16 March 2022
In this first episode of the series we explore why experts are in fact optimistic, and believe that we’re on the cusp of major, tech-enabled disruption
“We are on the cusp of the most profound disruption of the energy sector in over a century”
Dr Adam Dorr, Research Director, RethinkX
EPISODE OVERVIEW
Is the energy transition destined to be slow and inefficient – or are we about to see a revolution in renewables? Can renewable energy be a ‘super power’? And what ways can AI help accelerate us towards a better, greener future?
In this first episode, podcast co-hosts Lucy Yu and Giles Whittell speak to three experts. We find out why there are reasons to be optimistic about the speed and efficiency of the energy transition. First up, Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, explains the importance of technology in rapidly transforming the way people consume energy. Next up, Dr Adam Dorr – Research Director at RethinkX – highlights the profound disruption of the energy sector we’re about to experience. This is driven by solar, wind and battery technology – and their rapidly falling costs. Finally, Dr Priya Donti discusses ways to leverage AI most effectively to speed up the transition to renewables. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.
Check out all the episodes from season one here.
ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Greg Jackson
CEO, OCTOPUS ENERGY
Greg is the founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group, the green energy tech pioneer based in the UK with over 3.1 million customers, further operations in 14 countries and over 23 million accounts licensed worldwide to its green technology platform, Kraken. Launched in 2016, the company’s mission is to bring cheaper, greener power to all.
Dr Adam Dorr
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, RETHINKX
Environmental social scientist and technology theorist focusing on interactions between technology and the environment, and Director of Research at RethinkX. Adam focuses on understanding the implications of technology disruptions. His recent research, co-authored with Tony Seba, explored the disruption of the energy sector by solar PV, wind power, and battery energy storage.
Dr Priya Donti
CO-FOUNDER AND CHAIR, CLIMATE CHANGE AI
Priya is a PhD candidate at Carnegie Mellon University and co-founder and chair of Climate Change AI, an initiative to catalyse impactful work at the intersection of climate change and machine learning. Her work focuses on machine learning for forecasting, optimization, and control in high-renewables power grids. Priya is a member of the MIT Technology Review’s ‘35 Innovators Under 35’ 2021 global list.