The Fuel for Thought Podcast is the world’s first podcast about renewable fuels. Sylvain Verdier and Mikala Grubb from Topsoe, look into some of the most pressing topics about renewable fuels, covering the whole value chain of renewable fuel production, including feedstock supply, conversion technology, legislation, sustainable aviation fuel and much more. Together with a series of key industry players, experts, and influencers they discuss some of the challenges facing the industry, so you ...
…
continue reading
The Friday Fix is Powerscourt's podcast which explores the pressing questions dominating today’s communications landscape. We bring you insights from our wide network of business, media and political experts, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how PR, media and comms really work. Powerscourt, a Morrow Sodali company is a leading strategic communications firm helping people, organisations and ideas to be better understood.
…
continue reading
1
What to expect for UK SMID capital markets in 2024
8:54
8:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:54
What really matters to fund managers? What can smaller companies do to improve their chances of winning investment? And how is the ever-growing influence of retail investors challenging industry norms? Find out in this episode of the Friday Fix, as Jamie Constable, market strategist at Singer Capital Markets, joins Powerscourt senior director Nick …
…
continue reading
1
Back to science: why analytical chemistry is the hero of your renewable fuels production
53:11
53:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:11
Decarbonization is driving us towards feedstocks that are completely different from the fossil feedstocks, we’ve spent decades studying. To fully understand the complexity of renewable feedstocks, and optimize their use in renewable fuels production, we must turn to analytical chemistry. In this episode, we uncover the challenges and techniques for…
…
continue reading
1
Latin America's role in shaping the global renewable fuels market
40:51
40:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:51
When it comes to the production of renewable fuels, Latin America is a region filled with potential. With an abundance of easily accessible renewable resources like wind, sun, and biomass waste, and hosting well-advanced refineries and cost-competitive production opportunities, Latin America has the potential to become a key contributor to the glob…
…
continue reading
1
Your one-stop guide to catalysts crucial role in renewables
54:20
54:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:20
Step into the fascinating world of catalysts with us! Far from being mere commodities or utilities, catalysts are highly technological tools that are pivotal for renewable fuels production. In this episode, Sylvain dives deep into the role of catalysts in renewables with the help from no less than three Topsoe experts: Marie Grill, Principal Scient…
…
continue reading
1
New perspectives on the feedstocks of the future
52:05
52:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:05
We'll be peering into our crystal ball to explore which feedstocks will be used to produce renewable fuels in the future. Joined by Alastair Blanchard, Director for SAF at the ICF Consultancy, we’ll address a wide range of questions surrounding renewable feedstocks, including biogenic feedstocks and feedstocks for e-fuels. Are feedstocks truly the …
…
continue reading
1
Inside COP28: What's next for the green transition?
18:57
18:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:57
Ever wondered what its really like on the ground at the UN Climate Summit? Powerscourt’s Leighton Barnish, Head of Sustainability and Christie Wanstall, Sustainability Analyst give us the lowdown on the COP28 conference in Dubai, where over 80,000 people gathered from 190 nations in a truly extraordinary display on the international climate stage. …
…
continue reading
1
Unveiling the true environmental impact of fuels
48:32
48:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:32
A life cycle assessment (LCA) is essential in comprehensively assessing the full environmental and social impacts of transportation fuels. This contrasts with many compliance models and regulations today which emphasize greenhouse gases alone – an approach which can result in ‘carbon tunnel vision’, where other crucial factors are neglected. Examin…
…
continue reading
1
Electrifying the Energy Transition with Topsoe's Roeland Baan
16:25
16:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:25
“The push coming from the private sector is very palpable.” How can governments and industry work together to navigate the green transition? Should there be a proper price on carbon? What will the energy mix look like in a decades time? In this week’s episode of the FridayFix, Powerscourt’s Peter Ogden sits down with Roeland Baan, President and CEO…
…
continue reading
1
Renewable fuels are still powering ahead. Are you on track?
47:01
47:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:01
The landscape of renewable fuels has changed significantly since we wrapped up season four. But one thing remains the same: renewable fuels continue to power ahead. Mikala and Sylvain are joined by their Topsoe colleague, Milica Folic, for a discussion of the main developments across the industry within the past year. They will cover the currently …
…
continue reading
1
Powerscourt Perspectives: Tackling Discrimination through the Media
20:58
20:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:58
How does the media impact a fight for justice? In the first episode of our new podcast series, Powerscourt Perspectives, we hear from four individuals who’ve had to face the tricky dynamics of the media in their personal battles for justice. Former England cricketer Azeem Rafiq, ex-CNN journalist Saima Mohsin and criminal justice campaigners Zainab…
…
continue reading
1
SAF Specials #3 of 3: Faster at-scale deployment of SAF - how?
43:58
43:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:58
Bill Gates established Breakthrough Energy in 2015 with the aim of funding technologies that can accelerate the clean energy transition and build a net-zero emissions future. Sylvain is joined by Mariano Berkenwald, Senior Associate at Breakthrough Energy, to discuss which efforts are needed to accelerate the deployment of at-scale production of Su…
…
continue reading
1
SAF Specials #2 of 3: Propelling the aviation industry towards 100% unblended SAF
56:06
56:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:06
Jet engine producer, GE Aerospace, is supporting net-zero emissions in aviation by exploring disruptive designs for future engines. At the same time, they consider SAF an important measure for decarbonizing today, and are pushing for a standard that allows an increase in blend levels from 50% to 100%. Jeff Shaknaitis, Customer Sustainability Leader…
…
continue reading
1
SAF Specials #1 of 3: What is Norwegian's mission to cut emissions by 45% by 2030?
49:22
49:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:22
With an ambitious goal of 45% emissions reduction by 2030, Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian) is working on a wide range of actions to become a more sustainable airline. Joined by Anders Fagernæs, Vice President of Sustainability at Norwegian, Sylvain Verdier takes a closer look at the various efforts the airline is working on to achieve this target…
…
continue reading
1
What is to come for the UK’s Defence sector?
13:49
13:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:49
Ahead of next week’s DSEI conference at London’s Excel, one of the largest exhibitions of military and security equipment in the world, the latest Friday Fix episode sees Powerscourt’s James White talk to Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group, the trade organisation representing the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries. Together, they ex…
…
continue reading
1
This is the iPhone moment for AI - with Dr. Lewis Z. Liu, Founder & CEO of Eigen Technologies
13:38
13:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:38
The Founder & CEO of AI firm Eigen Technologies, Dr Lewis Z. Liu has concerns about the direction of generative AI. As this technology becomes more and more powerful, how do we answer the questions it poses around intellectual property and creation? What lessons can policymakers learn from the struggle to regulate social media? What manner of threa…
…
continue reading
1
A look ahead to The Paris Air Show with Oliver Gill
7:20
7:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:20
The aviation industry is gaining altitude in its quest for a sustainable future. What steps are being taken towards change? When will we see hydrogen and electric planes? And could the government be doing more to support this agenda? Russ Lynch, Director at Powerscourt and former Economics Editor at The Daily Telegraph, interviews Oliver Gill, the …
…
continue reading
1
Don't believe the hype: London's still calling for IPOs - with Bod Buckby, London Stock Exchange
14:56
14:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:56
Recent months have seen naysayers in the markets and media call London’s position in the global capital markets into question. But what’s the truth behind the headlines: are fears of transatlantic migration overblown? Justin Griffiths, Partner at Powerscourt, interviews Bod Buckby, Head of Primary Markets North at the London Stock Exchange to hear …
…
continue reading
1
The state of the media industry with Chris Blackhurst
12:42
12:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:42
Chris Blackhurst, distinguished business journalist, spent decades in the engine room of the British media. In this week’s episode with Victoria Palmer-Moore, Chris conjures the changes wrought on Fleet Street by the death of the 9-to-5 - and the dawn of the information age. From journalists to business leaders, corporate affairs directors to newsp…
…
continue reading
1
AI: Friend or Foe? With Carolyn Esser, Darktrace
12:11
12:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:11
This week’s Friday Fix delves into the complex world of AI, courtesy of Carolyn Esser from cyber security company Darktrace. Powerscourt’s Elly Williamson, Partner and Head of TMT, quizzes Carolyn on what separates large language models like ChatGPT from Darktrace’s self-learning AI, and how we can build trust in emerging technologies. Listen to al…
…
continue reading
1
DE&I for businesses: Breaking down barriers with Ria Kalsi
6:32
6:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:32
What is DE&I? It’s easy for businesses to see these terms - diversity, equity, equality, inclusion and belonging - as buzzwords. How can businesses move beyond this mindset to create real change? Ria Kalsi, founder of Matriarch Ltd, talks to Keira Marron from Powerscourt’s HR team about how to have difficult conversations about racial inclusion - a…
…
continue reading
1
Comms and the Coronation: Steve Marinker, Head of Powerscourt 360
12:31
12:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:31
Does the British monarchy have a comms issue? Steve Marinker, Head of Powerscourt 360, talks to Powerscourt’s Georgia Way about the Coronation, and the PR winners and losers of the 6th May 2023. Media coverage of this historic occasion has been positive, but social media has told a vastly different story. Is the traditional media - and the Royal Fa…
…
continue reading
1
Has progress on board diversity stalled? With Alice Breeden
8:59
8:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:59
The boards of 2023 face the challenges of a complex, interconnected world: cybersecurity, geopolitical risk, and ESG transparency and action. Are they hiring the right board members to protect themselves against future risks? This week’s guest is Alice Breeden, Partner at Heidrick & Struggles, which has just released its 2023 Board Monitor UK. Powe…
…
continue reading
1
Mark Leftly: What to expect from the local elections
9:07
9:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:07
The UK’s local elections are taking place on 4th May. As more than 8,000 seats at 230 councils are contested, what could the result tell us about the prospects for the Conservatives and Labour, as the runway for the General Election comes into view? Mark Leftly, Powerscourt’s Head of Public Affairs, talks to his colleague Harold Amoo to discuss wha…
…
continue reading
1
Is UK Plc about to be taken private? with Mervyn Metcalf
12:13
12:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:13
As the private equity “wall of money” eyes up deals in the UK, and public companies face ever more requirements, do the costs of being listed outweigh the benefits? Mervyn Metcalf, founder of Dean Street Advisors, argues that onerous reporting requirements and nervy markets make listing less attractive than private equity ownership. Is it better to…
…
continue reading
1
The banking confidence trick: are we heading for another financial crisis?
15:17
15:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:17
One banking collapse might be seen as isolated - but does two indicate a systemic issue? Andy Smith, Powerscourt’s in-house banking expert, examines the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the rescue of Credit Suisse in the context of the 2008 financial crisis. Are these isolated or related events? What was the root cause? What causes a bank run? A…
…
continue reading
1
Connecting Companies with Capital: James Ashton, Quoted Companies Alliance
11:31
11:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:31
Does London still have momentum as a great capital market – and what can be done to address the cost and complexity of listing? What needs to change to connect companies with capital on the public markets? This week’s episode of the Friday Fix covers the MiFID II, Silicon Valley Bank, and everything in between. Russ Lynch, Director at Powerscourt, …
…
continue reading
1
Tax cuts, resignations & a shift in the polls: What to expect from the Spring Statement
10:53
10:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:53
“This is a place marking budget.. setting a platform from which you can have a crack at limiting the damage at the next general election.” Mark Leftly, Head of Public Affairs at Powerscourt and former economics editor at The Telegraph, Russ Lynch, look ahead to next week’s Spring Statement from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. With the Conservatives still s…
…
continue reading
1
The devil’s in the data: Auto Trader’s media secrets
9:14
9:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:14
Developing stories to catch the attention of the media is an art form, “not rocket science”, according to Russ Lynch, Powerscourt’s ex-journalist hosting this week’s podcast. But how does one FTSE100 company, Auto Trader, generate consistent media interest in an age of overstretched newsrooms? Auto Trader’s Director of Communications, Laura Harvey,…
…
continue reading
1
What sets successful IPOs apart? Simon Olsen, Deloitte ECM
11:34
11:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:34
Simon Olsen, Partner in Deloitte’s Equity Capital Markets team, worked on his first IPO back in 2002, and knows what sets the successes apart from the failures. This week James White, Director in Powerscourt’s Industrials team, gets up to speed with the importance of business preparedness and the outlook for 2023. Listen to all episodes on our webs…
…
continue reading
1
Nicola Sturgeon resigns: What’s next for the SNP?
11:13
11:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:13
Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation as First Minister of Scotland has come as a surprise to even keenest political pundits. What’s next for the nation and party which have grown used to her steady hand on the tiller? Powerscourt’s former political journalists, Mark Leftly and Stephen O’Brien, consider the future for the independence cause and a resurgent…
…
continue reading
1
BONUS - Webinar: Investigations and Reputation Management
0:46
0:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
0:46
Be sure to join the webinar on 21st February.By The Powerscourt Friday Fix
…
continue reading
1
Start-up or upstart? GB News and the new media model
14:28
14:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:28
As Political Correspondent at GB News, Olivia Utley is at the forefront of the conversation around the future of news media. While print newspapers contend with the realities of 24/7 news, newcomers like GB News have a loyal and growing viewership on Twitter and YouTube. Is it time for the channel’s critics to revise their opinion? Interviewed this…
…
continue reading
1
Can ammonia and methanol revolutionize the maritime world?
52:29
52:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:29
Maritime transport is the last to start its decarbonization transition. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and some key industry players are paving the way to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But which fuels could be used to do so, when both the road and aviation segments are also on the same journey? In this episode, Sylvain wil…
…
continue reading
1
Retrofit - or live to regret it? Making buildings Net Zero with 3Keel
12:20
12:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:20
Did you know that the buildings are responsible for an astonishing 40% of global emissions? To bring our homes and offices in line with net zero targets, they need to be made more energy-efficient as a matter of urgency – but are the world’s major economies doing enough to create a built environment fit for the future? In this week’s Friday Fix, Lu…
…
continue reading
Five decades of business experience are condensed into one hot take in our interview with Sir Martin Sorrell. Elly Williamson, Powerscourt’s Head of TMT, sat down with the Sage of Soho himself for frank insights into the business landscape in 2023. Listen to all episodes on our website. Follow Powerscourt on Twitter and LinkedIn.…
…
continue reading
1
Is new European legislation the seismic change the industry has been waiting for? Part II
54:09
54:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:09
In the episode 4 we started the conversation about Fit for 55 – what are the goals and philosophy behind the legislation. In this episode, Sylvain continues this conversation with Adriana Guerenabarrena from Hydrogen Denmark and Ian Moore from Advisian. They will deep-dive into the future role of biofuels, eFuels and what these initiatives will mea…
…
continue reading
1
Trouble or transformation? The outlook for business in 2023
9:28
9:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:28
Stephen Jones has had a ringside seat on the financial markets for 30 years. As Head of Investment Banking at Panmure Gordon, he’s seen the FTSE rise and fall and weathered the stormiest markets of active stock picking. Will the perils of 2023 prove too complex for businesses to navigate, or will they spur them on to innovation and transformation? …
…
continue reading
1
The future of construction: is decarbonisation possible?
10:50
10:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:50
Three generations of leaders at J. Murphy & Sons have helped build our energy infrastructure, but today’s construction landscape would barely be recognisable to the John Murphy who founded the firm in 1951. At a time when energy is front and centre of the global agenda, Powerscourt’s James White asks today’s guest John Murphy: what support is neede…
…
continue reading
1
Is new European legislation the seismic change the industry has been waiting for? Part I
48:29
48:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:29
On July 14, 2021, the European Commission launched its largest regulatory initiative as part of the Green Deal: The Fit for 55 package. Some called it a seismic change. The proposed directives will basically affect the way Europe deal with energy, resources and transport until 2050. Since then, the RePowerEU program was also announced, and this add…
…
continue reading
1
Deep dive into the decarbonization strategy of a European refinery
39:25
39:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:25
European refineries are under pressure to decrease their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to produce high amounts of renewable fuels for transport and as feed for the PetChem sector. This is not a trivial challenge. But some refineries have implemented ambitious sustainability strategies in order to answer this call. In this episode, Sylvain talk…
…
continue reading
1
The Online Safety Bill Amendments: Balancing Protection and Privacy
13:42
13:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:42
"I think this bill, however imperfect, will be great progress". Earlier this year, Powerscourt partner Justin Griffiths spoke to Mishcon De Reya managing associate Harry Eccles-Williams about efforts to make the online world safer. As MPs again consider the reach of online legislation and how social platforms could be held responsible for users’ co…
…
continue reading
1
Medical cannabis: Charlotte Caldwell on policy, medicine and hope
7:46
7:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:46
In this week’s Friday Fix Podcast, Sam Austrums speaks to Charlotte Caldwell, a leading campaigner and mother of Billy Caldwell, the boy who changed the law on medical cannabis. Charlotte recaps on the milestones she and Billy have achieved in revolutionising access to medical cannabis in the UK. Charlotte and Billy are working to provide financial…
…
continue reading
1
Will the new North American renewable legislation start another gold rush?
1:10:18
1:10:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:18
North America have recently seen the implementation of highly ambitious initiatives to support the production of renewable fuels, especially for the road and aviation sectors. The Inflation Reduction Act, the potential change of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) in California and the Canadian Clean Fuel Regulations are game changers for renewable…
…
continue reading
1
Maggie O'Kane: Ending FGM by 2030 is the world’s most solvable problem
10:45
10:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:45
Please note that listeners may find the topic of this episode distressing. However, we believe this important issue is essential to discuss. This week, we speak with Maggie O’Kane, a former award-winning war correspondent with The Guardian. During her journalism career, she covered the wars in Bosnia and Iraq. She now oversees the Global Media Camp…
…
continue reading
1
From the Editor’s desk: a conversation with Chris Williams
7:37
7:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:37
“Business news is about people as much as it is about numbers”: Chris Williams, Business Editor at The Daily Telegraph, talks to his former colleague Russ Lynch about the stories that make it into those coveted column inches. What are readers really looking for? How is data influencing the editorial agenda? And what’s next for business in 2023? Lis…
…
continue reading
1
Why we need a public interest defence for whistleblowers
6:50
6:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:50
This week, MPs began debating amendments to the Official Secrets Act, but one potential new clause was conspicuously absent. A public interest defence for responsible whistle-blowers was not selected by the government for consideration in the House of Commons despite strong cross-party support. Powerscourt consultant Harold Amoo, who has been worki…
…
continue reading
1
Renewable fuels are powering ahead: are you ready to follow?
55:51
55:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:51
Welcome to season four of The Fuel for Thought Podcast. Since the last season the global renewable fuel industry has seen a surge in projects and Mikala and Sylvain are kicking off the new season with a discussion of what changes the industry has been through, and where it is headed. In this episode, they will share their thoughts on the current tr…
…
continue reading
Have developing nations had a meaningful seat at the table? Will the midterms affect Biden’s climate agenda? And are the world’s largest emitters taking responsibility? Speaking from Sharm el-Sheikh, Sustainability team member Jourdan Webb tunes into the mood music at COP27, discussing these questions and more with Georgia Way from Powerscourt 360.…
…
continue reading
This week’s Powerscourt Friday Fix looks at COP27, the annual UN climate conference which begins next week. This year is all about implementation: how will nations, businesses, scientists and civil society make headway on those environmental commitments made in previous years? What is “loss and damage”, and why is it expected to make headlines? Our…
…
continue reading
1
Comms and the Cost of Living with Tracey Boles, Amanda MacKenzie OBE and Simon Read
12:46
12:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:46
During the cost-of-living crisis, businesses are facing profound challenges communicating price changes, financial performance, remuneration and sustainability. How can communicators strike the right tone, avoid pitfalls, and strengthen reputations? Powerscourt campaigns director and ex-Telegraph economics editor Russ Lynch spoke to an expert panel…
…
continue reading