Cutting through the climate tech hype and looking for profit
Zero: The Climate Race
Deep Dive
Why is Eric Toone concerned about the current level of investment in carbon removal technologies?
Eric Toone believes that the carbon removal market needs to be bifurcated into sequestration and carbon as a reagent. There are fundamental questions about what constitutes certainty in carbon capture, and society hasn't decided what level of certainty it's willing to pay for. Without this clarity, it's difficult to determine the right investment levels.
Why does Eric Toone think reconductoring existing right-of-ways is a crucial technology for the grid?
Reconductoring existing right-of-ways is crucial because building new transmission lines can take up to 16 years to permit. Reconductoring allows for more power to be moved through existing infrastructure, which is essential as the grid expands to meet the demand for electrification and decarbonization.
Why is nuclear fission still considered a viable option for clean energy, despite its high costs and safety concerns?
Nuclear fission is still considered viable because it can provide baseload power without a green premium, which is essential for meeting the energy demands of the developing world. Newer reactor designs address safety and cost issues, and there is a need for baseload power to complement intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.
What recent advancements have made nuclear fusion more attractive to investors?
Recent advancements in high-temperature superconducting materials have enabled smaller and more efficient fusion reactors. Fusion also offers significant safety advantages over fission, with products that are radioactive for decades rather than millennia and no risk of runaway reactions. These factors, combined with the potential for cheaper and safer energy, make fusion an attractive investment.
Why is hydrogen considered the 'Swiss army knife of energy,' and what are the challenges in its commercialization?
Hydrogen is considered the 'Swiss army knife of energy' because it can be used for a wide range of applications, from making materials and steel to producing liquid fuels and food. The main challenges in its commercialization include the high cost of production, the need for very low-cost electricity, and the difficulties in transport and storage due to its unique properties, such as embrittling steel pipes.
- Breakthrough Energy Ventures has invested billions in over 120 climate startups.
- Scaling climate technologies is harder than scaling software.
- Profitability is a key consideration in investment decisions.
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