NTNU Energy Transition Podcast NTNU Energy Transition Initiative

Want to learn more? Check out Julius' upcoming webinar: ⁠Gigaton Gear - Most pressing challenges to global DAC deployment

In this episode, we flip the table. Heidi Fossland, the new administrative director for NTNU Energy Transition, interviews our regular host, Julius Wesche about the multifaceted challenges and advancements in direct air capture (DAC) technology.

Julius discusses his comprehensive study based on 34 interviews with experts, shedding light on the seven key functions essential for fostering innovation within the DAC sector. The conversation delves into topics such as market creation, legitimacy concerns, resource mobilization, and the impact of policy frameworks on technological deployment. Julius emphasizes the importance of establishing a robust innovation system that accelerates DAC deployment to achieve gigaton-scale carbon capture. He also touches on the potential policy implications of his findings, suggesting strategic approaches to enhance regulatory frameworks, education, and public communication to combat climate change effectively.

Today we dive deep into the heart of climate and energy investment, focusing on the evolving landscape in Norway and its broader implications globally. Our guests, Linn Hege and Jean-Baptiste, bring a wealth of experience from the investment sector, sharing their perspectives on the importance of sustainability, digitalization, and the crucial role of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation within the climate tech and energy sectors.

We explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid growth of the digital sector and its environmental impact, discussing the necessity of innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of our increasingly digital lives. The episode sheds light on the significance of measuring the positive impact of technology on sustainability, the role of strategic investments in fostering technological advancements, and the need for a comprehensive approach that includes government policies, corporate strategies, and individual actions to tackle climate change effectively.

In this episode of the NTNU Energy Transition podcast, we dive into the world of Norway's battery industry, focusing on the innovative strides being made by Morrow Batteries. Our guest, the CTO of Morrow Batteries.
Dr. Rahul Fotedar shares his journey from petroleum engineering to becoming a pioneer in the battery sector. He details his educational background, starting with petrochemical engineering in India, moving on to chemical engineering in Germany, and eventually leading to his influential role in battery technology development.

The episode highlights the significance of batteries in today's world, from their origins in portable electronics to their crucial role in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. We explore the different types of lithium-ion batteries, such as Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), and discuss the future of battery chemistries, including the promising manganese-rich cathode materials, being developed by Morrow Batteries.

Our discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities facing the battery industry in Europe. The need for a diversified and local supply chain to mitigate risks and ensure the industry's sustainability.

Join our Young Energy Professionals Event on Monday (16:00 - 18:00) at Gruva, NTNU-Gløshaugen). Sign up under the following Link: https://www.ntnu.edu/web/energytransition/green-energy-shifters-2024



In this episode, we explore the decarbonization of the shipping sector with David Emberson, an associate professor at NTNU's Department of Marine Technology. David discusses his transition from PhD research in London to pioneering sustainable marine fuel research in Norway, highlighting the shipping industry's reliance on fossil fuels and the varied challenges across different vessel types.

The conversation dives into alternative fuels like LNG, ammonia, and methanol, alongside emerging technologies such as fuel cells, wind assistance, and onboard carbon capture. David emphasizes ammonia's potential as a viable marine fuel due to its efficient hydrogen storage and existing global production infrastructure, despite challenges like toxicity and combustion efficiency.

Furthermore, the episode touches on the complexities of integrating new propulsion technologies into maritime vessels and the critical need for port infrastructure development to support alternative fueling and carbon capture strategies.

Concluding with reflections on the urgency of collaborative efforts and decisive action towards shipping decarbonization, this episode underscores the innovation and global cooperation required to achieve a sustainable maritime future in the face of climate change challenges.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of floating wind technology with guest Synne Nybø from SINTEF Ocean. She shares her journey from obtaining a master's degree in marine technology from NTNU in 2017 to her transition from consultancy to PhD researcher.

Synne discusses the technical and environmental aspects of offshore wind energy, highlighting the advantages of floating wind turbines, such as their ability to harness stronger offshore winds and their minimal impact on seabed and marine life. She explains various mooring systems and the importance of designing efficient and resilient structures to withstand harsh ocean conditions.

The episode also covers the potential of shared mooring systems to reduce costs and environmental footprint, the role of offshore wind in the energy transition, and the ongoing developments in marine technology research. Synne's insights provide a deep dive into the innovative solutions being explored to harness the power of the ocean for renewable energy

Hello, dear listeners! This is just a short update to let you all know that our podcast will be taking a brief winter hiatus. I am diving into some other research projects and will need a few weeks to focus. But fear not, I'll be back in just a few weeks!

In the meantime, consider joining the Green Energy Shifters network meeting on March 11th. This event is part of the NTNU Energy Transition Week - a week filled with conferences and workshops dedicated to the energy transition. The main event is the NTNU Energy Transition Conference, which is a free and open place to learn, network, and contribute to the critical dialogue around sustainable energy solutions. Consider joining us there!

Keep warm and stay tuned for when I return. Thank you for your continued support, and remember to mark your calendars for March 11th!