The Clean Energy Revolution (National Grid)

There’s an ongoing struggle for balance between the usefulness of AI and its energy demands. Generative AI and large language models are highly energy-intensive, with ChatGPT consuming up to 10 times more electricity than a standard Google search, and the energy consumption of data centres projected to double by 2026.

But at the same time, AI has the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency. Co-host Laura Young Laura speaks with Ben Sigrin, Senior Product Manager at GridBeyond, about how the company uses AI to manage energy behind-the-meter (on the consumer side), optimising energy use in buildings and reducing carbon emissions.

AI is also transforming sectors like transportation and agriculture by enhancing overall energy efficiency. Digital twins - virtual models that replicate real-world conditions—could eliminate 5-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. NVIDIA, which you my know as the maker of the graphic processors that are used to train AI, has built its own version of these digital twin models. Director of Product Marketing Shar Narasimhan talks to Carolyn about Earth2, a mammoth digital replica of Earth used to model the extreme weather and climate change that affect our energy networks, and about how AI energy demands are being addressed in the industry.

In this special episode of The Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, we’re finding out how people like you and me are doing their bit to live more sustainably and help support our planet's resources.

Helen Skelton explores how individuals are playing their part in one of the most incredible revolutions in human history.

Energy connects and enables the way we live, work and play, and making it greener also means looking at all the day-to-day ways we can help. Looking for inspiration? You'll find it here!

Alongside their day jobs working at National Grid, these people are walking the walk in terms of sustainability! We hear from Brianna and Julia in the Northeast US who are passionately raising animals, growing food and running their farms with sustainable practises.

Whether they’re driving EVs, campaigning for issues they care about or nabbing their colleagues by the water cooler to share what they’ve learned about sustainable living, these inspiring individuals prove it’s possible to make everyday changes to play our part in our climate future.

In the UK, Helene loves to run and hike in nature to stay in touch with her rural Yorkshire roots, but is passionate about challenging misinformation around all the supposedly sustainable choices available to us.

Meanwhile Nicolle shares how it all came together for her on a woodland education day for families. She’s now studying an Environmental Science degree alongside her job at National Grid.And what do our everyday heroes hope for the next generation? Find out as they share candid stories in their own words.

We'll be back next time as we dive into how our natural world can meet with technical innovation for Carbon Capture and Storage.

Useful links:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/journey-to-net-zero-stories/working-smarter-get-net-zero

https://www.nationalgrid.com/powerofall

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In the Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Max La Manna explores our energy systems as we move towards a net zero world. In this episode, Max takes a look at the different ways our energy supplies are being kept secure and resilient–both now and into the future.

With all the challenges in the world today–extreme weather, climate change, cyber threats, global politics - this is anything but straightforward. So Max guides us through the projects and innovations helping to protect our supplies.

We chat with Dan Stevens, National Grid's Group Vice President for Resilience and Crisis Management. He’s passionate about finding solutions to difficult problems, and gives an insight into how we address major challenges, from hurricanes to cyber attacks.

Then it’s off to the Budweiser Brewing Group's Magor Brewery in Wales, for a guided tour by Lloyd Manship, plant manager, and Tom Brewer from the global brewing innovation technology team. They’re passionate about renewable energy; not only have they built the UK’s largest onshore wind turbine, but they have dozens of energy-saving projects at all stages of their brewing process.

Back in London, Max talks to Rebecca Sedler-commercial director and part of the interconnectors team at National Grid. We find out how electricity is shared between countries, enabling renewable energy to be used more effectively than ever, and balancing supplies if energy runs low.

Next we talk energy storage with Charlie Blair, Managing Director of Edinburgh-based company Gravitricity. Max and Charlie discuss how renewable energy might be stored in the future–could the solution be weights suspended in mineshafts?

Finally it’s back to the USA. With weather conditions becoming more extreme, how will the energy networks cope? Max talks ice, heat and storms with Natasha Deschene, vice president of Electric Asset Management Engineering at National Grid.

Charlie Blair is MD at Gravitricity 

Budweiser Brewing Group's Magor Brewery is located in Magor, South Wales 

Discover more about National Grid at www.nationalgrid.com

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The role of technology in the energy transition has been talked about for years. In a speech at the Leaders Summit on Climate in 2021, International Energy Agency Director Fatih Birol said:

“IEA analysis shows that about half the reductions to get to net zero emissions in 2050 will need to come from technologies that are not yet ready for market. This calls for massive leaps in innovation. Innovation across batteries, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, carbon capture and many other technologies.”

So what major advances in technology have we seen in the industry since that speech? And what role does current technology have in driving innovation in the industry?

From Google’s AI-driven efficiency programs to cutting-edge technologies improving grid performance, this month we’re looking at the tech that’s needed to accelerate the path to net zero.

Carolyn and Laura are joined by Neil Osborne, Google’s Chief Energy Evangelist (yes that’s the real title), as he shares how the company is using AI to optimise energy usage. As Carolyn explains, data centres are energy-hungry. So at the same time they’re saving energy with AI optimisations, they’re using it. How are companies like Google addressing this dilemma?

Other key technologies discussed in this episode are: 

Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR):

This technology is already helping National Grid to unlock up to 40% extra capacity for electricity to flow safely through their power lines. We speak to Alex Houghtaling from DLR operator LineVision to find out more.

Smart Conductors: Jason Huang from TS Conductor joins Laura and discusses revolutionary smart conductor technology that measures temperature and sag in real time. This can help utilities push more power through the grid safely and optimise capacity, aiding the global transition to renewables.

Battery Storage Safety: Eric Stein from Viridi explains how advanced lithium-ion battery storage systems, initially developed for NASA, are making grid storage safer and more reliable.

AI for Grid Maintenance: National Grid uses AI to monitor and maintain the condition of its infrastructure, from predicting the impacts of climate change on vital assets to analysing the network via autonomous drones. Gary Stockdale, National Grid’s Net Zero Innovation Manager, discusses how innovation is helping them to work smarter in the mission to net zero.

This time on The Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Helen Skelton is looking at how transport is changing on the journey to net zero.

Many of us who rely on cars and vans day-to-day are getting ready for an electric future, but what about the impact of aviation and shipping on the UK’s carbon footprint?

Whilst electrifying vehicles may be one clever option, there are loads of brilliant ideas and innovations happening to help get carbon emissions out of the transport sector for good.

Helen’s finding out about a few of the options on the table, and busting some myths along the way!

Across the UK, millions of people are living in areas where air quality is poor and the impact on health and life expectancy is impacted badly. Andrea Lee from Client Earth talks to Helen about why we urgently we need to clean up air pollution from fossil-fuel-burning vehicles.

Helen puts National Grid’s Graeme Cooper in the hotseat to answer common questions about electric vehicles. Feel free to arm yourself with these facts to look like the smartest person at the pub quiz tonight.

Julia Gold works for National Grid in the United States and she joins Helen to discuss rolling out green tech across the Northeast States (and taking everyone in society along for the ride).

Ever heard of air taxis, or wondered when we’ll be flying electric? We’ll hear from Rolls Royce’s Mattheu Parr on the next big shake up in the skies. Plus hear about their world-record-breaking attempt on board the Spirit of Innovation electric aircraft this Summer.

Plus, if you’re curious about why ports could offer some of the biggest, smartest solutions in green energy yet, listen to what Maritime UK’s Ben Murray and Mark Simmonds from British Ports have to say about decarbonising the maritime sector – and everything it’s connected to!

Find out more:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/journey-to-net-zero-stories/future-transport-driving-change-next-10-years

https://www.nationalgrid.com/group/documents/142791-decabonisation-transport-supplemental-pack

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-ten-point-plan-for-a-green-industrial-revolution/title

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In Season 2 of The Clean Energy Revolution podcast, Max La Manna takes a look at the role energy plays in tackling the negative effects of climate change.

As countries around the world aim to reach net zero emissions, Max discovers how the world will be powered in the next 30 years as we work towards a future that doesn't contribute to global warming.

Along the way we’ll meet inspiring people who are embracing new technology to make their lives, homes and businesses cleaner and greener, as well as the experts developing the technology, who explain how our lives will be transformed and how we can get involved.

From the electricity we use in our homes and offices, to our transport, shops, schools, hospitals and factories, the energy we use to fuel our everyday life is getting greener and cleaner.

National Grid has a crucial role to play, as they supply energy to homes across the UK and the Northeast United States -meaning they’re at the heart of connecting all of us to a greener future.

Are you ready to be part of the revolution? Join Max for your definitive guide to the net zero energy transition.

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It’s an exciting time for geothermal energy. The US Department of Energy predicts geothermal power generation capacity to grow by 26 times by 2050, potentially providing almost 10% of the US’ total power needs. To talk about the policy and technology that’s needed to achieve this goal is Kevin Jones, enhanced geothermal program manager at the DOE. He speaks to Carolyn Kissane about pilot projects in the US and the pioneering work they are doing.  

What makes geothermal so exciting is its reliability as it’s available 24/7, whatever the weather. Enhanced geothermal systems are also revolutionising the field, allowing for the extraction of heat from deeper, previously unreachable rock formations. This cutting-edge technology opens up vast new areas for geothermal development, even in regions without traditional geothermal activity. Michael Webber is a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas in Austin, and he also joins the show to talk Carolyn through the technology that could unlock enough power to meet 3-5% of the world’s demands by 2050.  

It's not only electricity generation that geothermal energy can provide. It has use as a heat source too, and co-host Laura Young finds out how the UK’s only geothermal plant works as she talks to Eden Geothermal CEO Gus Grand.  

The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not reflect the activities of National Grid 

In this episode of The Clean Energy Revolution, Max La Manna discovers the ways that non-profit organisations in the UK and US are using clean and renewable energy solutions to help in their fight against fuel poverty.

From building solar-powered tiny homes for the unhoused, to using energy efficient measures to help those in need, Max speaks to some amazing people who are doing great work for their communities and for the planet.

Find out how they’re tackling fuel poverty by helping others to save energy or use cleaner energy, taking us closer to the goal of net zero while working to ensure that no-one is left behind in the clean energy transition.

Discover more about the organisations featured in this episode:

A Tiny Home For Good: https://www.atinyhomeforgood.org/

Heart Share Human Services of New York: https://www.heartshare.org/

United Way of Central Massachusetts: https://unitedwaycm.org/

National Energy Foundation: https://nef.org.uk/

Fuel Bank Foundation: https://www.fuelbankfoundation.org/

Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Discover more about National Grid at https://www.nationalgrid.com/

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The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and not of National Grid.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This time on The Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Helen Skelton is looking at the future of energy - and in particular, hydrogen. 

Of course, hydrogen is just one of the energy options for the future, albeit a very important one. National Grid is working to explore lots of options and it's all about finding is the right mix that will be safe, affordable and fair for everyone, whether in industry, businesses or homes. 

But what’s all the fuss about with hydrogen? What’s it’s potential for our future energy supply and decarbonising gas supply? And what innovations are taking place right now to get to that point? 

Helen is joined in the studio by the CEO of ITM Dr Graham Cooley, Dr Chris Manson-Whitton from Progressive Energy, Prof Zoe Robinson and a number of experts from National Grid to find out.

Find out more:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/journey-to-net-zero-stories/hydrogen-future-fuel-achieve-net-zero 

https://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/gas-transmission/insight-and-innovation/transmission-innovation/futuregrid 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH-c_UhUY_Q 

https://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/gas-transmission/document/133841/download 

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-is-hydrogen 

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gw9zt4rec70rrqewj2gpf/Hydrogen-Production-Teaching-Pack.pptx?dl=0&rlkey=rsag2biome4gcm2qah132isdf 

https://www.keele.ac.uk/sustainable-futures/ourchallengethemes/providingcleanenergyreducingcarbonemissions/hydeploy/ 

https://www.itm-power.com/about 

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The infrastructure that helps bring more clean, renewable energy to our homes and businesses is an essential part of the journey to net zero. But wouldn't it be great if the work that's being done to make this happen was also bringing positive changes for people, places and our natural environment?

In this episode of The Clean Energy Revolution, Max finds out about:

• A project that's helping preserve the habitats of local butterfly populations along the right of way for National Grid’s networks.
• The world's largest vertical farm, where access to more clean energy is allowing foodstuffs to be produced with a much lower environmental impact.
• The various ways that communities in Minnesota and beyond are benefiting from local construction of energy infrastructure – even long after the work is completed.

Discover more about National Grid at www.nationalgrid.com

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The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and not of National Grid.   

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The transition to cleaner, greener energy means that big changes are needed to the infrastructure that keeps it flowing to our homes and businesses. So how are these changes making a difference to the workforce of today - and of tomorrow?

In this episode of The Clean Energy Revolution, Max finds out about:

• New York’s Community Offshore Wind project, which could create up to 10,000 new jobs in the Northeast US.
• The innovation needed to ‘upgrade’ the UK’s electricity grid, and how it will lead to new ways of working in a digital age.
• Why a huge range of skills and roles - not just engineering and construction - will be essential for a successful energy transition and a cleaner future.

Discover more about National Grid at www.nationalgrid.com

The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and not of National Grid.

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Welcome to a new season of The Clean Energy Revolution.

Dr Carolyn Kissane and Laura Young explore the people, policy and projects that are having the biggest impact on tackling climate change.

How can infrastructure around the world be upgraded to keep up with energy demand? What needs to happen to triple global renewable energy generation? Where and how will AI be best deployed?

Laura Young, aka Less Waste Laura is an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist and ethical influencer. Dr. Carolyn Kissane is Associate Dean of the graduate programs in Global Affairs and Global Security, Conflict and Cybercrime at the Center for Global Affairs at NYU, and Founding Director of the Energy, Climate Justice & Sustainability Lab.

Accompanied by expert guests, they’ll take a look at the challenges and opportunities associated with renewable energy, including the impact on people and communities, how to make sure everyone benefits from the clean energy transition and what businesses can do – and are doing - to lead the way.

The Global Wind Energy Council forecasts that, with sustained policy support and investment, global wind capacity could reach 2,000 GW by 2030. This would be a significant contribution to net zero goals, so what does this sustained policy support look like? Where does the investment need to go, and where are we seeing innovation in the sector?  

On The Clean Energy Revolution, Carolyn and Laura explore the policy, technological advancements, investment needs, and the pivotal role of international cooperation in developing wind power. 

Laura is in Bilbao at the WindEurope annual conference. WindEurope, formerly the European Wind Energy Association, represents manufacturers, suppliers, utilities, developers and research institutes to develop and advocate for wind power in Europe. Giles Dickson is CEO, and he joins Laura as the conference gets underway. Together they highlight the role of the North Sea as a pivotal energy hub for Europe, as Giles talks about the need for increased cooperation among North Sea bordering countries to maximize the region's wind energy potential. What does the wind sector look like on the East side of the Atlantic? 

Meanwhile, Carolyn is in New York, with Will Hazelip, President of National Grid Ventures for the U.S. Northeast, to discuss the outlook for wind power in the region. Wind power in the US has seen substantial growth in the last two decades; 6 terawatt-hours in 2000 to 434 in 2022. What’s the potential for growth over the next decade, and beyond? Major projects such as South Fork Wind Farm and Vineyard Wind show the scale of ambition in the north-east, and the progress that’s being made to the 30GW target for 2030 set by the Biden administration. Carolyn and Will examine the state cooperation and policy support for offshore wind projects – projects that are perfectly placed to provide New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington DC with firm, reliable clean energy. 

As of the end of 2022, the UK's offshore wind capacity stood at over 10 GW, contributing significantly to the country's renewable energy mix. The UK government aims to add an extra 40 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 to meet increasing electricity demands and sustainability goals. Across Europe, the goal is 300 GW by 2030. 

The main talking points to come out of the WindEurope event, as Laura explains, are the complexities of scaling wind energy, the necessity of robust commercial frameworks, the impact of NIMBYism, and the crucial aspect of community engagement in wind projects.

Katie Jackson, President of NGV, and Matt Hinde, Head of European Affairs, also join this episode to explore these key points: the critical need for substantial investment and development in wind energy to meet future electricity demands, the importance of state cooperation and international collaboration to harness wind power effectively, and the significant challenges posed by supply chain issues, regulatory hurdles, and community opposition.

A fossil-free energy future isn’t just essential to help us reach net zero carbon goals, it’s a vital opportunity for future economies too. 

In The Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Max La Manna is on a mission to demystify our energy systems and help make sense of the science and engineering that underpins them.

In this episode, Max talks with innovative minds from the Northeast and West Coast of the United States to explore some of the technology in development to move us away from fossil fuels.

And he finds out about some of the exciting projects and ventures being developed and funded to revolutionise our energy future, and the future of the planet.

Professor Tristan Brown is Associate Professor of Energy Resource Economics from the State University of New York. He explains how environmental science and economic science are both a part of the solution when it comes to transforming our world’s relationship with energy.

And National Grid US Director of Policy and Regulatory Strategy Don Chahbazpour joins the discussion to explain how their fossil-free vision for the future aims to leave no customer behind. 

Chief Technology Officer Lisa Lambert is no stranger to disruptive tech, and explains how her Silicon Valley roots led her to found National Grid Partners which is supporting entrepreneurship and development in the wider energy industry.

National Grid’s Fossil Free Vision

Find out about National Grid Partners here

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In 1990, in an episode of The Simpsons, the family are sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner. Homer gives thanks to nuclear power: ‘the cleanest, safest energy source there is’. He then adds, ‘except for solar - which is just a pipe dream.’

Despite the irony in the statement, over 30 years later it’s safe to say solar is very much not just a pipe dream. In the US alone, solar capacity has increased by 51% from 2022 to 2023. 32.4 GW of new capacity was installed in 2023. New materials such as perovskite cells are driving record efficiencies, and investment is flowing into the sector thanks to incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Carolyn and Laura explore the role of solar in the Clean Energy Revolution, looking at the technology and policy that’s driving growth.

Becca Jones-Albertus, head of the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office, speaks with Carolyn about the ongoing advancements in solar in the US. Costs are down and efficiency is up. The potential is there for solar to boost its contribution to US energy generation from 6% to over 40%.

Meanwhile, Laura looks beyond the limits of land-based solar power as she chats to Sam Adlen, CEO of UK-based firm Space Spolar. As the name suggests, they’re developing solutions to space-based solar power; a UK government grant is funding their research into the possibilities for harnessing solar energy in space and sending it back to earth. How realistic is it?

Plus, the latest technologies in solar are explored with Jonathan Gifford, Editor at Large at pv magazine. He tells Laura about ‘floatovoltaics’, solar panels installed on lakes and reservoirs. Where land is scare, they’re an innovative solution. The water helps regulate the temperature of the cells, which naturally lose efficiency the more they heat up. Combining floating solar with hydroelectric dams is another innovation: these hybrid systems produce more electricity and can even store the potential energy in the form of water.

The potential for solar power goes beyond panels on roofs, and certainly beyond just a pipe dream.

In season 2 of The Clean Energy Revolution podcast from National Grid, Max La Manna takes a look at the role energy plays in tackling the negative effects of climate change, and discovers how our world will be powered in the next 30 years.

This time Max is looking at transport; asking how travel is embracing clean, green and renewable energy.

We all know that change is happening around us. So how do we get on-board? And how long will it be before planes, ships, cars and vans are all clean and green?

EVs (electric vehicles) continue to grow in popularity.But is the infrastructure ready to support your commute, your road trips, your family holidays?

To find out, we join a convoy of 50 electric vehicles on the Great British EV rally. Electric vans, cars, HGVs and trucks are driving 1300km from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Paul and Frankie Clifton are making the journey for us, to test the charging stations to the limit. Is the UK ready for mass EV adoption?

We discuss the latest developments in the US, where a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill has just been passed.Will it mean that EV pickups and SUVs will be able to drive coast to coast? Rishi Sondhi from National Grid gives us the latest.

And what about the future of flight? Engineer Dr Shini Somara visits Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, to get inside the planes of the future –aircraft being converted to hydrogen power. These planes will produce zero harmful emissions, and they’ll be with us in just a couple of years.Shini meets Director of Engineering Rob Marsh, and Chief Strategy Officer Jenny Kavanagh.

Finally, at Rockingham Racecourse we meet people testing out the performance and handling of electric cars and vans.Amongst them, President of the AA (Automobile Association)Edmund King, and National Grid’s Fleet Manager Lorna McAtear.

Useful information:

If you want to use cleaner energy for charging your EV or using your home appliances, National Grid’s When To Plug In app (https://www.nationalgrid.com/cop26/when-to-plug-in-app) tells you when the electricity coming into your home will be at its cleanest. (Available in the UK only)

https://www.nationalgrid.com/

www.cranfieldaerospace.com

www.gbevrally.co.uk/home

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This time on the Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Max La Manna is finding out how we can learn from science and nature to come up with solutions for a cleaner, greener future.

We’ve come a long way from the days of windmills and watermills, with our oceans becoming vast sources of wind power, and development along our coastlines allowing us to process and transport renewable energy around nations.

But how can we look at natural processes to better lock away carbon, and how important is it to make sure that when we’re building for the future, nature and habitats still have their place?

Reporter, Physicist and Oceanographer Helen Czerski takes to the road to discuss kelp restoration and the truth about ocean carbon capture with Marine Ecologist Dr Ian Hendy from the University of Portsmouth. Cirhan Truswell is Climate Change Manager at National Grid. She joins Max in the studio to discuss how future-proofing our energy infrastructure also means considering and caring for the environments it exists in.

We take a tour around BioteCH4, an anaerobic digestion plant in Lincolnshire that’s powering a local industrial estate on food waste alone!

Still puzzled about what biogas actually is and how it works for our energy? Monica Kabel from National Grid joins Patrick Serfass from the American Biogas Council to talk about how the US is making this kind of energy a big part of their fossil-free vision for the future.

If you’d like to keep track of it all, you can visit nationalgrid.com to follow our world’s clean energy story as it happens and find out how it’s part of your world right now. You can start your own conversation by sharing this podcast on social media or with a friend.

You can find out more about the organisations and initiatives involved in this podcast episode via the links below:

Dr Ian Hendy discusses Sea Kelp restoration in the Solent

The Sussex Kelp Restoration Project

The American Biogas Council

BioteCH4

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In The Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Helen Skelton finds out how we’re all part of one of the most incredible revolutions in human history.

Helen’s starting by unravelling the jargon that surrounds the decarbonisation of energy and the path to net zero.

• What does net zero mean?
• Why is 2021 and COP26 so important in tackling climate change
• How does our energy network run?
• Who’s making sure we have power 24/7, 365 days a week?

We’ll go behind the scenes at the Electricity System Operator control room to find out how the weather, temperature and our behaviour are predicted and provided for by expert operators.

National Grid’s Duncan Burt and Sustainability First’s Sharon Darcy explain why it’s vital to make sure nobody gets left behind as our power switches to green, clean sources. They’re chatting to Helen about equality in energy and why communities and workers all have a vital role to play in the future of clean energy.

ESO Chief Engineer Julian Leslie gives Helen a speed physics lesson as he explains the technical brilliance that keeps our lights on. We’ll also meet some of the innovative minds behind the technology that’s going to make sure our renewable energy system is stable and efficient in the future.

What is a rotating stabiliser? What’s the next big milestone in the energy transition? You’ll have the answers in the next 35 minutes – and maybe a few more questions too!

Find out more:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/journey-to-net-zero-stories/working-smarter-get-net-zero

https://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/stories/journey-to-net-zero/future-home-heating-net-zero-uk

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-ten-point-plan-for-a-green-industrial-revolution/title

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In The Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Helen Skelton explores how we’re all part of one of the most incredible revolutions in human history.

This time Helen’s looking at what clean, green and renewable energy looks like in the most important place of all: home!

We all know we need to make some changes to reduce carbon emissions and fight global warming and climate change. So what’s the score for the next decade, twenty years and beyond? And what kind of decisions are you going to have to make about the place you and your family live?

Helen gets the lowdown on what the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy means for homeowners and tenants and asks how we can make the energy transition a fair one.

She’ll be hearing about Smart home innovation with Fflur Lawton from Smart Energy GB and talking to Jinmi MacCaulay about National Grid’s research to hear what consumers think.

Richard Smith from the NHBC Foundation talks to us about designing homes fit for the future, for all of us.

And if you’re confused about finding the best energy option for your home, we’ll also be looking into some of the other options on the table. Adam Chapman, Director of Heat Geek and all-round heating myth-buster will be taking us through the fact and fiction of heat pumps.

And we’ll head to the Balcombe Estate in Sussex to meet Jamie Kirkman and find out how excess woodchip from a local sawmill is being used to power homes and businesses sustainably.

Useful links:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/journey-to-net-zero-stories/working-smarter-get-net-zero

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heat-and-buildings-strategy

https://www.smartenergygb.org

https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatGeek

https://www.nhbcfoundation.org/publication/nf80-futurology-the-new-home-in-2050/

https://twitter.com/_heatgeek

https://www.balcombesawmill.co.uk

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In The Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Helen Skelton explores how we’re all part of one of the most incredible revolutions in human history.

In this special episode Helen’s reviewing the commitments and pledges made by nations at COP26 earlier this month.

The global climate change conference saw world leaders, organisations, businesses and citizens meet in Glasgow to discuss the next actions in reaching net zero carbon emissions.

So what does this mean for deforestation, resource use, fairness and international collaboration? And how does the energy we use in buildings, homes, infrastructure and transport have a crucial role to play in making it all possible?

Find out why limiting global warming is key in protecting our world from the devastating impacts of climate change and hear how we can all play our part.

Helen speaks to guests from Hitachi, Reckitt, SSE, Scottish Power and Natwest for their takes on what big business is doing to make a difference.

And we hear from the public on their impressions of the conference too.

Useful links:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/journey-to-net-zero-stories/working-smarter-get-net-zero

https://ukcop26.org

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In this episode of The Clean Energy Revolution, Max La Manna discovers new ways that people and businesses can reduce their carbon emissions and the energy they use, and asks what this could mean for our homes and lifestyles – as well as for the planet.  

In the studio, Max is joined by Tristram Stuart - a writer and expert on the environmental and social impacts of food – as well as self-titled ‘Food Waste Disruptor’ Martyn Odell, aka @lagomchef, for a chat about low-energy cooking and how food waste contributes to global emissions.

In Glasgow, Laura Young, aka @LessWasteLaura, visits a nightclub that gets its energy from harnessing the body heat generated by clubbers. She also talks to young people from the 2050 Climate Group about how the city has been affected since hosting COP26, and how they’re changing their own lifestyles to become greener.

Discover more about National Grid at https://www.nationalgrid.com/ 

Less Waste Laura: https://www.lesswastelaura.com/

Tristram Stuart: https://www.tristramstuart.co.uk/

Martyn Odell: https://www.lagomchef.com/

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The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and not of National Grid.   

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In the Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Max La Manna is on a mission to demystify our energy systems and help make sense of the science and engineering that underpins our everyday lives.

As we push forward towards a net zero world, countries face tough targets to decarbonise the way we fuel our lives and National Grid is there to help in the UK and Northeast United States.

This time, Max explores how electricity is generated and how it makes its way to our homes. We take a mystery tour of the process, unveiling the infrastructure you might have seen out and about, and explaining how it all unpacks in our monthly or yearly energy bill.

We start with a visit to meet Ian Gough, who’s passionate about helping people understand how energy is part of the green revolution. He explains how the Green Park wind turbine, which presides over the UK’s M4 motorway, is powering local businesses. Plus we get an insight into exactly how these renewable power generators work.

Engineer Senamiso Mathobela explains how transmission carries high voltage energy around the UK, before we visit James Kelloway for a tour of the ESO – or electricity system operator – to find out how all that supply and demand is balanced to power everyday lives.

Then it’s off to a substation in Bristol to meet Stephen Blackwell. Ever wondered what happens at a local electricity substation? All is revealed here when Steve takes us through the important job of making sure that high voltage energy is stepped down to the right level for our homes and businesses and managed at sites around the country.

Then finally Paul Sands of pioneering green energy supplier Ecotricity explains how all these stages break down into our monthly bills, and tackles the tough questions many of us are facing during the crisis. He also discusses why renewable energy costs more during a gas crisis and how that might be set to change in the future.

Ian Gough runs Reduce Energy Ltd. https://www.nrgreduced.com

Green Park is located in Reading https://www.greenpark.co.uk

Find out about National Grid ESO at https://www.nationalgrideso.com

Ecotricity https://www.ecotricity.co.uk

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In The Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Helen Skelton talks to brilliant individuals for inspiring ideas on how we can make sure the energy we use is clean and green.

A huge part of transitioning our energy system is making sure that we stop emitting carbon dioxide and harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. But we also need to think about how we can remove it too.

This time Helen’s chatting with experts from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) and finding out about the East Coast Cluster project – the UK’s model for decarbonising energy in our most heavily industrialised areas.

And we travel to a peat bog in South Wales to find out how this restoration project is setting a course to limit further carbon emissions and even lock it away for the future.

Dr Jeanette Whitaker from UKCEH and Bilal Ahmed from the Northern Endurance Partnership discuss the different approaches to tackling carbon in our atmosphere, from land-based natural solutions to technical and engineered approaches, even repurposing under-sea mines and aquifers for storage!

Dr Rob Low from Rigare Ltd. takes us for a squelchy walk around the Hirwaun peat bog in South Wales, to explain how this National Grid restoration project is adding biodiversity to a heavily industrialised area.

And Katharine Kerr chats to wetland scientist Annette Burden to find out how “Blue Carbon” research and restoration projects could hold the key to locking away carbon long-term.

Useful links:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/journey-to-net-zero-stories/working-smarter-get-net-zero

https://www.nationalgrid.com/powerofall

https://www.ceh.ac.uk

https://eastcoastcluster.co.uk

https://www.netzeroteesside.co.uk/northern-endurance-partnership/

https://twitter.com/rigareltd

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Connecting more clean energy projects to the electricity grid is one of the most critical issues in driving the clean energy transition. Legacy ‘first come first served’ approaches, along with a rapid growth in the number of projects looking to connect, have led to stalled, or "zombie" projects waiting in the queue to be connected - so what’s being done to resolve this?  

Across the world, it's estimated we'll need 11,000 gigawatts by 2030 to triple renewable energy capacity. In the UK, electricity capacity may need to double by 2030 to achieve net zero goals, and in the US, renewable electricity deployment needs to significantly ramp up to achieve a zero-carbon energy supply.  

To discuss the rise in connection applications and the plans to accommodate them, Laura speaks to Ruth Shaw, Customer and Stakeholder Experience Manager in Electricity Transmission at National Grid. Together they look at groundbreaking projects like Dogger Bank – the world’s largest offshore wind farm – and how these projects are providing the blueprint for a streamlined connections process.  

On the other side of the Atlantic, Carolyn is joined by Sandy Grace, Vice President of US Policy and Regulatory Strategy for National Grid, to uncover how the US is tackling similar challenges. Innovative solutions like bi-directional flows and vehicle-to-grid technology are poised to revolutionize the grid. Sandy explains how they work, and analyses the need for regulatory reforms to speed up connections to the grid. 

Find out more about the upgrades to the grid happening in the UK and US at https://www.nationalgrid.com/the-great-grid-upgrade and https://upstateupgrade.nationalgrid.com/  

In this episode of The Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Helen Skelton looks at the future of energy, and how we harness the huge potential of offshore energy.

Offshore is just one of many important energy sources that will shape our future, and National Grid is working to explore various options to find the right mix.

So what IS offshore? What’s its potential for getting to net zero? And what innovations are taking place right now to get us there? 

Helen is joined in the studio by Graeme Cooper, Head of Future Markets at National Grid, Morris Bray, the man leading the charge to deliver multi-purpose interconnector “pathfinder” projects and connect the UK with clean energy around the world, and Kerri Maddock, Head of National Grid Ventures Strategy who will tell us about the international vision for offshore. 

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In the final episode of the series, Helen Skelton hears from people who are working to make the clean energy future fair and representative for everyone.

She chats with National Grid's Fleur Callender who shares the view from the United States and Alice Cross from the UK’s Sustainability First. Alice outlines how they’ve been working with activists, artists, policymakers and communities to understand people’s concerns and needs for the energy revolution.

Then it’s off to Sheffield City Centre where councillor Douglas Johnson tours us around the innovative Grey to Green project. This urban redevelopment scheme has combined arts, sustainable drainage, biodiversity planting and wellbeing spaces to create a model for the cities of our future. Could this sort of scheme be the answer to making our cities cleaner, safer, more environmentally-friendly places? It’s surely part of the puzzle as we work out how to fit clean energy into communities and towns.

Fergus Hynd oversees National Grid’s social initiative Grid for Good. He introduces the scheme which partners with charities to bring talent from under-represented and diverse backgrounds forward. Then the inspirational Taniya Bukhari, an Engineering Assistant, shares her experiences of overcoming challenges to shine in a placement she loves at National Grid.

If you’d like to keep track of it all, you can visit nationalgrid.com to follow our world’s clean energy story as it happens. You can start your own conversation by sharing this podcast on social media or with a friend.

You can find out more about the organisations and initiatives involved in this podcast episode via the links below:

Grey to Green Sheffield

Grid for Good

Sustainability First

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It's going to be a significant year for clean energy.

In 2024, countries are expected to update or submit new nationally determined contributions - their commitments to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The International Energy Agency has highlighted the need for significant increases in renewable energy deployment to meet these climate goals, projecting that renewable power capacity must double by 2030. This means an annual increase of around 300 GW over the next decade, compared to 2020's record of 250 GW of added renewable energy capacity. All this against a backdrop of pivotal elections around the world which will have a major impact on energy policy.

So what needs to happen this year to keep us track for net zero?

Laura and Carolyn get season 3 of the Clean Energy Revolution underway by making three bold predictions for the year in energy. The pledges made at COP28 last year are still a major focus, with the UAE's $30 billion fund to support climate-friendly projects worldwide and a commitment to triple renewable generation by 2030 standing out. National Grid delegates also gave us their predictions while in Dubai, and Laura and Carolyn analyse these at the end of the show.

What else can we expect from the year? Find out on The Clean Energy Revolution.

Discover more about National Grid at www.nationalgrid.com

This year will see a significant milestone: renewable sources are poised to constitute over a third of global electricity generation, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). 

With the ambitious pledge set out at COP28 - to triple renewable capacity by 2030 - still high on the agenda of global energy policy, much focus is on the capability of electricity grids to deliver on increased demand. What infrastructural and regulatory frameworks need updating as we move toward 50% renewable generation, and towards the ultimate goal of 100%? As electrification increases, a modern grid is essential to handle the load.

So how can countries continue the significant progress that’s already been made in increasing renewable generation, and evolve our grids for the future?

In this episode, Laura and Carolyn are joined by National Grid’s Reihaneh Irani-Famili (VP capital delivery, project management and construction) and Sara Habib (Head of future price controls) to discuss the tripling of renewable energy generation. How will it happen and how do make sure the grids can cope?

China's huge solar deployment has created competition globally in manufacturing as well as research and development, so the discussion naturally revolves around policy planning in the UK and US, grid modernisation and the balance between energy security, affordability and decarbonisation. 

What are the plans to modernise the grid to keep up with forecasted clean energy demand? Find out on The Clean Energy Revolution.

Discover more about National Grid at www.nationalgrid.com

In this special edition of The Clean Energy Revolution, we bring you highlights from a panel discussion, ‘Women Leading the Energy Transition’, hosted at New York University during Climate Week.

The discussion is moderated by Sandy Grace, Vice President of US Policy and Regulatory Strategy for National Grid, who sits down to talk with women working in various roles addressing the clean energy transition.

You’ll hear from panellists including Naomi Boness (Stanford University), Hadia Sheerazi (Rocky Mountain Institute), Amy Myers Jaffe (NYU), and one of this podcast’s co-hosts Dr. Carolyn Kissane (NYU), as they share their career journeys, current challenges, and opportunities needed to ensure a robust, equitable and sustainable energy transition.

Be sure to tune in to hear about the impactful work happening in policy, academia, NGOs, and startups, as well as the incredible and inspirational stories of some of the women at the forefront of the energy transition. This special episode is not to be missed.

Helen Skelton finds out how we’re all part of one of the most incredible revolutions in human history.

As the UK leads the charge towards net zero emissions, Helen unpacks the jargon and meets inspiring people who are using tech, science and smart thinking to help tackle climate change through the energy we use.

National Grid has a crucial role to play, as it supplies energy to home across the UK and the Northeast United States. That means they’re at the heart of connecting all of us to a green future.

From the gas and electricity we use in our homes and offices to factories, shops, schools, hospitals and transport – the energy we use to fuel our everyday life is getting greener and cleaner.

In this series we’ll find out:

What is already happening to make the energy we use to power our lives greener and cleaner in the race to tackle climate change?

What part can we all play as individuals, businesses and nations, to help make this happen for the good of our planet?

And why is innovation in the way we provide and use energy offering new hope?

Don’t worry if you’re not up on your tech or science either, Helen and the experts will be explaining all those terms we hear bandied about on the TV, news and parliament, making this series your definitive guide to the net zero energy transition.

Are you ready?

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The transition to clean energy is the biggest challenge of our generation, and its unprecedented nature means that totally new ways of thinking and innovative solutions are required for it to be delivered successfully.  

This means the industry must continue to innovate, to drive this change at the speed and scale needed. Investment in new technology, the forging of new partnerships and the creation of new business models are all advancing the energy transition.  

To help keep you in the know, Carolyn and Laura are joined by experts in energy, business and climate to explore the ways the industry is innovating to tackle the biggest challenges in reaching net zero.  

Carolyn kicks things off by talking with Steve Smith, Chief Strategy & Regulation Officer at National Grid. He explains why the speed and scale of progress needed for a clean, fair and affordable energy transition won’t be achieved if the industry continues to take the same approaches that have been taken historically. 

Carolyn and Steve also discuss National Grid’s collaborations with start-up companies to develop next-generation technologies and much more.Plus, innovation across the sector such as a new way of looking at grids; the applications for AI and modern computing power, and innovative approaches to modular networks to deal with changing demand from customers.   

Meanwhile, Laura was at National Grid’s Innovation Day event, discussing everything from the changing relationship between small and big business, how to drive change in the industry and the collaboration between utilities and buyers. Jake Oster is Director of Energy and Environmental Policy at Amazon, and he spoke to Laura about Amazon’s sustainability and net zero plans. Amazon is the world’s largest corporate buyer of renewable energy, with 500 wind and solar projects across more than 25 countries around the world.   

Denise Massey is Managing Director of the Energy Innovation Centre, and she discusses the evolving collaboration between big and small business in accelerating the deployment of clean energy. Laura also speaks with Nora Brownell, Co-Founder of ESPY Energy Solutions and partner in Clean Energy Ventures, about the role of innovation in the energy transition, and how to create a clean energy future where everyone benefits.  

Collaboration - be it with government, utilities, investors or stakeholders – plays a vital role in the energy transition and only by working together can we achieve the kind of innovation needed for a clean energy future. 

It’s a new year, and Max La Manna is taking a look at the ways clean energy is heading in 2023 and beyond.

We’ll hear predictions from experts across the energy landscape on what they think the next year - and the coming decades - will hold.

Those predictions will be dissected and discussed by three energy leaders: Emma Pinchbeck - CEO of Energy UK, Dr. Shini Somara – mechanical engineer and broadcaster, and Keith Stephens - Group Corporate Affairs Director at National Grid.

They discuss the technologies and innovations that are leading the future of clean energy, as well as how advances in hydrogen, EVs, renewable energy and generation-defining legislation could determine how soon we achieve net zero.

What will enhance the energy sector in 2023? How will countries collaborate in the fight to reduce global emissions? And what exactly is space-based solar?

Find out on The Clean Energy Revolution.

Discover more about National Grid at https://www.nationalgrid.com/  

Find out about Energy UK: https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/

Find out about Dr. Shini Somara: http://www.drshinisomara.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information  

The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and not of National Grid. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In The Clean Energy Revolution from National Grid, Helen Skelton explores how we’re all part of one of the most incredible revolutions in human history.

The way we heat our homes, businesses and communities can hugely change our carbon footprint.

In this episode, National Grid guests from the UK and US will explain how insulation, greener tech and carbon-neutral resources mean your home is set to get greener.

Jess Ralston from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit and Rob Cheesewright from Smart Energy GB will look at the road ahead of UK businesses in the face of the government’s latest strategy.

Plus Helen will be finding out about the smart cities that are looking at the big picture of green living thanks to clever data, analytics and technology. She’ll meet @NathanPierceUKfrom Sharing Cities.

Useful links:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/journey-to-net-zero-stories/working-smarter-get-net-zero

https://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/stories/journey-to-net-zero/future-home-heating-net-zero-uk

Find out more about the Green Light Signal:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/greenlightsignal

What is the UK government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy 2021?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heat-and-buildings-strategy

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