Sunya Stories

Sunya

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BUSINESS

Sunya Stories

Sharing stories from those in the energy world

SEP 12

AI and Energy with JP Morgan's Rama Variankaval

Sunya Stories Episode #7 - AI and Energy with JP Morgan's Rama Variankaval

1h 5m
APR 12

Capturing Carbon with Carbonvert CEO Alex Tiller

Sunya Stories Episode #6 with Carbonvert CEO Alex Tiller Newsletter - https://www.sunyascoop.com/ AI-generated show notes: Summary Alex Tiller discusses his diverse background and entrepreneurial journey, from animation to farmland investment to the solar industry in Hawaii. He highlights the importance of identifying niche markets and market inflection points. Alex also explores the potential for full-service solutions in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and the challenges of aligning incentives in the engineering industry. The conversation covers challenges in adopting new technology, the fear of looking dumb, lessons learned from timing, the origin story of CCS, the transition to an energy practice, building a sales funnel, the discovery of carbon capture and storage, the carbon capture community, the perception of expensive technology, exploring carbon capture opportunities, the focus on ethanol and its limitations, being compelled to start a CCS company, connecting with Jan Sherman and Talos Energy, responding to the RFP for Bayou Bend, unique expertise in the team, merging RFPs to prepare for Bayou Bend, partnering with Talos Energy, the short response window for the RFP, the debate on venture-backed vs private equity-backed, understanding project finance, and the stage of Gulf Coast origination. In this conversation, Alex Tiller discusses the offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry, emphasizing the importance of poor space acquisition and the challenges of building mega architectures. He also explores the opportunities in transportation projects and the potential for clustering carbon-related facilities. Tiller introduces the concept of Carbon Plex, a plug-and-play industrial park for carbon-related projects. He highlights the need for carbon accounting and monitoring, as well as the disconnect within the environmental community. Tiller concludes by discussing the growth potential in the carbon industry and the importance of overcoming misconceptions. Takeaways Identify niche markets and market inflection points to find unique business opportunities. Consider the financial and regulatory landscape when entering a new industry or market. Specialize in providing full-service solutions to meet the needs of customers and simplify complex processes. Align incentives and expertise to ensure successful project execution and overcome challenges. Adopting new technology can be challenging due to complexity and the fear of looking dumb. Timing is crucial in business opportunities, and being early can sometimes be the same as being wrong. The origin story of Carbonvert involved exploring the carbon capture and storage (CCS) space and identifying a business opportunity. Building a sales funnel and marketing plan are essential for raising funds and investing in projects. The Gulf Coast origination of carbon capture projects is still in the early stages, with opportunities for small companies to participate. Offshore CCS projects require significant poor space acquisition and are still in the early stages. The carbon industry involves two land grabs: poor space acquisition and emissions contracts. Transportation projects face challenges, and clustering facilities may be a more practical solution than building mega architectures. The Carbon Plex concept aims to co-locate carbon-related projects and provide shared services. There is a disconnect within the environmental community, and overcoming misconceptions is a challenge. The carbon industry offers numerous opportunities, including carbon accounting, monitoring, and services.

1h 46m
MAR 2

Return of the king: Steve Trauber's energy encore

Sunya Stories Episode #5 with Stephen (Steve) Trauber He’s a legend in the energy investment banking world and now back as Managing Director and the Chairman and Global Head of Energy and Clean Technology at Moelis & Company. Newsletter - https://www.sunyascoop.com/ AI-generated show notes: Summary In this conversation, Steve Trauber discusses his background in banking and his return to the industry after retirement. He reflects on his time in the energy sector and the rise of shale plays. Trauber also shares his insights on the current state of the energy industry, including the need for consolidation and the challenges faced by smaller companies. He emphasizes the importance of size and scale in generating returns and discusses the potential for further mergers and acquisitions in the sector. In this conversation, Steve Trauber discusses the current energy environment, the short cycle of shale, the need for energy security, the challenges of energy transition, and the importance of energy addition. He also talks about the responsibility of energy companies, the capital advantage of large energy companies, and the role of natural gas in energy transition. Steve emphasizes the spirit of entrepreneurs in the energy industry and the opportunities in energy transition. He also highlights the importance of energy education and the challenges of deal-making in the energy industry. Lastly, he discusses the need for non-anti oil and gas content and the importance of education and advocacy in the energy industry. Takeaways Steve Trauber has a background in banking and has worked in the energy sector for many years. After retiring, Trauber returned to banking and joined Moelis, where he leads the energy group. The energy industry is undergoing consolidation, and smaller companies need to find ways to scale up to remain competitive. The cost of capital and the ability to generate returns are key factors in the success of energy companies. The energy environment is currently favorable, with good demand and growth in the market. Shale offers the advantage of short-cycle production, allowing for quick reactions to changes in the market. Energy companies have a responsibility to provide energy to the world and should focus on lowering emissions and exploring alternative energy sources. Large energy companies have the capital and resources to lead in energy transition. Entrepreneurs in the energy industry possess an undying spirit and a willingness to take risks. Education and advocacy are crucial in promoting a better understanding of the energy industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:09 Retirement and Return to Banking 10:19 Building a Strong Energy Franchise 28:31 Current State of the Energy Industry 38:24 The Current Energy Environment 39:10 The Short Cycle of Shale 39:59 The Need for Energy Security 41:17 The Challenges of Energy Transition 42:44 The Importance of Energy Addition 43:42 The Role of Different Energy Sources 45:16 The Responsibility of Energy Companies 46:15 The Capital Advantage of Large Energy Companies 47:12 The Importance of Providing Energy to the World 48:12 The Impact of Natural Gas Extraction 49:17 The Spirit of Entrepreneurs in the Energy Industry 52:10 The Role of Natural Gas in Energy Transition 53:26 The Importance of Energy Education 55:09 Opportunities in Energy Transition 59:14 The Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs 01:02:03 The Challenges of Deal-Making in the Energy Industry 01:06:24 The Need for Non-Anti Oil and Gas Content 01:09:49 The Importance of Education and Advocacy in the Energy Industry

1h 11m
FEB 26

New energy ventures with Chesapeake's Jim Grant

Sunya Stories Episode #4 with Chesapeake Energy's Jim Grant AI-generated show notes: Summary The conversation covers topics such as the office setup, Jim Grant's career path, Chesapeake's focus on new energy ventures, exploration of CCS and geothermal technologies, advantages of CCS in Louisiana, exploration of geothermal technologies, geothermal as a battery and its commercial potential, and Raj Mistry's perspective on energy transition. In this conversation, Jim Grant discusses the potential of nuclear energy and its role in addressing climate change. He emphasizes the need for dense and reliable energy sources to meet the growing demand for power. The conversation also explores the global energy transition and the challenges and opportunities in the exploration and investment space. The role of risk and consolidation in the industry is discussed, along with the importance of taking risks and fostering innovation. The cyclical nature of the energy market is highlighted, and the conversation concludes with a focus on openness to new ideas and technologies. Takeaways Chesapeake’s new energy ventures focus, with a particular emphasis on CCS and geothermal technologies. CCS projects in Louisiana offer advantages due to the existing infrastructure, CO2 pipelines, and industrial demand for blue products. Geothermal technologies, including closed-loop systems and repurposing gas wells, show promise for generating reliable and sustainable power. Geothermal technologies can also be used as long-duration energy storage, providing a solution for the growing energy storage market. Oil and gas companies should consider investing in SMR technologies in nuclear as a key component of clean and reliable energy. Nuclear energy has the potential to play a significant role in addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. Dense and reliable energy sources are essential to meet the increasing demand for power. The global energy transition presents both challenges and opportunities in the exploration and investment space. Taking risks and fostering innovation are crucial for the future of the energy industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Office Setup 02:28 Jim Grant's Background and Career Path 06:15 Chesapeake’s New Energy Ventures Focus 09:09 Exploration of CCS and Geothermal Technologies 18:21 Advantages of CCS in Louisiana 26:14 Exploration of Geothermal Technologies 34:20 Geothermal as a Battery and Commercial Potential 43:54 Sage's EarthStore Technology and Long Duration Energy Storage 50:41 Raj Mistry's Perspective on Energy Transition 52:57 The Potential of Nuclear Energy 56:09 The Need for Dense and Reliable Energy Sources 58:12 The Global Energy Transition 01:00:37 Exploration and Investment Opportunities 01:04:04 The Role of Risk and Consolidation in the Industry 01:09:17 Taking Risks and Innovation 01:12:34 The Cyclical Nature of the Energy Market 01:13:23 Openness to New Ideas and Technologies

1h 15m
FEB 16

Private equity's role in energy transition with Nader Daylami

Sunya Stories Episode #3 with Nader Daylami AI-generated show notes: Summary The conversation covers various topics related to the energy transition and private equity in the sector. It starts with a discussion on the cost of living in New York compared to Houston. The conversation then transitions to Nader's background in oil and gas and his shift to the energy transition sector. The challenges and opportunities in the energy transition sector are explored, including the need for strong management teams. The conversation also touches on the potential for private equity to play a role in the energy transition and the types of deals that could be pursued. The importance of nature-based projects and finding quality deals in the sector are also discussed. The conversation explores various opportunities and challenges in the climate tech industry. It discusses the potential for consolidation in carbon offset marketplaces and the roll-up strategy for venture-backed climate tech startups. The conversation also highlights the structural opportunity in residential solar and the power procurement needs for AI data centers and EV fleet charging. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for expertise, scalability, and a deep understanding of the market dynamics in order to succeed in the climate tech sector. Takeaways The cost of living in New York is higher than Houston, but the value for money is lower. The energy transition sector offers opportunities for private equity investment, but it requires strong management teams. Private equity can play a role in consolidating and scaling businesses in the energy transition sector. Nature-based projects and businesses with growth potential are attractive investment opportunities in the energy transition sector. There is potential for consolidation in carbon offset marketplaces, especially in the nature-based credits sector. Venture-backed climate tech startups may benefit from a roll-up strategy instead of shutting down, allowing for the acquisition of distressed companies and consolidation of resources. Residential solar presents a structural opportunity with low penetration rates and the potential for acquiring distressed installers. Power procurement for AI data centers and EV fleet charging are specialized businesses with significant growth potential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Cost of Living in New York 03:21 Transition from Oil and Gas to Energy Transition 11:21 Exit of Bruin and Next Steps 18:05 Challenges in Energy Transition and Opportunities 23:59 Discussion on Private Equity Approach in Energy Transition 32:04 Opportunities in Nature-Based Projects 34:33 Finding Quality Deals in Energy Transition 36:37 Opportunity in Venture-Backed Climate Tech 38:01 Consolidation in Carbon Offset Marketplaces 39:34 Roll-Up Strategy for Climate Tech Startups 40:27 Long Duration Storage Technologies 41:46 Residential Solar as a Structural Opportunity 43:27 Power Procurement for AI Data Centers 44:09 Power Procurement for EV Fleet Charging

48 min
JAN 30

The Galactic Viceroy of Energy, Chuck Yates

Sunya Stories Episode #2 with Chuck Yates Summary The conversation explores the power of podcasting and the transition to content creation in the energy industry. Chuck shares his background and career path, highlighting the importance of authenticity in content. The impact of content on stakeholders, including founders, management teams, and investment professionals, is discussed. The concept of a Chief Content Officer in private equity is explored, emphasizing the role of content in building trust and connection. The conversation concludes with insights into opportunities and markets for young professionals. In this conversation, Chuck and Raj discuss various topics related to the energy industry. They emphasize the importance of finding something you love and becoming a thought leader in that area. They also explore the challenge of meeting increasing power demand and the difficulty of scaling electricity generation. The conversation touches on the potential for making money in the energy industry and the need for sustainable and capitalist approaches. They discuss reimagining the energy delivery system and the importance of thoughtful energy solutions. They also highlight the vast opportunities in the energy industry and the importance of mental health and support. Takeaways Podcasting is a powerful medium for building connections and learning from others. Authenticity is key in content creation, as it helps build trust and connection with the audience. Content can have a significant impact on stakeholders, including founders, management teams, and investment professionals. The role of a Chief Content Officer in private equity can help firms leverage content to attract the right stakeholders. Young professionals should focus on finding opportunities and markets they are passionate about, while also considering collaboration and fulfillment beyond financial rewards. Find something you love and become a thought leader in that area. Meeting increasing power demand is a challenge that requires innovative solutions. Scaling electricity generation is difficult due to the complexity of the grid. There are opportunities to make money in the energy industry, but it requires careful consideration and understanding of the market. Reimagining the energy delivery system is necessary for a sustainable future. The energy industry offers vast opportunities for growth and innovation. Mental health and support are important for navigating the challenges of the industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting 03:00 The Power of Podcasting 06:00 Chuck's Background and Career Path 13:00 Transition to Content Creation 18:00 The Importance of Authenticity in Content 23:00 The Impact of Content on Stakeholders 29:00 The Role of Chief Content Officer in Private Equity 35:00 Building Trust and Connection through Content 40:00 Opportunities and Markets for Young Professionals 43:01 The Power of Finding Something You Love 44:27 The Challenge of Meeting Increasing Power Demand 46:20 The Difficulty of Scaling Electricity Generation 47:09 The Potential for Making Money in the Energy Industry 50:25 The Need for Sustainable and Capitalist Approaches in Energy 53:00 Reimagining the Energy Delivery System 55:23 The Importance of Thoughtful Energy Solutions 57:25 The Challenge of Investing in New Energy Technologies 59:19 The Vast Opportunities in the Energy Industry 01:04:22 The Importance of Mental Health and Support

1h 6m
JAN 10

Energy meets biology with Cemvita's Moji Karimi

Sunya Stories episode #1 with Moji Karimi AI-generated show notes: In this conversation, Moji shares his experience at COP 28 in Dubai and highlights the impressive dome structure at the event. He also discusses the future locations and themes of COP conferences. Moji then talks about his background and journey to co-founding Cemvita with his sister, Tara. They focus on biotech and energy transition, particularly in the area of CO2 utilization and photosynthesis. The conversation also touches on Oxy's involvement and the launch of Oxy Low Carbon Ventures. Moji explains the concept of gold hydrogen and how it can turn liabilities into assets. The potential of natural hydrogen is also explored. The conversation explores partnerships and trends in energy transition, navigating the winter of the industry, and competing on cost in sustainable solutions. It also delves into utilizing biology for renewable feedstocks, exploring biological data storage and computing, and replicating human biology in computing. The intersection of biology, industrial applications, and computing is highlighted as a fascinating area of exploration. COP 28 in Dubai featured a large dome structure that impressed attendees and became a popular spot for photos. Cemvita, co-founded by Moji and his sister Tara, focuses on biotech and energy transition, particularly in CO2 utilization and photosynthesis. Gold hydrogen, a solution for turning liabilities into assets, has the potential to delay plugging and abandonment liabilities for oil wells. The IRA (Investment Tax Credit and Production Tax Credit) has generated mixed reactions, with some companies feeling disappointed by the strict guidelines. The role of startups like Cemvita is to act as an extended R&D arm for larger companies, exploring innovative solutions and filling gaps in their expertise. Partnerships between startups and established companies can leverage R&D resources and funding to drive innovation in energy transition. The energy transition industry experiences ebbs and flows, and it is important to focus on the fundamentals during the winter periods. Competing on cost is crucial in sustainable solutions, and the green premium needs to disappear for widespread adoption. Utilizing biology can bring down costs in renewable feedstock production by eliminating random co-products and running reactions under ambient conditions. Biological data storage and computing present exciting opportunities for solving complex problems and replicating the efficiency of the human body. Replicating human biology in computing can revolutionize the field and lead to more advanced and sustainable technologies. The intersection of biology, industrial applications, and computing offers immense potential for innovation and exploration. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Test Run 00:24 Moji's Trip to Dubai 01:23 Exploring Different Parts of COP 28 02:20 Impressions of the Dome at COP 28 03:16 Running into Prominent Figures at COP 28 04:07 Future COP Locations and Themes 05:40 Moji's Background and Journey to Cemvita 08:15 Working with Family and Co-founding Cemvita 10:36 Moji's First Job at Tesco 12:30 Transition from Tesco to Weatherford 15:11 Starting Cemvita with Tara 19:48 Focus on Biotech and Energy Transition 24:26 Exploring CO2 Utilization and Photosynthesis 28:38 Oxy's Involvement and Launch of Oxy Low Carbon Ventures 32:31 Gold Hydrogen and Turning Liabilities into Assets 35:36 Momentum in Carbon Management and CCUS 37:13 Challenges and Reactions to the IRA 38:17 The Value of Gold Hydrogen and Extended R&D 41:32 The Potential of Natural Hydrogen 46:47 Partnerships and Trends in Energy Transition 48:10 Navigating the Winter of Energy Transition 49:29 Competing on Cost in Sustainable Solutions 50:12 Utilizing Biology for Renewable Feedstocks 51:19 Exploring Biological Data Storage and Computing 53:19 Replicating Human Biology in Computing 55:30 The Intersection of Biol

57 min

7 Episodes

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Sharing stories from those in the energy world

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Sunya
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7
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