Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations Richard Delevan

In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan interviews Ernest Scheider, author of 'The War Below' and senior correspondent at Reuters. They explore the challenges and dilemmas related to obtaining critical minerals necessary for the energy transition. Topics include the ethical trade-offs between mining and biodiversity, the role of critical minerals in electronics and electric vehicles, and the geopolitical implications of mineral sourcing. They also examine the approaches of the U.S. and China towards critical mineral supply chains, and discuss the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. election on the industry. Will Trump 2.0 open up the floodgates of mining projects in unexpected places?
For full show notes and links to Ernest Scheyder’s Catalysts, go to wickedproblems.earth. 

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In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, we return to one of our favourite topics: carbon dioxide removals (CDR) and its potential role in combating climate change. Our host, Richard Delevan, interviews two distinguished guests: Ben Cooke, Earth Editor at The Times, and Robert Höglund, manager of the MilkyWire Climate Transformation Fund, founder of CDR.fyi and writer of Marginal Carbon. T
1. Ben Cooke, Earth Editor at The Times, discusses his recent trip to Iceland to visit Climeworks' Mammoth facility, the world's largest direct air capture plant.
Key Discussion Points:
- Overview of Climeworks' Mammoth Facility:
- Ben describes the setting of the Mammoth facility, its reliance on geothermal energy to power its Direct Air Capture technology, and the role of an Icelandic startup - Carbfix - in turning the captured CO2 into rock.
- Technological Details:
- Explanation of how the facility captures carbon dioxide using fans and sticky filters, and then locks it away underground through a process developed by Carbfix.
- Future Goals and Challenges:
- Discussion on Climeworks' ambitious targets of capturing a million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2030 and a billion by 2050, and the challenges they face in scaling up.
- Economic Viability:
- Insights into the cost dynamics of carbon capture technology and the potential for future cost reductions.

2. Robert Höglund, manager of the MilkyWire Climate Transformation Fund, shares his expertise on carbon removal technologies and the voluntary carbon market.
Key Discussion Points:
- Current State of Carbon Removal:
- Overview of the development and cost trajectories of direct air capture (DAC) technologies.
- Market Dynamics:
- Insights into the voluntary carbon market, key players like Microsoft, and the potential for scaling up carbon removal efforts.
- Policy and Regulation:
- The importance of government intervention and the potential impact of policies like the carbon take back obligation.
- Ethical and Practical Considerations:
- Addressing the ethical implications of carbon removal and the need for a balanced approach that includes significant emission reductions.
Links and Resources:
- Follow Ben Cooke on Twitter, LinkedIn
- Subscribe to ’s Substack at
- Learn more about Climeworks and their carbon capture projects
- Follow us on LinkedIn, BlueSky, Threads


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In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan sits down with Layla Sawyer, Secretary General of CurrENT Europe, and Dr. Ryan Williams, Chief Economist at ENODA, to delve into the pressing issues and innovative solutions surrounding our electricity grids. From the challenges of deploying existing technologies to the future potential of superconductors and advanced grid technologies, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how we can build a resilient, efficient, and sustainable grid for 2050 and beyond.
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Key Topics:
1. Current Challenges in Grid Technology:
- The importance of grid innovation for a decarbonised future.
- The role of policy in encouraging technological deployment.
- Layla discusses the barriers to meaningful mass deployment of existing technologies.
2. Technological Innovations and Solutions:
- Dynamic line rating and advanced power flow control.
- The potential of superconductors and advanced conductors.
- Ryan explains how ENODA’s technology replaces outdated transformers with a modern solution to enhance grid efficiency.
3. Policy and Public Perception:
- The need for anticipatory planning and overcoming public opposition.
- Layla and Ryan discuss the necessity of policy adjustments and public awareness for future grid development.
4. Future Outlook and Upcoming Projects:
- CurrENT Europe’s upcoming study on innovative grid technologies.
- ENODA’s expansion plans and their role in balancing renewable energy sources.
- Layla and Ryan’s perspectives on what’s needed for future grid success.
5. Personal Insights and Motivations:
- Layla’s journey from social sciences to sustainable business and grid technology.
- Ryan’s career evolution from computer programming to financial economics and energy regulation.
Catalysts:
- Layla shares how a project on peer-to-peer energy trading sparked her interest in grid technology.
- Ryan talks about the excitement and challenges of working in a dynamic startup environment.
Resources and Links:
- CurrENT Europe
- ENODA
- “A Grid to Decarbonize Europe”
-2021 CurrENT study on GETs
- RMI: Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) Can Increase the Speed and Scale of New Entry
Wicked Problems is member-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
- Follow us on LinkedIn, BlueSky, Threads
Music from the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4bqRlNSQQE

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Prashant Rao from Semafor and Freya Pratty from the FT-backed Sifted join Richard Delevan and discuss the latest in climate tech, investment challenges, and the evolving energy landscape. We also share our interview with Laura Fleming, UK country director at Hitachi Energy.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. The Valley of Death
- Prashant Rao discusses the significant funding gap in climate tech. He highlights that while a $7 billion fund by KKR is substantial, it is a drop in the ocean compared to the $4 trillion needed annually.
- Insights about the "valley of death" for climate tech startups.
2. Innovative Funding Models
- Richard and Prashant explore innovative funding models that could mitigate the valley of death problem. They discuss the need for different types of CFOs who are familiar with high capex industries.
3. European Climate Tech Expansion to the Gulf
- Freya Pratty recounts her recent trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, observing a significant interest from European climate tech companies in the Gulf region. Despite the enthusiasm from European founders, she notes a potential mismatch with local priorities, which are more focused on Asia and Africa.
- The discussion also touches on the ethical and human rights concerns surrounding mega-projects like Saudi Arabia's NEOM
4. Political Uncertainty and Its Impact on Climate Tech
- The panel delves into the political uncertainties in the US and Europe and their implications for climate tech investments. Richard raises concerns about the potential impact of a Trump presidency on Inflation Reduction Act and investor confidence.
- Freya mentions that many founders seek stability and long-term policy certainty.
5. Tesla's Hardcore Pivot
- The conversation shifts to Tesla's recent pivot away from a $25,000 model to focus on AI-driven Robo-taxis. Richard and Prashant debate the implications of this move for Tesla's market position and the broader EV industry.
- Prashant highlights the intense competition from Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD, which poses a significant challenge to Tesla's dominance.
Laura Fleming from Hitachi Energy, at InnovationZero
- Laura Fleming, Managing Director of UK and Ireland for Hitachi Energy, joins the conversation to discuss the future of the energy grid. She explains the need for a more integrated and flexible system to accommodate the increasing reliance on renewable energy.
- Laura emphasises the importance of storage solutions and the role of Hitachi Energy in facilitating the transition to a more resilient and secure energy system.
Links
Semafor’s Net Zero newsletter
Sifted’s Climate Tech newsletter


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Joining us from Buenos Aires, Tasmin Lockwood, a seasoned journalist with a rich background reporting at the intersection of people, climate and technology. Tasmin shares her journey from local news in South Wales to international climate tech coverage at Insider, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped her career and her passion for the intersection of technology, society, and climate. The conversation delves into the nuances of climate tech, the importance of adaptation, and the collaborative spirit within the industry.
Key Topics Discussed:
* Tasmin's Career Journey: From her early days at the Northern Echo to her impactful role at Insider, Tasmin recounts her experiences covering tech and climate stories.
* The Importance of Metadata and Privacy: How the Snowden revelations influenced Tasmin's focus on the societal impacts of technology.
* The Power of Venture Capital: Understanding the critical role of VC in shaping today's technological landscape and its potential for driving climate solutions.
* Collaboration in Climate Tech: The unique, cooperative atmosphere within the climate tech sector, where sharing knowledge and resources is crucial for collective progress.
* Adaptation and Climate Finance: The urgent need for adaptation solutions and the debate around their investability, highlighting the importance of creative approaches to climate resilience.
* The Role of Journalism in Climate Reporting: The challenges and responsibilities of reporting on climate issues, including the importance of accountability journalism and the rise of climate disinformation.
Tasmin’s Catalysts:
* Dark Waters (2019): A film based on the 2016 New York Times article about a lawyer's battle against DuPont's pollution, highlighting corporate responsibility.
* The Lorax by Dr. Seuss: A compelling introduction to environmental themes, suitable for both children and adults.
* Drilled Podcast by Amy Westervelt: An insightful podcast series on climate disinformation and environmental reporting.
* Planet Critical with Rachel Donald : A podcast offering diverse perspectives on climate and technology, including critical analysis of current issues.
Follow Tasmin Lockwood: LinkedIn
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Support Wicked Problems:
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider becoming a member at wickedproblems.earth, and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sharing it with a friend. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations on climate tech.

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In this episode of Wicked Problems: Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan dives into groundbreaking new law in Vermont and its potential to reshape the fight against climate change. Richard is joined by two distinguished guests: Lucy Maxwell, Co-Director of the Climate Litigation Network, and Tobias Engelmeier, Co-Founder of Munich-based climate tech startup VIDA. They explore the intersection of litigation, legislation, and technological innovation in tackling climate change and holding major carbon polluters accountable.
Key Topics Discussed:
Interview with Lucy Maxwell
- Lucy Maxwell discusses her role as Co-Director of the Climate Litigation Network and the organisation's work in climate justice.
- Climate Superfund Act: Lucy explains the significance of the Vermont Climate Superfund Act, which seeks to fund climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience through damages collected from major polluters.
- Human Rights Litigation: Insights into the human rights-based litigation approach, exemplified by cases like the Urgenda ruling and the recent European Court of Human Rights decision involving Swiss senior women.
- Global Impact: Lucy highlights how these legal precedents are influencing climate litigation worldwide, including in Korea, Australia, and Latin America.
Wicked Problems is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Interview with Tobias Engelmeier
- Tobias introduces VIDA, which leverages satellite imagery and advanced data analytics to assess climate risks and opportunities for infrastructure projects.
- Climate Data and Technology: Discussion on how VIDA technology provides granular climate risk assessments, helping investors, insurers, and governments make informed decisions about infrastructure resilience.
- Vermont Legislation's Relevance: Tobias explains why VIDA has been closely monitoring the Vermont Climate Superfund Act and how such legislation could drive demand for climate adaptation technologies.
- Future of Climate Adaptation: Insights into the potential for new markets and innovations in climate adaptation driven by legislative and regulatory changes.
Quotes:
- Lucy Maxwell: "The climate crisis is a human rights crisis, and governments have human rights obligations to adopt strong and robust climate laws based on science."
- Tobias Engelmeier: "We are very excited about the Vermont legislation because it represents a massive change in the legal regulatory environment, potentially driving demand for climate adaptation technologies."
Featured Guests:
* Lucy Maxwell: Co-Director of the Climate Litigation Network, an expert in climate justice and human rights-based litigation.
* Tobias Engelmeier: Co-Founder and CEO of VIDA, a Munich-based startup focused on using satellite imagery and data analytics to assess climate risks for infrastructure projects.



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