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The future of energy, transport, sustainability and more, as told by BNEF analysts. Each week, Dana Perkins and Tom Rowlands-Rees sit down with BloombergNEF (BNEF) analysts to uncover the key findings and stories behind their latest research.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Hydrogen Moves From Hype Cycle to Hard Economics

    Hydrogen’s place in the energy transition is changing. After years of hype around its role in reaching net zero, many projects have been delayed or canceled as costs remain high, policy support weakens and demand proves slow to materialize. Yet hydrogen is far from disappearing. Industries already consume vast amounts of the molecule today, and sectors such as fertilizers, refining and potentially steelmaking still have few viable alternatives for deep decarbonization. At the same time, countries like China and India continue to push ahead with deployment and industrial policy support. So after the hype cycle, where does hydrogen actually make economic sense in the energy transition? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by Martin Tengler, BloombergNEF’s head of hydrogen research, to discuss some of his department’s recent work, including “No, Iran War Won’t Boost Clean Hydrogen – Except in China” and “Hydrogen Supplier Market Shares 2026: US Blue in the Lead.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Hydrogen Lifted by AccelerateEU, But Expect No Miracles - https://www.bnef.com/analyst-reactions/tdxp93kk3ny800 Clean Hydrogen Production Assets Update - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39161 No, Iran War Won’t Boost Clean Hydrogen - Except in China - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39077 Hydrogen Supplier Market Shares 2026: US Blue in the Lead - https://www.bnef.com/insights/38839 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min

  2. 13 MAY

    BNEF Tier 1 Lists: The Mark of Credibility

    BloombergNEF’s Tier 1 lists have become a defining feature of the clean energy industry. Built on real project deployment data, they track which manufacturers’ products are actually being used in large, recently financed projects, offering a transparent way to navigate markets crowded with hundreds of suppliers. That simplicity has made the lists highly influential, but being on (or off) the list doesn’t tell the full story about product quality or risk. So what do these lists really reveal about the industry, and how should they be used in practice? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by Jenny Chase, lead solar analyst at BNEF, to discuss the Tier 1 lists’ genesis, their application, and why they help us understand the “Wild West” of the energy transition. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: BNEF Energy Storage Tier 1 List 2Q 2026 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33123 Company Ranking: Tier 1 PV Module Makers - https://www.bnef.com/insights/10610 Company Ranking: Tier 1 Power Inverter Makers - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32073 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min

  3. 7 MAY

    Data Centers and the Future of Energy Storage

    The AI boom is ushering in a new era for energy storage. As data center buildout accelerates, batteries are evolving from short-duration backup tools into larger, more flexible systems that can help bring facilities online faster and manage complex power needs. In the US in particular, a growing pipeline of projects is emerging, with batteries increasingly paired with on-site generation or used to smooth demand and unlock faster connections to the grid. So how are data centers changing the energy storage market, and what role could these systems play in the power grid of the future? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by, Caitilín McManus, a technology and innovation associate at BloombergNEF, to discuss her recently released note “Data Centers’ Energy Storage Ramp Up: Project List Grows.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Data Centers’ Energy Storage Ramp Up: Project List Grows - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39221   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  4. 30 APR

    Energy Strategy in an Era of Global Fragmentation

    Middle powers are navigating a more fragmented global order. As tensions rise between major economies, the countries caught in between are being forced to rethink how they manage trade, security and economic ties. Energy is at the center of that shift. Reducing reliance on imported fuels is becoming a strategic priority, with electrification and domestic clean energy seen not just as climate solutions, but as tools of resilience and sovereignty. So how are these countries adapting to a more uncertain world – and what does that mean for the future of the energy transition? This episode features a conversation between Malcolm Turnbull, the 29th prime minister of Australia, and Kobad Bhavnagri, BNEF’s global head of strategy. Titled “Energy Transition in a Multipolar World: The Middle Power Perspective,” this discussion was recorded live at the 2026 BNEF Summit New York. To learn more about our Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://www.bnef.com/events See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min

  5. 27 APR

    Hormuz Delivers an Aluminum Shock: Analyst Reaction

    Severe disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is rippling far beyond oil markets. Around 10% of global aluminum supply is tied to the Middle East, and with exports constrained, prices are surging and supply chains are tightening. The impact will extend across the global economy as aluminum is used from cars and electronics to construction, meaning higher prices can quickly feed through to everyday goods. While the shock may not change long-term supply outlooks, it is creating near-term shortages, and exposing vulnerabilities across multiple stages of the supply chain. So how does a regional conflict translate into a global materials crunch, and what does it mean for the energy transition? On today’s show, Kamala Schelling is joined by BloombergNEF’s head of metals and mining, Kwasi Ampofo, to discuss notes including “Industrial Metals Monthly: Supply Risks Rise on Iran War.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Industrial Metals Monthly: Supply Risks Rise on Iran War - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39205/view Transition Metals Outlook 2025 - https://www.bnef.com/flagships/transition-metals-outlook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    10 min

  6. 22 APR

    Nuclear Fusion Powers Up for Commercial Breakthrough

    Fusion energy is entering a new phase. After decades as a scientific pursuit, the sector is attracting billions in private and public capital, with big tech, oil companies and governments all racing to bring the first commercial plants online. Advances in areas like superconductors, materials and computing are opening new pathways, while surging demand for reliable, clean power, particularly from data centers, is accelerating momentum. But the landscape remains uncertain, with multiple competing technologies, ambitious timelines and no clear winner. So how close is fusion to commercial reality, and which approaches are most likely to deliver first? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by BloombergNEF’s lead nuclear analyst, Chris Gadomski, to discuss his note “Fusion Investment Pursuing Commercial Viability.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Fusion Investment Pursuing Commercial Viability - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39071 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  7. 15 APR

    PJM Grapples With Data Center Load and Supply Gaps

    PJM Interconnection is entering an era of explosive power demand. Home to a significant share of the world’s data centers, the largest US electricity market could soon be facing sky-high prices and scant supply. Yet stakeholders are divided on how best to respond. Should PJM focus on building new generation, or should it lean on flexible demand? And with no lever able to solve the problem single-handedly, what happens if supply simply can’t keep up? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by two members of BloombergNEF’s US power team, analyst Lara Kammen and senior associate David Mohammadi, to discuss their note “PJM Power Market Outlook 2026: Brace for Impact.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: PJM Power Market Outlook 2026: Brace for Impact - https://www.bnef.com/insights/38947 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

  8. 13 APR

    Spanish Blackout Lessons One Year On: Analyst Reaction

    It’s been nearly a year since Spain’s catastrophic blackout and key questions remain. Post-mortem reports point to a complex chain reaction in the grid, with no single trigger and gaps in coordination between operators, regulators and generators. The findings expose deeper challenges: inconsistent voltage rules, rising operational complexity and a system evolving faster than its controls. Renewables were initially blamed for helping trigger the crisis, but they are fundamental to the Iberian grid and must be part of the solution. So what has Spain really learned, and how prepared are other power systems for the next shock? On today’s show, Kamala Schelling is joined by Eva Gonzalez Isla, a senior associate from BNEF’s grids team, to discuss her note: “Spain’s Blackout Reports Expose Voltage Safety Risks.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Spain’s Blackout Reports Expose Voltage Safety Risks - https://www.bnef.com/analyst-reactions/tcd1wrkjh6v700 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    12 min
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About

The future of energy, transport, sustainability and more, as told by BNEF analysts. Each week, Dana Perkins and Tom Rowlands-Rees sit down with BloombergNEF (BNEF) analysts to uncover the key findings and stories behind their latest research.

Information

  • Channel
    Bloomberg
  • Creator
    Bloomberg
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    291
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    Switched On
  • Provider
    Bloomberg L.P.

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