Energy Futures Podcast

Can AI help us build resilience into the energy grid, even in the face of unforeseen challenges? Host Dr Francesco Leofante - Assistant Professor in the Department of Computing, Imperial (Centre for eXperimental AI) Guest Mary Cleary - Vice President (Marketing, Communications & Policy) at Neara Today's topics Challenges in modelling AI for a critical infrastructure Major applications for grid...

From noisy myths to quiet revolutions: Heat pumps are transforming home heating in the UK. Curious how? Tune into this deep-dive with experts from Imperial College. Host Dr Anastasiya Ostrovnaya - Senior Research & Teaching Fellow at the Centre for Climate Finance & Investment Guest  Matt Lipson – Deputy Director at Undaunted, Imperial Today's Topics Challenges the ‘heat pump’ industry fac...

In order to transform the UK’s transport system into a fully electric one, government have to identify key areas of infrastructure that need support and investment. Do they run the risk of failure when large scale decisions are not backed by analysis? Host  Edoardo Taricco, a mechanical engineer and graduate of the MSc in sustainable energy futures from Imperial Guests  Mats Larson, a bu...

What alternative energy storage technologies are there to replace batteries, and can these technologies hold up to the growing demand for green energy?    Host   Dr. Nadine Moustafa , Research Associate at Imperial, specialising in carbon management and decarbonisation technologies.  Guests   Dr. Matthias Mersch - Research associate in the Clean Energy Processes Lab...

Could Satellites Power Our Cities? Discover the Future of Energy. Today’s episode of Energy Futures Podcast, we explore the exciting world of space-based energy.   Topics Discussed;   Space-based solar power as an era defining new source of clean energy  The manufacturing, testing and longevity of satellite technologies, and  Financing space-based solar power  Host&nb...

Can AI be both powerful and sustainable?   Or are we trading the planet for progress?  Topics discussed What is AI and how to build an AI model.  Differences in AI technologies.  The cost of running large data centres.  Carbon accounting of AI.  Host   Dr. Nadine Moustafa , Research Associate at Imperial, specialising in carbon management and decarbonisation tech...

In February of 2025, the Climate Change Committee released the 7th Carbon Budget, advising Government on new pathways to decarbonizing the UK by 2050.   Topics Discussed;   In this episode we dive into the budget as outlined and discuss topics;   The key strategies in the budget and how likely we are to achieve them.   Carbon removal and carbon capture technologies   The j...

In 2025, the UK generated over 14 billion kilowatt-hours of solar electricity, enough to power more than 5 million homes. With solar technology evolving faster than ever, could the next leap in solar power come from labs pushing the boundaries of energy science?  Host  - Prof. Christos Markides - Clean energy technologies in the department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial  Guest...

In this episode, we invited the co-authors of our latest briefing paper to come discuss the lessons learned and opportunities gained from the world’s largest off-shore wind farm. Host Dr. Aidan Rhodes, Research Fellow at imperial and policy briefing paper fellow at Energy Futures Lab Guest  Dr. Kaylen Camacho-McCluskey, an MSc Environmental Technology graduate from Imperial Topics covered; - Chall...

What are the key challenges in manufacturing wind turbines, and is the lifespan of wind turbines impacting the sustainable nature of wind farming?  Host   Dr. Aidan Rhodes , Research Fellow and Briefing paper at Energy Futures Lab   Guest    Cristina Fernández Alonso , a product service engineer – and Blade Project manager at GE Vernova   Sara Jiménez Alfaro , an...

Financing Decarbonisation Ep 31: Dr Nadine Moustafa & Paul Davies   Is Carbon capture an investable industry, and can it be financeable?  Host   Dr. Nadine Moustafa , Research Associate at Imperial, specialising in carbon management and decarbonisation technologies.   Guest    Paul Davies - Director at 7CO2: The Severnside Carbon Capture and Shipping Hub  Top...

To reach net zero, we need to electrify transport—from personal vehicles to heavy goods trucks.  In this episode, Edoardo Taricco, a mechanical engineer and recent graduate of the MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures programme at Imperial College London, explores the future of electric vehicles and sustainable travel.  Guests   Gregory Offer – Professor in electrochemical science and e...

In this episode, Dr. Aidan Rhodes, Research Fellow at Imperial College London and Energy Policy Briefing Papers Fellow at Energy Futures Lab, is joined by Tom Luff, Practice Manager at Energy Systems Catapult. Together, they explore the crucial role of consumers in shaping the transition to a net-zero energy system.  Topics covered:   How consumer participation can drive Net Zero efforts...

Guest: Adam Hearne, CEO & Co-founder of CarbonChain Host: Dr. Gbemi Oluleye, Lecturer at Imperial College London In this episode, we explore the complexities of industrial decarbonisation and how energy-intensive sectors can transition to a net-zero economy. Key Topics Discussed: - The technical challenges in industrial decarbonisation - The role of innovative technologies in reducing carbon f...

Given the challenges the aviation industry faces in rapidly decarbonising, how are innovative solutions and collaborative efforts shaping the path toward sustainable air travel? In this episode, Dr. Nadine Moustafa, a Research Associate at Imperial College London specialising in carbon management and decarbonisation technologies, is joined by: Dr. Rhea Liem – Reader in Sustainable Aviation Technol...

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, Dr. Aidan Rhodes discusses the critical importance of resilience in the energy sector with Bronwyn Bullen, Organisational Resilience Manager at UK Power Networks. Together, they explore the evolving definition of resilience, strategies to adapt energy infrastructure, and how organisational resilience contributes to maintaining a reliable energy grid....

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast , hosts Dr. Paola Sáenz and Dr. Nadine Moustafa explore the evolving landscape of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and  Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) and their role in achieving climate goals. From engineered solutions like Direct Air Capture (DAC) to nature-based methods such as afforestation, the discussion dives deep into the technical, ec...

What role does energy storage play in shaping our energy systems? This episode delves into the transformative potential of energy storage technologies in achieving net-zero goals and supporting a sustainable energy future.  Host :  Dr. Nadine Moustafa, Research Associate at Imperial College London specialising in carbon management and decarbonisation technologies.  Guests :  Pr...

What role can artificial intelligence play in shaping the future of energy systems? In this episode, Dr. Aidan Rhodes, Research Fellow at Imperial College London and Energy Policy Briefing Papers Fellow at Energy Futures Lab, explores the intersection of AI and energy with two expert guests: Francesco Leofante, Imperial College Research Fellow, affiliated with the Centre for Explainable Artificial...

Host: Cait Hewitt , Policy and Engagement Officer, Grantham Institute , Imperial College London   Guests:   Dr. Jan Rosenow : Director of European Programmes, Regulatory Assistance Project   Max Waddingham : Senior Heating Design Engineer, Good Energy   In This Episode:   What are heat pumps, and how do they work?  The challenges and opportunities in rolling out heat...

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, Imperial PhD student Fater Akuhwa sits down with Professor Tim Green to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of energy systems, with a focus on grid co-design and the integration of renewable energy.   Professor Green, an expert in electrical and electronic engineering, shares his insights on the concept of grid forming and grid following , two...

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast , we sit down with Richard Black , Director of Policy and Strategy at Ember , to explore the future of energy, the zero-carbon transition, and his career in climate journalism and policy. Richard shares insights from his newly released book, The Future of Energy , offering an optimistic view of the clean energy revolution and the challenges ahead. High...

In this episode, we’re taking you to the London Climate Technology Show 2024 —an inspiring hub of innovation and collaboration for a sustainable future. We’ll be sharing highlights from two expert panel discussions, followed by insights from the exhibition floor, where industry leaders showcased groundbreaking solutions. Panel 1: Innovation for Sustainability: Technology's Role in Achieving Net Ze...

Today’s episode takes us to the Resilient Renewable Society Summit 2024—a remarkable gathering of experts from government, infrastructure, and academia.   In this episode, we bring you insights from two exceptional panel discussions. From exploring the energy sector's preparedness for catastrophic events to envisioning the investments needed for a green and resilient future, we’ll hear from t...

In this special episode, recorded live at the Sustainable Energy Futures Annual Conference 2024, we feature Sir David King, Head of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group . Sir David shares his expert insights during his closing remarks and a follow-up interview, discussing critical climate challenges, innovative interventions, and the urgent need for a global shift toward an "ecological civilisation."...