As the Energy Central Community continues to thrive and evolve, it's evident that we're our collective members are truly shaping the future of the utility sector. Within this dynamic collective of professionals in the power industry, the community represents a unique and impactful spirit of sharing insights, lessons, and questions, fostering a level of collaboration that sets Energy Central apart.
Undoubtedly, the linchpin of this Community is the remarkable individuals steering the conversations and ensuring continual engagement with readers and peers. To commemorate the close of another successful year, we take a moment to acknowledge and honor those outstanding members of Energy Central who consistently went the extra mile—actively disseminating news and content, instigating discussions across the platform, and delivering truly valuable contributions throughout 2023.
Throughout the week of December 18, we will unveil articles spotlighting the Top Voices of 2023 across our 6 Networks. Continuing our tradition, these recognized community members graciously shared their perspectives on the sector in 2023, offered predictions for the year ahead, and provided personal insights into what makes them tick, allowing us to connect with the individuals shaping the Energy Central landscape.
With that, we extend our sincere appreciation and congratulations to the distinguished Top Voices in the Energy & Sustainability Network for 2023!
See the Top Voices in Our Other Communities:
- Grid Network
- Generation Network
- Energy Management Network
- Intelligent Utility Network
- EnergyBiz Network
David Hunt - CEO & Founder, Hyperion Cleantech Group
Recommended submission from David: An Interview with Ulrich Seitz - Climate Impact Investor
What energy/utility theme of 2023 has most inspired you to connect with your peers at Energy Central?
For me the biggest topics have been around energy storage and grid resilience. Once again we had a year where wildfires and storms posed significant challenges for Utilities, in the US and globally. Hearing insights and experiences around this has been invaluable.
What’s the best bit of career advice you’ve gotten that you would like to pass on?
If you don’t like where you are, move, you are not a Tree!
Outside of energy and utilities, share with us another area of interest that you are passionate about and why?
It’s not entirely outside of energy and utilities, but I’m a business model and funding nerd, as well at a clean technology nerd. My podcast always tries to balance these themes. Often it’s a business model that moves the dial forward. Not many people consider that it was actually the ability to finance a vehicle that led to the boom of the automobile, as much as the development of the combustion engine. Who funds the grid and infrastructure? How do start-ups in climate tech scale. I’m passionate about the intersection and interaction of tech and funding.
Germán Toro Ghio - CEO, Germán & Co
Recommended submission from German: "The Covert Conflict on Lithium: An Examination of the Other Hidden War"
If you had to predict, what will be the hottest topic on Energy Central in 2024?
In 2004, the utility sector was expected to undergo substantial transformations, analogous to the word game children engage in during their initial encounter with affection. The statement "I love you a lot, a little, nothing" illustrates the potential for utilities to experience either a highly successful or a challenging year. The cost of electricity is a determining factor in everything, but it is not exclusively determined by the energy sector; uncontrollable political variables and human behaviour also influence it.
The SARC pandemic's consequences pose a threat not only of mortality and social isolation but also of discord, famine, and despair. The recent outcomes of the regrettable COP 28 summit this month in Dubai demonstrate the significant disparity between our positions and the prioritization of our interests in the collective welfare. Despite existing divisions, the current global political and economic situation can spark conflicts reminiscent of the dreadful "interwar" period of the previous century. During times of profound economic crisis, animosity is often exacerbated among individuals.
On September 29, 2022, an article I authored titled "Natural Gas: The New 'Russian Winter' as a War Element" was published by EnergyCentral. “The article cited Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gare Støre's official visit to Sweden on August 28, 2022, during which he stated, "Nobody is willing to give away their natural gas at the moment." Norway does not contemplate offering international economic aid to reduce the price of natural gas. Germany has declared implementing emergency taxes and energy-saving initiatives to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
The European Union contemplates intervention in the electricity market through potentially imposing a price cap on electricity's final service price. The intervention is anticipated to have worldwide implications due to the current economic downturn. The elevated electricity prices can be attributed to the constrained natural gas supply resulting from the war, leading to increased production costs. It is important to emphasize that the increased electricity prices are not the responsibility of the electricity sector or the political authority. The primary concern in this scenario pertains to prolonged conflict.
In contrast to brief conflicts like the Six-Day War of 1967, the ongoing conflict is anticipated to be protracted, lacking a definitive resolution. European politicians have consistently emphasized the uncertainty and duration of the dispute, contributing to a pervasive sense of reality for the affected population. European politicians have emphasized the conflict's protracted and ambiguous nature, resulting in fatigue and uncertainty.
Given the current financial conditions, certain regional economies are expected to see significant drops in housing prices, potentially up to 20%, over the next 12 months. This is primarily attributed to reduced demand and meeting mortgage obligations. The situation has deteriorated because the central bank decided to raise the base interest rate, a measure criticized as counterproductive in light of the prevailing economic conditions. The inflationary pressures stemmed from a scarcity of essential raw materials, initially precipitated due to the pandemic and exacerbated due to the ongoing conflict.
There is an urgent necessity in the political realm to implement measures that tackle the unpredictable and overwhelming cost of living for the population and industry. The substantial increase in fuel prices has significantly impacted the electricity sector, a vital component of the production chain and a critical factor in the economy. Considering Russia's inflexible position and recent statements by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during an official visit to Sweden, it was conveyed that Norway does not advocate for international economic assistance to mitigate natural gas prices”.
That said, fifteen months after the publication of this article, we are confronted with an even more dire situation characterized by two ongoing wars. Despite the endeavours of central banks to manage inflation, the interventions have proven ineffective and exacerbated the pre-existing fragility of the global economy. The ongoing discussion regarding the environmental impact of fuel and the significant financial burden of electricity due to historically elevated fuel prices continues to be a pressing concern.
Finally, the primary challenge that utilities are expected to face in 2024 is the cost of electricity.
Is there a post or exchange on Energy Central that you’re most proud of from the past year?
I am very honoured to have published the article "Natural Gas: The New 'Russian Winter' as a War Element" in Energy Central. This essay has attracted considerable attention and interest, as evidenced by the significant number of views it has received on various platforms.
What is your favorite aspect of interacting with the Energy Central Community?
It is a privilege to participate in a renowned platform that offers up-to-date industry insights and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise among a diverse group of professionals. This one-of-a-kind collection of knowledge underscores the importance of thorough analysis and a comprehensive perspective. I am grateful for the opportunity to join this exceptional group. I would like to express my gratitude to Matt Chester and Audra Drazga for their continuous encouragement and support.
Schalk Cloete - Research Scientist, Independent
Recommended submission from Schalk: Main Findings From "The future of fuels: Uncertainty quantification study of mid-century ammonia and methanol production costs"
Dan Yurman - Editor & Publisher, NeutronBytes
Recommended submission from Dan: Germany’s Nuclear Shutdown, Energy Security Unhinged
What is one of your Energy Central contributions you're most proud of?
What has been a highlight of your year, personally or professionally?
Multiple nations at COP28 committing to triple nuclear generation capacity by 2050
Outside of energy and utilities, share with us another area of interest that you are passionate about and why?
I am a SCORE Certified Business Mentor with the Cleveland, Ohio, Chapter
As a 501C3 nonprofit, SCORE Cleveland serves small business owners and entrepreneurial startups, including non-profits, in Northeast Ohio, covering seven counties; Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Geauga, Ashtabula, Huron, and Erie.
I lead the Events Committee team which produces and airs over 100 business webinars/year. Library of free on-demand recorded webinars on small business topics can be found here.
Congratulations once again to our Top Voices in the Energy & Sustainability Network, and thanks to all Energy Central Community Members for enabling the community and platform to thrive this year! And keep an eye out for the next Top Voices Articles to come as this week unfolds