NIMBY: Data center developers wrestle with growing pains (Ep. 249)

Oil and product markets showed unexpected resilience in prior weeks thanks, in large part, to reduced crude demand from China. The system is now much tighter and its resilience could be tested, particularly when it comes to refined product markets, as we enter a new phase.    Oil markets expert Karim Fawaz joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to discuss the evolving balances of global crude and refined products as vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to be limited. Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

ACORE is a Washington-based non-profit that brings together partners in finance, policy and technology to advance clean energy initiatives in the US. ACORE SVP of Policy and Engagement Lesley Hunter joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to discuss financing trends in the clean energy economy and consider how the sector is weathering changes in federal policy support. Learn more about ACORE at: https://acore.org/about/ Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

Ethanol has been a cornerstone of the US biofuels industry for decades, but what role will it play in an energy system increasingly shaped by electrification, low-carbon fuels and evolving policy?   Biofuels expert Kevin Lindemer joins EnergyCents hosts Hill Vaden and Samantha Humphreys to explore the current state of the biofuels market, why ethanol remains central to US transportation fuels, and how policy, technology and market dynamics could influence the sector's future. From blending mandates and feedstock economics to emerging opportunities in sustainable fuels, the discussion examines where ethanol fits in the next phase of the energy transition.   Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

The US data center complex is building against speed-to-power mandates that require developers to get projects online as quickly as possible. Delays plugging into grid-connected power are forcing projects to invest in behind-the-meter (BTM) gas generation assets as they seek access to electricity. S&P Global Energy expert Ben Levitt joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to discuss the rise of behind-the-meter power projects connected to data centers and how these projects are reshaping investments in US electricity generation. Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

More than 90 GW of offshore wind capacity has been installed globally, split almost equally between Europe and China. Development in many parts of the world has slowed as rising interest rates and wavering policy support pressure new-project economics. S&P Global Energy expert Andrei Utkin joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to discuss the global landscape for offshore wind and flag areas that will drive the next wave of sector growth. Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

As data center projects become more visible across the US, they are having to manage more not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) concerns from community stakeholders and policymakers.  These concerns often lead to delays, cancelations, and even state-wide moratoria that can thwart the ambition of AI innovators. S&P Energy expert Dan Thompson joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to discuss the evolving pace of data center development in the US and how builders are navigating stakeholder concerns. Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

Budderfly is an energy-as-a-service company that assumes responsibility for its commercial customers' utility bills and installs energy-efficiency equipment on their behalf. A portion of the monthly savings from its customers' reduced energy consumption then becomes a revenue stream for Budderfly.   Budderfly CEO Al Subbloie joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to describe Budderfly's energy-as-a-service business model and how its solving energy waste with simplicity and scale. Learn more about Budderfly at: Budderfly | Energy Efficiency Company & Management Services Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

Neogenyx Fuels launched in May 2026 as a 70/30 joint-venture project between Ameresco and HASI. The spin-off company is built with Ameresco's legacy biofuels business and a $400 million capital commitment from HASI. Neogenyx CEO Mike Bakas joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to discuss the evolution of Ameresco's RNG business and how its partnership with HASI will help scale increased production of green molecules. Learn more about Neogenyx Fuels at: https://neogenyxfuels.com Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

District energy uses a centralized network of underground pipes to transport produced steam and hot or chilled water to heat or cool end-use buildings. The model is most commonly found in densely populated and connected environments, such as college campuses, medical centers, or centrally planned residential communities. International District Energy Association CEO Rob Thornton joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to discuss the various applications of district energy and why it should be considered an important contributor to meeting decarbonization and grid-resilience goals. Learn more about International District Energy Association at: https://www.districtenergy.org/about/about-idea Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en

A nuclear renaissance in the US stalled 20 years ago when gas-fired generation won market share and power demand flattened. This time, many believe, is different. S&P Global Energy expert Bill Freebairn joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to put America's history with nuclear power into perspective and highlight some of the signposts to watch as the current revival gathers steam. Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en