From ambition to action: Financing nuclear's comeback (Ep. 269)

Synthetic graphite is a critical ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, yet around 98% of global supply is produced in China or by Chinese-controlled companies, according to Mike O'Kronley. In this episode of EnergyCents, Mike O'Kronley of NOVONIX joins Sam Humphreys and Hill Vaden to discuss efforts to build a domestic synthetic graphite industry, the challenge of competing at scale, and how policy, investment and growing demand from energy storage and data centers could reshape the US battery supply chain. Learn more about Novonix here: https://www.novonixgroup.com Learn more about S&P Global Energy here:  https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

Nuclear is back in the energy conversation, but can the industry attract the capital needed to turn momentum into projects? Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys speak with Lola Infante of the World Nuclear Association about financing nuclear's resurgence, the role of government and private capital, SMRs, and why making nuclear more "boring" could be the key to scaling the industry.   Learn more about the World Nuclear Association here: https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/economic-aspects/financing-nuclear-energy    Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

As electricity demand surges from AI data centers and electrification, the race is on for safer, cheaper and more flexible energy storage. In this episode of EnergyCents, Mukesh Chatter, CEO of Alsym Energy, joins Sam Humphreys and Hill Vaden to explore the potential of sodium-ion batteries and why he believes they could challenge lithium-ion across a growing range of applications.    Learn more about Alsym Energy here: https://www.alsym.com   Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage here: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

The shale revolution transformed energy production. Could geothermal be next? In this episode, Carolyn Seto and Melissa Greig join Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to unpack how horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing and lessons from unconventional development are being applied underground to unlock new sources of clean, firm power. The conversation explores costs, scale, superhot rock and why the next few years could be pivotal for enhanced geothermal.   Learn more about S&P Global Energy here: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

Diesel markets are under mounting pressure as disruptions in Russia and the Middle East squeeze global supplies just as the Northern Hemisphere heads into winter. In this episode of EnergyCents, Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys are joined by Karim Fawaz and Will O'Neil to unpack what is driving the tightening market, whether the new US-Russia diesel deal can offer meaningful relief, and why governments are entering what Karim F calls the "policy danger zone". They also explore whether damaged refining capacity and wider logistical constraints could keep diesel markets tight even if geopolitical tensions ease.   Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

Copper sits at the heart of the energy transition, data centre expansion and global electrification. But behind the bullish headlines lies a market wrestling with tight mine supply, negative smelting margins, tariff uncertainty and rising interest rates. In this episode, Nick Trickett joins Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys on EnergyCents to explain what is really driving copper prices and what the next 6-12 months could hold for one of the world's most important commodities.   Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

The rules of Europe's gas market have changed. Russian pipeline gas is gone, LNG is king, and storage has become one of the continent's most important energy buffers. This week on EnergyCents, Alun Davies joins Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to explain why Europe is entering winter with lower-than-expected gas inventories, how global LNG competition is influencing prices, and what a warmer or colder winter could mean for consumers and industry alike. From the Strait of Hormuz to European storage caverns, this episode explores the forces shaping one of the world's most important energy markets.   Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has removed a significant share of global LNG supply from the market, reshaping gas trade flows and raising questions about energy security ahead of winter. In this episode of EnergyCents, Sam Humphreys and Hill Vaden are joined by S&P Global gas expert Laurent Ruseckas to unpack the latest developments in global LNG markets.    Why have gas prices surged despite demand adjustments in Asia? Will Europe be able to refill storage and secure enough supply this winter? And if Europe is willing to pay whatever it takes, who is left competing for the world's remaining LNG cargoes?   Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

Oil prices are up by more than 75% since the start of the year and recently crossed the psychologically important $100/barrel milestone. The corresponding rise in US drilling rigs, however, has been far more modest.   S&P Global Energy Shale Sector expert Imre Kugler joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to discuss activity levels in US shale, and why operators are hesitant to ramp up production despite higher prices. Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

Why are the world's largest oil companies turning their attention back to West Africa? In this episode of EnergyCents, Sam Humphreys and Hill Vaden are joined by S&P Global's Justin Cochran and Roderick Bruce to explore the region's deepwater revival. From promising geology and the pursuit of "needle-moving" discoveries to improved fiscal terms and faster licensing, the conversation examines what is drawing exploration capital to Africa's Atlantic margin—and whether this renewed interest can translate into the next generation of major oil discoveries. Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en