Eight Minute Climate Fix

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In this episode, Paul is joined by DR Richardson and Jan Keleher of Elephant Energy to discuss the challenges of the residential heat pump market. With an array of federal, state and local incentives, a myriad of technology options, sizing requirements, electrical upgrade decisions and other factors that play into installing these units, Elephant Energy has found a niche as a "one-stop shop" in helping homeowners.
We explore why business model innovations such as Elephant's may be necessary to ensure that this useful decarbonization technology gets deployed at scale.
For further research:
DR Richardson
Jan Keleher
Elephant Energy
Global Heat Pump Sales Continue Double Digit Growth - International Energy Agency

After Maine Surpasses 100,000 Heat Pump Goal Two Years Ahead of Schedule, Governor Mills Sets New, Ambitious Target

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The utility business model is a bit unusual, given that power companies own a natural monopoly in the areas in which they operate. But just as the energy transition has upended a bunch of other industry models, it's doing something similar in the staid power industry.
Paul digs into the existing Cost of Service model most utilities employ today, as well as discussing the evolving role that decoupling and Performance Based Ratemaking play in aligning utility incentives with those of states and consumers.

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In this episode, Paul discusses some of the emerging value propositions that exist at the grid edge - that point of power consumption. As utilities and start-ups offer up new technologies and solutions, Paul digs into what makes these propositions work and the challenges we have in realizing all of the potential value.

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Philanthropic giving to climate related causes is woefully small. But charitable dollars have a really important role to play because of their flexibility and different motivations. They can catalyze investment in areas where private or governmental dollars can not.
In this episode, Paul sits with Randall Kempner, Senior Advisor to the Aspen Institute to discuss the role of philanthropic dollars in the capital stack, why foundations and donors have not contributed as much, yet, and what is needed to further catalyze this funding source.
For the extended version of the interview with Randall, please visit More Than Eight Minutes
And for further research:
Randall Kempner
The Aspen Institute's Energy & Environment Program
The Global Methane Hub
Much Alarm, Less Action: Foundations & Climate Change - The Center for Effective Philanthropy
Global Energy Alliance for People & Planet
Giving to Amplify Earth Action - World Economic Forum

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Just before Christmas, the US Treasury and IRS issued rules on how certain tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act should be considered. These 45V tax credits are critical to the growth and evolution of the hydrogen industry, but not everyone agrees on how these credits should be managed. Should they prioritize growth of a needed carbon-free fuel industry? Or should they ensure that dirty, fossil fired power stations aren't powering staying operational longer than needed?
In this episode, Paul outlines the issues at stake and the resultant ruling laid down by Treasury on these credits. As the climate industry ramps up new and important technologies such as hydrogen, carbon capture and others - these wonky debates on business models, value chains and tax implications are going to be increasingly important.

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