TechnologIST Talks: The Cleantech Boom
Steve Kelly and Dr. Alex Gagnon
SUMMARY
In the fourth episode of TechnologIST Talks, host Steve Kelly sits down with Banyu Carbon co-founder and CEO Dr. Alex Gagnon to explore the emerging field of carbon dioxide removal and its role in decarbonizing the economy. Banyu Carbon uses a process that relies on sunlight and seawater to remove carbon dioxide from water.
An associate professor at the University of Washington School of Oceanography, Alex takes a deep dive into innovative solutions and the ecosystem required to combat climate change. Drawing lessons from cleantech 1.0, he emphasizes planning for future global competition, highlighting the role of federal initiatives in fostering innovation, and supporting commercialization.
How can the U.S. prevent repeating the mistakes of cleantech 1.0 in the carbon dioxide removal industry? What steps should universities take to support commercialization while maintaining their commitment to research? And what role should government and private industry play in sustaining demand for cleantech solutions?