As of June 1, the North Atlantic Basin officially entered the 2025 hurricane season. NOAA’s 2025 forecasts project a 60% chance of an above-normal season, anticipating 13–19 named storms, 6–10 hurricanes, and up to 5 major hurricanes. As peak season approaches, utilities face increasing pressure to prepare. On the latest episode of the EPRI Current, EPRI experts Andrea Staid and Erik Smith join host Samantha Gilman to explore how power companies can build resilience and maintain reliability amid...
Jul 09, 2025•21 min•Ep. 60
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is propelling us into a new era of innovation that has the potential to transform daily life and drive economic growth. In this episode of the EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman is joined by David Porter, EPRI’s VP of Electrification and Sustainable Energy Strategy, and Briana Kobor, Head of Energy Market Innovation at Google. They discuss strategies to realize the benefits of AI while minimizing costs and ensuring grid reliability, featuring insi...
Jun 18, 2025•29 min•Ep. 59
Around the world, the energy sector faces a shared challenge: significant delays in acquiring gas turbines, a critical technology for grid expansion. In this episode of the EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman sits down with EPRI Sr. Program Manager Bobby Noble to explore a topical question for industry stakeholders and EPRI members: Why are the wait times for gas turbines so long? Bobby sheds light on the implications of a 5-year wait time, addressing the leading causes behind these delays, EPRI’...
Jun 05, 2025•21 min•Ep. 58
The AI EFFECT project aims to establish a European Testing and Experimentation Facility (TEF) for the energy sector to develop, test, and validate AI applications. Funded by Horizon Europe, the project addresses the integration of AI into critical energy infrastructures to optimize operations, reduce costs, enhance resilience, and support decarbonization efforts. This episode of the EPRI Current examines AI's role in improving efficiency, smart grids, generation, distribution, and customer tools...
May 22, 2025•25 min•Ep. 57
More than 52 years after EPRI was born as a result of a massive North American blackout, EPRI Current host Samantha Gilman speaks with Eamonn Lannoye, Director, EPRI Europe and Sean McGuiness Senior Technical Executive, EPRI Europe, to discuss the recent power blackout in Spain, Portugal and parts of France. The whole system went down in five seconds. What do we know about why it happened? What do we not yet know, and why can it take time to fully understand the root causes? Are observers jumpin...
May 12, 2025•23 min•Ep. 56
Recorded live from the show floor at DistribuTECH 2025 in Dallas, this episode of the EPRI Current examines microgrids and how utilities are using them to explore back-up power availability to improve system reliability. Jackie Baum from EPRI and Ryan Boudreau from Hydro One networks discuss the challenges and opportunities for microgrids in local communities with host Samantha Gilman in the DistribuTECH studio. Guests: Jackie Baum, Sr. Manager DERMS & Microgrids, EPRI Ryan Boudreau, Sr. Man...
Apr 24, 2025•15 min•Ep. 55
Host Samantha Gilman explores the energy innovation landscape in Europe with her guests Consuelo Fierro from National Grid, and Mark McGranaghan from EPRI. They discuss the prevalent innovation culture driven by EU and UK-funded projects, European innovation working groups and initiatives, the challenges and successes of National Grid's innovation efforts, and the transformative impact of AI on the energy sector. Guests: Consuelo Fierro, Project Manager at Innovation Management Office, National ...
Apr 02, 2025•21 min•Ep. 54
Join EPRI experts Stephanie Shaw and Lakshmi Srinivasan of EPRI’s Energy Storage research area, and Southern Company’s Kieran Claffey to learn how research, risk assessment and analysis continues to improve the safety of battery storage technology and operations. As battery storage energy grows across the globe, with the vast majority of deployments being lithium ion, what have we learned about the safety of battery storage as both a source and as part of a larger electric system? Find out more ...
Mar 19, 2025•22 min•Ep. 53
Teach a person to fish, and they’ll teach the rest of us how to innovate to preserve the species. Hydropower is one of the world’s oldest low-carbon sources of electricity generation. And as long as there have been dams, there have been migrating fish needing to swim upstream past to spawn. Join EPRI Current host Samantha Gilman and her three guests as they discuss testing the new Fishheart fish passage technology in North America. Developed by fishermen in Finland, the technology was tested in ...
Mar 06, 2025•18 min•Ep. 52
In this episode we explore how quantum computing could help solve key fusion hurdles—from plasma control to materials engineering—bringing us closer to a commercially viable fusion reactor. Join host Samantha Gilman and EPRI experts Diana Grandas, Emma Wong, and Dr. Charlyne Smith as they discuss EPRI’s work in fusion innovation, the intersection of quantum mechanics and energy research, and what’s needed to push fusion from the lab to the power grid. Also discussed: the @EPRINews 2025 Quantum C...
Feb 12, 2025•23 min•Ep. 51
In this episode, EPRI experts examine a new corner of the energy industry: agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics is when solar PV panels are installed above crops so that the same land can be simultaneously used for energy and food production. Learn from EPRI experts, Terry Jennings and Bailie Neary, on how EPRI is helping utilities explore this emerging practice. Plus, you’ll hear an overview of agrivoltaics today, and where it may go in the future thanks to AI. Learn more in this recent EPRI Journal arti...
Jan 29, 2025•19 min•Ep. 50
Welcome to our first podcast episode of 2025. We’re taking a look back at 2024 and sharing the highlights. You’ll hear segments from several episodes providing insights from industry experts and addressing topics such as AI and cyber security, electrification, nuclear innovation, and the future of the energy workforce. Join us as we reflect on the best from 2024 and get ready for an exciting lineup of new EPRI Current episodes in 2025. Listen in every other week as we bring you the latest resear...
Jan 13, 2025•24 min•Ep. 49
In this EPRI Current episode, host Bill Florence is joined by experts Curtiss Fox, Nikolay Dimitrov, and Clément Jacquet, who share insights on global offshore wind development, the HIPERWIND project, and other initiatives. Discussions highlight the industry’s goals, challenges, technologies, and the importance of reducing uncertainty and cost and underscores the holistic approach and integrated design required to optimize offshore wind energy for future scalability. Guests: Dr. Curtiss Fox, Sen...
Dec 10, 2024•27 min•Ep. 48
In this EPRI Current podcast episode, host Samantha Gilman speaks with the head of the GCCIA, Eng. Ahmed Ebrahim and EPRI’s SVP Daniel Brooks to discuss how the two organizations are collaborating to bring the needed research, insights, and technologies to the Gulf and to the broader energy global energy sector. Recorded on-site at “Powering the Future Toward Net Zero” forum in Dammam, Saudi Arabia hosted by EPRI, GCCIA, GO15 and MED-TSO, guests discuss global collaboration and the future of ene...
Nov 26, 2024•11 min•Ep. 47
Europe is leading the way in citizen-driven energy transformation. Through new projects like @ENPOWER, #CreteValley, and #EUDream, Europeans are exploring new ways to take charge of their energy use. These EU-funded projects are designed to empower local communities to produce and manage clean energy, aiming for an inclusive, resilient energy transition. In the newest EPRI Current podcast episode, host @BillFlorence speaks with @EleniKanellou @Dr_Julia_Blanke and @Mário_Teixeira_Couto about thei...
Nov 13, 2024•25 min•Ep. 46
In this celebration of Nuclear Science Week, we invited two chief nuclear officers to chat about what inspired their interest in the nuclear industry, their career paths, opportunities for people to join, and the how the industry is rising to the challenge of increasing demand for carbon-free nuclear power. Tune in to hear about the opportunities available for people in the industry with and without college degrees from engineers to radiation protection technicians to security officers to operat...
Oct 22, 2024•21 min•Ep. 45
AI and generative AI are transforming the energy industry but also bringing new cybersecurity challenges. In the newest EPRI Current podcast episode, experts from EPRI and NVIDIA discuss AI's benefits and ways to combat potential cybersecurity threats to critical energy infrastructure. Guests: Jason Hollern, EPRI cybersecurity technical executive, and Marc Spieler, Senior Managing Director for Energy with NVIDIA. Links and Resources: Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI in the Energy Sector...
Oct 10, 2024•23 min•Ep. 44
Join EPRI Current host, Samantha Gilman, and guests Britta Gross, EPRI’s Director of Transportation, and Daimler Truck’s Diego Quevedo, Charging Infrastructure Sr. Engineer & Utilities Lead, as they discuss the status of electric transportation in the fleet industry and how the grid is preparing for the increased demand and interconnection. Hear what Daimler Truck is trying to accomplish by 2030 and what the challenges they’re seeing with fleet adoption .And what are the challenges, and oppo...
Sep 19, 2024•24 min•Ep. 43
In this episode of the EPRI Current, Bill Florence is joined by EPRI's Dr. John Shingledecker and Diedrich Golden of Capital Power. The discussion revolves around the specialized research conducted at EPRI's principal labs, including materials testing, high voltage testing, and advanced manufacturing. Both experts highlight the unique strengths of EPRI's applied R&D, the importance of inter-lab collaboration, the value provided to EPRI's members and the broader energy sector, and some real-w...
Sep 05, 2024•22 min•Ep. 42
In this episode of the EPRI Current, Bill Florence and guests discuss the ambitious goals and initiatives of The Hydrogen Education for a Decarbonized Global Economy (H2EDGE) initiative, a program currently aimed at developing and training the emerging hydrogen industry workforce through a combination of professional development activities and targeted instruction at the university level. The conversation explores the importance of decarbonizing the energy system by 2050, the role of hydrogen as...
Aug 22, 2024•24 min•Ep. 41
In this episode of the EPRI Current, host Bill Florence leads a discussion with Sean Bushart and Jonathan Oxley on the concept of industrial clusters and their critical role in achieving decarbonization goals. They explore the historical emergence of industrial clusters, exemplifying the Humber region in the UK, and discuss the economic and technological aspects of these clusters in advancing clean energy initiatives. The conversation highlights the importance of public-private partnerships, reg...
Aug 07, 2024•25 min•Ep. 40
In this episode of The EPRI Current, hosts Samantha Gilman and Bill Florence are joined by guest hosts Dan Moneghan and Wynter McGruder to discuss the recent GFNI (Global Forum for Innovation) event in Miami. They cover the experiences of hosting a special podcast series, exploring global perspectives, and addressing grand challenges in the nuclear industry. Links and Resources: Learn more at https://www.globalnuclearinnovation.com/ EPRI website https://www.epri.com/ More episodes https://epricu...
Jul 25, 2024•20 min•Ep. 39
Join host Dan Moneghan and his guest Abby Smith for this episode recorded live from the Global Forum for Nuclear Innovation. Abby shares experiences leading safety and regulatory change at the FAA to manage new technology. Many of these approaches can apply to the emerging technologies and innovation in the nuclear industry. Hear what worked! Links and Resources: Learn more at https://www.globalnuclearinnovation.com/ EPRI website https://www.epri.com/ More episodes https://epricurrent.com/ If yo...
Jul 19, 2024•26 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of the EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman is interviewing more thought leaders from the Electrification 2024 exhibit hall. From transportation electrification to energy infrastructure, they discuss how advancements in electrification and clean energy technologies are shaping the future. Guests: Adam Gromis, Global Lead Sustainable Mobility, Uber; Chelsea Sexton, Sr. Advisor U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office; Lincoln Wood, Electrification Policy Manager, Southern Comp...
Jul 10, 2024•28 min•Ep. 37
In this episode, learn how citizen scientists play an important role in wildlife observation and conservation efforts no matter what the species. As part of EPRI’s annual Pollinator Power Party, the BioBlitz invites anyone who is interested in building their wildlife observational skills to record pollinators in their areas and become part of a global contributing community. Researchers verify all observations so we all can better understand species distribution and trends. Guest: Jessica Fox, P...
Jun 27, 2024•18 min•Ep. 36
Host Dan Moneghan discusses balancing safety and innovation in regulated industries with Steve Rader from NASA and engineering consultant David Smeatham. They explore how diverse teams, open innovation, and advanced technologies can enhance safety and efficiency without compromising rigorous standards. Guests: Steve Rader, Program Manager Tournament Lab & Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, NASA, and David Smeatham, Founder and Director, Ennuvo. Links and Resources: Learn more...
Jun 20, 2024•42 min•Ep. 35
Achieving bold decarbonization goals requires transforming how economies around the world make, move, and use energy. However, the net-zero energy transition requires carefully balance to help ensure affordability and reliability for all. At the end of the day, navigating the transition before us comes down to considering practical realities of the road ahead. Join us for a conversation with EPRI’s vice president of energy supply and low carbon resources, Neva Espinoza, as she discusses the prac...
Jun 13, 2024•20 min•Ep. 34
Join Dan Monaghan, Kimberly Cook-Nelson, and Brendan Hall as they uncover the similarities between operating a nuclear facility and a small-crewed competitive yacht. Learn about leadership, innovation, and empowering people to operate a lean machine. A must-listen for insights into enhancing nuclear operations through exceptional workforce management. Guests: Kimberly Cook-Nelson, Entergy’s Executive Vice President of Nuclear Operations and Chief Nuclear Officer and Brendan Hall, winning skipper...
Jun 05, 2024•33 min•Ep. 33
Threats to the power delivery systems and the built environment from climate change and increasingly frequent extreme weather events means that the energy systems and structures of the future must be more prepared to withstand weather-related dangers. Listen as two EPRI experts share how resilience and the changing climate has directly impacted their lives, and what EPRI is doing to support the development of resilient housing. Guests: Erik Ela, Program Manager and Technical Executive, Integrate...
May 22, 2024•19 min•Ep. 32
Addressing region-specific challenges to the clean energy transition requires structured collaboration among research and innovation experts, policy drivers and energy companies. Learn how EPRI Europe addresses the region’s complex landscape of technological advancements, policy frameworks, and operational strategies through specific efforts with ENTSO-E and other stakeholders. Guests: Eamonn Lannoye, Sr. Program/Area Manager for EPRI Europe DAC, Norela Constantinescu, Head of the Innovation Sec...
May 08, 2024•22 min•Ep. 31
