The Fuel for Thought Podcast
- Episodios
- 57
- Se publica
- cada dos semanas
- Último episodio
- 4 Nov 2026
Sobre el podcast
The Fuel for Thought Podcast is the world’s first podcast about renewable fuels. Sylvain Verdier and Mikala Grubb from Topsoe, look into some of the most pressing topics about renewable fuels, covering the whole value chain of renewable fuel production, including feedstock supply, conversion technology, legislation, sustainable aviation fuel and much more. Together with a series of key industry players, experts, and influencers they discuss some of the challenges facing the industry, so you can benchmark your business, learn more about what is driving our industry and where it is heading.
Episodios 57
The 2026 Progress report: Energy security, steady advances and getting to FID
Season 8 of The Fuel for Thought Podcast opens with an in-house conversation featuring Milica Folic, Product Line Director at Topsoe. Hosts Mikala Grubb and Sylvain Verdier look back at a year shaped by …
Notas del episodio
Season 8 of The Fuel for Thought Podcast opens with an in-house conversation featuring Milica Folic, Product Line Director at Topsoe. Hosts Mikala Grubb and Sylvain Verdier look back at a year shaped by geopolitical disruption, a landmark SAF final investment decision and steady regulatory progress, setting up the themes that run through the rest of the season.
Bringing home the bacon – Seaboard’s recipe for renewable success
What does a pork producer have to do with renewable fuels? Everything, if you're Seaboard Energy. Peter Rosenthal, President and CEO of Seaboard Energy, joins the podcast to explore how a company with deep …
Notas del episodio
What does a pork producer have to do with renewable fuels? Everything, if you're Seaboard Energy. Peter Rosenthal, President and CEO of Seaboard Energy, joins the podcast to explore how a company with deep agricultural roots is turning animal fats, used cooking oil and other byproducts into biodiesel, renewable diesel and renewable natural gas. From navigating regulatory hurdles to managing risk in new technologies, Peter Rosenthal shares the blueprint for transitioning legacy agriculture into clean energy… and what's next for feedstocks and fuels in a vertically integrated model.
From Brussels to DC – The sticks and carrots shaping the renewable fuels landscape
Renewable fuels have the technology. They have the feedstocks. So why does revenue certainty remain the biggest barrier to scale? Jessica Olson, Head of Global Affairs, Americas & Indo-Pacific at Topsoe, and …
Notas del episodio
Renewable fuels have the technology. They have the feedstocks. So why does revenue certainty remain the biggest barrier to scale? Jessica Olson, Head of Global Affairs, Americas & Indo-Pacific at Topsoe, and Asmara Klein, Head of External Relations and Public Affairs at Zaffra, join the podcast to explore how regulation is shaping markets for SAF, renewable diesel and e-SAF. From the differences between EU mandates and US incentives to the fragmented landscape across aviation, shipping and road transport, this conversation reveals what makes renewable fuel policy work… and what's still missing.
Building a Hempire: SGP’s bioenergy journey
Randy Delbert Letang, founder, President and CEO of SGP BioEnergy, joins the podcast to explore the real barriers to scale, and how SGP is trying to break through them. From a Panama biorefinery nearing …
Notas del episodio
Randy Delbert Letang, founder, President and CEO of SGP BioEnergy, joins the podcast to explore the real barriers to scale, and how SGP is trying to break through them. From a Panama biorefinery nearing mechanical completion to a hemp-based feedstock program designed to regenerate soil and sequester carbon, SGP's integrated, zero-waste model offers a different lens on what sustainable fuel production can look like.
The State of Biofuels: Blends, boom and bottlenecks in ethanol and biodiesel
Biofuels remain one of the most mature renewable solutions... but balancing production, feedstock use and carbon impact is far from simple. Agustin Torroba of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on …
Notas del episodio
Biofuels remain one of the most mature renewable solutions... but balancing production, feedstock use and carbon impact is far from simple. Agustin Torroba of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) joins the podcast to explore how global ethanol and biodiesel markets are adapting to policy pressures, new certification frameworks and evolving sustainability standards.
Revamp it up! Fast tracking renewable diesel and SAF projects
Revamping existing facilities for renewable fuels can be faster and more cost-effective than building new. Ole Frej Alkilde and Lars Jørgensen of Topsoe explore the technical realities of converting …
Notas del episodio
Revamping existing facilities for renewable fuels can be faster and more cost-effective than building new. Ole Frej Alkilde and Lars Jørgensen of Topsoe explore the technical realities of converting hydroprocessing units, from managing hydrogen demand to navigating emerging feedstocks and common bottlenecks.
Easy-peasy EPC: How EPC companies shape renewable fuel projects
Behind every successful renewable fuel plant is an EPC company navigating complex engineering, procurement and construction challenges. Carron Freeney from Topsoe joins the podcast to unpack the project …
Notas del episodio
Behind every successful renewable fuel plant is an EPC company navigating complex engineering, procurement and construction challenges. Carron Freeney from Topsoe joins the podcast to unpack the project lifecycle, contract strategies and why early EPC involvement is critical to success in the energy transition.
Risk, reward and renewables: Inside the Moeve strategy
In Episode 2, Fuel for Thought host Sylvain Verdier talks with Rik Sneep of Moeve about transforming a century-old energy business into a front-runner in renewable fuels. From feedstock security to strategic …
Notas del episodio
In Episode 2, Fuel for Thought host Sylvain Verdier talks with Rik Sneep of Moeve about transforming a century-old energy business into a front-runner in renewable fuels. From feedstock security to strategic airline partnerships and hedging with methanol and ammonia, Rik offers a clear, pragmatic view on making renewable fuels scale happen.
Renewable fuels in '26 – Regulations tighten, feedstocks diversify, refineries mobilize
In the opening episode of Season 7, Fuel for Thought brings together three Topsoe experts to assess the renewable fuels sector at a critical juncture. Sandra Winter-Madsen, Sylvain Verdier and Milica Folic …
Notas del episodio
In the opening episode of Season 7, Fuel for Thought brings together three Topsoe experts to assess the renewable fuels sector at a critical juncture. Sandra Winter-Madsen, Sylvain Verdier and Milica Folic, together with host Mikala Grubb, explore the regulatory landscape across the EU, UK, US and Asia-Pacific, examining how mandates are driving demand, how feedstock supply chains are evolving, and why refineries are finally integrating renewable pathways into long-term strategies. From RED III's 2030 targets to maritime sector aspirations, from co-processing adoption to demonstration facilities for e-SAF research and production, the conversation offers a clear-eyed, comprehensive view of where the industry stands – and the collaborative momentum building toward 2026.
SAF Special #3 of 3: SAF’s creating a real buzz in the air at Airbus
In the final episode of our three-part SAF Special series, Fuel for Thought welcomes Mélanie Astruc and Bruno James from Airbus to unpack the manufacturer’s SAF strategy and path to 100 % compatibility. The …
Notas del episodio
In the final episode of our three-part SAF Special series, Fuel for Thought welcomes Mélanie Astruc and Bruno James from Airbus to unpack the manufacturer’s SAF strategy and path to 100 % compatibility. The discussion covers technical certification, supply chain coordination, airport readiness, and the delicate balance between short-term SAF adoption and longer-term alternatives such as hydrogen and electric propulsion.
A fascinating close to our SAF Specials – and a clear view of how aviation’s future is taking flight today.
SAF Special #2 of 3: Ensuring a SAF passage: The infrastructure powering faster SAF adoption
In the second of our three-episode SAF Specials, The Fuel for Thought Podcast talks with Elise Fox, Director of Sustainability at World Fuel Services. We explore the practical realities of integrating SAF into …
Notas del episodio
In the second of our three-episode SAF Specials, The Fuel for Thought Podcast talks with Elise Fox, Director of Sustainability at World Fuel Services. We explore the practical realities of integrating SAF into global jet fuel infrastructure, the bottlenecks in blending and storage and the opportunities in co-processing, book-and-claim and, of course, airport readiness. Elise offers a grounded view of what’s working, what still needs to change and how the industry can prepare for the mandates ahead.
SAF Special #1 of 3: SAF in 2025: Are we still sitting on the runway?
In the first of our three-part SAF Specials, The Fuel for Thought Podcast Season 7 opens with Patrick Edmond, Chief Marketing Officer at Future Energy Global. We discuss the market realities holding SAF back …
Notas del episodio
In the first of our three-part SAF Specials, The Fuel for Thought Podcast Season 7 opens with Patrick Edmond, Chief Marketing Officer at Future Energy Global. We discuss the market realities holding SAF back, the potential of demand aggregation to unlock supply and the role of policy, finance and communication in accelerating adoption. From contrails to hydrogen, Patrick offers a clear-eyed view of aviation’s decarbonization pathway and the bold steps needed to stay on track for 2050.
Propelling Progress: The new wave of ship engines in the seas of change
Let’s continue our exploration of the maritime industry’s journey toward decarbonization. In this episode, we’ll investigate how innovative engine technologies can clear the waters for sustainable shipping. We …
Notas del episodio
Let’s continue our exploration of the maritime industry’s journey toward decarbonization. In this episode, we’ll investigate how innovative engine technologies can clear the waters for sustainable shipping. We welcome two experts from MAN Energy Solutions: Agustina Ramirez, a Process Engineer specializing in Energy Solutions and Shipping Decarbonization, and Nikolaos Kourtidis, a Senior Advisor in New Technologies and Dual Fuel Engines. They will share the latest advancements in dual-fuel engines. Operating on both traditional fuels and alternative fuels, such as ammonia and methanol, dual-fuel engines offer the industry a crucial fuel flexibility for navigating the energy transition.
A guide to shipping: the players and the path to transition
The maritime sector has set sail to embark on its energy transition. But who are the stakeholders involved and how will they navigate the waters ahead? If you’re curious to learn those details (and the …
Notas del episodio
The maritime sector has set sail to embark on its energy transition. But who are the stakeholders involved and how will they navigate the waters ahead? If you’re curious to learn those details (and the complexities that comes with it), then this episode is worth your ear time. Get onboard as we set out to demystify the world of shipping through a better understanding of its stakeholders, regulatory landscape, and the path ahead. Join Sylvain and Mikala as they welcome Femke Spiegelenberg from the Global Maritime Forum and Topsoe’s own Asmara Klein, Public Affairs Specialist.
Gasification 4.0: Tried, tested, ready to scale renewable fuels production
For more than a century, gasification technology has been used to convert coal into fuel. However, the technology is now pivoting towards the production of renewable fuels, converting renewable feedstocks like …
Notas del episodio
For more than a century, gasification technology has been used to convert coal into fuel. However, the technology is now pivoting towards the production of renewable fuels, converting renewable feedstocks like solid waste and biomass into pure decarbonization potential. But what should refiners consider before diving head-first into a gasification project? That’s what Sylvain and Mikala set out to explore through an in-depth look at the technology’s evolution, challenges, and prospects. They’re joined by Pauli Baumann, Global Director at Hatch, and Johan Malan, Head of Licensing, North America for Topsoe, so get ready for 360 a discussion on gasification!
Which technologies are shaping Southeast Asia's energy makeover?
Southeast Asia’s 700 million people contribute to 4% of global energy usage. Today, a large part of this energy comes from coal, but the region is making significant strides towards renewable energy sources and …
Notas del episodio
Southeast Asia’s 700 million people contribute to 4% of global energy usage. Today, a large part of this energy comes from coal, but the region is making significant strides towards renewable energy sources and increasing its renewable fuels production. In this episode, we explore what’s needed to scale up the deployment of new technologies for Southeast Asia's energy transition. Joining us are Nicholas Ong and Edmund Siau from GenZero, an investment platform company that aims to accelerate decarbonization globally and is actively engaged in projects supporting the energy transition in Southeast Asia.
From field to fuel: exploring the role of intermediate crops in renewable fuels
Intermediate crops are worth our attention! With their recognition as a sustainable feedstock for renewable fuels by the EU’s Annex 9 in RED II, they have the potential to mitigate some of our feedstock supply …
Notas del episodio
Intermediate crops are worth our attention! With their recognition as a sustainable feedstock for renewable fuels by the EU’s Annex 9 in RED II, they have the potential to mitigate some of our feedstock supply issues. This episode is dedicated to a deep dive into their technical details. Sylvain and Mikala are joined by Saipol, an oilseeds processing company, and part of the Avril Group. Specifically, we have Bastien Le Bouhellec, Head of Biodiesel Trading Desk, and Guillaume de la Forest, Analyst of Supply & Demand Oilseed Markets and Intercrop Sourcing Project Manager for Aviation Biofuels. Don’t miss this opportunity to feed your thoughts with new seeds!
Renewable fuels 2024: A year of progress and promise
What has happened in the past year within the world of renewable fuels? If you’re looking for the ultimate update on that, this episode is a must-listen! Topsoe’s own Product Line Directors, Milica Folic and …
Notas del episodio
What has happened in the past year within the world of renewable fuels? If you’re looking for the ultimate update on that, this episode is a must-listen! Topsoe’s own Product Line Directors, Milica Folic and Sandra Winter-Madsen, join Mikala and Sylvain to take the temperature on the 2024 realities of renewable fuels and the energy transition in general. They explore how the supply of various renewable fuel types has developed over the past year and how different regions across the world are progressing in their adoption of them. They also cover the current regulatory landscape (which never stands still!) and conclude the episode by unveiling their predictions for the year ahead: 2025.
SAF Special #3 of 3: Fast-tracking SAF! Your complete guide to co-processing
Allow us to introduce the fastest pathway to begin your sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production: co-processing. Co-processing renewable and fossil feedstock in your existing unit, enables you to kickstart …
Notas del episodio
Allow us to introduce the fastest pathway to begin your sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production: co-processing. Co-processing renewable and fossil feedstock in your existing unit, enables you to kickstart SAF production without major revamps or large investments. Our own experience with co-processing dates back to 2004, so for this SAF Special we’ve called on the assistance of our own Ranoo Pathak, Senior Technical Service Engineer, and Ignacio Fabian Costa, Licensing Manager, to tackle the key questions refineries might be facing. With the expected growth in demand for SAF, it's time to scale up production!
SAF Special #2 of 3: Sky-high ambitions: Investing in the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
For the first time ever, we dedicate an entire SAF Special to exploring the financial aspects of getting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects off the ground. What are the challenges and opportunities in …
Notas del episodio
For the first time ever, we dedicate an entire SAF Special to exploring the financial aspects of getting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects off the ground. What are the challenges and opportunities in financing SAF projects? And what are the best strategies for reaching final investment decision (FID)? Sylvain and Mikala delve into these questions (and many more!) with the assistance of IFC – International Finance Corporation. They’ll talk to IFC’s Ladan Pazhouhandeh, Senior Investment Officer and Kelly H. Johnson, Global Sector Lead in Chemicals and Fertilizers, and Topsoe’s own Lucas Bossard, Head of Public-Private Partnerships.
SAF Special #1 of 3: From combustion to contrails: Unveiling jet fuel mysteries
Get ready for a much-needed deep dive into the science and chemistry of jet fuels to understand their impact! Since airplanes contribute to global warming through emissions of CO2 and soot particles from their …
Notas del episodio
Get ready for a much-needed deep dive into the science and chemistry of jet fuels to understand their impact! Since airplanes contribute to global warming through emissions of CO2 and soot particles from their jet fuel combustion, our understanding of jet fuel is crucial for our efforts to decarbonize aviation. Sylvain is joined by Patrick LeClercq, Head of Department Multiphase Flows and Alternative Fuels, at German Aerospace Center (DLR) to delve into the composition and combustion of jet fuel and explore how sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) with lower aromatic content help reduce emissions from air travel.
Back to science: why analytical chemistry is the hero of your renewable fuels production
Decarbonization is driving us towards feedstocks that are completely different from the fossil feedstocks, we’ve spent decades studying. To fully understand the complexity of renewable feedstocks, and optimize …
Notas del episodio
Decarbonization is driving us towards feedstocks that are completely different from the fossil feedstocks, we’ve spent decades studying. To fully understand the complexity of renewable feedstocks, and optimize their use in renewable fuels production, we must turn to analytical chemistry. In this episode, we uncover the challenges and techniques for analyzing renewable feedstocks, like fatty acids, waste oil and fats, and more advanced options such as pyrolysis oils and hydrothermal liquefaction products. Settle in for a comprehensive view from both academia and industry as we’re joined by two special guests: Jan Christensen, Professor in Environmental Analytical Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen, and Karina Knudsmark Sjøholm, Principal Scientist at Topsoe.
Latin America's role in shaping the global renewable fuels market
When it comes to the production of renewable fuels, Latin America is a region filled with potential. With an abundance of easily accessible renewable resources like wind, sun, and biomass waste, and hosting …
Notas del episodio
When it comes to the production of renewable fuels, Latin America is a region filled with potential. With an abundance of easily accessible renewable resources like wind, sun, and biomass waste, and hosting well-advanced refineries and cost-competitive production opportunities, Latin America has the potential to become a key contributor to the global renewable fuels market. In this episode, we talk to Juan Pablo Freijo, founder and CEO of Sempen, and an expert in Latin America’s energy transition. We'll explore the current state of renewable fuels production in Latin America and discuss their future plans.
Your one-stop guide to catalysts crucial role in renewables
Step into the fascinating world of catalysts with us! Far from being mere commodities or utilities, catalysts are highly technological tools that are pivotal for renewable fuels production. In this episode …
Notas del episodio
Step into the fascinating world of catalysts with us! Far from being mere commodities or utilities, catalysts are highly technological tools that are pivotal for renewable fuels production. In this episode, Sylvain dives deep into the role of catalysts in renewables with the help from no less than three Topsoe experts: Marie Grill, Principal Scientist for biobased chemicals, Fie Hallkvist Wilbek, Senior Business Development Manager in Digitalization, and Ignacio Fabian Costa, Licensing Manager for low-carbon fuel technologies. Together, they delve into the comprehensive A-Z of catalysts, discuss strategies for their optimal utilization, and highlight the crucial role of catalysts in renewable fuels production.
New perspectives on the feedstocks of the future
We'll be peering into our crystal ball to explore which feedstocks will be used to produce renewable fuels in the future. Joined by Alastair Blanchard, Director for SAF at the ICF Consultancy, we’ll address a …
Notas del episodio
We'll be peering into our crystal ball to explore which feedstocks will be used to produce renewable fuels in the future. Joined by Alastair Blanchard, Director for SAF at the ICF Consultancy, we’ll address a wide range of questions surrounding renewable feedstocks, including biogenic feedstocks and feedstocks for e-fuels. Are feedstocks truly the biggest bottleneck? What are the primary risks associated with feedstocks? And are regulations too strict or too moderate when it comes to feedstocks?
Unveiling the true environmental impact of fuels
A life cycle assessment (LCA) is essential in comprehensively assessing the full environmental and social impacts of transportation fuels. This contrasts with many compliance models and regulations today which …
Notas del episodio
A life cycle assessment (LCA) is essential in comprehensively assessing the full environmental and social impacts of transportation fuels. This contrasts with many compliance models and regulations today which emphasize greenhouse gases alone – an approach which can result in ‘carbon tunnel vision’, where other crucial factors are neglected. Examining each step in the fuel’s life cycle – from cradle-to-grave – provides a complete overview of its true impacts.
In this episode, Sylvain is joined by Tom Berg, Policy and Sustainability Manager at SkyNRG, and Kenneth Poucher, Head of Sustainability at Topsoe to dive deep into LCA and sustainability in transportation fuels.Renewable fuels are still powering ahead. Are you on track?
The landscape of renewable fuels has changed significantly since we wrapped up season four. But one thing remains the same: renewable fuels continue to power ahead. Mikala and Sylvain are joined by their Topsoe …
Notas del episodio
The landscape of renewable fuels has changed significantly since we wrapped up season four. But one thing remains the same: renewable fuels continue to power ahead. Mikala and Sylvain are joined by their Topsoe colleague, Milica Folic, for a discussion of the main developments across the industry within the past year. They will cover the currently dominating fuel types and feedstocks, the most recent legislative changes, and an outlook on upcoming hot topics for the next year.
SAF Specials #3 of 3: Faster at-scale deployment of SAF - how?
Bill Gates established Breakthrough Energy in 2015 with the aim of funding technologies that can accelerate the clean energy transition and build a net-zero emissions future. Sylvain is joined by Mariano …
Notas del episodio
Bill Gates established Breakthrough Energy in 2015 with the aim of funding technologies that can accelerate the clean energy transition and build a net-zero emissions future. Sylvain is joined by Mariano Berkenwald, Senior Associate at Breakthrough Energy, to discuss which efforts are needed to accelerate the deployment of at-scale production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). They touch upon the need for more risk-tolerant capital, long-term off-take agreements with airlines, technologies that can scale globally, and a general acceptance that the era of inexpensive flights may be coming to an end.
SAF Specials #2 of 3: Propelling the aviation industry towards 100% unblended SAF
Jet engine producer, GE Aerospace, is supporting net-zero emissions in aviation by exploring disruptive designs for future engines. At the same time, they consider SAF an important measure for decarbonizing …
Notas del episodio
Jet engine producer, GE Aerospace, is supporting net-zero emissions in aviation by exploring disruptive designs for future engines. At the same time, they consider SAF an important measure for decarbonizing today, and are pushing for a standard that allows an increase in blend levels from 50% to 100%. Jeff Shaknaitis, Customer Sustainability Leader, and Brice Dally, Senior Staff Engineer for Sustainable Fuels, from GE Aerospace, join Sylvain to explain how they see the role of SAF in future aviation, and how they make sure it's compatible and safe to use with GE Aerospace’s current and future engines.
SAF Specials #1 of 3: What is Norwegian's mission to cut emissions by 45% by 2030?
With an ambitious goal of 45% emissions reduction by 2030, Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian) is working on a wide range of actions to become a more sustainable airline. Joined by Anders Fagernæs, Vice President …
Notas del episodio
With an ambitious goal of 45% emissions reduction by 2030, Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian) is working on a wide range of actions to become a more sustainable airline. Joined by Anders Fagernæs, Vice President of Sustainability at Norwegian, Sylvain Verdier takes a closer look at the various efforts the airline is working on to achieve this target. Together, they cover the entire palette of sustainability at Norwegian, including their emissions reporting in scope 1 and 2, the challenges and opportunities of scope 3, and the limited supply of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which, earlier this year, led the airline into a new partnership with Norske e-Fuel for SAF production.
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