Energy Vista

Why is biogas less 'sexy' than hydrogen? You will start to hear much more about the ‘hippie gas’, which is biogas/biomethane, to decarbonize the electricity grid, cooking, and shipping (among other things). This is the topic of the latest Energy Vista podcast. Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Karen Sund on the growth prospects of biogas/biomethane, as a renewable, sustainable gas that will contribute to the circular economy. Karen is also sharing her passion about understanding full energy systems (local, national, international) and her obligation to say something, be outspoken. This episode was recorded on Jun. 11, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet (NKM), former Minister for the Environment in France, currently Senior Partner at Antin Infrastructure in the US. Is there a technological solution to avoid cyber attacks on critical infrastructure? Do our democratic societies have a healthy debate on climate change and energy transition? Will there be some Transatlantic cooperation on energy infrastructure? Only NKM can cover such a wide spectrum of issues with depth and original thinking.  Through the podcast, we discuss her personal trajectory and her environmental passion which are deeply intertwined with her professional journey. This episode was recorded on May 14, 2021. 

Leslie Palti Guzman exchanged with Anna Mikulska on European pipeline politics and the use of natural gas as a geo-economic tool. They spiced up their discussion on Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline (NS2) by looking at statements advanced by the advocates and opponents of the project and gave their insights on why it's false, true or more nuanced. This is a timely topic with geopolitical ramifications; natural gas is here to stay in Europe for a few decades so it's important to understand what is at stake with NS2. Anna is also sharing what shaped her analytical mind and interest on energy issues from her Polish background to her law studies. This episode was recorded on Apr. 30, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Anne-Claire Howard, CEO of ResponsibleSteel. We discuss the decarbonization challenges of the steel value chain: cost, trade wars, availability of technological solutions (CCS, hydrogen), future of steel communities, critical role of investors to finance R&D, certification of responsibly produced steel. Interestingly, the steel and LNG/gas industries have a lot in common when addressing energy transition and transformation. Anne-Claire shares also about her personal and professional trajectories; her pragmatism transpires. This episode was recorded on Apr. 9, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Cecile Maisonneuve, Chairwoman of La Fabrique de la Cite. They discuss the future of our cities, how they will adapt and reemerge from ongoing challenges, the pandemic as well as climate change. They touch on mobility (for people and goods), decarbonization, electrification, density, democracy and the delicate balance between sustainability, equality and public acceptance.  Cecile opens up about how history and her multi-disciplinary understanding of the world  help her find creative solutions. Listen to the end to discover the enduring wisdom of Benjamin Franklin and how we can apply his life lessons to climate change. This episode was recorded on February 26, 2021. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Congressman Charles Boustany on US trade policy under the Biden administration and building a US presence in Asia through investments and energy. They delve into competition with China, setting up standards, coordination with Europe, infrastructure financing. They also discuss various trade agreements and their future. Congressman Boustany has a fascinating personal/professional trajectory, from a surgeon caring for his patients to a Congressman caring for his constituents in Louisiana. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Akos Losz, Energy Analyst at the IEA. They discuss some of the main trends highlighted in IEA's Gas Market Report Q4 2020 and debate on the drivers behind the historical price surge in Asia this winter. They also touch on seasonality, energy transition, coal-to-gas switching and investments. Akos shares his experience working at the IEA during Covid while raising a toddler. He explains the writing process and data gathering behind the agency's reports.  This episode was recorded on Feb. 1, 2021. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Aura Sabadus, a senior energy journalist with ICIS. We discuss recent energy security dynamics in South-East Europe with the completion of the Southern Gas Corridor and its implications on gas prices, gas-to-coal switching and relationship with Northwest Europe. We delve into the new European Union's approach to natural gas, financing and US regional interests. Some countries highlighted include Romania, Turkey, Greece, Moldova, Bulgaria. Regarding her personal trajectory, Aura shares her views on freedom of speech in a geopolitically sensitive region. The episode was recorded on Jan. 8, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Colette Lewiner, Senior Energy Advisor to the Capgemini Chairman. They discuss the most surprising Covid-19 energy-related takeaways and Capgemini's latest World Energy Markets Observatory (WEMO). They delve into opportunities and challenges to decarbonize Europe's electricity mix, reach EU's climate goals, including its hydrogen strategy. At a personal level, Colette explains how she successfully manages a portfolio of activities (board member, advisor, consultant to start-up...). This episode was recorded on Dec. 3, 2020. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Michal Meidan, Director of the China Energy Program at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. They discuss the feasibility of China's pledge to be carbon neutral by 2060 and Beijing's reasoning behind setting ambitious environmental goals. They delve into the challenges and opportunities of implementing the new top-down climate strategy and gauge whether Beijing will seize the opportunity to export green technologies abroad via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). On a personal note, Michal shares about the usefulness of language skills (e.g. Mandarin), but in today's world mastering an exotic language may not be enough unless it's combined with another specialization.