The Empirical Energy Podcast

Mark Smith

The Empirical Energy Podcast: Unveiling the Verified Energy RevolutionWelcome to The Empirical Energy Podcast, where we blow open the silent revolution rewriting the rules of global energy markets. Measured, verified energy is no longer an alternative—it's becoming the gold standard. This groundbreaking series takes you inside the raw mechanics of how verification technologies and blockchain-fueled trading are dismantling old systems and creating a future where empirical energy doesn't just compete, it dominates.Why Listen to The Empirical Energy Podcast?The energy industry is experiencing its most dramatic transformation in decades. Traditional trading models are giving way to verified, transparent systems that reward measurable sustainability and authentic carbon reduction. The Empirical Energy Podcast showcases the producers, traders, consultants, and industry renegades driving this seismic shift, revealing how verification standards and cutting-edge technologies are creating unprec...

  1. 4D AGO

    From Volume to Value: Optimizing Daily Cashflow in the Modern Oilfield (Webinar) | Casey Patterson | Empirical Energy | Ep 118

    From Volume to Value: Optimizing Daily Cashflow in the Modern Oilfield In this webinar episode of The Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith is joined by Casey Patterson, Co-Founder of Avenirre, for a deep dive into how upstream oil & gas operators are shifting from volume-based decision-making to daily, well-level cash flow optimization. As market pressure increases and margins tighten, traditional volumetric metrics are no longer enough. This conversation explores how forward-looking economics, real-time data, and financial visibility at the well level are changing how modern operators manage production, expenses, and profitability. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why barrels alone don’t equal profitability • How daily cash flow reporting outperforms lagging, month-end data • The hidden risks of the unit fallacy and uneconomic wells • How operators uncover recurring cash flow leaks • The role of real-time pricing, forecasting, LOE visibility, and reserves • Why forward-looking analytics beat rear-view reporting • How Avenirre’s platform is implemented—and why customers see impact fast This episode is especially valuable for: ✔️ Upstream operators ✔️ Production & reservoir engineers ✔️ Energy finance and asset management teams ✔️ Digital oilfield and energy technology leaders ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to The Empirical Energy Podcast 00:50 The Shift in Energy Metrics 02:27 Optimizing Cash Flow in Energy Companies 04:16 Daily Economic Reporting & Automation 07:27 Case Studies & Real-World Applications 12:16 Implementation & Customer Success 17:00 Live Q&A with Mark Smith & Casey Patterson 22:26 Challenges in Adopting Avenirre 23:22 Data Migration Process 23:49 Morning Reports & Multidisciplinary Use 25:57 Unique Platform Features 26:51 Customer Support & Success Model 27:33 Integration & Cost Efficiency 30:13 Real-Time Data & Dashboard Fatigue 36:57 Cash Flow Management & Reserve Reports 40:57 Conclusion & Next Steps 🎧 Subscribe to The Empirical Energy Podcast for more conversations on verified energy, digital oilfield innovation, and real-world solutions shaping the future of oil & gas. 👍 If this episode helped you, like, comment, and share it with your team.

    45 min
  2. FEB 3

    The Empirical Truth: Transforming Energy with AI and Data | David Conley | Empirical Energy | EP 117

    Innovating the Future of Energy with Empirical AI How Measured, Verified Data Is Reshaping Global Energy Markets In this episode of The Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith is joined by David Conley, Co-Founder of CleanConnect.ai, for a deep dive into how empirical AI is transforming the energy industry from the ground up. They explore how Clean Connect’s platform combines direct measurement, first-principles engineering, AI, and blockchain to replace emission factors with verifiable truth—creating a flexible, auditable system for modern energy production, sustainability reporting, and trading. This conversation goes beyond theory, featuring real-world case studies from some of the world’s largest energy producers. Mark and David unpack how empirical data is driving measurable ROI across operations, emissions management, safety, and production optimization, while unlocking new premium markets for verified energy. You’ll also hear how multi-certification frameworks like Prove Zero, blockchain-based Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs), and partnerships with global energy traders such as Gunvor are enabling new energy products tailored for hyperscalers, AI data centers, and global buyers. From methane mitigation and remote operations to AI-driven orchestration layers and direct combustion measurement, this episode reveals why measured and verified energy is no longer optional—it’s becoming the gold standard. 🎧 Whether you’re an energy producer, trader, operator, or technology leader, this episode offers a clear look at where the industry is heading—and how to prepare for what’s next. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Blockchain trading and the origins of empirical verification 00:03 – Why Clean Connect became a source of truth in noisy data environments 00:12 – Moving from emission factors to first-principles measurement 00:30 – Crew Zero and direct measurement at the source 00:37 – Project Vulcan and real-time combustion measurement 01:02 – Why energy and AI are now inseparable 01:45 – Welcome to The Empirical Energy Podcast 02:03 – Global market trends shaping the future of energy 02:45 – Introducing Empirical.ai: the AI operating system for energy 03:30 – Real client case studies and measurable ROI 03:45 – The evolution of Clean Connect beyond methane mitigation 04:56 – Operations, sustainability, and market-driven outcomes 08:12 – Restoring trust through empirical data 09:18 – Integrating operations, sustainability, and trading 10:26 – Highlights from the Empirical Energy Conference 11:03 – Client feedback and new product innovation 12:09 – Remote operations, safety, and workforce augmentation 14:00 – The Integrated Operations Center explained 19:22 – Solving the data integration problem at scale 20:47 – Prove Zero and multi-certification flexibility 25:06 – Overcoming data complexity with first principles 29:08 – Partnerships, hyperscalers, and new energy markets 32:13 – Blockchain-enabled trading and Energy Attribute Certificates 33:10 – The future of empirical energy 35:01 – Final thoughts and call to action 🎧 Listen & Subscribe

    36 min
  3. Updates in Visual AI Gas Detection | Jae Yoon Chung | Empirical Energy | EP 116

    JAN 20

    Updates in Visual AI Gas Detection | Jae Yoon Chung | Empirical Energy | EP 116

    🎙️ Revolutionizing Gas Leak Detection with Visual AI & Machine Learning In this episode of The Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith sits down with Jae Yoon Chung, Machine Learning Engineer at Clean Connect, to explore how visual AI is transforming gas leak detection in the energy industry. Jae breaks down the real-world challenges of detecting methane and gas leaks using vision-based models — especially in harsh outdoor environments with wind, rain, snow, and limited edge-device compute. He introduces a breakthrough approach called channel stacking, a method that captures gas movement using just three consecutive frames to dramatically improve detection accuracy while reducing computational load and false alarms. The conversation goes beyond theory, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how AI models are trained, optimized, and deployed at the edge — and where the technology is headed next. From edge computing to large language models (LLMs) and object-level incident classification, this episode highlights how AI, blockchain, and verification are reshaping the future of global energy markets. ⚡ If you work in energy, AI, emissions monitoring, or industrial technology, this episode is a must-listen. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to The Empirical Energy Podcast 00:57 – Meet the Guest: Jae Yoon Chung from Clean Connect 01:39 – Machine Learning Challenges in Energy Environments 03:44 – Innovations in Visual Gas Leak Detection 07:29 – Technical Deep Dive: Channel Stacking Explained 14:23 – The Future of Visual AI & LLM Integration 18:53 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action 🎧 Listen & Watch ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/WOejlQSdr_g 🎙 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-empirical-energy-podcast/id1822839881 💬 If this episode sparked new ideas or questions, join the conversation. 👉 Subscribe, rate the show, and share this episode with someone working in energy, AI, or climate tech. 👉 Drop a comment and tell us: Where do you see the biggest opportunity for AI in energy today? #EmpiricalEnergyPodcast #VisualAI #MethaneDetection #MachineLearning #EdgeAI #EnergyTech #ClimateTech #IndustrialAI #ComputerVision

    19 min
  4. Empirical Energy: The Silent Revolution in Global Energy Markets | Thomas Fox | Empirical Energy | EP 115

    JAN 6

    Empirical Energy: The Silent Revolution in Global Energy Markets | Thomas Fox | Empirical Energy | EP 115

    Uncovering the Future of Methane Emissions Management with Thomas Fox In this episode of The Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith welcomes Thomas Fox, President of Highwood Emissions, to unpack the mechanisms reshaping global energy markets. The conversation explores the industry’s shift from “alternative energy” toward measured, verified energy as the new gold standard—powered by empirical data, evolving regulations, and emerging verification frameworks. Thomas shares his journey from PhD research in methane emissions to building Highwood Emissions and launching the Emissions Intelligence Platform (EIP), a software solution designed to help operators create measurement-informed inventories at scale. Together, they dive into the realities of methane reporting: reconciliation challenges, OGMP Level 5 requirements, EPA and Colorado regulatory approvals, and why harmonization across global reporting frameworks remains one of the industry’s biggest hurdles. The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion on how collaboration, technology, and credible data may finally unlock real market incentives for low-methane energy. 🎧 If you work in energy, ESG, emissions reporting, or climate compliance, this episode offers a clear look at where the industry is heading—and what it will take to get there. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Empirical Energy Podcast 00:55 Meet Thomas Fox: Highwood Emissions 02:51 The Journey to Methane Mitigation 04:54 Building Measurement-Informed Inventories 08:27 Challenges and Innovations in Methane Reporting 18:34 The Future of Emissions Reporting 25:02 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action ✔️ Listen to the full episode to understand how methane measurement is evolving ✔️ Subscribe to the Empirical Energy Podcast for more conversations at the intersection of energy, AI, and climate policy ✔️ Share this episode with colleagues navigating methane reporting, OGMP, or ESG compliance ✔️ Join the discussion—what do you think will finally drive harmonized emissions reporting? #EmpiricalEnergy #MethaneEmissions #EnergyTransition #OGMP #ClimateReporting #EnergyMarkets #OilAndGas #ESG #CarbonAccounting #Decarbonization #ClimateTech #EnergyPolicy #LowMethaneGas #Sustainability

    30 min
  5. Using AI Digital Twins to Scale Empirical Energy | Zach Oremland | Empirical Energy | EP 114

    12/23/2025

    Using AI Digital Twins to Scale Empirical Energy | Zach Oremland | Empirical Energy | EP 114

    In this episode of the Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith sits down with Zach Orlin of Clean Connect.ai to explore how digital twins, AI, blockchain, and verification technologies are redefining how energy is measured, monitored, and managed. The conversation dives deep into Luminary, a digital twin platform that enables teams to virtually map energy sites, plan monitoring equipment placement, and integrate real-time data into operational models before anything is deployed in the field. Zach explains how Luminary connects with Promax process simulation models, remote monitoring systems, and verification frameworks to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and eliminate blind spots in energy operations. This episode also explores what’s next—from augmented reality overlays to smarter, more empirical energy markets where measurement, transparency, and real-time intelligence become the new standard. If you’re working in energy, infrastructure, emissions monitoring, or digital transformation, this episode offers a clear look at how legacy systems are being replaced by data-driven, verifiable solutions. ⏱ Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Empirical Energy 00:44 Meet Zach Orlin (Clean Connect.ai) 02:23 Digital Twins & the Luminary Platform 05:05 Virtual Site Mapping & Monitoring Design 11:11 Advanced Capabilities & Future Applications 18:13 Empirical Energy’s Broader Impact & Wrap-Up 🎧 Subscribe for conversations on energy verification, AI, blockchain, and the future of global energy markets. #EmpiricalEnergy #DigitalTwins #EnergyTechnology #EnergyInnovation #AIinEnergy #BlockchainEnergy #EnergyMarkets #RealTimeMonitoring #EnergyManagement #CleanTech #IndustrialAI #EnergyTransition #OperationalIntelligence

    21 min
  6. Revolutionizing Energy: Empowering Markets with Empirical Data | Deb Ryan | Empirical Energy | EP 113

    12/09/2025

    Revolutionizing Energy: Empowering Markets with Empirical Data | Deb Ryan | Empirical Energy | EP 113

    In this episode of the Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith is joined by Deb Ryan from Geo Financial to discuss the seismic shift in global energy markets. They dive deep into how verification via blockchain, coupled with AI, is reshaping energy systems. Deb shares insights on her background, the methane performance certificates, and the integration of satellite data with real-time monitoring to achieve market solutions. This rich conversation touches on the evolving role of methane detection, the synergy between different technologies, and the economic drivers for emission reduction, while also offering a preview of how data fidelity is revolutionizing the industry. Tune in to find out how companies can leverage these innovative solutions for a sustainable future. 00:00 Introduction to the Empirical Energy Podcast 00:45 Meet Deb Ryan from Geo Financial 01:05 Navigating Carbon: Deb's Podcast and Background 01:40 Methane Performance Certificates and S&P Global 04:32 Challenges in Methane Detection and Solutions 05:16 Geo Financial's Satellite Data and Methane Detection 07:37 Combining Satellite and Ground Data for Better Accuracy 19:28 Market Solutions and Certified Natural Gas 21:31 The Future of Energy Trading and EACs 24:40 Conclusion and Call to Action Don’t forget to: 👍 Like this if energy markets matter to your world 🔔 Subscribe to follow the people shaping the future of energy 💬 Share your biggest insight—traders and operators learn from each other 🔗 Pass this to someone who works behind the scenes of our energy system #EnergyMarkets #MethaneMonitoring #ClimateTech #CarbonMarkets #EnergyTransition #BlockchainEnergy #AIinEnergy #VerifiedEnergy #CertifiedGas #MethaneReduction

    25 min
  7. NatGas Millions With Empirical Gas | Jay Bhatty | Empirical Energy | EP 112

    11/25/2025

    NatGas Millions With Empirical Gas | Jay Bhatty | Empirical Energy | EP 112

    Gas scheduling, pipeline data, arbitrage, LNG globalization, AI-powered tariffs, and the rapid shift toward reliable low-carbon fuel — this conversation with Jay Bhatty shines a light on how the natural gas market is being rewritten from the inside out. Jay shares his path from Enron to building NatGasHub into a core scheduling platform for North America, why data is the real commodity traders fight over, and how AI data centers are quietly reshaping the future of energy reliability. Key Discussion Points 00:00 – Opening: the silent revolution in verified energy 00:44 – Jay’s journey: India → Ohio → Enron 02:25 – Early lessons from Enron alumni & top-tier traders 04:10 – Electricity shortages and why energy became Jay’s obsession 05:18 – The pain point that sparked NatGasHub 06:52 – Turning 50 pipeline websites into one streamlined platform 08:40 – Why empirical pipeline data gives traders an edge 10:22 – Automation: from whiteboards to real-time digital scheduling 12:15 – Arbitrage opportunities and information asymmetry 14:10 – The motivation behind Nat Gas Millions 15:55 – What new traders misunderstand about the physical market 17:48 – “All the money is made in the margins” — real trading war stories 19:35 – How geopolitical shocks hit energy markets 20:48 – LNG and the rise of natural gas as a global commodity 22:36 – AI data centers and the real priorities behind their power demand 24:18 – Why big tech is turning toward natural gas infrastructure 25:52 – The challenge of tracking low-carbon gas molecules 27:05 – Advice for new traders on mastering risk 28:20 – Using AI to decode 500-page pipeline tariffs 29:10 – Where to find Jay’s book & how to work with NatGasHub If you're in trading, infrastructure, energy technology, or you're trying to understand how physical markets actually work, this episode gives you the “behind the curtain” view. Don’t forget to: 👍 Like this if energy markets matter to your world 🔔 Subscribe to follow the people shaping the future of energy 💬 Share your biggest insight—traders and operators learn from each other 🔗 Pass this to someone who works behind the scenes of our energy system #EnergyTrading #NaturalGas #AIandEnergy #EnergyTech #LNG #CommodityTrading #NatGasHub #PipelineData #DataCenters #EmpiricalEnergy #LowCarbonEnergy #EnergyInfrastructure

    30 min

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The Empirical Energy Podcast: Unveiling the Verified Energy RevolutionWelcome to The Empirical Energy Podcast, where we blow open the silent revolution rewriting the rules of global energy markets. Measured, verified energy is no longer an alternative—it's becoming the gold standard. This groundbreaking series takes you inside the raw mechanics of how verification technologies and blockchain-fueled trading are dismantling old systems and creating a future where empirical energy doesn't just compete, it dominates.Why Listen to The Empirical Energy Podcast?The energy industry is experiencing its most dramatic transformation in decades. Traditional trading models are giving way to verified, transparent systems that reward measurable sustainability and authentic carbon reduction. The Empirical Energy Podcast showcases the producers, traders, consultants, and industry renegades driving this seismic shift, revealing how verification standards and cutting-edge technologies are creating unprec...