Welcome to the final episode of Season 2 of the Global Tales of Carbon Transition (GTCT) podcast, your guide to the most important stories shaping the global shift to a low-carbon future. In this special wrap-up, we reflect on the season and revisit one of the year’s most anticipated debates: Will there really be a hydrogen economy? Moderated by Andy Critchlow, Head of News @S&P Global Commodity Insights debate took place on 29 October 2025.

Recorded during World Hydrogen Week 2025 and the debate brought together two leading voices, Michael Liebreich, Founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance, and Erik Rakhou, GTCT co-host and author of Touching Hydrogen’s Future: Tour Around the Globe. This conversation explores optimism versus realism in the future of hydrogen and the path toward decarbonization.

• Thank you to Andy Critchlow, Head of News @ S&P Global Commodity Insights, Lucy Rankin and the World Hydrogen Leaders www.worldhydrogenweek.com team for the organisation.
• Sponsor: A big thank you to our sponsor Rakhou Associates, https://rakhou.com/ for sponsoring this episode of Global Tales of Carbon Transition
• Hosts: Joachim von Scheele, Joachim von Scheele | LinkedIn; Erik Rajhou, Erik Rakhou | LinkedIn; Oghosa Erhahon, Oghosa Erhahon | LinkedIn; and Jaqueline Pinto Jaqueline Pinto | LinkedIn, http://theresadn.eu

Erik Rakhou underscores hydrogen’s vital role in decarbonization and resilience, citing progress across key regions. Michael Liebreich counters with realism, pointing to cost and physics limits while urging focus on electrification, innovation, and fair carbon pricing.

Closing Thoughts: The hosts close a season spanning climate jobs, methane, geopolitics, and hydrogen, reminding us that true decarbonization demands diversity, innovation, and shared opportunity.

Special Thanks

• Andy Critchlow (Moderator, S&P Global Commodity Insights)
• Michael Liebreich & Erik Rakhou (Debate Guests)
• S&P Global for hosting the live debate at World Hydrogen Week 2025
• State of Play of H2 The European hydrogen market landscape?

Listen & Subscribe Follow Global Tales of Carbon Transition wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by whatspodcasting.net

Broadcast live from World Hydrogen Week in Copenhagen, hosts Jacqueline, Eric, Joachim, and Oghosa return for another dynamic conversation on Global Tales of Carbon Transition. In this episode, they sit down with Jessica Horn, Business Developer at INOCEL, to explore how a father–daughter journey from the Arctic led to one of Europe’s most exciting hydrogen technology ventures.

Jessica recounts how her father, world explorer Mike Horn, witnessed the visible effects of climate change during an expedition across the Arctic and decided to act. Together, they sought to build a hydrogen-powered vehicle for the legendary Dakar Rally, which ultimately sparked the founding of INOCEL, a company now pioneering high-performance hydrogen fuel cells for mobility, industry, and energy applications.

From powering off-road races to enabling clean energy at ports and major events, this conversation captures the spirit of innovation, persistence, and collaboration driving the next phase of hydrogen adoption worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• The Birth of INOCEL: How an Arctic expedition and the will to act on climate change sparked a breakthrough hydrogen company.
• Hydrogen Mobility Reimagined: Why high-power, responsive fuel cells are critical for heavy-duty vehicles, industrial machinery, and marine use.
• From Hype to Purpose: The global hydrogen narrative is shifting from theoretical discussions to tangible use cases and scalable solutions.
• Simplifying Regulation: The call for global alignment and simplified frameworks to help innovators and adopters move faster.
• Collaboration Over Competition: A shared vision emerging across the sector—progress through partnership, not rivalry.

Topics Covered

• Founding journey of INOCEL
• Hydrogen mobility and stationary applications
• Regulatory and safety challenges
• Event and port decarbonization
• Global collaboration for clean energy innovation

Live from Copenhagen at World Hydrogen Week, hosts Jaqueline, Eric, Joachim, and Oghosa return for Season Two of the Global Tales of Carbon Transition Podcast. In this episode, they sit down with Marina Hritsyshyna, a hydrogen regulation specialist and lawyer, to unpack the complex but fascinating evolution of hydrogen in the global energy mix from Europe’s regulatory frameworks to Asia’s fast-rising influence and America’s pragmatic shifts.

Marina shares her personal journey from building wind farms in Ukraine to advising on renewable hydrogen regulation in the EU and Germany. Together, the hosts and Marina explore questions around RFMBOs, low-carbon vs. renewable hydrogen, and the fine balance between over-regulation and market growth.

The conversation weaves through:

• Why the EU remains a key player despite growing competition from Asia
• How India’s coal-based grid complicates hydrogen export ambitions
• The future of certification and life-cycle emissions standards
• The need for pragmatism and dialogue in EU regulation
• Whether hydrogen will stay in Europe’s top three energy vectors
• And ultimately, how optimism can coexist with complexity in the global energy transition

The episode closes on a hopeful note: that even amid regulation fatigue and geopolitical uncertainty, collaboration, innovation, and steady dialogue will define the next chapter of hydrogen’s story.

Topics Covered

• Renewable vs. low-carbon hydrogen
• European regulatory frameworks (RFMBOs, CBAM, Clean Industrial Deal)
• Global hydrogen market dynamics (EU, US, Asia)
• Certification and life-cycle assessment
• Policy-industry dialogue in the energy transition

Key Takeaways

• The EU’s hydrogen regulation remains central to its decarbonization agenda, but balance and flexibility are essential.
• Asia’s role, particularly that of China and India, is growing, but regulatory alignment with EU standards remains a significant hurdle.
• The dialogue between policymakers, industry, and innovators must deepen to achieve practical progress.
• The definition of “low-carbon hydrogen” is evolving, signaling a shift toward inclusivity and market realism.
• Hydrogen will likely integrate into broader energy systems, alongside renewables, nuclear, and CCUS, rather than exist alone.

In this episode, we dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of carbon markets, the EU’s ambitious 2040 climate target, and the real-world implications for businesses, governments, and the planet.

Our guest, Joss, a climate justice advocate and carbon policy expert from the Netherlands, brings clarity, wit, and an insider’s view on how flexibility, regulation, and innovation are shaping the future of emissions reductions.

Together Joss unpacks the EU’s carbon strategies, explains why the 3% offset rule matters, challenges the pros and cons of CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), and offers actionable insights for companies trying to navigate and invest in sustainable supply chains.

Key Topics Covered:

• EU Climate Targets: What the 2040 goal of 90% emissions reduction really means → How cap-and-trade remains a cornerstone of European policy → The role of residual emissions and carbon removals

Resources & Mentions:

• Colanthesis (Joss’s organization)
• EU ETS & 2040 Target Policy
• Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
• CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)
• Voluntary Carbon Market Standards (VERRA, Gold Standard)

• Sponsor: A big thank you to our sponsor Rakhou Associates, https://rakhou.com/
• Hosts: Joachim von Scheele, Joachim von Scheele | LinkedIn; Erik Rajhou, Erik Rakhou | LinkedIn; Oghosa Erhahon, Oghosa Erhahon | LinkedIn; and Jaqueline Pinto Jaqueline Pinto | LinkedIn, http://theresadn.eu
• This Podcast was produced by whatspodcasting.net the makers of pllugg.com

Welcome to Episode 4: Headfirst into the sizzling intersection of geopolitics, trade, and climate with Tim Figures, a decarbonization guru from Boston Consulting Group. Tim’s journey, from policymaker to business strategist, highlights the growing interconnectedness of these global forces. He paints a vivid picture of climate transforming into a geopolitical arena, emphasizing the crucial marriage between climate action and trade. Forget going solo – decarbonization demands collaboration! Hold onto your hats as we explore which regions are poised to become the champions of this green revolution.

• Sponsor: A big thank you to our sponsor Rakhou Associates, https://rakhou.com/
• Hosts: Joachim von Scheele, Joachim von Scheele | LinkedIn; Erik Rajhou, Erik Rakhou | LinkedIn; Oghosa Erhahon, Oghosa Erhahon | LinkedIn; and Jaqueline Pinto Jaqueline Pinto | LinkedIn, http://theresadn.eu
• BCG Article on Coopetition: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/climate-coopetition-best-route-to-net-zero
• This Podcast was produced by whatspodcasting.net the makers of pllugg.com

This Episode is featuring Ely Sandler, research fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center, and Olivia Azadegan, senior energy manager at the Global Methane Hub. They trace their personal paths into decarbonisation and unpack the biggest question facing climate action today: how do we pay for the global energy shift in a multipolar world?

Ely makes a compelling case for unleashing private capital arguing that lowering risk and cutting the cost of capital, especially in emerging markets, is the real unlock. Olivia brings a pragmatic, solutions-first perspective, showing how the Global Methane Hub mobilises philanthropy, policy and local partnerships to slash emissions fast.

The episode dives deep into methane’s outsized impact, highlighting a rare sweet spot where environmental wins and industry profits align: stopping leaks boosts the climate and the bottom line. Tune in for candid insights, fresh frameworks and practical takeaways for energy leaders, investors and students ready to shape the carbon-neutral future.

• Sponsor: A big thank you to our sponsor Rakhou Associates, https://rakhou.com/
• Hosts: Joachim von Scheele, Joachim von Scheele | LinkedIn; Erik Rajhou, Erik Rakhou | LinkedIn; Oghosa Erhahon, Oghosa Erhahon | LinkedIn; and Jaqueline Pinto Jaqueline Pinto | LinkedIn, http://theresadn.eu
• Guests: Ely Sandler https://www.linkedin.com/in/ely-sandler/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3BYfe2pFdiR0qUTZ%2BlaVNUOA%3D%3D and Olivia Azadegan https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-azadegan/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3BYfe2pFdiR0qUTZ%2BlaVNUOA%3D%3D
• This Podcast is produced by whatspodcasting.net the makers of pllugg.com

Diving deep into the fascinating world of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with the brilliant Michael Hewitt from ULC Energy. This episode crackles with energy as Michael unravels the SMR mystery – what they are, their history, and how these compact powerhouses fit into the carbon transition puzzle.

He breaks down the complexities with ease, explaining how SMRs offer a more efficient, cost-effective, and timely alternative to traditional nuclear plants. Think factory-built modules assembled like LEGOs ingenious! The discussion sparks even more excitement as it explores the potential of SMRs to power data centers (goodbye, dirty energy!), stabilize fragile grids, and even decarbonize those tough industrial sectors.

Plus, a mind-blowing revelation: SMRs can team up with renewables to create a clean energy dream team! Michael tackles tough questions about batteries, renewables, and even the fusion dream, offering insightful and realistic perspectives. He sheds light on the evolving financial landscape of nuclear, highlighting the increasing interest from investors and governments alike. Michael's passion for nuclear is infectious, and his call for open minds and embracing solutions resonates deeply.

1. Sponsor: A big thank you to our sponsor Rakhou Associates, https://rakhou.com/
2. Hosts: Joachim von Scheele, Joachim von Scheele | LinkedIn; Erik Rajhou, Erik Rakhou | LinkedIn; Oghosa Erhahon, Oghosa Erhahon | LinkedIn; and Jaqueline Pinto Jaqueline Pinto | LinkedIn, http://theresadn.eu
3. This Podcast is produced by whatspodcasting.net the makers of pllugg.com

Welcome back to Global Tales of Carbon Transition! In our Season 2 premiere, Jacqueline, Eric, and Joachim sit with Ciara Remeshied, Director at Shortlist Futures, to explore Africa’s green job revolution. A staggering 3.3 MILLION new jobs are projected by 2030, primarily in solar, climate-smart agriculture, and the surprisingly massive waste remediation sector! Ciara dives into the nitty-gritty, revealing how these jobs aren't just numbers, but opportunities for economic empowerment, particularly for women. She shares inspiring stories of women gaining skills in solar installation and last-mile delivery, overcoming barriers like access to safety equipment, and maximizing earning potential through innovative training programs. The conversation sparks with insights into community-level impacts, highlighting how mini-grids and demand stimulation can transform lives.

• Sponsor: A big thank you to our sponsor Rakhou Associates, https://rakhou.com/
• Hosts: Joachim von Scheele, Joachim von Scheele | LinkedIn; Erik Rajhou, Erik Rakhou | LinkedIn; Oghosa Erhahon, Oghosa Erhahon | LinkedIn; and Jaqueline Pinto Jaqueline Pinto | LinkedIn, http://theresadn.eu
• Guest: Shortlist Futures, https://www.shortlist.net/futures; https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/shortlist-futures; Ciara Marie Remerscheid | LinkedIn
• Reports referenced: https://forecasting-green-jobs.mailchimpsites.com/ and The Future of Jobs Report 2025 | World Economic Forum
• produced by whatspodcasting.net

This week we're bringing you a special holiday treat! In this festive bonus episode, our co-hosts get personal, sharing their own journeys in the energy transition world. We also welcome our new co-host Jaqueline Pinto to the podcast family, bringing fresh perspectives to our energy transition conversations.

Looking back at 2024, our hosts highlight the year's game-changing moments in energy transition and peek into 2025 as they share their bold predictions for what's next in the energy landscape!

Coffee Machine thoughts: 2024's focus on partnerships, implementation, and storytelling has set the stage for an exciting 2025! Get ready for: climate policy shifts, attracting green investment, China's growing influence in decarbonisation, and fesh voices shaping the climate narrative.

Listen to the full episode now!

Season 1 Finale

This week we are joined by Rumaitha Ai Busaidi. Rumaitha is a Omani scientist, environmentalist and Business Development Manager at Hydrom, the orchestrator of green hydrogen development in Oman.

Oman is positioned as a key driver for a green energy future with leading combination of solar and wind. Oman is accelerating its hydrogen potential across green, blue and white hydrogen! Rumaitha shares on the boasting up to 400 companies in auction rounds for hydrogen projects. There's so much on the horizon for Oman hydrogen industry with water, common-use infrastructure, sustainability and prosperity as cornerstones! Oman hydrogen future, one to look out for!

Coffee Machine thoughts: With 13 ground-breaking and innovative guests on the show, - Rumaitha surely leaves us asking....what will it take for you to be a good Ancestor?

Listen to the full episode now!

Connect with our guest: Rumaitha Al Busaidi - Vice President - Environment Society of Oman - جمعية البيئة العمانية | LinkedIn

Connect with the host:

Erik Rakhou | LinkedIn

Joachim von Scheele | LinkedIn

Oghosa Erhahon | LinkedIn