and theoreti...2023-08-1731 min
Decarb ConnectMartin Keighley, CEO of CarbonFree: Creating a global market that decarbonises critical materials utilizing co2 reuseCreating a global market that decarbonises critical materials: CarbonFree and the co2 reuse market Join Alex Cameron and the CEO of CarbonFree, Martin Keighley (the Former CEO of Tata Chemicals US) to talk about co2 reuse and how to decarbonise critical materials. You'll hear about how the market opportunity for converting co2 into key materials - and specifically will hear from martin on CarbonFree’s SkyCycleTM product which captures and utilizes carbon emissions from hard-to-abate industrial sources. Post-capture, these emissions are converted into specialty chemicals and materials including calcium carbonate. Th...2023-08-0335 min
Decarb ConnectAccelerating the path to sustainable concrete - Concrete Sustainability CouncilJoining Alex Cameron, Founder of Decarb Connect, are Christian Artelt, Senior Manager Sustainable Construction & Public Affairs, Heidelberg Materials and Michael Scharpf, Head of Sustainable Construction, Holcim. Episode Sponsor: Janno MediaConcrete is the most widely used manmade material and, by volume, one of the major sources of CO2 globally. Listen in to find out how effective labelling around sustainability is helping drive procurement sustainable concrete products. Alex Cameron talks with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Concrete Sustainability Council to find out how a certification system for resp...2023-07-0337 min
Decarb ConnectBlackRock: Leveraging climate metrics to catalyze investment flowEwa Jackson joins Alex to talk about climate metrics and their role in accelerating the flow of capital into climate tech (including industrial applications) Ewa Jackson, Managing Director of Sustainable and Transition Solutions at BlackRock, joins Alex Cameron of Decarb Connect to explore how the landscape for investment in decarbonisation and energy transition is maturing and the need for the right sets of metrics and data to really improve investor understanding and allocations. You’ll hear about BlackRock’s own experience in this area – with 655bn in sustainable assets there’s a lot to ex...2023-06-1544 min
Decarb ConnectHeat pump innovation: Decarbonising industrial steam and heatAndrei Klochko joins Alex to explore how heat pump technology is scaling to take on the heat and steam requirements of industry For many working on decarbonisation of industry, the typical roadmap includes renewables, ccus, hydrogen and energy efficiency. But with heat pump tech stepping up to the industrial landscape, this podcast is a chance to hear from an innovator already working on industrial levels of heat and steam production. Right now, Airthium supports industrial heat requirements between 100 and 550°C which is around 15-20% of worldwide industrial heat demand. With technology in d...2023-05-1831 min
Decarb ConnectExploring Shopify’s perspective and approach around the growing Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDR) marketJoin Alex and Stacy Kauk, Head of Sustainability for Shopify, to explore what the CDR market is along with the approach that Shopify is taking in supporting carbon dioxide removals. Stacy Kauk joined Shopify in January 2020, and as Head of Sustainability, Stacy’s role is to ensure that the millions of businesses and customers using Shopify’s platform are working together in the fight against climate change. Stacy talks with Alex about the Shopify Sustainability Fund, and its investments in Carbon Dioxide Removal. You’ll hear about how the fund came into being...2023-04-0648 min
Decarb ConnectPlanning an energy transition project: How Project Resop utilises data and local government/utilities/industry stakeholder collaboration to reduce co2 How can multi-party projects leverage data effectively to deliver an energy transition project? Join Lily Cairns Haylor and Alex Cameron to find out how local government and local stakeholders can collaborate to drive systems-level change. Join Lily Cairns Haylor and Alex Cameron to talk about how collaboration and the right data and modelling capabilities can speed up the deployment of much-needed energy transition projects. You’ll hear about Project RESOP, one of the energy transition projects that Advanced Infrastructure is engaged in and which brings together local government, utilities and industry. Advanc...2023-03-2336 min
Decarb ConnectDeveloping carbon negative materials to decarbonize global manufacturing supply chainsWith net zero targets being set across the industrial landscape, there’s a growing sense that companies are having a bit of a reality check on what this will mean for their supply chains etc. One particular area of focus is on the footprint and impact of different materials used across supply chains – and this is where John Bissell and the team at Origin Materials steps in. Listen in to this week’s podcast to hear John and Alex Cameron, Founder of Decarb Connect, explore the products being developed that replace typical plastics and chemicals. You...2023-02-0243 min
Decarb ConnectHow is Wyoming, a major fossil fuel state, creating the foundations and infrastructure for a future Hydrogen market??No matter where you’re based in the world, national policy only gets you so far in the creation of low carbon economies. This week we talk with Eugene Holubnyak of the H2 Research Center at the University of Wyoming to learn about the state’s journey towards a competitive hydrogen economy. Wyoming is the US’s largest coal producing state, a major producer of crude oil, and natural gas too — so as a state firmly rooted in the fossil fuel economy what could a transition to a low carbon economy look like and how can it be...2023-01-1244 min
Decarb ConnectEnergy Crisis Part 3 - Craig Golinowski talks Underinvestment, the Energy Crisis and Policy Durability40bn tonnes a year of GHGs is a massive issue that people on all sides of the political spectrum are committed to tackling. But are our international policies up to the task? Can we get around the historic lack of investment in energy that has both created a reliance on key products/markets and is now effectively pushing some countries to spend even more on fossil fuels? And is it realistic to make the big switch to renewables or do we have to rethink and re-engage with existing fuel mixes? Craig joined the podcast earlier i...2022-12-1533 min
Decarb ConnectEnergy Crisis Part 2 - Decarbonising industry through the energy crisis - finding the opportunitiesJerome Lucaes joins Alex Cameron to talk about the impact of the European energy crisis on industrial co2 strategies. Jerome brings plenty of experience from both RUSAL and Rio Tinto and critical industries on the creation of high-value net zero strategies. Jerome Lucaes is the former Head of Marketing and Sustainability for RUSAL and now leads FFZero which advises industrials on net zero strategy and execution. He joins Alex Cameron, Founder of Decarb Connect, as part of the podcasts miniseries on the energy crisis. Listen in to gain Jerome’s perspective on how...2022-12-0131 min
Decarb ConnectReducing steel’s co2 by 95% - the H2 Green Steel experienceSteel is responsible for 8% of global co2 each year, and contributes as much as 40% of all industrial co2. Listen in to hear Kajsa Ryttberg-Wallgren’s insights into the at-scale green steel project she’s tasked with and the potential for transforming the global steel value chain. With every ton of steel emitting (on average) 1.85 tons of co2, the industry contributes around 8% of co2 globally. It’s also one of our most essential materials used across all developed and developing nations for infrastructure and construction projects and is inextricably linked to economic growth. Listen t...2022-11-1736 min
Decarb ConnectEnergy Crisis Part 1 - How does the energy crisis impact energy transition for industrials?Over the next couple of months, we’ll host a number of guests talking about their perspective on the energy and inflation crisis and its impact on decarbonisation and energy transition plans. In this first conversation on the issue, Ben Moens joins from Engie Impact and explores the impact of the energy crisis on industrials. The discussion explores how alternative fuels (including a return to more fossil fuels in the short term) could play out, the potential for high gas prices to drive market reforms and how regulatory responses might bring some relief in the shor...2022-10-2736 min
Decarb ConnectWhat is green hydrogen’s role in the energy transition?Electrification won’t be straight forward for all industries, especially those with high industrial heat requirements. Energy-intensive manufacturers around the world are curious about the potential for green hydrogen as one of the potential routes they could take. Join Alex Cameron in conversation with Lorenzo Ducci and Filippo Bartoloni of ENEL Green Power to explore how they build scalable projects (including NEXTHy in Sicily) and the collaborations that can bring green h2 to commercial scale and reality. The conversation spans examples of projects in development, ENEL Green Power’s approach to partnerships and how industrial partne...2022-08-0448 min
Decarb ConnectInvesting in the system as well as the technology to drive decarbonisation Whilst many investors focus purely on the teams and technology when investing, Systemiq Capital is placing capital where it can influence the overall industrial system as well as making a dent in emissions. Join Irena Spazzapan, Managing Partner of Systemiq Capital, and Alex Cameron, Founder of Decarb Connect, to hear how a systemic approach to investment leads their portfolio and find out about their investments in Brimstone and Charm in particular. Irena’s past experience as a Executive Director at Goldman Sachs (commodities, gas and power) means she brings a unique view point to climate inves...2022-07-2151 minGet Up in the CoolEpisode 303: Alex MacLeod (Melodically Crooked Tunes, Instrument Building, and Square Dance Calling)Welcome to Get Up in the Cool: Old Time Music with Cameron DeWhitt and Friends! This week’s friend is Alex MacLeod. We recorded this last weekend in his home in Seattle.
Tunes in this episode:
Chinquapin Hunting (0:37)
New Castle (8:58)
Granddad’s Favorite (18:06)
Boatin’ Up Sandy (33:03)
Gone Indian (40:58)
Bonus track: Brushy Fork of John’s Creek
Join the Seattle Old-Time Music Facebook group for news about Tractor Tavern dances and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1660407714219306
Support Get Up in the Cool on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/getupinthecool
Buy Get Up in the C...2022-06-1545 min
The Scrimba PodcastHow to Become Good at Networking, with Recruiter-turned-developer Cameron Blackwood🎙 About the episodeMeet Cameron 🇬🇧! Cameron is a full-stack software engineer, podcaster, and co-founder of The Coder Career. But before learning to code, he studied business... and worked as a tech recruiter! This episode is all about networking. How to do it? What to say? And... To whom? Do you have to be an extrovert to become good at it?Cameron will teach you why networking is important and how to go about it. He will also give you scripts for different situations - from reaching out to a recruiter on LinkedIn to starting a convers...2022-06-0725 min
Decarb ConnectFocusing on the U of CCUS – how CarbonCure reuses co2 in the concrete sectorCarbonCure has been a favourite of investors and a winner of the XPrize – for ten years they have worked hard to help the concrete sector reduce co2 footprints by working specifically on reuse of co2 within the product mix. Sean Monkman joins Alex Cameron to talk about permanent co2 removals, how to scale as a disruptor in the decarbonisation space and talks about why customers will accept green premiums when positioned effectively. We talk about the next for stackable solutions to tackle decarbonisation and also explore CarbonCure’s own 500 megaton roadmap which is their “motivating north s...2022-05-1936 min
Decarb ConnectTrevor Best, CEO and Co-Founder, Syzygy: Scaling photocatalysis to decarbonize high value products from hydrogen to ammonia (and more)Houston, known for being the oil and gas capital of the US, is fast becoming a key centre of gravity for clean tech and energy transition IP. Syzygy is one of a number of early-stage disruptors calling the city their home, and we were fortunate to have Trevor Best, CEO, in conversation with Alex to talk about their photocatalysis technology and route to industrial scale. Listen in to hear about the applications for their novel catalyst and reactor platform, including production of clean hydrogen at ambient temperatures plus co2 reuse and ammonia production. This is te...2022-03-0331 min
Decarb ConnectCreating large scale renewable projects that are profitable and drive a triple bottom lineInterContinental Energy focuses on both renewable projects of scale and the triple bottom line of their projects. Join Alex and Alicia Eastman to explore the origin of their mega-scale project structures and the opportunity to convert renewables to hydrogen and ammonia for use in industrial and maritime environments. They talk about how large projects act as market makers, why in-country value brings long term value to the project owners and investors – and we look at the opportunity to create green products that give industry and transport real options for decarbonization within the next 5-8 years. Show Links: 2022-02-2438 minGet Up in the CoolEpisode 286: Alex Sturbaum (The Vashon Sessions, Old Time Accordion, Lift vs. Groove, and Wholesome Chanteys)Welcome to Get Up in the Cool: Old Time Music with Cameron DeWhitt and Friends! This week’s friend is Alex Sturbaum. We recorded this last week when they visited me at my home in Portland, Oregon.
Tunes and songs in this episode:
Rocky Road to Dublin (0:49)
Dorrigo (20:00)
Eklunda Polska #1 and #3 (25:31)
Cumberland Gap (35:24)
Captains and Ships (47:52)
New Harbor (from Don Stratton) (1:01:37)
Bonus track: Isham Monday’s Fire on the Mountain
Download The Vashon Sessions: Volume IV: https://www.thevashonsessions.com/albums.html
Pay rent at: https://www.realrentduwamish.org/
Visit Alex Sturbaum’s websit...2022-02-161h 06
Decarb ConnectCompleting the first BECCS project in the UK – with Will Gardiner, CEO of Drax GroupWill Gardiner has been a key architect of Drax Group's strategy to create a flexible, low-carbon, customer-focused power company. Alex and Will talk about the results from COP26, but also what’s needed next to keep the goal of 1.5 alive. They explore a little of what’s needed from international policy, how Drax’s global operations are expanding to meet the decarbonization opportunity and Will’s thoughts on renewables, voluntary carbon markets and the need for more support of permanent removal technologies. https://www.drax.com/carbon-capture/what-are-negative-emissions/www.decarbconnect.comTo see Will’s p...2022-02-1031 min
Decarb ConnectWhat would drive North American industry to invest in net zero?With governments and markets taking different approaches to industrial decarbonization around the world, Nick Fulford joins Alex Cameron to talk about the different challenges those approaches are yielding and how the US/Canadian approach is unfolding. They explore the North American focus on market forces, the impact of 45Q and other incentives and also look at how business models could emerge in CCUS and other tech despite the challenges that lie ahead. Now based in Houston, Nick brings a perspective of the EU market too and plenty of knowledge of Gas/LNG...2022-01-2747 min
Decarb ConnectCould CCS own the radical middle ground in the energy transition?Craig Golinowski of Carbon Infrastructure Partners discussions the need for other tech to balance out renewables so that we avoid further energy crises and allow for a full transition. Is CCUS the radical middle ground? Summary: Craig Golinowski joins Alex to talk about the concept of the carbon paradox, and what role CCUS needs to play in the energy transition. Find out about the concept of the paradox being seen in the transition to renewables where, without solving intermittency and other short-medium term challenges, energy stability can be put at risk and may lea...2022-01-0639 min
Decarb ConnectDisrupter Series: Driving zero carbon lime production in the UK (Part 2 of conversation with Origen)Join Alex and Ben for part two of their conversation exploring how Origen’s Zero Carbon Lime technology is being applied at a plant in the UK. You’ll explore the tech itself, the project timeline and hear about the short and long term co2 offtake plans. You’ll also explore the way in which zero carbon lime could be used as a carbon capture tool in future. Links: https://origencarbonsolutions.com/news-updates/www.decarbconnect.comThanks to Janno Media for the technical partnership. 2021-12-2327 min
Decarb ConnectDisrupter series: Driving zero carbon lime production in the US (Part 1 of conversation with Origen)Sitting right at the heart of hard to abate sectors is Lime production – a process that yields materials used in construction and food industries (as well as others). The 400 million tonnes of lime produced annually produces 400m tonnes of co2 from the high heat and energy-intensive chemical process. But there is a positive side to this story – if producers can develop zero carbon lime, there are major opportunities not only in their current end use markets – but also in carbon capture markets. Join Alex for the first of a two part conversation with Ben Turner of Orige...2021-12-1627 min
Decarb ConnectInnovation Series - From premium products to volume products – commercialising CO2 post-conversion to solid carbonCCUS is a broad term and yet often is applied narrowly to projects focused on underground storage. Aeroborn is one of a number of exciting disruptors with CCUS-tech that allows for the transformation of CO2 into other products… products that are usable whilst also storing the CO2 permanently. In the case of Aeroborn, it is converted to sustainable carbon black materials. Join Alex as she talks with Anna Douglas, the co-Founder and Chief Science Officer for Aeroborn as they talk about the need for reuse of CO2 in products that have high demand, the specific app...2021-12-0934 min
Decarb ConnectCan wave energy contribute to energy stability… and when?Kicking off our month of focus on innovation, join Alex and Jan Skjoldhammer of NoviOcean to talk about their wave energy tech and the role of wave power in the renewables mix. In this conversation they look at the current instability in the energy market and how new forms of energy could play into it.You’ll also explore the business model and infra around wave energy plus the current costs vs its fossil fuel and renewables competitors… find out what needs to happen to bring this to parity so that it is a cost effective as well as sust...2021-12-0235 min
Decarb ConnectHow NW Natural is forging a hydrogen business model and strategy to help keep industrials in state and decarbonizing economicallyHow does a gas utility transition to a clean energy network? Chris Kroeker, Emerging Technology Program Manager of NW Natural, joins Alex to discuss how his company (a gas utility based in Oregon) is transitioning from natural gas to hydrogen. The conversation explores the need for any transition to deliver economical decarbonization in order to keep industrial clients and jobs in state – and we look at the roadmap to NW offering hydrogen at scale. Find out how NW looks at the opportunities and the challenges around blue and green hydrogen, and the range of plans and...2021-11-1119 min
Decarb ConnectNeil Chatterjee on FERC, Carbon Pricing and the route to a high performing clean energy system in the USNeil Chatterjee was, until August 2021, the member of the commission at FERC and now is a senior advisor at Hogan Lovells. With a background in policy, legislation and regulation he joined Alex to look at his work with the commission at FERC and what he thinks is needed in the US energy market to make progress to lower carbon energy smooth – specifically his thoughts on the need for congruent state-by-state carbon pricing. We also talk about his expectations of COP26 and future energy transition needs.Links:https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/chatterjee-neil...2021-11-0426 min
Decarb ConnectCOP26 Series: Kickstarting the market for green concrete and green steel – how can green public procurement create momentum?Global construction projections point to a massive growth over the next couple of decades which equates to building something the size of New York City every month. Think about that… the steel… the cement… the co2 that is produced as a result. So all we need are green materials, right? In the short term the challenge lies in the “green premium” and how quickly the price for carbon negative or low carbon materials can be brought down by market forces. Governments around the world buy as much as 25% of steel and 40% of cement for infrastructure and building...2021-10-2828 min
Decarb ConnectNew developments in environmental reporting – what should corporates prepare for?As with all climate-related activities, attention on voluntary disclosures is gaining momentum. With the prospect of mandatory disclosures on the horizon - how are different stakeholders expectations going to change and what will this mean for industry and corporates? David Lammers, Deputy Director of Corporate Engagement at CDP Europe joins Alex to explore the changes and trends they are observing. David is one of 50+ speakers at Decarb Connect Europe, October 5-7 2021 – join us there or at one our events or network meet ups. Links: https://www.cdp.net/enwww.de...2021-09-3032 min
Decarb ConnectPredictors of future co2 success - the essential shifts needed to deliver net zeroJoin Ben Moens, Managing Director of Sustainability Solutions at Engie Impact, as he talks with Alex about the real predictors of decarbonisation success. How can companies graduate from pilot/single-project thinking to systems transformation? What could a shift from ROI thinking to Total Cost of Ownership reveal? What kinds of partnerships and collaborations are the most effective decarbonizers already forging? Listen in to find out about the much-needed short term steps as well as how companies can shift their behaviours to deliver decarbonisation. For info on Engie Impact’s work with industrial clients: https://www.en...2021-09-0938 min
Decarb ConnectSeries Highlight: How to connect the vast amounts of motivated capital to the decarbonization technologies with true commercial potentialAndrew Smith of Greenbackers joins Alex to explore their success in matching investors to the right decarbonisation tech with true commercial potential. They talk about how to reverse engineer net zero by 2050 and how much of it requires new business models vs new tech. They also explore the role that CVCs, VCs & PE play best. Listen in to find out about the characteristics of strong start up leadership teams, what industrials need to ensure they bring to early stage projects and the role for policymakers in supporting market adoption of new tech. Links: https://greenbackers.com/ 2021-09-0240 min
Decarb ConnectHow to deliver Carbon Capture as a ServiceWith CCUS projects emerging across Europe and around the world, the role of carbon capture in industrial decarbonisation is gaining pace. Join Alex and Aniruddha for a discussion that covers both his hopes and expectations for COP26 and the emerging CCaaS business model, as well as exploring the company’s established and more nascent projects.Links: https://decarbconnect.com/events/ (click for more insights on the projects and technologies being deployed to decarbonise energy-intensive industries) Many thanks to our podcast partners, Janno Media, for all the support in the production of the D...2021-08-2627 min
Decarb ConnectLiquid Wind: Scaling to meet the demand of green fuelsClaes Fredriksson, CEO of Liquid Wind, joins Alex to talk about the work they are doing to develop at-scale production of green methanol from biogenic co2. They explore the development of green fuels projects at scale and how they piece together the key partners & technologies. A great opportunity to hear about the project development of at-scale projects and the reuse of co2. Links: https://www.liquidwind.se/https://www.liquidwind.se/news/liquid-wind-raises-4m-in-equity https://decarbconnect.com/events/ (click for more insights on the projects and technologies being deployed to de...2021-08-1934 min
Decarb ConnectRethinking decarbonization - how to radically change mining’s energy equationCarl Weatherell, CEO of Canada Mining Innovation Center, joins Alex to talk about the enormous value of setting much more aspirational goals (Zero waste, Zero emissions) and applying a radical innovation approach that leverages coopetition, collaboration and co-development across the mining sector. Plenty of big ideas here for other energy-intensive sectors to learn from, as well as specifics on mining innovation opportunities from microwave technology to core mining platforms. We talk about prototypes of mining technologies that can cut typical process energy consumption by as much as 42%, how to achieve zero tail...2021-08-1235 min
Decarb ConnectTaking the CO2 out of home heating – how to do it equitably and quickly..Ravi Gurumurthy, CEO of Nesta, joins Alex Cameron to talk about decarbonising domestic heatand the urgent changes needed to achieve net zero in the UK. Nesta is the UK’s innovation agency forsocial good and in March, Nesta published it’s ambitious 10 year strategy which aims to improve the lives of millions through mission-led innovation. Ravi Gurumurthy talks with Alex about how Nesta drives innovation and his view on achieving net zero equitably and on time. Ravi has extensive experience in this area having been one of t...2021-08-0524 minGet Up in the CoolEpisode 258: Bach Bui and Alex Kramer (G Tunes in F, Treyf Old Time, and Armchair Epidemiology)Welcome to Get Up in the Cool: Old Time Music with Cameron DeWhitt and Friends. This week’s friends are Bach Bui and Alex Kramer. We recorded this at the Harry Smith Frolic in Greenfield, Massachusetts a few weeks ago.
Tunes and songs in this episode:
Blue Goose (in F) (1:36)
Old Yeller Dog Went Trotting Through the Meetinghouse (in F) (15:06)
Ghost Woman Blues (33:53)
High Up on Tug (in F) (46:54)
Marion Reece’s Cumberland Gap (in F) (57:02)
Bonus track: Marcus Martin’s Boatsman (in F)
Buy Christmas a la Mode: https://whistleandscat.bandcamp.com/releases
Buy 5...2021-08-041h 05
Decarb ConnectConverting the carbon from problem waste product to high value assetEmily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs and Pat Sapinsley, Managing Director of Cleantech Initiatives at the NYU Urban Future Lab, join Alex to talk about their joint C2V initiative, an accelerator taking the first carbon to value cohort through a program to drive scale and commercial opportunity in this cutting edge category of climate tech. We define carbontech as any technology or business model innovation that enables the capture, utilization or sequestration of carbon dioxide and which can then convert it (sustainably) into valuable products or services. The conversation takes this as the starting po...2021-07-2946 min
Decarb ConnectAssessing the explosive growth of voluntary offsetsNico Girod of Clear Blue Markets talks with Alex about the hot and growing market for voluntary offsets. We explore their roots and factors that are driving their growth, we also talk about the difference between high quality offsets and those that carry more reputational risk. We look at the questions corporates bring to discussions of offsets, the change participants in the market and look ahead to predictions around volume and type of offsets entering the market. If you’re interested to understand the opportunity, or have questions around the risks of offsets, listen in. Find...2021-07-2221 min
Decarb ConnectIndustrial clusters and the UK’s Industrial Decarbonisation ChallengeDr Bryony Livesey leads the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge (IDC), which forms part of the UK’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF). IDC is a £170m programme with £261m match funding from industry, designed to deploy low carbon technologies and enabling infrastructure in heavily industrialised regions of the UK. Bryony and Alex talk about the significant program of work that is ongoing to help develop world class industrial clusters in the UK and how these commercial projects can both decarbonise at scale – but also feed valuable lessons and knowledge back to other parts of the industrial landscape...2021-07-1519 min
Decarb ConnectHow are commodities traders showing up to the decarbonization debate?Join Alex and Joe Raia for a discussion about how Abaxx’s exchange launch presents an opportunity to create carbon neutral and offset trading products for commodities traders managing portfolios of hard to abate products. We talk about the rapid movement of global markets towards practices and policies that support ESG initiatives and investments and look at the physical commodities and futures-based trading perspective on this. We also discuss the view point that LNG and Green LNG might be “bridge hydrocarbons” on route to carbon neutrality - what does this mean and is it a...2021-07-0826 min
Decarb ConnectHow to connect the vast amounts of motivated capital to the decarbonization technologies with true commercial potentialAndrew Smith of Greenbackers joins Alex to explore their success in matching investors to the right decarbonisation tech with true commercial potential. They talk about how to reverse engineer net zero by 2050 and how much of it requires new business models vs new tech. They also explore the role that CVCs, VCs & PE play best. Listen in to find out about the characteristics of strong start up leadership teams, what industrials need to ensure they bring to early stage projects and the role for policymakers in supporting market adoption of new tech. Links: https://greenbackers.com/ 2021-07-0140 min
Decarb ConnectPyroGenesys: Enabling off-grid communities to turn waste to valueSimon Ighofose talks with Alex about building technology and a new business out of a passion for supporting off-grid communities. We look at the pyrolisis tech that is the heart of PyroGenesys' business, and we talk about the scale of the market opportunity for both developed industrial markets as so-called "bottom of the pyramid" off-grid communities. The technology is about to go into a pilot phase at a facility in the north west of england and will be proving its capabilities in thermal separation - ultimately enabling crops like cassava (or any waste material) to convert to high value...2021-06-2429 min
Decarb ConnectClearPath: Creating policy & investment conditions that drive a global energy transition and a strong US export market for cost-effective cleantechRich Powell talks with Alex about the work ClearPath does to drive policies in support of the energy transition in the US. While much is made of the democrat agenda in this space, we talk about conservative support for the energy transition and the types of programs of work and policies that they are driving to support it. We also touch on the bi-partisan support for certain aspects of clean energy policy and Rich's own views on what needs to be done. From the Clean Energy Act of 2020 to the relaunch of US export credit, from the need for...2021-06-1639 min
Decarb ConnectWhat does clean tech look like post covid and a Biden Administration?With lots of change in the market for investments in clean tech, Caroline Abramo (Chief Investment Officer of Pana LCE Investments) joins Alex to talk about how private equity can invest in cleantech and decarbonization solutions in a way that really drives the right outcome. Listen in to a discussion about the fiduciary duties investors have to their clients and how to balance these with achieving real impact - and also responses to some of the criticisms being levelled at ESG focused funds and investors. With the Biden administration ramping up support for climate investments as the backdrop, the...2021-06-1028 min
Decarb ConnectSpotlight on North America Pt4: What are the technologies and policies that could underpin commercially-viable decarbonization?Whether you're new to the Decarb Connect podcast or looking for an assessment of North American policy and opportunities, join Jeff Rissman and Alex Cameron to look at the cross-cutting technologies as well as industry-specific tools that could define industrial decarbonization. We look at both energy-related emissions as well as process-related emissions - invaluable to those just starting to develop or deploy their roadmaps.Jeff works with industry and policy makers and that experience shines through as we map out the supports (policy, funding etc) as well as the tools that industry can put to use. We...2021-05-2057 min
Decarb ConnectSpotlight on North America Pt3: Cemvita's role in creating high value products from co2 using synthetic biologyRoutes to industrial decarbonization may run from CCUS to fuel switching and energy efficiency, but no area is gaining greater interest that how co2 itself can be transformed into valuable products. Cemvita's approach is already showing that valuable products (bio ethylene is just one example) can be created for clients by taking nature-inspired processes and synthesising them. This combination of biotech, energy and synthetic biology offers a route to economical, carbon negative solutions - and products that are both profitable and climate-positive. Join Alex and Tara for a conversation about how you can create valuable products from...2021-05-1330 min
Decarb ConnectSpotlight on North America Pt 2: Energy transition as an economic opportunity: Industrial symbiosisHow could forming industrial clusters help create co2 and other waste offtake opportunities for energy-intensive sectors? Imagine heat, co2, waste and other outputs being used efficiently to create valuable products. Rhys Roth joins Alex to talk about his experience in bringing Industrial Symbiosis as a concept to Washington State and the potential that all sides of the political spectrum there see in it, including opportunities for decarbonization as well as regional investment. Links: https://www.sustaininfrastructure.org/Join Rhys for his panel discussion about how industrials can create market and carbon opp...2021-05-0632 min
Decarb ConnectSpotlight on North America Pt 1: Finding the right project financing structures to drive industrial decarbonization at scaleEnergy-intensive sectors are well and truly under the spotlight with decarbonization action demanded by investors, customers and in legislation. Xavier D'Hubert joins Alex Cameron to look at the frequently cited challenge - how do industrials finance the transition when projects financing requirements can run in to hundreds of millions? How do we decarbonize hard to abate industries whilst protecting their ability to compete (and retain the millions of jobs that they provide)?Xavier outlines specific examples of financing approaches and how they can be applied at-scale, complex projects. Links: For more insights...2021-04-2935 min
Decarb ConnectHow Mission Innovation drives political, large scale investor and industrial agendas to achieve net zeroPatrick Child joins Alex to explore how Mission Innovation works across 24 governments to stimulate global clean energy innovation efforts. We talk about the amount of public investments driven to date ($4.9billion) and the work they are doing to bring at-scale investment from private sector to the issue alongside public sector funds. Listen in to learn about the roadmap that MI is pursuing to get to Net Zero and the next phase of their work. Links: http://mission-innovation.net/our-members/Country highlights report: http://mission-innovation.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/3.-MI-Country-Highlights-2020.pdf For info...2021-04-2229 min
Decarb ConnectEIC - how is Europe's largest innovation fund maturing and who can take advantage?The EIC offers up to €17,5 million in financing, blending grants and equity-based investments. Starting as a pilot programme within Horizon 2020 (2014-2020), the EIC has become one of the most ambitious and successful funding schemes worldwide.Louis Papaemmanuel joins Alex to talk about its continued plans a part of the forthcoming Horizon Europe (2021-2027), with the EU pledging over €10 billion. We explore its origins as a highly selective program with only the very best proposals getting funded - we discuss how the fund has matured, what the questions emerging around how it is being applied. Still the most ambi...2021-03-2529 min
Decarb ConnectReusing CO2 at industrial scale - a strategic resource vs waste productAttention amongst hard to abate sectors is turning more to how to invest at scale in decarbonisation, and to do that - what business models exist to make co2 planning sustainable. Dr Paula Carey, Co-Founder & Technical Director of Carbon8, joins Alex to talk about the essential shift in mindset that is needed… viewing co2 as an asset rather than an expense or liability. Listen in to the conversation as it explore why it’s taken so long for this mindset shift to start to happen – and how industrials can find markets for their captured co2. Explor...2021-03-1829 min
MouthbreathersAlex & Cameron Go to White Castle / Four Loko Sponsorship? "4"This week, Alex and Cameron talk about more WandaVision spoilers, White Castle, Four Loko, and a bunch of other random nonsense.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app2021-02-191h 26
Decarb ConnectBringing a full scale 300m euro CCUS project to fruitionAlex is joined by Per Brevik, Director of Alternative Fuels and leader of the CCUS project at the Norcem Plant for Heidelberg Cement Northern Europe. CCUS has come a long way in the last few years, and whilst heavy industrials are also pursuing fuel switching, efficiency and electrification to drive down CO2 - few believe they can achieve carbon neutrality without access to CCUS. They talk about the path the project has taken, the ticket price of something of this scale and the choice of technology. They also talk about the business model needed for investable CCUS projects to...2021-02-1833 min
Decarb ConnectHelping industrial co2 abatement innovations to scale successfullyAlex is joined by Damian Beauchamp, President of 8 Rivers, and a leader in the deployment of innovations that decarbonise the toughest to abate sectors. With experience of major projects internationally, Damian talks about what it means to create conditions for success for innovative tech at-scale and how to approach innovation for hard to abate sectors in general. We also discuss what the new US administration could do to impact the decarbonisation agenda. Links:www.8rivers.comhttps://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/reaching-net-zero-by-2050-is-attainable/www.decarbconnect.com2021-02-1129 min
Decarb ConnectPaul Bodnar: Decarbonising global heavy emitters - the Mission Possible PartnershipAlex is joined by Paul Bodnar, who brings extensive experience of climate finance and policy from his early career in investment through to his role in the Obama administration and his more recent work at the Rocky Mountain Institute.Amongst the many projects he has led and influenced, Paul took a principal role in formulating the U.S. strategy for the Paris Climate Conference. He is also a senior associate (non-resident) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and serves on the Board of the Carbon Tracker Initiative.We talk about the Mission...2021-01-2835 min
Decarb ConnectCan the UK's 10-Point Plan deliver net zero?Alex is joined by Nick Molho of the Aldersgate Group who represent UK corporates and advocate the business case for decarbonising the UK economy. At the time of recording, the UK Government's 10 Point plan is still fresh in the minds of anyone pursuing decarbonisation. Nick reviews the plan for us and gives a clear assessment of the good, the bad and the absent. We talk about market mechanisms, getting value for tax payer investments and we look at trade policy as a lever for decarbonisation. Nick brings a background in environmental law to the discussion - plenty...2021-01-0738 min
Decarb ConnectHydrogen for heat: How the H21 Project is testing the route to domestic and industrial hydrogen distributionTim Harwood, H21 Programme Director at Northern Gas Networks, and Alex discuss the status of both the H21 and HyDeploy pilot projects testing the route to large scale domestic distribution of hydrogen. We talk about the progress of these pilot projects, what is to be tested next in 2021 and the roadmap to industrial use of a hydrogen network. We also explore what will be needed to make this economically viable at scale and the need for a future system with new forms of collaboration that allow us to balance electrification, hydrogen and other renewables. Key links: ...2020-12-1733 min
Decarb ConnectDriving the move to sustainable, low-emissions steelAndrew Purvis, Director of Safety, Environment and Technology at worldsteel talks with Alex about the work that is underway in the steel sector to start to make the shift to real, sustainable low emissions steel. Topics up for discussion include the types of next gen tech being tested in the sector, the potential for scrap and circularity - but also the real need to see government procurement and major buyers showing there is a market for low carbon/low emissions steel. With 1.8b tonnes of steel produced in 2019, and a high potential for the sector to produce products that...2020-12-1030 min
Decarb ConnectMobilizing capital markets to drive the transition of heavy emitting industries: Transition BondsRepurposing existing investment plans to support climate priorities is going be a key factor in delivering net zero. Could the bond market be a key element of financing decarbonisation at scale? Alex Cameron and Sean Kidney, CEO of Climate Bonds, discuss the real need for transition bonds to help challenging industries find their route to change (a route which might not be available through green bonds or more traditional finance). The discussion covers the structure and clarity that will be essential as well as the need for appropriate ambition on the part of the corporates. This episode i...2020-11-2638 min
Decarb ConnectHow to get CCUS to commercial scaleAlex Cameron, Founder of Decarb Connect talks with Guloren Turan, General Manager - Advocacy & Communications, Global CCS Institute.With plenty of detractors as well as major backers, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage tech has been a keen area of interest in industry. For the hard to abate sectors, this might be the single most important technology in their mission to decarbonise - but questions remain about how to make it an affordable reality. There are also plenty of people who believe it is nothing more than a way for "business as usual" to continue. 2020-11-1932 min
Decarb ConnectHow can hard to abate sectors respond to, and deliver on, the EU Green Deal?The EU Green Deal maps out an ambitious route to carbon neutrality for all companies and countries in the EU. But how should industry respond? Alex talks with Emmanuel Brutin, the Director of Public Affairs at the pan-european Cembureau to explore their newly revised roadmap for the cement and concrete sectors. We discuss issues including the development of a European CO2 transportation network, the possibility for cement to decrease co2 from energy usage by using more non-recyclable waste and biomass - and how the cement and concrete sector can drive the industrial circular economy. A...2020-11-1236 min
Decarb ConnectHow to shorten the time from demonstration to commercialisation of new industrial decarbonisation techIndustry, policy, technology challengers and consumers - all of us play a role in accelerating the time it will take for decarbonisation innovation to get to commercial scale. Alex talks with Dr Gbemi Oluleye to explore how the wider system could come together to influence scalability of tech. This episode is for you if you're considering investment in an early stage tech, if you're involved in policy or if you're an industrial wondering how you'll meet critical co2 commitments. If you're new to the fiield of industrial decarbonisation, our discussion about the challenges for scaling technologies that...2020-10-3032 min
Decarb ConnectTransforming the cement industry - What's the route from 8% of global CO2 emissions to carbon neutrality?Ian Riley talks with Alex about the cement sector and the active decarbonisation projects that are already underway. With the industry owning a serious emissions number, there are no shortage of detractors - but it is also a sector that is pursuing a wide range of product & operational decarbonisation projects. Energy efficiency, potential alternative fuels, cementitious additives and next gen technologies like CCUS are all up for discussion. Find out about some of the hottest projects - but also the reality of the policy impediments and opportunities that need resolving. If you'd like to hear more about...2020-10-1438 minGet Up in the CoolEpisode 215: Alex Sturbaum (Newfoundland tunes, Loomings, and Mitch McConnell)Welcome to Get Up in the Cool: Old Time Music with Cameron DeWhitt and Friends! This week’s friend is Alex Sturbaum! We recorded this a couple days ago in front of my house, over 6 feet apart.
Tunes and songs in this episode:
Boxing Day
Big Black Bird
Like You Would / Kitty’s Gone A-Clinking / The Buffet Double
Song for McConnell
Tom Paine’s Bones
Stand Steady
Bonus track: Minnie White’s / Hughie Wentzell’s / Fogo Island Mussels (Singles)
Alex Sturbaum’s website (bio, links to all albums, contact info...2020-10-071h 03
Decarb ConnectDesign, Deploy, Learn, Adapt: what are we learning from early projects and where next?Alex speaks with Aniruddha Sharma, CEO of Carbon Clean Solutions about what they’ve learned from the demonstrations and pilots that they are leading with industrial clients.
With $22m in funding recently secured, CCSL's low-cost approach to carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and separation technology is getting backing and support from big names. Find out what is being learned from early projects, and also how industrials benefit from a more incremental approach to CO2 reduction.2020-08-2230 minGet Up in the CoolEpisode 168: Alex Sturbaum (Transatlantic Trad Music)Welcome to Get Up in the Cool: Old Time Music with Cameron DeWhitt and Friends! This week’s friend is Alex Sturbaum; we recorded this at his house in Seattle about a month ago.
Tunes in this episode:
Duck River
Pulling Broom (an Alex Sturbaum original)
Cold Frosty Morning
Sweet Mary Starbuck (an Alex Sturbaum original)
Frances Lee
Bonus track: Valley Forge
Alex Sturbaum’s website: https://www.alexsturbaum.com/
Alex Sturbaum’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexsturbaummusic/
The Vashon Sessions’ website: https://www.thevashonsessions.com/
Coun...2019-11-1343 minGet Up in the CoolEpisode 19: Alex Lacquement (Old Time Bass)Welcome to Get Up in the Cool: Old Time Music with Cameron DeWhitt and Friends. This week’s friend is Alex Lacquement, and he’s a bassist! A Get Up in the Cool first, and hopefully not the last. Alex plays Old Time music with a lot of freedom, but he has a keen sense for exercising restraint. It’s pretty rare to find someone who excels at both leading and following; in music, but also, in general.
Support Get Up in the Cool on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/getupinthecool
Buy Alex Lacque...2016-11-0941 minGet Up in the CoolEpisode 11: Alex Kramer (Alex Kramer)Welcome to Get Up in the Cool: Old Time Music with Cameron DeWhitt and Friends. This week’s friend is Alex Kramer. When we recorded this I really didn’t know anything about him, but I knew that I liked his playing quite a bit and I perceived him to be a bit of an eccentric. I’ll let you be the judge of that. We were unable to come up with an official theme for our jam, but here’s a sampling of what you can look forward to in the next hour:
We play Isham Monday’s...2016-09-1456 min