Looking ahead: Key themes to watch in the energy transition in 2025

Energy Evolution is merging with Platts Future Energy, and in this inaugural episode of the new series, hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte set the stage for 2025, which looks to be another pivotal year for the energy landscape.  We highlight key topics such as advances in renewable technologies, the critical role of hydrogen in decarbonization, and the evolving policies that will shape global energy markets. We delve into the implications of Donald Trump's return to the presidency, including how policy shifts could affect global climate talks and emission regulations. Importantly, these changes are coming against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and the ongoing energy transition. We also preview future episodes on the intersection of energy, technology, policy, and market trends, including the rising influence of artificial intelligence and its environmental implications.  The new Energy Evolution will publish on Tuesdays. 

In this episode of S&P Global Commodity Insights' Energy Evolution, co-host Taylor Kuykendall dives into the future of nuclear energy. With rising global energy demands and an urgent need for sustainable solutions, nuclear power is once again at the forefront of energy discussions. Listen in to hear about the challenges and opportunities that nuclear energy presents, including advancements in technology and changing public perceptions. Experts also discuss the recent surge in interest from tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, who signed power purchase agreements for over 3 GW of nuclear capacity to meet the energy needs of their data centers. This week's guests include Mason Lester, a research analyst from S&P Global Commodity Insights, who shares insights on market trends; James Walker, CEO of Nano Nuclear, who is pioneering small modular reactor technology; and Brandon Oyer from Amazon Web Services, discussing how tech companies are integrating nuclear energy into their sustainability strategies. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

As 2025 kicks off, Energy Evolution and Platts Future Energy are joining forces to bring you the best in energy transition news, analysis, trends, interviews, and our expert insights. Starting January 21, the Platts Future Energy channel will host our merged energy transition podcast, Energy Evolution by Commodity Insights, so follow along there with hosts Taylor Kuykendall and Eklavya Gupte.  Platts Future Energy on Spotify Platts Future Energy on Apple Podcasts

With ample renewable resources, several African markets are tipped as key suppliers of green hydrogen for European industry. In this episode of Energy Evolution, hydrogen analyst Oghosa Erhahon and clean energy investor Kevin Anderson lay out which regions have the biggest potential, which constraints need to be tackled and how to ensure investments benefit local stakeholders. Beyond the export potential, markets in Africa may also develop significant local off-take for green hydrogen and its derivatives, the experts tell correspondent Camilla Naschert.  Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

A proposal by Pacific Gas and Electric and real estate developer Westbank aims to connect datacenters and up to 4,000 new residential units in a net zero district energy system in downtown San Jose, California. The project could be a blueprint for tackling AI-driven datacenter demand and the need for housing. In this episode, Mike Medeiros, PG&E's vice president of South Bay delivery, talks with Dan Testa about the new project's possibilities. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

In this episode, S&P Global Commodity Insights reporter Eklavya Gupte reflects on the outcomes of UN climate conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in conversation with correspondent Camilla Naschert.  What has been achieved and how did the oil and gas nation do as a host? Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

In this episode of the Energy Evolution Podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall discusses climate litigation with legal experts Hannah Weisman, a professor of law at Penn State University, and Phil Goldberg, special counsel with the Manufacturers Accountability Project. Weisman argues that litigation is a crucial avenue for accountability in the face of legislative inaction on climate change, while Goldberg contends that courts lack the tools to effectively address broader policy issues and that litigation may divert attention from meaningful legislative solutions. The conversation highlights the differing perspectives on the role of the judiciary in climate action, with Weisman emphasizing the urgency of the crisis and Goldberg cautioning against using the courts as a primary mechanism for policy change. Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

In the latest episode of Energy Evolution, hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall analyze the energy transition implications of Donald Trump's return to the presidency and the Republican control of Congress. They discuss potential shifts in energy policy, including anticipated deregulation that may benefit traditional energy sources while slowing the momentum for renewable initiatives. Key topics include the future of the Inflation Reduction Act, the outlook for offshore wind projects, and the evolving landscape for hydrogen and nuclear energy.  Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

In this episode of the S&P Global Commodity Insights Energy Evolution podcast, host Taylor Kuykendall interviews J. Clay Sell, the CEO of X-energy, a company focused on advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). X-energy is pioneering a new generation of nuclear technology that promises safer, more economical, and more efficient power generation. The episode follows the announcement of a recent $500 million Series C financing round led by Amazon. The two companies aim to develop over 5 GW of SMR power projects across the U.S. by 2039. The discussion covers the potential of SMRs, the importance of government support and the challenges of deploying this technology.  Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.

In this episode of Energy Evolution, host Taylor Kuykendall engages with CEOs Jimmy Brock of CONSOL Energy and Randall Atkins of Ramaco Resources to discuss the evolving role of coal in the energy landscape. Although coal's share of US electricity generation has declined significantly, both executives argue that coal remains vital, particularly in steel production. They explore coal's diversification into new markets, including rare earth elements and advanced carbon products, while also discussing the future of carbon capture technologies.  Subscribe to Energy Evolution to stay current on the energy transition and its implications.