Episode 8: Unlocking the UK's Clean Power Potential and Pioneering Carbon Removal Innovations with David Livingston (CSO at Galvanize) and Valentin Gutknecht (Co-founder and Co-CEO of Neustark)

In the last Smart Society Show episode of 2024, co-hosts Brynne Kennedy and Rt Hon Chris Skidmore explore the UK's ambitious Clean Power Action Plan and the evolving landscape of carbon removal technologies with guests David Livingston, Chief Strategy Officer at Galvanize Climate Solutions and Valentin Gutknecht, Co-founder and Co-CEO of neustark

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What’s News: UK’s Clean Power Action Plan Unveiled

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Our co-hosts, Brynne Kennedy and Chris Skidmore, kicked off the episode by exploring the UK’s newly detailed Clean Power Action Plan. Chris highlighted the plan's ambitious goal for 95% net-zero power by 2030, backed by an annual investment of £40 billion. The UK government aims to initiate 84 infrastructure projects to meet this target, significantly boosting offshore wind, onshore wind, and solar capacities, alongside substantial energy storage solutions.

Brynne noted the UK's leadership in transitioning to renewable energy, with wind, solar, and hydropower set to surpass fossil fuels in electricity generation for the first time. However, she also touched on the challenges faced by major energy corporations like BP and Shell, which are recalibrating their renewable strategies amidst pressure from diverse investor groups.

Chasing Net Zero: Insights from David Livingston

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David Livingston, the Chief Strategy Officer at Galvanize and former senior advisor in the Biden Administration, joined the discussion to share his insights into climate policy and investment. David discussed the integration of climate considerations into global economic frameworks and emphasized the importance of engaging with multinational corporations and financial sectors to achieve substantial decarbonization.

David’s conversation also ventured into the strategic initiatives at Galvanize, focusing on their innovation and expansion funds, which have recently closed at over a billion dollars. He explained how these funds are poised to shape the landscape of clean energy and technology investments, highlighting their approach to navigating the complex interplay of global climate policies and market dynamics.

Chasing Unicorns: Valentin Gutknecht and the Carbon Removal Innovation

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In our ‘Chasing Unicorns’ segment, Valentin Gutknecht, co-founder and co-CEO of Neustark, discussed their innovative approach to carbon removal using demolished concrete. Valentin detailed the process of mineralization where CO2 is permanently converted into limestone, an incredibly stable and durable form of carbon storage.

Valentin shared the journey of scaling Neustark across Europe, addressing the regulatory landscapes that both challenge and facilitate their expansion. He also celebrated their recent fundraising success, which will accelerate their mission to reduce atmospheric CO2 effectively.

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Listen to the full episode here

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