Host Bill Derasmo sits down with ZincFive’s vice president of global sales and product management, Brandon Smith, to talk about why nickel-zinc battery chemistry is built for the AI era. With a career that spans oil and gas, UPS systems, and now nickel‑zinc, Brandon explains why nickel‑zinc batteries are turning heads as a safer alternative to lithium‑ion and how they’re set to reshape backup power for AI-driven data centers.
Battery/Storage
Watt’s Up, ERCOT?
Co-hosts Bill Derasmo and Casey Bell sit down with OCI Energy President Sabah Bayatli to unpack OCI’s approach to utility‑scale solar and four‑hour battery storage, explain why ERCOT remains a prime market in Texas, and examine how data centers and AI are reshaping power demand.
NASA to Grid: The Journey of Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries With Majid Keshavarz, EnerVenue
Join host Bill Derasmo as he chats with Dr. Majid Keshavarz, chief technology officer at EnerVenue. They trace the evolution of nickel‑hydrogen batteries from their NASA origins in the 1970s — proven on missions like Hubble, the ISS, and Mars — to today’s grid applications. Tune in to learn how this inherently safe chemistry delivers decades‑long service life, high cycle counts, and recyclable materials for long‑duration, grid‑scale storage.
Navigating the Energy Frontier With Aric Zurek, Fluence
Join host Bill Derasmo as he chats with Aric Zurek, president of Fluence Digital and SVP of Fluence. Aric shares insights from his diverse career in nuclear, gas, oil, and battery storage, and discusses Fluence’s strategic acquisitions of AMS and Nispera. Learn how software, AI, and machine learning are transforming energy storage, optimizing trading strategies, and enhancing asset reliability. Explore the evolving energy storage market and the shift towards lifecycle cost considerations. Don’t miss this engaging discussion!
Creating Solid-State Solutions With Todd Crescenzo, Clear Creek Investments, and Jorge Diaz Schneider, ION Storage Systems
In this episode, hosts Bill Derasmo and John Leonti, chair of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Energy practice, sit down with Todd Crescenzo, managing partner at Clear Creek Investments, and Jorge Diaz Schneider, CEO of ION Storage Systems. ION, a Clear Creek portfolio company, is pioneering solid-state battery technology using a breakthrough ceramic bilayer electrolyte.
A Voltage Voyage With Danielle Spalding, Cirba Solutions
In this episode, guest hosts Dan Anziska and Coby Beck join Bill Derasmo for an interview with Danielle Spalding, vice president of communications and public affairs at Cirba Solutions. Spalding discusses the importance of battery recycling and building a strong battery supply chain, highlighting the growing demand for energy storage. The group explores the incentives available in the U.S. to support domestic battery manufacturing and recycling, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and various tax credits and tariffs. Listen in to hear more about Cirba Solutions’ commitment to supporting sustainable battery infrastructure.
What’s the Buzz in the Battery World With Roger Miksad, BCI
In this episode, guest host Dan Anziska joins host Bill Derasmo for a conversation with Roger Miksad, president and executive director of Battery Council International (BCI). Miksad shares the history of BCI and explores its evolving role in the North American battery industry. This special episode covers key topics, including battery recycling, supply chain challenges, government policy, industry investment, and China’s competitive position in the global market. Tune in to learn why continued investment and supportive policy are critical to the future of battery technology and manufacturing.
Cobalt, Lithium, and the Quest for Sustainable Batteries With John Busbee, Xerion
In this episode, host Bill Derasmo interviews John Busbee, CEO and co-founder of Xerion Advanced Battery Corporation. Dr. Busbee discusses his transition from a 21-year career in the U.S. Air Force to advancing battery technology. The pair focuses on domestic manufacturing, the geopolitical aspects of battery materials, and sustainable and cost-effective battery solutions. Listen in to hear about the insights, challenges, and opportunities emerging in the battery world.\
A Thermal Storage Revolution With Nis Benn, Hyme Energy
In this episode, host Bill Derasmo sits down with Nis Benn, the visionary co-founder and chief commercial officer at Hyme Energy. Benn shares his unique career journey that led him to revolutionize grid-scale thermal energy storage solutions. They delve into the dynamic challenges and opportunities within the energy sector, exploring how policy shapes the adoption of renewables. Tune in to uncover the groundbreaking world of renewable energy stored in molten salt and be inspired by the future of sustainable innovation.
Petitioners Seek FERC Clarification Regarding Jurisdiction Over Proposed Storage-Based Transmission Project Between Puerto Rico and the United States
On February 10, 2025, Pluvia LLC (“Pluvia”) filed a petition for a declaratory order, asking FERC to clarify its jurisdiction to issue a preliminary permit for the construction, operation, and maintenance of transmission lines and other facilities to develop wholesale interstate transmission of electricity between Puerto Rico and the mainland United States. In its petition, Pluvia proposes to purchase electricity from the interstate transmission system on the U.S. mainland, store energy in Storage As Transmission-Only Assets (“SATOA”) or other storage devices, and ship the stored energy as sea cargo to Puerto Rico. Pluvia explains that, if approved by FERC, its proposal would establish an alternative to undersea cables as a basis for FERC’s Federal Power Act (“FPA”) jurisdiction in Puerto Rico.