200. “200 slides, Energy, AI, and the End of ESG” with Nat Bullard - Oct25

The discussion centers on the evolving energy landscape, particularly the rise of "electrostates" versus traditional "petrostates." Nat Bullard, founder of Halcyon and former chief content officer at Bloomberg, offers insights on the factors driving renewable energy adoption and electrification, especially in developing markets like Africa and Pakistan, where energy poverty paradoxically unlocks capital for solar initiatives. The conversation explores how countries like China are aggressively pursuing electrification, while others, such as Germany and Japan, face challenges due to incumbent fossil fuel interests and a "failure of imagination." Bullard also touches on the AI-driven data center boom, its potential overbuild, and the innovative energy solutions it might spur, as well as the growing electricity demand in developed countries.