Batteries as Commodities: Trading the platform technology of the Electric Revolution

Chip War: How semiconductors became the new oil with Chris MillerSemi-conductors, microchips, are the new oil - the scarce resource on which the modern world depends. Today, military, economic, and geopolitical power are built on a foundation of computer chips. This has only accelerated with the emergence of AI. Yet, the supply chain is incredibly concentrated with just a handful of countries and companies dominating.  As with oil in the previous century, chips sit at the center of geopolitics, great-power rivalry and trade, especially between the US and China. How did chips become some crucial and their supply chains so concentrated and what does it mean for all our futures? Our guest is economic historian Chris Miller, author of Chip War - The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology, the New York Times best seller.

5 Sep 202355min

Commodity Supply Chain Challenges with Anton Posner COVID is in the rear-view mirror, yet the commodity supply chains remain volatile and uncertain. In this episode, we catch up on the state of bulk commodities shipping and logistics. 2022 generated unprecedented returns, particularly in the container market. Why and what has happened since? How are traders and logistics providers managing high interest rates, war, enormous scandals involving missing inventory and the uncertainty wrought by the energy transition and decoupling with China.  What are the routes and tools in bulk commodities freight? Where are freight rates now and where are the headed? Our guest is Anton Posner, Founder and CEO of the Mercury Group whhich offers logistical expertise for the shipment of dry goods (both dry bulk and break-bulk) by barge, train, truck or vessel, particularly for the metals sector.

29 Aug 202343min

Biofuels on the Edge with Walter Cronin Biofuels are key to decarbonize transportation in the energy transition. However, poor harvests, weak regulatory support, war and inflation all threaten the key grain and oilseed feedstocks. Money is flowing into processing and infrastructure, but have the risks been priced in? This year only Brazil’s bumper crop of soybean has saved global supply after atrocious harvests in Argentina and a US crop on the brink of disaster only saved by early August rains. What happens if Ukraine harvest is further degraded or, unthinkably, ceased due to the use of tactical nukes? On the regulatory side, has EPA undermined the US administrations goals around biofuels? What happens to biofuel production if we face a global harvest shortage? In this episode, investor and biofuels expert, Walter Cronin returns to discuss the state and future of biofuels.

22 Aug 202351min

Rice is one of the most important global food sources, providing nearly a one fifth of global calorific intake. Yet the market for rice is relatively opaque with a small futures market. Much of the rice produced is consumed locally and much of global trade is at the subject of governmental control. Rice is also at the mercy of an increasingly volatile weather and climate. India recently announced an export ban on non-basmati rice, roiling global markets. Where is the rice market headed and what are the trading opportunities? Here to discuss are Lewis Williamson and Marvin Coleman, Managing Directors and Regional Co-Heads of Commodities at HTS Commodities, a division of Hilltop Securities. Their business is one of the leading full-service providers in the rice futures and options market.

15 Aug 202342min

Ice: The Rise and Fall of a Hot Commodity with Amy Brady A hundred years ago, ice was the one of the important commodities and most powerful industries in the world. A history filled with merchant kings, monopolies, traders and short squeezes. And cocktails. And then it all melted away – another rapid transition. In this episode, author and historian Amy Brady joins us to discuss the surprising history of ice. How the industry was created and importance to life, the economy and culture in American history. And its rapid decline in the wake of technology and development. Amy’s most recent book is Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks--a Cool History of a Hot Commodity published by Random House, June 2023

8 Aug 202347min

Whale Oil: The Original Energy Transition with Eric Jay Dolin In 1859, illumination throughout the major metropolises of the West was powered by whale oil. Whale oil was at the center of international trade (and trade disputes). Prices were at an all time high and great fortunes had been made. Yet, in that same year, Edwin Drake started the oil rush in Titusville, Pennsylvania…and every thing changed. Quickly. What lessons are there in this first energy transition in the modern era? In this episode we dig into the history of whaling and whale oil. Our guest is historian Eric Jay Dolan, author of Leviathan: A history of whaling in America. Eric takes us through the history of whale oil. A history of the first commodity cartels (they failed too), extraordinary entrepreneurs, boom and bust, environmental exploitation and Benjamin Franklin’s taste for Spermaceti Candles.

1 Aug 202348min

Walls, Bridges & Dilemmas in the Energy Transition with Eirik Waerness Eirik Waerness, Chief Economist of Equinor, the global energy major, joins us to discuss their Energy Perspectives 2023-  an independent scenario analysis describing the development paths up to 2050 for the world economy, energy markets and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. What are the blockages, accelerators and dilemmas the world faces in trying to hit 2050 goals? Have we already blown past 1.5c?  A clear-eyed, sobering look at the challenges the world faces in reducing greenhouse emissions and the solutions needed

25 Juli 202357min

Changing Battery Chemistries & Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) with John Passalacqua and Isobel SheldonThe Lithium-Ion battery is the fulcrum on which the energy transition hinges. However, its chemistry continues to evolve. The Nickel-Cobalt variant has led the charge in EVS, primarily due to the singular focus on range. However, cost, raw materials, safety and utility has led many manufacturers towards Lithium Iron-Phosphate (LFP) batteries to meet the mass adoption needed to reach decarbonization goals. In this episode, we do a deep dive on battery attributes, chemistries and markets. And if LFPs will dominate, what does that mean for the battery supply chain and the mineral producers its needs. Our guests are Isobel Sheldon OBE, a leading authority in batteries & EVs and John Passalacqua, CEO of First Phospate Corp (PHOS:CN). First Phosphate Corp is positioned to be a leading supplier of the Phosphate needed in this evolution within the revolution.Visit HC Group hereFirst Phostphate Corp here

18 Juli 202342min