Carbon markets are pivotal in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with over 75 carbon pricing regimes worldwide. However, the voluntary markets have primarily driven project-based credits in recent years. As we approach COP29, the focus shifts to how these markets can be strengthened and expanded. In this episode, we talk to Fenella Aouane, Director and Head of Carbon Pricing at the Global Green Growth Institute, about the role of compliance mechanisms, the impact of international agreements, and the challenges and opportunities in scaling carbon markets. Fenella shares insights from her extensive experience, including her work with governments to implement effective carbon pricing strategies and the potential of Article 6 to unlock new market opportunities. Join us as we delve into the complexities of carbon markets, the expectations for COP29, and the innovative solutions being proposed to enhance global carbon trading systems.

More than 100 countries committed to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 at the COP28 conference in Dubai. But the rapid growth of renewables will exacerbate challenges that developers and manufacturers in the sector are already facing, such as supply chain constraints, permitting delays and rising costs of materials. This is in on top of risks caused by unprecedented extreme weather in regions globally; geopolitical risks; and the challenges associated with the new technology needed to accelerate the growth of renewables. We talk to GCube Insurance about which risks have caused the biggest losses for renewable energy companies, and how they can be mitigated. We also talk about how the risk profile for renewables companies is likely to change as the sector grows and the world becomes more unpredictable; and how companies in the insurance sector are responding now and are likely to react in future.

Energy users have increasingly been using renewable energy certificates (RECs) to prove that the electricity they use comes from 'green' power sources. This includes REC schemes established at national and local levels; and other mechanisms, such as International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs), that have increased use of this type of certification in other parts of the world. We speak to Jared Braslawsky, managing director of the International Tracking Standard Foundation, about how the I-RECs market has grown and evolved since the organisation was founded in 2015. He shares his views on the successes and limitations of the current regime; how these types of certificates will evolve over the coming years, including with the growth of sustainable fuels; and the difference that certification can make to the energy transition.

Offshore wind farms totalling over 64GW are now in operation globally, but we are only scratching the surface of the sector's potential. This is because 80% of the world's offshore wind potential is in sites that are too deep for traditional fixed technology, and because the floating wind technologies to unlock these sites have not reached commercial maturity. We talk to Andy Lewin, head of engineering at global wind developer Corio Generation, about the opportunity in floating wind and how firms can super-charge this potentially transformational technology. We also look at current floating hotspots and how close we are to the era of gigawatt-scale projects.

On 22 December 2023, the US Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service released long-awaited guidance on tax incentives for green hydrogen projects. Tax credits of up to USD 3 per kilogram will be available for the cleanest projects as long as they meet a few key requirements: they must be powered by new renewables projects; they must produce hydrogen at the same time as power is being generated; and they must be close to their renewables source. These rules are similar to those in Europe but critics say they are too strict. In this episode, we look at whether these rules will help the US green hydrogen sector to lead the world and what else is needed to unlock investment. We talk to Jason Evans, Senior Director of Energy at US technology company Twelve, which is developing large green hydrogen facilities for sustainable aviation fuel production. This includes discussion about the latest technological innovations and pioneering projects, and how we can draw more investment into the sector.

The European Union is making big commitments to green hydrogen, but it will rest on individual countries to deliver on these plans – and it is the Nordics that are taking an early lead. The nations are set to become net exporters of green hydrogen in the 2030s, with green hydrogen production set to exceed demand by 20% by 2035, according to Aurora Energy Research. That means they are going to play a vital role in the commercialisation and growth of this industry. In this episode, we look at the fundamentals of the market and the progress on green hydrogen projects. We talk to Jens Walzner, Executive Director Infrastructure and Renewables at Prime Capital, about the role that the Nordics will play in unlocking Europe’s green hydrogen potential. This includes discussion about current progress on pioneering projects; the latest developments in renewable energy that enables green hydrogen production; and leveraging private investment into the sector.

Great Britain is one of the most mature markets globally in terms of the options available for owners of battery storage projects to make money. These include the Balancing Mechanism, Capacity Market, frequency response services and wholesale power arbitrage. This opens up great opportunities for companies to make money from storage, but also challenges them to find the right strategy. In this episode, we look at how Great Britain has established itself as a leader in energy storage, how it compares to other markets, and what other countries can learn from the British example. The discussion also covers the challenges facing battery owners, including the availability of grid connections, off-takers and the batteries themselves; and how these affect the profitability of projects.

Fashion has bounced back strongly after Covid-19. The industry is now worth a reported $1.7trn, and is the largest e-commerce sector in the world. But this all means environmental impacts. Fashion also accounts for a reported 8%-10% of global carbon emissions , and means huge strides are needed if the industry is to make significant progress towards net zero emissions. The sector must act. Thankfully, some of the biggest global fashion brands are engaging with the major questions that this raises. How can they embed renewable energy in their global operations? How can this help them to reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions across their value chain? And will this be enough to make the changes we need? In this episode, we are joined by Asmma Chaudry Landfeldt, Head of Renewable Energy Investments at fashion chain H&M to discuss these issues. Asmma has spent ten years at H&M, which was founded in 1947, and is the second-largest fashion retailer in the world.

Electric vehicle sales are increasing by the year and 19 countries have passed the vital tipping point where EVs make up 5% of new car sales, including China, Germany and the US. EV sales doubled to 6.9million in 2021 and there are now at least 20million electric vehicles on the road. This growth of EVs promises to reduce global reliance on oil and play a crucial role in the energy transition. However, selling vehicles themselves is only one part of this puzzle. EV owners also need charging networks that extend far beyond their local area, including in crowded cities, and which can keep pace with rapid technological evolution.  In this episode, we speak to Asif Ghafoor, Co-Founder and CEO of EV charging infrastructure provider Iduna, about how to develop the EV networks that cities and countries need; why public-private cooperation is vital and how to achieve it; and whether the rise of green fuels is a threat to the EV sector.

How can we ensure emerging markets aren't left behind? by DLA Piper See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will oil giants supercharge the transition? by DLA Piper See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What should we expect from COP26? by DLA Piper See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does energy need a digital transformation too? by DLA Piper See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corporate power purchase agreements: Are corporates in the green driving seat? by DLA Piper See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hydrogen age: fact or science fiction? by DLA Piper See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When will offshore wind go truly global? by DLA Piper See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate Transition Podcast is a no-holds-barred look at some of the most pressing questions of our time. Together, we'll take a journey through the biggest issues in business, policy and technology, towards a more sustainable future for all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.