Energy Vista

In this episode of Energy Vista, Leslie Palti-Guzman speaks with Phil Chaffee, editor of Nuclear Intelligence Weekly at Energy Intelligence, about the global nuclear energy revival, its geopolitical supply chain challenges, and policy drivers shaping the industry. Is nuclear energy finally making a comeback, or are we still in a phase of big plans with little execution? How are AI-driven energy demand, climate policies, and energy security concerns shaping this revival? What role does gas play as a bridge fuel, and could nuclear truly compete in the long term? They also dive into the U.S. push for nuclear enriched fuel independence-- notably from Russia-- Europe’s shifting stance—is Germany rethinking its nuclear exit?—and China’s aggressive reactor expansion. Plus, Phil shares insights from nearly two decades of reporting on nuclear energy. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the most debated energy sources of the future.

"Europe cannot go back to business as usual with Putin’s Kremlin. The era of Russian energy dominance in Europe should be over for good." – Dr. Benjamin Schmitt"Europe is undergoing a shock therapy administered by Washington—a tough wake-up call for the transatlantic relationship." – Leslie Palti-Guzman

In this Energy Vista podcast episode, Leslie Palti-Guzman welcomes Dr. Benjamin Schmitt to discuss Europe's energy security amid geopolitical upheaval.  They discuss Europe's energy diversification, Russia’s energy weaponization, and the risks of hybrid warfare, including recent undersea cable attacks suspected to involve Russia. Who blew up Nord Stream pipes? Ben answers and stresses that Europe must not revert to Russian energy dependence, despite economic pressures. The conversation also covers NATO's role in critical infrastructure protection and transatlantic cooperation for energy resilience. At a personal level, Leslie shares her journey post-acquisition of GasVista and Leviaton, while Ben updates on his role at the University of Pennsylvania. Also, Ben shares his information regimen to remain on top of his research and analysis. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Gina Cohen, an Israeli gas expert, on the geopolitics of trade in the East Mediterranean region. They discuss infrastructure development, energy security, export scenarios, Europe's renewed interest, new regional alliances and Israel's domestic policy environment. Gina is also sharing her personal journey in which she learned to speak up and lean in. This episode was recorded on May 27, 2022.

Leslie Palti-Guzman is exchanging with her eight-year-old son on the Russia-Ukraine war. He had many questions that he wanted to share with other kids. He asked Leslie about Europe's dependence on Russian energy, the refugee crisis, the role of China and many other topics. Audience: Third Grade and above. This episode was recorded on May 2, 2022. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Dr. Benabbou Senouci, macro economist and professor in Oran's Ecoles Superieures d'Economie, Algeria. This episode in French, recorded on Apr. 29, 2022, discusses Europe's renewed interest in Algeria's hydrocarbons, and what is means for Algeria's economy diversification away from fossil fuels. We delve into Algeria's renewable and hydrogen goals. Benabbou is sharing his thoughts about his students' interest in energy transition. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Phillip Cornell, Principal at Economist Impact on the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on energy trade flows. They discuss the state of play of sanctions and what further pressure, including a punitive tax on Russian oil, could mean for the world's economy. Their conversation touches on de-escalation in a post-war world, which could also become less globalized. Phillip explains his career path and when life threw him some curveballs. This episode was recorded on March 18, 2022. 

Was Germany's nuclear phase-out decision hasty and political or motivated by legitimate safety and environmental concerns? Why is nuclear back in the headlines and part of EU's green energy taxonomy? Leslie Palti-Guzman discusses with Colette Lewiner, senior advisor @Capgemini all things nuclear, investments, new technologies and politics.

France's  looming announcement on new nuclear reactors shows growing divergences with Germany on energy issues.

Colette shares her personal and social involvement in narrowing the gender gap in science. She is also explaining what she brings to the table as an independent Board member at more than six blue-chip companies.

This episode was recorded on Jan. 31, 2022.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Gulmira Rzayeva, Founder of Eurasia Analytics. They delve into Europe's current energy crisis and the consequences for future investments in Caspian's natural resources, from natural gas to hydrogen. They discuss geopolitics, prices, decarbonization, stranded assets, power play (Russia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan). Gulmira has long been a voice for Azerbaijan explaining her country's energy policies and infrastructure projects #publicdiplomacy #thinktank #SouthernGasCorridor. This episode was recorded on Dec. 2, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Peter Coleman, former CEO of Woodside and Board Director of Schlumberger. They cover many topics: current gas price crunch, LNG trade, investment in oil and gas versus renewable, influence of shareholders, Australia's export and climate policies, China's market clout, US-Australia relations. Peter shares  his unique experience as a CEO of a large company. Make sure to listen to the end to find out what was his most difficult decision. This episode was recorded on Oct. 28, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman, exchanges with Antoine Heuty, founder of Ulula, a software company that allows workers in the mining industry to alert their employers about unsafe working conditions. Antoine and Ulula are at the core of the action: Supply Chains, ESG, Mining, Data. Our conversation touches on the role of the extractive industry in the energy transition, social vulnerabilities in the mining supply chain, ESG, standards and social media. Antoine is also sharing his path in becoming an entrepreneur. 

This episode was recorded on Oct. 20, 2021.