The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE

The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE
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The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE focuses on one of the most exciting and important aspects of the world economy and arguably the key to Earth’s future and survival – Sustainability. Each week, Mike Nemer talk with the leaders and disruptors pacing The Energy Transition and are changing the way the world gets its energy and resources.

  1. 2D AGO

    Energy Storage Using Repurposed Oil and Gas Wells

    Kemp Gregory, co-founder and CEO of Renewell Energy, discussed his background in mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering at Shell before transitioning to renewable energy with a master’s from Stanford. He explained that Renewell energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak demand, thus increasing grid flexibility. On episode 316 of The Green Insider, Mike and Kemp discussed their business model of leasing abandoned wells from original producers, offering a revenue-sharing option if the well-owners wish to participate in energy storage revenue. Other items included: Proposes converting suitable idle oil and gas wells into energy storage facilities instead of fully plugging and abandoning them This alternative can be lower cost than traditional well plugging while still meeting regulatory well-closure requirements Benefits regulators (meeting plugging quotas), oil and gas companies (cost savings and potential revenue), and the electric grid (added energy storage) Describes a gravity-based storage system that stores energy by lowering and raising a 30,000‑pound weight inside sealed wells Wells are sealed to prevent methane leakage, though carbon credits are not relied on for economic viability The system functions like a battery, storing excess energy during low demand and releasing it during peak demand Repurpose existing wells and electrical infrastructure, avoiding the need for new high-voltage transmission lines Business model involves leasing abandoned wells from original producers, with an option for revenue sharing Notes that Renewell secured $6.4 million in grants to convert additional wells near Bakersfield, California, and build its first commercial-scale system To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. To learn more about our guest or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Energy Storage Using Repurposed Oil and Gas Wells appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    21 min

  2. FEB 2

    Strategic Access to Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, and Manganese with TMC’s Technology

    Erica Ocampo, Chief Sustainability Officer at The Metals Company (TMC), to discuss with Mike Nemer their deep-sea mining operations on episode 315 of The Green Insider. TMC is exploring polymetallic nodules in the Clarion‑Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean, which contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese. Overview of TMC’s Work TMC is exploring polymetallic nodules in the Clarion‑Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean, which contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese Mining Technology and Process Operations occur at approximately 4,000 meters depth using a collector vehicle connected to a surface vessel via a riser system Nodules are lifted using water jets, separated from sediment onboard, and water and sediment are returned to the ocean at 2,000 meters depth Sustainability and ESG Focus Erica, Chief Sustainability Officer at TMC, leads ESG integration from the ground up Environmental programs study seafloor impacts, water‑column effects, greenhouse gas emissions, and water use Social impact efforts benefit from the remote location, minimizing impacts to local communities Partnerships with countries such as Nauru and Tonga support scholarships and capacity‑building programs U.S. Mineral Processing Expansion TMC plans to process minerals in the United States to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains Potential processing and port locations include Texas, Japan, and Indonesia A research vessel accommodating up to 150 scientists has completed 22 ocean campaigns over 13 years, including pilot tests in 2022 Strategic Pivot to Deep‑Sea Mining TMC shifted from the International Seabed Authority framework to operate under U.S. regulatory oversight, citing clearer processes and communication The transition took more than a decade and positions the company to begin operations in early 2027 Environmental Context and Research Findings Focus is on polymetallic nodules in the NORI‑D area, valued for high quality and location in a low‑productivity ecosystem Research indicates the mid‑water sediment plume dissipates quickly with no significant food‑web impacts observed The region has no tuna fisheries, reducing ecological risk to commercial species Overall Perspective Erica stresses the need for a nuanced, evidence‑based discussion of deep-sea mining rather than black‑and‑white judgments To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. To learn more about our guest or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Strategic Access to Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, and Manganese with TMC’s Technology appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    27 min

  3. JAN 30

    Breaking Down OT Cybersecurity: Highlights from UTSI’s Six Part Series

    This Follower Friday on The Green Insider spotlights the powerhouse UTSI podcast series and the cutting‑edge conversations shaping the future of OT. Mike Nemer and Shaun Six break down the latest in OT innovation, AI, security, and energy efficiency, while showcasing standout partners like Sequre Quantum, Siemens, BlastWave, and EdgeRealm. It’s a dynamic deep dive into why OT cybersecurity is becoming mission‑critical for today’s infrastructure leaders — and how collaboration, education, and next‑gen technology are driving the industry forward. UTSI Podcast Series Conclusion Final episode of a six‑part podcast series sponsored by UTSI International. Features reflections from Mike Nemer and Shaun Six (CEO, UTSI International) on relationships built during the series. Emphasis on OT cybersecurity as a core theme. Emergent insight: AI’s environmental impact surfaced as an unintended but compelling storyline. Episode structure includes a brief series recap, a short CEO segment (8–10 minutes), and post‑production editing support. Critical Infrastructure Security Challenges UTSI’s 40‑year history supporting critical infrastructure is underscored. Industry challenges highlighted: Talent shortage (≈5 engineers leaving for every 1 entering). Rapid increase in connectivity of critical infrastructure devices. AI positioned as a force multiplier for operators—but also a potential attack vector if data is exposed. Partnerships discussed: Sequre Quantum – quantum random number generators. BlastWave – insights into AI’s dual role as defender and risk. Focus on showcasing technologies that secure operations and protect infrastructure from emerging threats. AI Data Center Energy Solutions Collaboration with Siemens (via Alyssa) on AI’s impact on data centers. Key concerns: rising energy and water consumption driven by AI workloads. Edge Realm highlighted for improving energy density at the edge to reduce strain. Introduction of LeakGeek, a rapid leak detection and response tool. Work with EdgeRealm also addresses illegal hot tapping and oil theft, noted as more common than publicly acknowledged. OT Cybersecurity: Collaboration and Education Strong focus on securing operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems. Call for improved private–public collaboration and information sharing. Many cyberattacks go unreported to avoid reputational damage. Attack vectors increasingly include everyday devices (e.g., printers, fax machines). Ransomware incidents can cost organizations millions of dollars per day. Emphasis on educating boards and investors about OT cybersecurity risks and value. UTSI OT Cybersecurity Partnership UTSI’s approach includes: Cloaking OT systems. Securing remote access. Improving visibility and auditability of networks. Recognition of sponsorship and education value of a six‑part cybersecurity series. Closing remarks focused on partnership, knowledge sharing, and raising cybersecurity awareness. A special shout out the guest in this UTSI podcast series, Paulina Assmann, Alissa Nixon, Tom Sego, Frank Stepic, and Robert Hilliker. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Breaking Down OT Cybersecurity: Highlights from UTSI’s Six‑Part Series appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    15 min

  4. JAN 26

    Key Insights on the Upcoming CHARGE Conference: Leveraging Brand Strength in the Energy Sector

    Mike Nemer and Fridrik Larsen Founder of Charge Powering Energy Brands Conference discussed the upcoming charge conference in San Antonio, which has been rescheduled from April/May to February 26-27. Fridrik explained that CHARGE, which focuses on energy brands and their importance in the boardroom, is moving from Houston to San Antonio to create a more energetic atmosphere like their European events. Today on episode 314 of The Green Insider Podcast, we will cover how the conference will explore how energy companies can better understand and leverage their brands across the value chain, including internal and external stakeholders. The conversation includes: Branding Strategies and Value The conference uniquely focuses on utilities, with a branding strategy aimed at attracting top talent and improving client relationships. Fridrik Larsen highlighted that strong brand value acts as a multiplier for enterprise value, especially during acquisitions or sales, and helps companies differentiate beyond price competition. Understanding target market segments is crucial for effective customer communication. The conference uniquely focuses on utilities, with a branding strategy aimed at attracting top talent and improving client relationships. Brand Measurement Tools Fridrik Larsen introduced the brandr indexing tool for measuring and improving brand strength. The brandr index measures brand strength by assessing internal and external brand ambassadors, providing actionable insights for improving brand culture. The index has been successfully used by European companies such as EKR and Lufthansa for seven years. Business Impact and Marketing Decisions Quantifying and benchmarking brand strength helps companies make informed marketing decisions, allocate budgets effectively, and gain respect from executives. Running brand indexes can identify problems, improve marketing strategies, and potentially save significant marketing dollars. Conference Participation Attendees are encouraged to learn more at the upcoming CHARGE Conference in San Antonio. A registration discount is available for podcast listeners using the code: thegreeninsider15. For a discount use code thegreeninsider15 – to register go to Register Now. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Key Insights on the Upcoming CHARGE Conference: Leveraging Brand Strength in the Energy Sector appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    24 min

  5. JAN 19

    An Innovative Nuclear Waste Disposal Solution

    This episode of The Green Insider featured an interview with Rod Baltzer, President and CEO of Deep Isolation, who discussed the company’s innovative approach to nuclear waste disposal using horizontal drilling techniques. Rod explained Deep Isolation’s solution for spent nuclear fuel disposal and their global consultancy work in nuclear decommissioning and waste management, highlighting projects in various countries and their collaboration with national radioactive waste management organizations Deep Isolation’s Solution Proposes a less expensive, faster alternative using small, modular, and transportable disposal systems. Utilizes directional drilling to bury canisters with spent fuel up to 2 miles underground. Each borehole can be drilled in under 2 months, holds about 200 canisters, and 20 boreholes can accommodate 60 years of fuel from a large reactor. Global Consultancy Projects Deep Isolation consults internationally, including with the UK Decommissioning Authority, Estonia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Bulgaria. Recent work includes a U.S. grant to help Bulgaria align its regulations with International Atomic Energy Agency standards. Nuclear Waste Management Focus Consultancy covers regulatory gap analysis, geology, waste form safety, and economics. Collaborate’s with national waste management organizations and advanced reactor companies like Kairos and Curio. Nuclear Energy’s Role in Sustainability Nuclear energy is seen as essential for meeting future energy demands, especially for AI and data centers. Acceptance of nuclear energy depends on effective waste disposal solutions and public perception. European regulations penalize new nuclear projects without operational disposal facilities by 2050. Universal Canister System Deep Isolation’s universal canister allows storage, transport, and disposal without repackaging, reducing costs and worker risk. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) SMRs offer market expansion potential due to their transportability and efficient construction. Deep Isolation can design disposal solutions for various SMR waste types, supporting both co-located and centralized repositories. The discussion concluded with insights on the future of nuclear energy, including its role in meeting growing energy demands and the importance of developing disposal solutions to increase its acceptance, with plans for a full-scale demonstration project in 2026. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post An Innovative Nuclear Waste Disposal Solution appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    23 min

  6. JAN 15

    Driving Sustainable AI with Edge Realm

    In the fifth installment of our six-part series with UTSI International, we joined Robert Hilliker and Frank Stepic on The Green Insider Podcast to explore Edge Realm’s innovative approach to artificial intelligence and data management. Robert Hilliker, serving as Chief Strategy Officer, shared insights into his technology background and highlighted how EdgeRealm is committed to developing controlled, on-premises AI solutions that help organizations lower their carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiency. Here’s a concise breakdown of the main points: Mike hosted Robert Hilliker (Chief Strategy Officer) and Frank Stepic (CEO) on the Green Insider Podcast to discuss Edge Realm’s approach to AI and data management. Robert Hilliker emphasized: His background in technology and strategic leadership. Edge Realm’s focus on controlled, on-premises AI environments to reduce carbon footprints and boost business efficiency. Frank Stepic highlighted: Efforts to refine EdgeRealm’s operational model. The environmental impact of data centers and the need for sustainable practices in tech. Both speakers discussed: The limitations and environmental drawbacks of cloud computing. The importance of sovereign, flexible edge solutions for deploying critical algorithms. The lack of transparency and efficiency in large-scale cloud data centers. Frank Stepic described Edge Realm’s mission to provide trusted, customizable edge computing options, leveraging his experience in data and compliance. The conversation covered immersion technology: Enables higher computing density in smaller spaces. Reduces power and cooling needs compared to traditional data centers. It is a proven, ready technology, but only the beginning of more efficient resource use. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Driving Sustainable AI with Edge Realm appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    17 min

  7. JAN 13

    Decarbonizing High-Speed Maritime Transport

    David Tyler, co-founder of Artemis Technologies, described the company’s mission to decarbonize high-speed maritime transport, leveraging expertise from the Artemis Racing America’s Cup team. On episode 312 of The Green Insider, we discuss detailing their innovative e-foiler technology that significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions in passenger ferries. On today’s episode, David Tyler details Artemis Technologies’ efforts to decarbonize high-speed maritime transport. Here’s a summary of today’s show: Artemis Technologies focuses on using hydrofoil technology to reduce fuel consumption in high-speed passenger ferries, making electric propulsion viable for short-haul routes. The company’s e-foiler technology reduces battery usage by 80%, allowing ferries to travel 4–5 times further with the same energy. The technology is cost-effective for high-mileage operations, with a projected 3-year payback period for busy routes such as Manhattan–Rockaway in New York. Artemis Technologies plans to scale up the technology for larger ferries and aims to reduce local emissions of pollutants like NOx and particulate matter. Their foil-assisted boats offer a smooth, quiet ride and are easier to operate than traditional vessels. For 2026, the company plans to deliver pilot vessels to ports in Antwerp, Abu Dhabi, and Sweden, and launch the first EF24 passenger ferry in Belfast. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Decarbonizing High-Speed Maritime Transport appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    25 min

  8. JAN 7

    Grid Connection and Energy Innovation in the Age of AI

    Dean Akey, Executive Vice President/Partner from Clone Capital highlights a market transformation in energy demand, driven by rapid load growth from AI and data centers, which have different power needs compared to traditional industries. On episode 311 of The Green Insider, Dean covers: AI facilities require flexible power solutions due to fluctuating demands, similar to steel mills, while data centers have more stable energy needs. Innovative approaches, such as using garbage data to maintain high processing levels during low-demand periods, are being explored to manage AI facility energy needs. Data centers (e.g., for stock trading) need high-speed processing and real-time responses, whereas AI projects (e.g., in pharmaceuticals) process complex computations but do not require real-time results. Strategic location of data centers, and AI projects can enable energy arbitrage; Bitcoin miners are an example of mobile operations that relocate to areas with lower energy costs. Connecting power projects to the transmission grid is increasingly expensive and not always necessary, especially for projects serving local loads; developers should carefully weigh the pros and cons of grid connection. The energy interconnection process is lengthy and costly, which can deter undercapitalized developers. An “all-of-the-above” approach to energy generation is recommended, combining traditional gas plants with renewables (wind, solar) and storage to meet growing power demand, especially in the context of the AI race against China. Creativity and innovation are emerging in the industry, including smaller-scale and mobile generation solutions, with collaboration across sectors being crucial for energy security and competitiveness To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Grid Connection and Energy Innovation in the Age of AI appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

    34 min
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The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE focuses on one of the most exciting and important aspects of the world economy and arguably the key to Earth’s future and survival – Sustainability. Each week, Mike Nemer talk with the leaders and disruptors pacing The Energy Transition and are changing the way the world gets its energy and resources.

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