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Welcome to this week’s Follower Friday episode of The Green Insider. The podcast features an in‑depth conversation with Eric Unverzagt, Chief Executive Officer of BCarbon, a Houston‑based non‑profit carbon registry and research center focused on advancing credible solutions within the voluntary carbon market.

During the interview, Unverzagt outlines BCarbon’s mission to develop scientifically rigorous and transparent methodologies that support high‑quality carbon credits while delivering measurable environmental benefits.

Unverzagt explains that BCarbon has established four core carbon credit protocols designed to address different forms of carbon reduction and sequestration. These include soil carbon sequestration, forestry projects, living shorelines, and methane mitigation through the plugging of abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells. Together, these protocols reflect BCarbon’s emphasis on nature‑based and emission-reduction strategies that are both environmentally impactful and economically viable.

A significant portion of the discussion centers on methane mitigation, which Unverzagt highlights as an especially effective approach due to methane’s potency as a greenhouse gas. By supporting well‑plugging projects, BCarbon aims to reduce emissions that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere while simultaneously creating opportunities for land restoration and local economic activity. This work positions methane mitigation as a practical bridge between environmental responsibility and market‑driven solutions.

The interview also previews BCarbon’s upcoming methane‑focused conference, scheduled for March 11–12 at the Greater Houston Partnership facility. The event is designed to convene a diverse group of stakeholders from across the carbon and energy ecosystems, including carbon credit buyers, project developers, policy and market experts, and technical specialists involved in methane plugging initiatives.

According to Unverzagt, the conference will serve both an educational and collaborative purpose. Attendees will gain insights into the environmental and economic value of methane mitigation projects, as well as a clearer understanding of how carbon credits function within the voluntary market. Just as importantly, the event is intended to foster meaningful connections among participants, encouraging partnerships that can accelerate adoption of sustainable practices and expand the impact of methane reduction efforts.

Overall, the podcast underscores BCarbon’s role in shaping standards for high‑integrity carbon credits while highlighting methane mitigation as a key opportunity for climate action. Through research, protocol development, and industry convenings such as the upcoming conference, BCarbon seeks to strengthen trust, transparency, and collaboration within the voluntary carbon market.

The post Turning Methane Into Momentum: BCarbon’s Role in the Voluntary Carbon Market appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Mahesh Konduru, CEO of Momentum Technologies, joined “The Green Insider” to discuss critical minerals and their impact on the economy and various industries. With 25 years of experience, Mahesh shared his background in chemical engineering and his focus on commercializing technologies in the material science space. He emphasized the growing importance of critical minerals, especially in light of recent news about their use and the situation in Ukraine.

Highlights from episode 317 are:

Momentum Technologies focuses on developing solutions to recover and process critical minerals domestically in the U.S., reducing reliance on foreign supply chains, particularly China.

Critical minerals are essential for consumer electronics, medical technology, mobility, and defense applications.

The company processes and sells battery materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which are priced on public commodity exchanges, as well as rare earth elements with lower trading volumes.

Rare earth metals used in magnets include neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium, which are key to advanced magnetic materials.

Momentum Technologies advances rare earth magnet recycling using sources such as end‑of‑life products, manufacturing scrap, and mining tailings.

Recycling rare earth materials has become more economically viable due to technological advancements and increased industry focus.

The company’s processing technology is described as more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional large‑scale methods.

Momentum Technologies operates a demonstration plant in Carrollton, Texas, and plans to build two additional plants: one in Ohio for battery materials and another for rare earth element recovery (Dallas area or the California–Nevada border).

The planned facilities aim to be operational by early 2027, supporting U.S. supply‑chain resilience and national security.

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Kemp Gregory, co-founder and CEO of Renewell Energy, discussed his background in mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering at Shell before transitioning to renewable energy with a master’s from Stanford. He explained that Renewell energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak demand, thus increasing grid flexibility.

On episode 316 of The Green Insider, Mike and Kemp discussed their business model of leasing abandoned wells from original producers, offering a revenue-sharing option if the well-owners wish to participate in energy storage revenue. Other items included:

Proposes converting suitable idle oil and gas wells into energy storage facilities instead of fully plugging and abandoning them

This alternative can be lower cost than traditional well plugging while still meeting regulatory well-closure requirements

Benefits regulators (meeting plugging quotas), oil and gas companies (cost savings and potential revenue), and the electric grid (added energy storage)

Describes a gravity-based storage system that stores energy by lowering and raising a 30,000‑pound weight inside sealed wells

Wells are sealed to prevent methane leakage, though carbon credits are not relied on for economic viability

The system functions like a battery, storing excess energy during low demand and releasing it during peak demand

Repurpose existing wells and electrical infrastructure, avoiding the need for new high-voltage transmission lines

Business model involves leasing abandoned wells from original producers, with an option for revenue sharing

Notes that Renewell secured $6.4 million in grants to convert additional wells near Bakersfield, California, and build its first commercial-scale system

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The post Energy Storage Using Repurposed Oil and Gas Wells appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Erica Ocampo, Chief Sustainability Officer at The Metals Company (TMC), to discuss with Mike Nemer their deep-sea mining operations on episode 315 of The Green Insider. TMC is exploring polymetallic nodules in the Clarion‑Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean, which contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese.

Overview of TMC’s Work

TMC is exploring polymetallic nodules in the Clarion‑Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean, which contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese

Mining Technology and Process

Operations occur at approximately 4,000 meters depth using a collector vehicle connected to a surface vessel via a riser system

Nodules are lifted using water jets, separated from sediment onboard, and water and sediment are returned to the ocean at 2,000 meters depth

Sustainability and ESG Focus

Erica, Chief Sustainability Officer at TMC, leads ESG integration from the ground up

Environmental programs study seafloor impacts, water‑column effects, greenhouse gas emissions, and water use

Social impact efforts benefit from the remote location, minimizing impacts to local communities

Partnerships with countries such as Nauru and Tonga support scholarships and capacity‑building programs

U.S. Mineral Processing Expansion

TMC plans to process minerals in the United States to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains

Potential processing and port locations include Texas, Japan, and Indonesia

A research vessel accommodating up to 150 scientists has completed 22 ocean campaigns over 13 years, including pilot tests in 2022

Strategic Pivot to Deep‑Sea Mining

TMC shifted from the International Seabed Authority framework to operate under U.S. regulatory oversight, citing clearer processes and communication

The transition took more than a decade and positions the company to begin operations in early 2027

Environmental Context and Research Findings

Focus is on polymetallic nodules in the NORI‑D area, valued for high quality and location in a low‑productivity ecosystem

Research indicates the mid‑water sediment plume dissipates quickly with no significant food‑web impacts observed

The region has no tuna fisheries, reducing ecological risk to commercial species

Overall Perspective

Erica stresses the need for a nuanced, evidence‑based discussion of deep-sea mining rather than black‑and‑white judgments

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The post Strategic Access to Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, and Manganese with TMC’s Technology appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

This Follower Friday on The Green Insider spotlights the powerhouse UTSI podcast series and the cutting‑edge conversations shaping the future of OT. Mike Nemer and Shaun Six break down the latest in OT innovation, AI, security, and energy efficiency, while showcasing standout partners like Sequre Quantum, Siemens, BlastWave, and EdgeRealm. It’s a dynamic deep dive into why OT cybersecurity is becoming mission‑critical for today’s infrastructure leaders — and how collaboration, education, and next‑gen technology are driving the industry forward.

UTSI Podcast Series Conclusion

Final episode of a six‑part podcast series sponsored by UTSI International.

Features reflections from Mike Nemer and Shaun Six (CEO, UTSI International) on relationships built during the series.

Emphasis on OT cybersecurity as a core theme.

Emergent insight: AI’s environmental impact surfaced as an unintended but compelling storyline.

Episode structure includes a brief series recap, a short CEO segment (8–10 minutes), and post‑production editing support.

Critical Infrastructure Security Challenges

UTSI’s 40‑year history supporting critical infrastructure is underscored.

Industry challenges highlighted:

Talent shortage (≈5 engineers leaving for every 1 entering).

Rapid increase in connectivity of critical infrastructure devices.

AI positioned as a force multiplier for operators—but also a potential attack vector if data is exposed.

Partnerships discussed:

Sequre Quantum – quantum random number generators.

BlastWave – insights into AI’s dual role as defender and risk.

Focus on showcasing technologies that secure operations and protect infrastructure from emerging threats.

AI Data Center Energy Solutions

Collaboration with Siemens (via Alyssa) on AI’s impact on data centers.

Key concerns: rising energy and water consumption driven by AI workloads.

Edge Realm highlighted for improving energy density at the edge to reduce strain.

Introduction of LeakGeek, a rapid leak detection and response tool.

Work with EdgeRealm also addresses illegal hot tapping and oil theft, noted as more common than publicly acknowledged.

OT Cybersecurity: Collaboration and Education

Strong focus on securing operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems.

Call for improved private–public collaboration and information sharing.

Many cyberattacks go unreported to avoid reputational damage.

Attack vectors increasingly include everyday devices (e.g., printers, fax machines).

Ransomware incidents can cost organizations millions of dollars per day.

Emphasis on educating boards and investors about OT cybersecurity risks and value.

UTSI OT Cybersecurity Partnership

UTSI’s approach includes:

Cloaking OT systems.

Securing remote access.

Improving visibility and auditability of networks.

Recognition of sponsorship and education value of a six‑part cybersecurity series.

Closing remarks focused on partnership, knowledge sharing, and raising cybersecurity awareness.

A special shout out the guest in this UTSI podcast series, Paulina Assmann, Alissa Nixon, Tom Sego, Frank Stepic, and Robert Hilliker.

To be an Insider

Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating.

This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast.

The post Breaking Down OT Cybersecurity: Highlights from UTSI’s Six‑Part Series appeared first on eRENEWABLE.