The Clean Energy Revolution podcast
In season 3 of The Clean Energy Revolution podcast, we continue to uncover the big stories in clean energy and the role it plays in tackling the negative effects of climate change.
We’ll take a look at the challenges and opportunities that come 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.
From AI to infrastructure, wind power to climate policy, expect conversations with experts, industry leaders and passionate individuals who are working towards a greener future.
Join us to discover how our lives will be powered as we work towards a net zero future that doesn't contribute to global warming, and how the industry as a whole can work together to help make this happen for the good of our planet.
Listen to season 3, episode 10:
AI and energy: the new power couple?
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.
In this episode, 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, known for being 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.
Meet our hosts
To explore the big clean energy stories on both sides of the Atlantic, season 3 has two brand new hosts...
Dr. Carolyn Kissane
Carolyn serves as the Associate Dean of the graduate programs in Global Affairs and Global Security, Conflict and Cybercrime at the Center for Global Affairs at NYU. She is the Founding Director of the SPS Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab, Coordinator of the Energy and Environment concentration at the Center, and a faculty adviser to the Energy Policy International Club.
Carolyn also serves on the boards of the New York Energy Forum, New York Energy Week, and the Clean Start Advisory Board. She was named Breaking Energy’s Top Ten New York Women in Energy and Top Ten Energy Communicator.
Laura Young
Laura – also known as @LessWasteLaura – is an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist and ethical influencer. A former Scottish influencer of the year, she continues to campaign for climate justice and is a regular speaker in the media on climate, sustainability and environmental justice.
Laura is currently undertaking her PhD as a Hydro Nations Scholar in climate resilience work at the University of Dundee.
Watch the season 3 trailer
Get a taster of what to expect from the podcast in this 1-minute trailer.
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