NTNU Energy Transition Podcast NTNU Energy Transition Initiative

EU Energy Policy - Overview over three key EU Energy Directives (with Massimo Busuoli, Director of the NTNU Brussels Office)

In this episode of the NTNU Energy Transition Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of EU energy policy, just in time for the upcoming European elections. Joined by Massimo Busuoli, the head of the NTNU Brussels office, the discussion provides an overview of three major directives that have recently been renewed: the Renewable Energy Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive, and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

Massimo guides us through the objectives and implications of these directives. The conversation covers the new goals set by the European Commission, the Parliament, and the Council, highlighting how these policies aim to accelerate the energy transition across Europe.

Tune in to gain a better understanding of the policy-making process in Brussels and the crucial role of these directives in shaping the future of EU energy policy.

In this episode, we'll explore the non-technical challenges and solutions for scaling CCS in Norway and beyond with Senior Research Scientist Markus Steen from SINTEF. We'll discuss the importance of CCS in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the role of the state in supporting this technology, and the various economic and organizational hurdles that need to be overcome.

Steen, who coordinates the CaptureX project funded by the Norwegian Research Council's CLIMIT program, provides a detailed look into the complexities of integrating CCS into existing industries and the importance of local contexts in determining the success of CCS initiatives.

 

We also touch on previous episodes covering CCS:


#58 – Electrification of Melkøya - why not CCS (Eivind Berstad, Bellona)
#51 – Status Quo CCS in Norway (Emil Yde Aasen, Aker Carbon Capture)
#32 – CCS in Europe – Still dead or rising like a Phoenix (Eadbhard Pernot, Director Policy zero Emissions Platform)

Today we delve into the dynamic world of hydrogen energy. Hosted live at the HySchool Days 2024, the episode features Rob Stephens from Topsoe, a technology provider specializing in catalysis and process technology. The discussion spans the current status of hydrogen, the various barriers impeding its broader adoption, and potential strategies to overcome these challenges.

As an expert in green fuels and a proponent of the energy transition, Rob provides invaluable insights into the role of hydrogen in achieving a sustainable future, touching on topics such as blue and green hydrogen, and their implications for various industries including aviation and heavy manufacturing.

Want to learn more? Check out Julius' upcoming webinar: ⁠Gigaton Gear - Most pressing challenges to global DAC deployment

In this episode, we flip the table. Heidi Fossland, the new administrative director for NTNU Energy Transition, interviews our regular host, Julius Wesche about the multifaceted challenges and advancements in direct air capture (DAC) technology.

Julius discusses his comprehensive study based on 34 interviews with experts, shedding light on the seven key functions essential for fostering innovation within the DAC sector. The conversation delves into topics such as market creation, legitimacy concerns, resource mobilization, and the impact of policy frameworks on technological deployment. Julius emphasizes the importance of establishing a robust innovation system that accelerates DAC deployment to achieve gigaton-scale carbon capture. He also touches on the potential policy implications of his findings, suggesting strategic approaches to enhance regulatory frameworks, education, and public communication to combat climate change effectively.

Today we dive deep into the heart of climate and energy investment, focusing on the evolving landscape in Norway and its broader implications globally. Our guests, Linn Hege and Jean-Baptiste, bring a wealth of experience from the investment sector, sharing their perspectives on the importance of sustainability, digitalization, and the crucial role of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation within the climate tech and energy sectors.

We explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid growth of the digital sector and its environmental impact, discussing the necessity of innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of our increasingly digital lives. The episode sheds light on the significance of measuring the positive impact of technology on sustainability, the role of strategic investments in fostering technological advancements, and the need for a comprehensive approach that includes government policies, corporate strategies, and individual actions to tackle climate change effectively.

In this episode of the NTNU Energy Transition podcast, we dive into the world of Norway's battery industry, focusing on the innovative strides being made by Morrow Batteries. Our guest, the CTO of Morrow Batteries.
Dr. Rahul Fotedar shares his journey from petroleum engineering to becoming a pioneer in the battery sector. He details his educational background, starting with petrochemical engineering in India, moving on to chemical engineering in Germany, and eventually leading to his influential role in battery technology development.

The episode highlights the significance of batteries in today's world, from their origins in portable electronics to their crucial role in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. We explore the different types of lithium-ion batteries, such as Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), and discuss the future of battery chemistries, including the promising manganese-rich cathode materials, being developed by Morrow Batteries.

Our discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities facing the battery industry in Europe. The need for a diversified and local supply chain to mitigate risks and ensure the industry's sustainability.