Switched On

What Explains the Growing Divide Between Oil and Gas 04.06.2026 35мин

Gas and oil are on a sharply divergent path. In BloombergNEF’s Economic Transition Scenario, oil demand peaks before the end of the decade, while gas demand continues to grow as expanding power systems seek reliable sources of generation. At the same time, constraints on everything from gas turbine supply chains to grid infrastructure are emerging as critical bottlenecks. So how does the global energy system evolve from here, and what do these competing pressures reveal about what lies ahead for the energy transition? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by Ian Berryman, BloombergNEF’s head of energy systems modeling, to discuss findings from the New Energy Outlook 2026. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: New Energy Outlook 2026 - https://www.bnef.com/flagships/new-energy-outlook Executive Summary - https://about.bnef.com/insights/clean-energy/new-energy-outlook/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China Data Signals Clean Tech Shift: Analyst Reaction 01.06.2026 21мин

China’s latest export data is offering an early glimpse into how higher fossil fuel prices may be reshaping trade in clean energy technology. Shipments of solar products, batteries and electric vehicles rose sharply in recent months, with some of the strongest growth coming from emerging markets that are heavily exposed to oil and gas imports. The figures arrive as many fuel-importing economies face renewed pressure from elevated energy prices. While it remains too early to draw firm conclusions, the data provides some of the clearest evidence yet that energy security concerns may be feeding through into clean-tech demand. So are rising fossil fuel prices beginning to accelerate the energy transition, and where could the next wave of clean-tech growth emerge? On today’s show, Kamala Schelling is joined by Antoine Vagneur-Jones, BNEF’s head of trade and supply chains, to discuss his note “China Clean-Tech Exports Trend Up Amid High Oil Prices” and “Energy Transition Supply Chains Outlook 2026.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: China Clean-Tech Exports Trend Up Amid High Oil Prices - https://www.bnef.com/analyst-reactions/tfcdnwt9njlu00 Energy Transition Supply Chains Outlook 2026 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39531See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wind Power Expands as Competition Heats Up 28.05.2026 36мин

The wind industry is entering a new phase of scale. Offshore installations are set to surge in 2026 as a new generation of massive projects comes online, while onshore markets continue expanding across the globe. But the picture beneath those headline numbers is increasingly nuanced. Offshore developers are still grappling with supply chain bottlenecks, higher financing costs and policy uncertainty, even as governments accelerate deployment in the name of energy security and rising power demand. At the same time, Chinese manufacturers are rapidly expanding internationally, intensifying competition across global turbine markets. So where does the wind industry go next, and how are developers, manufacturers and governments adapting to a more competitive and fragmented market? On today’s show, Dana Perkins is joined by BloombergNEF’s head of wind research, Oliver Metcalfe, to discuss some of his team’s recent research including “Offshore Wind Market Outlook 1H 2026: New Era of Scale” and “Wind Turbine Orders in 2025: Chinese Firms Capture 34%.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Offshore Wind Market Outlook 1H 2026: New Era of Scale - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39491 Wind Turbine Orders in 2025: Chinese Firms Capture 34% - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39261See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan Nuclear Revival Reaches Tokyo: Analyst Reaction 26.05.2026 12мин

Japan’s journey back to nuclear power is entering a new phase. Fifteen years after the Fukushima disaster and the shuttering of the country’s nuclear fleet, the return of the Kashiwazaki Kariwa 6 reactor marks the first restart in the Tokyo power region and one of the most significant additions since 2011. The timing is critical. Japan remains heavily reliant on imported LNG, leaving its power prices exposed to global gas shocks and disruptions from the war in the Middle East. Nuclear restarts are increasingly being seen as a way to strengthen energy security, reduce fuel imports and ease pressure on power prices. So what role can nuclear realistically play in Japan’s power system, and how much further can the country’s restart program go? On today’s show, Kamala Schelling is joined by Mariko O’Neil, BNEF’s head of APAC power, to discuss her note “Nuclear Comeback to Ease Tokyo Power Price War Premium.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Nuclear Comeback to Ease Tokyo Power Price War Premium - https://www.bnef.com/analyst-reactions/tdkvktt96osk00See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hydrogen Moves From Hype Cycle to Hard Economics 20.05.2026 38мин

Hydrogen’s place in the energy transition is changing. After years of hype around its role in reaching net zero, many projects have been delayed or canceled as costs remain high, policy support weakens and demand proves slow to materialize. Yet hydrogen is far from disappearing. Industries already consume vast amounts of the molecule today, and sectors such as fertilizers, refining and potentially steelmaking still have few viable alternatives for deep decarbonization. At the same time, countries like China and India continue to push ahead with deployment and industrial policy support. So after the hype cycle, where does hydrogen actually make economic sense in the energy transition? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by Martin Tengler, BloombergNEF’s head of hydrogen research, to discuss some of his department’s recent work, including “No, Iran War Won’t Boost Clean Hydrogen – Except in China” and “Hydrogen Supplier Market Shares 2026: US Blue in the Lead.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Hydrogen Lifted by AccelerateEU, But Expect No Miracles - https://www.bnef.com/analyst-reactions/tdxp93kk3ny800 Clean Hydrogen Production Assets Update - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39161 No, Iran War Won’t Boost Clean Hydrogen - Except in China - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39077 Hydrogen Supplier Market Shares 2026: US Blue in the Lead - https://www.bnef.com/insights/38839See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BNEF Tier 1 Lists: The Mark of Credibility 13.05.2026 24мин

BloombergNEF’s Tier 1 lists have become a defining feature of the clean energy industry. Built on real project deployment data, they track which manufacturers’ products are actually being used in large, recently financed projects, offering a transparent way to navigate markets crowded with hundreds of suppliers. That simplicity has made the lists highly influential, but being on (or off) the list doesn’t tell the full story about product quality or risk. So what do these lists really reveal about the industry, and how should they be used in practice? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by Jenny Chase, lead solar analyst at BNEF, to discuss the Tier 1 lists’ genesis, their application, and why they help us understand the “Wild West” of the energy transition. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: BNEF Energy Storage Tier 1 List 2Q 2026 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/33123 Company Ranking: Tier 1 PV Module Makers - https://www.bnef.com/insights/10610 Company Ranking: Tier 1 Power Inverter Makers - https://www.bnef.com/insights/32073See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data Centers and the Future of Energy Storage 07.05.2026 31мин

The AI boom is ushering in a new era for energy storage. As data center buildout accelerates, batteries are evolving from short-duration backup tools into larger, more flexible systems that can help bring facilities online faster and manage complex power needs. In the US in particular, a growing pipeline of projects is emerging, with batteries increasingly paired with on-site generation or used to smooth demand and unlock faster connections to the grid. So how are data centers changing the energy storage market, and what role could these systems play in the power grid of the future? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by, Caitilín McManus, a technology and innovation associate at BloombergNEF, to discuss her recently released note “Data Centers’ Energy Storage Ramp Up: Project List Grows.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Data Centers’ Energy Storage Ramp Up: Project List Grows - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39221  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy Strategy in an Era of Global Fragmentation 30.04.2026 24мин

Middle powers are navigating a more fragmented global order. As tensions rise between major economies, the countries caught in between are being forced to rethink how they manage trade, security and economic ties. Energy is at the center of that shift. Reducing reliance on imported fuels is becoming a strategic priority, with electrification and domestic clean energy seen not just as climate solutions, but as tools of resilience and sovereignty. So how are these countries adapting to a more uncertain world – and what does that mean for the future of the energy transition? This episode features a conversation between Malcolm Turnbull, the 29th prime minister of Australia, and Kobad Bhavnagri, BNEF’s global head of strategy. Titled “Energy Transition in a Multipolar World: The Middle Power Perspective,” this discussion was recorded live at the 2026 BNEF Summit New York. To learn more about our Summits and to listen to more interviews, please visit https://www.bnef.com/eventsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hormuz Delivers an Aluminum Shock: Analyst Reaction 27.04.2026 10мин

Severe disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is rippling far beyond oil markets. Around 10% of global aluminum supply is tied to the Middle East, and with exports constrained, prices are surging and supply chains are tightening. The impact will extend across the global economy as aluminum is used from cars and electronics to construction, meaning higher prices can quickly feed through to everyday goods. While the shock may not change long-term supply outlooks, it is creating near-term shortages, and exposing vulnerabilities across multiple stages of the supply chain. So how does a regional conflict translate into a global materials crunch, and what does it mean for the energy transition? On today’s show, Kamala Schelling is joined by BloombergNEF’s head of metals and mining, Kwasi Ampofo, to discuss notes including “Industrial Metals Monthly: Supply Risks Rise on Iran War.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Industrial Metals Monthly: Supply Risks Rise on Iran War - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39205/view Transition Metals Outlook 2025 - https://www.bnef.com/flagships/transition-metals-outlookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nuclear Fusion Powers Up for Commercial Breakthrough 22.04.2026 32мин

Fusion energy is entering a new phase. After decades as a scientific pursuit, the sector is attracting billions in private and public capital, with big tech, oil companies and governments all racing to bring the first commercial plants online. Advances in areas like superconductors, materials and computing are opening new pathways, while surging demand for reliable, clean power, particularly from data centers, is accelerating momentum. But the landscape remains uncertain, with multiple competing technologies, ambitious timelines and no clear winner. So how close is fusion to commercial reality, and which approaches are most likely to deliver first? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by BloombergNEF’s lead nuclear analyst, Chris Gadomski, to discuss his note “Fusion Investment Pursuing Commercial Viability.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Fusion Investment Pursuing Commercial Viability - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39071See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PJM Grapples With Data Center Load and Supply Gaps 15.04.2026 28мин

PJM Interconnection is entering an era of explosive power demand. Home to a significant share of the world’s data centers, the largest US electricity market could soon be facing sky-high prices and scant supply. Yet stakeholders are divided on how best to respond. Should PJM focus on building new generation, or should it lean on flexible demand? And with no lever able to solve the problem single-handedly, what happens if supply simply can’t keep up? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by two members of BloombergNEF’s US power team, analyst Lara Kammen and senior associate David Mohammadi, to discuss their note “PJM Power Market Outlook 2026: Brace for Impact.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: PJM Power Market Outlook 2026: Brace for Impact - https://www.bnef.com/insights/38947See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spanish Blackout Lessons One Year On: Analyst Reaction 13.04.2026 11мин

It’s been nearly a year since Spain’s catastrophic blackout and key questions remain. Post-mortem reports point to a complex chain reaction in the grid, with no single trigger and gaps in coordination between operators, regulators and generators. The findings expose deeper challenges: inconsistent voltage rules, rising operational complexity and a system evolving faster than its controls. Renewables were initially blamed for helping trigger the crisis, but they are fundamental to the Iberian grid and must be part of the solution. So what has Spain really learned, and how prepared are other power systems for the next shock? On today’s show, Kamala Schelling is joined by Eva Gonzalez Isla, a senior associate from BNEF’s grids team, to discuss her note: “Spain’s Blackout Reports Expose Voltage Safety Risks.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Spain’s Blackout Reports Expose Voltage Safety Risks - https://www.bnef.com/analyst-reactions/tcd1wrkjh6v700See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Fuel Price Shocks Are Rewiring Clean Tech Trade 08.04.2026 36мин

Energy shocks don’t just move prices, they reshape trade. As oil and gas prices rise, countries reliant on energy imports are accelerating the shift toward clean technologies, from solar and batteries to electric vehicles. In many cases, that change is being driven by businesses and consumers responding directly to higher costs. Yet it also relies on trade dynamics and government priorities, at both the local and regional level. On today’s show, Tom Rowands-Rees is joined by Antoine Vagneur-Jones, BloombergNEF’s head of trade and supply chains, to discuss findings from some of his team’s notes, including “Trade Transition Scenarios: Outlook to 2050” and “Clean-Tech Tariffs Are Lower Than You Think.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Clean-Tech Tariffs Are Lower Than You Think - https://www.bnef.com/insights/39069 Trade Transition Scenarios: Outlook to 2050 - https://www.bnef.com/insights/38709 EVs Could Dominate Global Auto Trade in Just Five Years - https://www.bnef.com/shorts/tbfrcjt96oso00 What EU Guardrails Could Mean for Chinese Battery Firms - https://www.bnef.com/analyst-reactions/tbfdc1t9njlv00 Clean Energy Trade and Emerging Markets - https://www.bnef.com/insights/37867See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond Climate: The Rise of Nature Risk 02.04.2026 35мин

Nature risk is becoming a critical challenge for companies. It’s also incredibly complex. Exposure spans an array of largely local issues, from water and biodiversity to waste and pollution, making it harder to measure and compare across sectors and geographies than its better-known sibling climate risk. BloombergNEF’s new Nature Risk Management Scores aim to bring structure to that complexity, analyzing not only company exposure but also how effectively risks are managed. The results highlight a clear gap: firms with the greatest exposure are not always those taking the most action, and progress varies widely across different risk areas.So how do you measure something as diffuse as nature risk, and what do these scores reveal about which companies are best prepared? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by Alistair Purdie, a senior associate from BNEF’s nature and biodiversity team, to review findings from the note “Managing Nature Risk: Company League Tables.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Managing Nature Risk: Company League Tables - https://www.bnef.com/insights/38829See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding Opportunity in a Complex Energy Transition 31.03.2026 20мин

The energy transition is entering a more complex phase. Geopolitics, trade tensions and rapid technological change are reshaping markets, creating new risks as well as new opportunities. Demand is rising across clean power, electric vehicles and data centers, even as supply chains tighten and policy becomes more fragmented. At the same time, falling costs and new business models are opening fresh pathways for investment. So how can global markets navigate this complexity – and where are the opportunities emerging in the next phase of the transition? On today’s show, Kobad Bhavnagri, BloombergNEF’s head of strategy, reads a briefing note that was presented by BNEF CEO Jon Moore at this year’s Davos summit, titled “The Energy Transition: Finding Opportunity in Complexity.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clean Power Costs Split After Years of Alignment 26.03.2026 34мин

The cost to build and run clean-power projects used to be heading in one direction: down. That story is now getting more complicated. Battery storage costs continued to fall last year, while most other technologies became more expensive. Yet comparing technologies is far from straightforward. So how should we interpret these shifts in an increasingly complex power system, and what do these changing cost dynamics mean for the next phase of the energy transition? On today’s show, Tom Rowands-Rees is joined by Amar Vasdev, a senior associate from BNEF’s energy economics team, to discuss findings from the “Levelized Cost of Electricity 2026,” an annual flagship benchmark comparing the cost of building and running different power-generation technologies. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Levelized Cost of Electricity 2026 - https://www.bnef.com/flagships/lcoeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European Power Confronts Gas Shock: Analyst Reaction 24.03.2026 10мин

Oil and gas prices are rising again as the Iran war shakes global energy markets. But so far Europe’s power system is holding up better than in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. More renewables and lower demand have made Europe’s energy system more resilient, even as prices edge higher. Yet gas still matters, and as coal exits the power mix, exposure to future shocks could grow. So how vulnerable is Europe if disruption deepens? On today’s show, Kamala Schelling is joined by Kesavarthiniy Savarimuthu, BNEF’s head of European Power, to discuss her note: “Iran War Hasn’t Sparked a New European Energy Crisis - Yet.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Iran War Hasn’t Sparked a New European Energy Crisis - Yet - https://www.bnef.com/insights/38917See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Clean Energy Factbook: Generation Hits 20-Year High 18.03.2026 37мин

The US energy transition has hit an inflection point. Electricity generation reached a 20-year high last year, as renewables and energy storage accounted for 90% of new capacity additions. Energy-transition investment reached a record $378 billion, and more electric vehicles were sold than ever before. Yet all these headline figures occurred as federal policy support for clean technologies was scaled back. So what do the numbers really reveal about the state of the US energy transition, and how resilient are clean technologies as policy winds shift? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by Ethan Zindler, BloombergNEF’s head of country and policy research, and Trina White, a senior associate from the North America transition team, to review findings from the 2026 edition of the “Sustainable Energy in America Factbook,” which is produced each year in collaboration with the Business Council for Sustainable Energy. Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Sustainable Energy in America Factbook: 2026 Edition - https://www.bnef.com/insights/38735See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private Capital: Turning Mega Funds Into Megawatts 11.03.2026 35мин

Private capital is reshaping the energy transition. Once a niche corner of finance, private markets now manage tens of trillions of dollars globally, with a growing share directed toward clean energy strategies What sets this capital apart is not just scale, but structure: real assets such as wind, solar, grids and storage dominate, reflecting a preference for infrastructure-style returns and contracted cash flows. Dedicated transition funds have surged over the past decade, yet billions still sit as “dry powder,” committed but not yet deployed. So how does private capital influence where megawatts get built, and what does its rapid growth signal about the next phase of energy transition investment? On today’s show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by Ryan Loughead, a senior associate from BNEF’s finance and investment team, to review findings from the note “Private Markets Primer: Mega Funds to Megawatts.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Private Markets Primer: Mega Funds to Megawatts - https://www.bnef.com/insights/38547See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Biofuels Cash In on US Tax Credits: Analyst Reaction 06.03.2026 12мин

New guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit has clarified the outlook for US biofuels. The Treasury Department has confirmed that manure-based fuels can earn negative emissions scores, unlocking potential credits of around $7 per gallon for some renewable natural gas projects. The decision gives manure-based RNG a clear advantage, likely displacing other sources in the already saturated road fuel market. But beyond transport, where stacked subsidies make RNG viable, new demand remains uncertain. So how far can 45Z reshape the broader US biofuels market before the credit expires in 2029?  On today’s show, Kamala Schelling is joined by Jade Patterson, a BNEF specialist in renewable fuels, to discuss his analyst reaction “Dairy and Swine Win Big in New US Biofuel Guidance.” Complementary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal or on bnef.com Links to research notes from this episode: Dairy and Swine Win Big in New US Biofuel Guidance: React - https://www.bnef.com/analyst-reactions/t9wrgjkk3o1c00See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.