The Energy Revolution

The New Power Revolution, with Kingsmill Bond (Ember)

The energy transition and the digital revolution are often treated as separate stories. But what if they are increasingly driving each other? In this episode, our host Sulaiman is joined by Kingsmill Bond from Ember, the global energy think tank tracking the shift to clean electricity. to discuss its latest report: The Age of Power. It argues that the energy and information revolutions are becoming increasingly intertwined: many of the same technologies underpin both, and advances in each are helping the other move faster and become cheaper. The implications extend well beyond the energy system — reshaping industry, economic competitiveness and the balance of geopolitical power. Together, they discuss why energy security is strengthening the case for electrification, and whether concerns about dependence on Chinese clean technology overlook the risks of relying on imported fossil fuels. They also explore how emerging economies are leapfrogging older energy systems, the role of AI and data centres in reshaping electricity markets, and what governments need to change to remove barriers to deployment and bring down electricity prices. Keywords: Energy Transition | Clean Technology | Ember | Kingsmill Bond | Batteries | Solar | Wind | Electrification | Artificial Intelligence | Energy Security | China | Energy Policy

How AI Will Transform the Grid: Lucy Yu on her Independent Review

In this special episode of the podcast, host Sulaiman is joined by Lucy Yu, CEO at the Centre for Net Zero and the UK Government’s AI Champion for Clean Energy, to explore how AI could reshape the UK electricity network. Lucy recently led the independent review for government on the use of AI across the electricity system, giving her a detailed view of both the opportunities and the barriers to putting these technologies into practice. Recorded live in front of an audience, this conversation explores what a more AI-enabled energy system could actually look like. Together, Sulaiman and Lucy discuss how AI could reduce system costs and help households make better use of technologies such as batteries and EVs; the difference between automation and autonomy; and what needs to change in regulation, data, markets and infrastructure if a more AI-enabled energy system is to work. Keywords: AI | Artificial Intelligence | Electricity Grids | Energy Systems | Grid Flexibility | Energy Markets | Batteries | EVs | Energy Policy | Clean Energy | Energy Transition

Inside Europe's Battery Boom, with Rimshah Javed (Danske Commodities)

Battery storage has gone from a relatively niche technology to one of the fastest-growing parts of the energy system. But as more batteries connect to the grid, the markets they rely on are changing just as quickly. In this episode, our host Sulaiman is joined by Rimshah Javed, Principal Originator at Danske Commodities, to explore how battery markets are evolving across the UK and Europe, and what comes next as the sector matures. Rimshah works closely with battery asset owners and investors on trading and route-to-market strategies across, giving her a front-row view of how battery markets operate in practice. Together, they discuss how batteries went from a start-up dominated sector to a major infrastructure asset class, what Britain can teach emerging European markets; how automation and trading strategies are evolving; and how rising electricity demand from data centres and electrification could reshape the role of storage. Keywords: Battery Storage | BESS | Energy Markets | Trading | Finance | Grid Flexibility | Data Centres | Energy Transition

Are Energy Retailers Fit for Purpose? with Carl Haigney (Capgemini)

The energy transition is redefining what it means to be an energy retailer. For decades, these companies played a relatively straightforward role: buying electricity from the wholesale market and selling it to consumers. But that model is being turned on its head. As households increasingly adopt electric vehicles, heat pumps, rooftop solar and home batteries, consumers are becoming active participants in the energy system. In a cleaner, more decentralised world, retailers may need to do far more than bill customers. They could become trusted energy managers, helping households decide when to use electricity, when to store it and when to sell it back to the grid. So are energy retailers ready for that transformation? Could AI finally transform the customer experience? If traditional suppliers do not step into this new role, will someone else? This week, Capgemini's Carl Haigney joins host Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett to discuss the future of energy retail. Together, they explore whether energy retailers are equipped for this new role, how AI could transform the customer experience, and what happens if traditional suppliers fail to adapt. Will retailers lead the next phase of the energy transition, or will new entrants seize the opportunity? Keywords: Energy Retail | Smart Homes | AI | Smart Meters | EVs | Heat Pumps | Vehicle-to-Grid | Energy Bills | Energy Markets | Customer Trust | Capgemini

How Heatwaves Stress the Electricity Grid, with Ben Watts

Europe has experienced more heatwaves this summer than in any previous year, and the energy system is struggling to cope. As the effects of climate change become more dramatic and damaging each year, our energy infrastructure will come under increasing strain as well. Increasing AC demand, Nuclear shutoffs, and plants down for summer maintenance, hot summers create new challenges that the UK and Europe are not used to managing. This week we are joined by Ben Watts, data analyst and founder of Killowatts.io, to discuss what this will look like, and how we cope. Alongside our host, Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, Ben gives his views on how the heatwaves expose deeper problems with the UK grid, and what we should be doing to address them. Keywords: Climate | Heat | Wildfires | Renewables | Gas | Energy

Can We Connect the World’s Electricity Grids? with Simon Ludlam (Etchea Energy)

As the energy system becomes more weather-dependent, matching supply with demand becomes a more of a geographic challenge. Wind, solar and hydro are spread across different geographies, weather systems and time zones. A cleaner, cheaper and more resilient power system will therefore need to be more connected. In this episode, Simon Ludlam, founder of Etchea Energy, joins host Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett to discuss the role of interconnectors in the energy transition. Simon is a veteran of the interconnector industry, with experience developing major projects linking Britain, Ireland and continental Europe. They cover how interconnectors work, what it takes to build them, and why international trust matters when countries share critical energy infrastructure. They also discuss UK-EU energy cooperation after Brexit, interconnection in Europe and Asia, and whether a transatlantic electricity cable could one day connect Europe and North America. Keywords: Interconnectors | Electricity Grids | Energy Security | Renewables | North Sea | Grid Infrastructure | Clean Energy | Energy Markets | UK Energy | Europe

How China's Electricity Sector Really Works, with Prof Michael Pollitt (Cambridge)

China is already central to the global clean energy story. It dominates renewable technology manufacturing, leads the world on EVs and batteries, and is often described as the emerging “electrostate”. But we tend to hear much less about China’s own electricity system. So how does it work? Why has electricity been so important to China’s economic growth? And what can the UK and Europe learn from the way China is reforming its power markets? This week, Professor Michael Pollitt from Cambridge University joins host Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett to unpack the past, present and future of China’s electricity system. They discuss the scale of Chinese power demand, the role of provincial electricity markets, how China combines state ownership with competition, the politics of coal and renewables, and why China may become one of the most important testing grounds for the future of electricity market design. Keywords: China | Electricity Markets | Electrification | Renewables | Energy Security | Power Systems | Clean Energy | Energy Transition | Market Reform |

Why UK Energy Bills Will Stay High, with Kate Mulvany

This week we’re talking about energy bills. The UK has some of the highest electricity prices in theworld, and global events are once again pushing oil and gas markets into the headlines. But what actually drives the cost of energy in Britain? How will the latest crisis in the Middle East feed through to household bills? And does the price cap really protect consumers in the way people think? This week, Kate Mulvany joins host Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett tounpack how the UK energy market really works. Kate has worked for industry leaders such as Centrica and Cornwall Insights, and is now Director at Mulvany Consulting. They discuss why gas still has such a big impact on electricity prices, how policy and infrastructure costs end up on bills, and why there is no single switch government can pull to make energy cheap overnight. Keywords: Energy Bills | Price Cap | Energy Prices | Gas | Electricity| Renewables | Fuel Poverty | Energy Security | UK Energy | Net Zero

What Tony Blair Gets Wrong About Energy (And the Economy), with Andrew Sissons (Nesta)

A few weeks ago, Tony Blair published an essay arguing that the UK should focus less on clean power, and more on cheap power. But is that really the choice Britain faces? And in a world of rising electricity demand, data centres, expensive gas, and growing pressure on the grid, what would genuinely cheap power actually look like? This week, Andrew Sissons returns to the podcast to join host Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett for a conversation about the politics and economics behind Blair’s argument. They discuss the growing influence of AI on energy policy, why US-style energy abundance does not easily translate to the UK, whether gas can really provide cheap power, and why clean electricity is still Britain’s best route to lower bills and higher growth. Keywords: Tony Blair | AI | Cheap Power | Clean Power | Growth | Electricity Prices | Data Centres | Renewables | Gas | Net Zero | UK Energy

Chris Stark on the UK's Clean Power Future

This week we have a special episode of The Energy Revolution Podcast, as we’re joined by Chris Stark, Head of the UK’s Clean Power Mission, to discuss the UK’s plan to build a clean power system by 2030. What has the Clean Power Mission achieved so far? And how can the UK make sure clean power translates into lower bills, greater energy security and a more electrified economy? Chris and our host, Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, discuss what it is like working at the centre of government on one of the UK’s biggest infrastructure challenges, why the next phase of the mission is about demand as well as supply, and what it would take for Britain to become an “electrostate”. They also cover electricity prices, the industrial opportunities from clean power, and how the UK’s energy transition fits into the wider global picture. Keywords: Clean Power 2030 | Chris Stark | Energy Security | Electricity Prices | Grid | Renewables | Electrification | Net Zero | Industrial Strategy | UK Energy

Why North Sea Oil Won’t Make Us More Secure, With Tessa Khan (Uplift)

For decades, the North Sea has played a major role in Britain’s energy system, economy and industrial base. But production has been declining for years, and the debate over what should happen next remains highly contested. Why are projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank still being reconsidered? What does the government’s position on new licences mean in practice? And what would further domestic production mean for bills, energy security, jobs and the UK’s climate targets? This week, Tessa Khan joins host Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett to discuss the future of the North Sea oil and gas sector. They cover the history of the basin, the arguments for and against further extraction, and what a successful transition for North Sea workers and communities could look like. Keywords: North Sea | Oil and Gas | Energy Security | Rosebank | Jackdaw | Jobs | Just Transition | Climate | Net Zero | UK Energy

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Green Tech and the "Valley of Death", with Rhian-Mari Thomas OBE (GFI)

This week we're live from Innovation Zero, to talk the challenges of scaling new climate technologies. The so-called "valley of death" affects all sectors, but clean tech is particularly difficult to move from research to wide-scale adoption. Why? And what can we do about it? Our guest this week is Rhian-Mari Thomas OBE, CEO at the Green Finance Institute and the first person to win an OBE for services to Green Finance. Our host is Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, former UK government advisor and Policy Fellow at Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy. The two discuss why new energy techs are so hard to finance, the importance of failure for some techs, and why innovation is crucial for the world's climate ambition.

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Can Britain really go Electric? with Ben Westerman

The Hormuz Oil Crisis is reminding Britain just how reliant we still are on oil and gas. Our electricity is fairly clean, but only 21% of final energy use is electrified. The rest - in our homes, our cars, and our industries - relies on increasingly volatile and expensive oil and gas. Why is Britain so far behind in electrifying compared to countries like France, the Netherlands, or Norway? And what can be done to reverse course and insulate our economy from global shocks like this in the future? This week Ben Westerman, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Electrify Britain, joins our host Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett to discuss the state of Britain's electrification. Keywords: Iran | Oil | Renewables | Trump | Geopolitics | EVs | Reform

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Can we power the AI revolution, with Lucy Yu (government's AI Champion for Clean Energy)

Lucy Yu is one of the UK's most influential minds in the energy and AI space. She is CEO at the Centre for Net Zero, and recently appointed as the UK government's AI Champion for Clean Energy. Today she joins our host Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett (Policy Fellow at the University of Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy), to discuss the future of these two crucial sectors. Can the grid cope with the new data centres needed? How will local communities be affected? And how can AI be used to make our energy system smarter and cleaner? Keywords: Artificial Intelligence | Data | Anthropic | ChatGPT | Renewables | Electricity

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How to Stop an Energy Crisis: renewables and security, from Ukraine to Iran (with Ana Musat)

Energy security is on everyone's mind right now. Since Israel and the US struck Iran and Iran's strikes across the Gulf nations, oil prices have soared over $100 a barrel and the Straits of Hormuz remain blockaded. But this isn't the first time we've seen such a shock. Just 4 years ago Russia's full invasion of Ukraine caused a global energy crisis, and any historian will remember the shocks of the 1970s that near collapsed the world economy. So what is the future of energy security, and can a renewable based system make us more resilient in an uncertain world? This week we're joined by Ana Musat, an Executive Director at Renewable UK, to discuss a recent report in collaboration with Public First and the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest defence think tank. The episode is hosted by Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, who served as energy security advisor at No10 Downing Street during the 2022 energy crisis, and as Head of Policy and Strategy for Renewable Delivery at the UK Department for Energy. We touch on the recent crisis in the Middle East, lessons from Ukraine, and what future security challenges we'll have to watch out for as renewables become the norm. Keywords: Geopolitics | Energy | Trump | Renewables | Solar | Wind | Gas

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Renewables and the Stock Market, with Minesh Shah (TRIG)

What's the stock market got to do with renewables? While there's a lot of focus on the rise of private equity in the infrastructure space, there is still a strong tradition in the UK of listed infrastructure funds, and of retail investors wanting to invest in the energy transition more widely. So is there still a case for public markets? And where do they fit into the overall picture of renewable finance? Our guest this week is Minesh Shah, Managing Director at Infrared Capital Partners, who lead the management of the Renewable Infrastructure Group , one of the first and largest listed funds, and part of the FTSE-250 Index. The show is hosted by Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, former senior government advisor and Policy Fellow at the Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy. Keywords: Stocks and Shares | Investment | Energy | Renewables | Solar | Wind

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How Energy Politics Really Works, with Sam Alvis (IPPR)

Do you find politics obtuse? Struggling to keep up with the twists and turns of energy decisions? With an endless web of party politics, departmental differences, and think-tanks pumping out ideas, it can be hard to know what the government is really thinking and how decisions get made. Our guest this week is Sam Alvis, Head of Energy Security and Environment at IPPR, the influential think-tank, and an expert on UK energy politics. Both he and our host, Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, draw on their own experience working with politicians and the policy process to explain what actually goes into decision making on energy, and what will define the next few years of energy politics. The conversation ranges from the practical bits like what think-tanks really do, to specific questions around what government can do around bills and whether the CfD could survive a (theoretical) Reform government. Subscribe for regular podcasts! Keywords: Labour | Energy | Renewables | Oil and Gas | Bills | Cost of living

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Why the UK economy is broken, and where clean energy can help (with Andrew Sissons, NESTA)

Is clean energy good for growth? Since the 2008 crisis the UK has seen persistently sluggish growth, even compared to comparable advanced economies. Low investment, Brexit, and challenges in traditionally strong sectors have held the economy back for close to two decades. Now with the energy transition underway, is this an opportunity to improve the country's prospects? Or is a constraint on an already struggling economy? Our guest this week is Andrew Sissons, Director for the Sustainable Future Mission at Nesta, and a leading commentator on economic growth and climate change. Alongside our host Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, former senior government advisor and Policy Fellow at the Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy, Andrew breaks down why the UK economy has struggled so much, and how clean energy could be part of its recovery.

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Using AI to fix the grid: beyond the hype with Amjad Karim (Keen AI)

Can AI make our grid better and more reliable? Or are AI solutions overhyped by execs and consultants that don't understand the technology? This week we look at a real world case of AI being used to identify damaged equipment on the UK grid, and improve the way that network operators maintain their infrastructure. The episode covers the various types of AI models and what they can, and cannot, usefully do in the energy system - with lessons for anyone hoping to see AI brought into their work. Our guest is Amjad Karim, Founder and CEO of Keen AI. With degrees from Imperial, University of Cambridge, and University College London, Amjad is a real technical expert that talks to the opportunities of various AI models, as well as their limitations. The podcast is hosted by Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, former senior government advisor and Policy Fellow at the Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy. Key words: AI | Chatgpt | Automation | OpenAI | Energy | Renewables | Security | Nvidia | Deep Learning

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Putting fossil fuel demand in doubt, with Molly Walton

What does the future look like for fossil fuel demand? OPEC and large oil and gas companies are bullish, but the rapid rollout of clean tech is undermining many of their claims. Our guest this week is Molly Walton, who worked on the World Energy Outlook at the International Energy Agency and is now Director for Energy at the We Mean Business Coalition. She joins Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, a former senior government advisor and current Policy Fellow at the University of Cambridge, to discuss the range of energy scenarios out there and why much of future oil and gas demand is in doubt. The two discuss the rise of electrification, the new energy economics of the developing world, and why energy security looks different in low fossil fuel world. They also touch on the recent geopolitics of energy, from China to Venezuela and Iran. You can read the report discussed in the podcast here: https://www.wemeanbusinesscoalition.org/fossil-fuel-demand-in-doubt/

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