The Empirical Energy Podcast

Updates in Visual AI Gas Detection | Jae Yoon Chung | Empirical Energy | EP 116

🎙️ Revolutionizing Gas Leak Detection with Visual AI & Machine LearningIn this episode of The Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith sits down with Jae Yoon Chung, Machine Learning Engineer at Clean Connect, to explore how visual AI is transforming gas leak detection in the energy industry.Jae breaks down the real-world challenges of detecting methane and gas leaks using vision-based models — especially in harsh outdoor environments with wind, rain, snow, and limited edge-device compute. He introduces a breakthrough approach called channel stacking, a method that captures gas movement using just three consecutive frames to dramatically improve detection accuracy while reducing computational load and false alarms.The conversation goes beyond theory, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how AI models are trained, optimized, and deployed at the edge — and where the technology is headed next. From edge computing to large language models (LLMs) and object-level incident classification, this episode highlights how AI, blockchain, and verification are reshaping the future of global energy markets.⚡ If you work in energy, AI, emissions monitoring, or industrial technology, this episode is a must-listen.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction to The Empirical Energy Podcast 00:57 – Meet the Guest: Jae Yoon Chung from Clean Connect 01:39 – Machine Learning Challenges in Energy Environments 03:44 – Innovations in Visual Gas Leak Detection 07:29 – Technical Deep Dive: Channel Stacking Explained 14:23 – The Future of Visual AI & LLM Integration 18:53 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action🎧 Listen & Watch▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/WOejlQSdr_g🎙 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-empirical-energy-podcast/id1822839881💬 If this episode sparked new ideas or questions, join the conversation. 👉 Subscribe, rate the show, and share this episode with someone working in energy, AI, or climate tech. 👉 Drop a comment and tell us: Where do you see the biggest opportunity for AI in energy today?#EmpiricalEnergyPodcast #VisualAI #MethaneDetection #MachineLearning #EdgeAI #EnergyTech #ClimateTech #IndustrialAI #ComputerVision

Empirical Energy: The Silent Revolution in Global Energy Markets | Thomas Fox | Empirical Energy | EP 115

Uncovering the Future of Methane Emissions Management with Thomas FoxIn this episode of The Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith welcomes Thomas Fox, President of Highwood Emissions, to unpack the mechanisms reshaping global energy markets.The conversation explores the industry’s shift from “alternative energy” toward measured, verified energy as the new gold standard—powered by empirical data, evolving regulations, and emerging verification frameworks. Thomas shares his journey from PhD research in methane emissions to building Highwood Emissions and launching the Emissions Intelligence Platform (EIP), a software solution designed to help operators create measurement-informed inventories at scale.Together, they dive into the realities of methane reporting: reconciliation challenges, OGMP Level 5 requirements, EPA and Colorado regulatory approvals, and why harmonization across global reporting frameworks remains one of the industry’s biggest hurdles. The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion on how collaboration, technology, and credible data may finally unlock real market incentives for low-methane energy.🎧 If you work in energy, ESG, emissions reporting, or climate compliance, this episode offers a clear look at where the industry is heading—and what it will take to get there.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Empirical Energy Podcast 00:55 Meet Thomas Fox: Highwood Emissions 02:51 The Journey to Methane Mitigation 04:54 Building Measurement-Informed Inventories 08:27 Challenges and Innovations in Methane Reporting 18:34 The Future of Emissions Reporting 25:02 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action✔️ Listen to the full episode to understand how methane measurement is evolving ✔️ Subscribe to the Empirical Energy Podcast for more conversations at the intersection of energy, AI, and climate policy ✔️ Share this episode with colleagues navigating methane reporting, OGMP, or ESG compliance ✔️ Join the discussion—what do you think will finally drive harmonized emissions reporting?#EmpiricalEnergy #MethaneEmissions #EnergyTransition #OGMP #ClimateReporting #EnergyMarkets #OilAndGas #ESG #CarbonAccounting #Decarbonization #ClimateTech #EnergyPolicy #LowMethaneGas #Sustainability

Using AI Digital Twins to Scale Empirical Energy | Zach Oremland | Empirical Energy | EP 114

In this episode of the Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith sits down with Zach Orlin of Clean Connect.ai to explore how digital twins, AI, blockchain, and verification technologies are redefining how energy is measured, monitored, and managed.The conversation dives deep into Luminary, a digital twin platform that enables teams to virtually map energy sites, plan monitoring equipment placement, and integrate real-time data into operational models before anything is deployed in the field. Zach explains how Luminary connects with Promax process simulation models, remote monitoring systems, and verification frameworks to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and eliminate blind spots in energy operations.This episode also explores what’s next—from augmented reality overlays to smarter, more empirical energy markets where measurement, transparency, and real-time intelligence become the new standard.If you’re working in energy, infrastructure, emissions monitoring, or digital transformation, this episode offers a clear look at how legacy systems are being replaced by data-driven, verifiable solutions.⏱ Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Empirical Energy 00:44 Meet Zach Orlin (Clean Connect.ai) 02:23 Digital Twins & the Luminary Platform 05:05 Virtual Site Mapping & Monitoring Design 11:11 Advanced Capabilities & Future Applications 18:13 Empirical Energy’s Broader Impact & Wrap-Up🎧 Subscribe for conversations on energy verification, AI, blockchain, and the future of global energy markets.#EmpiricalEnergy #DigitalTwins #EnergyTechnology #EnergyInnovation #AIinEnergy #BlockchainEnergy #EnergyMarkets #RealTimeMonitoring #EnergyManagement #CleanTech #IndustrialAI #EnergyTransition #OperationalIntelligence

Revolutionizing Energy: Empowering Markets with Empirical Data | Deb Ryan | Empirical Energy | EP 113

In this episode of the Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith is joined by Deb Ryan from Geo Financial to discuss the seismic shift in global energy markets. They dive deep into how verification via blockchain, coupled with AI, is reshaping energy systems. Deb shares insights on her background, the methane performance certificates, and the integration of satellite data with real-time monitoring to achieve market solutions. This rich conversation touches on the evolving role of methane detection, the synergy between different technologies, and the economic drivers for emission reduction, while also offering a preview of how data fidelity is revolutionizing the industry. Tune in to find out how companies can leverage these innovative solutions for a sustainable future. 00:00 Introduction to the Empirical Energy Podcast 00:45 Meet Deb Ryan from Geo Financial 01:05 Navigating Carbon: Deb's Podcast and Background 01:40 Methane Performance Certificates and S&P Global 04:32 Challenges in Methane Detection and Solutions 05:16 Geo Financial's Satellite Data and Methane Detection 07:37 Combining Satellite and Ground Data for Better Accuracy 19:28 Market Solutions and Certified Natural Gas 21:31 The Future of Energy Trading and EACs 24:40 Conclusion and Call to ActionDon’t forget to: 👍 Like this if energy markets matter to your world 🔔 Subscribe to follow the people shaping the future of energy 💬 Share your biggest insight—traders and operators learn from each other 🔗 Pass this to someone who works behind the scenes of our energy system#EnergyMarkets #MethaneMonitoring #ClimateTech #CarbonMarkets #EnergyTransition #BlockchainEnergy #AIinEnergy #VerifiedEnergy #CertifiedGas #MethaneReduction

NatGas Millions With Empirical Gas | Jay Bhatty | Empirical Energy | EP 112

Gas scheduling, pipeline data, arbitrage, LNG globalization, AI-powered tariffs, and the rapid shift toward reliable low-carbon fuel — this conversation with Jay Bhatty shines a light on how the natural gas market is being rewritten from the inside out.Jay shares his path from Enron to building NatGasHub into a core scheduling platform for North America, why data is the real commodity traders fight over, and how AI data centers are quietly reshaping the future of energy reliability.Key Discussion Points00:00 – Opening: the silent revolution in verified energy00:44 – Jay’s journey: India → Ohio → Enron02:25 – Early lessons from Enron alumni & top-tier traders04:10 – Electricity shortages and why energy became Jay’s obsession05:18 – The pain point that sparked NatGasHub06:52 – Turning 50 pipeline websites into one streamlined platform08:40 – Why empirical pipeline data gives traders an edge10:22 – Automation: from whiteboards to real-time digital scheduling12:15 – Arbitrage opportunities and information asymmetry14:10 – The motivation behind Nat Gas Millions15:55 – What new traders misunderstand about the physical market17:48 – “All the money is made in the margins” — real trading war stories19:35 – How geopolitical shocks hit energy markets20:48 – LNG and the rise of natural gas as a global commodity22:36 – AI data centers and the real priorities behind their power demand24:18 – Why big tech is turning toward natural gas infrastructure25:52 – The challenge of tracking low-carbon gas molecules27:05 – Advice for new traders on mastering risk28:20 – Using AI to decode 500-page pipeline tariffs29:10 – Where to find Jay’s book & how to work with NatGasHubIf you're in trading, infrastructure, energy technology, or you're trying to understand how physical markets actually work, this episode gives you the “behind the curtain” view.Don’t forget to: 👍 Like this if energy markets matter to your world 🔔 Subscribe to follow the people shaping the future of energy 💬 Share your biggest insight—traders and operators learn from each other 🔗 Pass this to someone who works behind the scenes of our energy system#EnergyTrading #NaturalGas #AIandEnergy #EnergyTech #LNG #CommodityTrading #NatGasHub #PipelineData #DataCenters #EmpiricalEnergy #LowCarbonEnergy #EnergyInfrastructure

Tokenizing EAC’s for LNG | Brad Handler | Empirical Energy | EP 111

The energy market is entering a new era where data is currency, transparency is leverage, and trust is tokenized.In this episode of The Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith speaks with Brad Handler, Program Director for the Energy Finance Lab at the Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines.They explore how tokenizing environmental attributes in LNG (liquefied natural gas) is creating a measurable, verifiable, and tradeable standard for global energy accountability.Episode Breakdown00:00 – Introduction03:45 – The Payne Institute and the Energy Finance Lab09:10 – From Research to Real-World Application14:50 – The Rise of Tokenized LNG22:15 – Carbon-Neutral LNG vs. Tokenized LNG28:40 – EACs and the Blockchain Advantage35:05 – Standards That Matter: ISO 14067, ISCC & OGMP 2.041:30 – Market, Regulation & Technology: The Balancing Act48:20 – Building Trust in Energy Data55:10 – The Future: EACs as the Standard1:02:00 – Closing ThoughtsEnergy’s next competitive edge isn’t scale—it’s proof.Tune in and discover how verified data, blockchain, and policy are converging to reshape the future of energy markets.#EnergyTransition #Blockchain #Tokenization #CleanEnergy #LNG #Sustainability #ClimateTech #Decarbonization #EmpiricalEnergyPodcast #CarbonMarkets

The Methane Truth: How Measurement Is Rewriting Global Energy Politics | Empirical Energy | EP 110

The silent revolution in energy has already begun — and it’s measured, not modeled.In this powerful episode of The Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith sits down with Robert Kleinberg, physicist, researcher, and former Schlumberger scientist, to explore the truth behind global methane reporting — and how measurement-based verification is reshaping the world’s energy future.Kleinberg exposes the startling differences between U.S. and Russian methane emission methodologies, showing how emission factors — outdated, estimated reporting tools — distort climate data, global trade, and even geopolitics.As the world pushes toward verified, empirical energy, this conversation reveals the urgent need for accuracy, transparency, and data integrity across every link in the global energy chain.This is more than policy — it’s a race for truth in the age of misinformation and market disruption.💡 Key TakeawaysEmission factors are outdated — the future of energy is empirical measurement.Russia’s “cleaner” data reveals flaws in global reporting, not environmental success.Verified data = verified trade. Energy credibility depends on transparency.Methane accuracy affects not just policy — but global economics and geopolitics.Collaboration between science, industry, and policy is key to verified progress.🔔 Join the Empirical Energy MovementIf this episode opened your eyes to the data behind the energy revolution:✅ Subscribe to The Empirical Energy Podcast for more verified conversations💬 Comment what you think: Should all energy reporting be measurement-based?📢 Share this episode — truth in data starts with awarenessEmpirical Energy — measured, verified, unstoppable. ⚡🌍

GenAI for Energy Executives | Empirical Energy | EP 109

Welcome to the Empirical Energy Podcast, where host Mark Smith sits down with Mehdi, author of Enterprise Gen AI for Energy Executives, to uncover how Generative AI, blockchain, and verified data are transforming the global energy industry.This episode dives deep into real-world AI adoption — from C-suite strategy and data management to cultural transformation and workforce adaptation. Learn how energy leaders can identify the right AI use cases, navigate the “build vs. buy” debate, and prepare for the era of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).If you’re an energy executive, innovator, or tech strategist, this episode offers an unfiltered roadmap to the future of verified, intelligent energy. Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to the Empirical Energy Podcast: The verified energy revolution00:33 – Meet your host, Mark Smith00:45 – Introducing Mehdi and his book Enterprise Gen AI for Energy Executives01:08 – The inspiration behind writing the book01:41 – Bridging the gap between technical experts and executives02:12 – The need for continuous learning in AI and energy02:33 – Mehdi’s background: From robotics to oil to data-driven strategy03:18 – How Generative AI is transforming business operations03:39 – Why AI is no longer a luxury — it’s essential04:27 – What executives will gain from Mehdi’s book05:11 – Identifying the most valuable AI use cases06:12 – How to prioritize, budget, and assess AI initiatives07:11 – The “Build vs. Buy” dilemma for modern organizations08:15 – Vendor partnerships, data security, and compliance challenges09:40 – The reality of implementing AI in the energy sector10:01 – Lessons from real projects and the “dumb tax” of innovation10:38 – Prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and agent-based AI11:30 – Managing fear and resistance to AI adoption12:17 – Building a culture of learning and adaptation13:04 – Behind the scenes: Mark and Mehdi’s “book club” collaboration13:35 – Upcoming Energy AI Conference — join the movement14:17 – The future: From Generative AI to AGI15:31 – New jobs, new leadership, and managing intelligent systems16:13 – How AI will reshape energy companies in the next 3 years17:21 – Why every organization must embrace AI now17:44 – Closing thoughts and gratitude18:09 – How you can support and stay connected🔔 Join the MovementIf this conversation sparked new ideas for you:✅ Subscribe to the Empirical Energy Podcast💬 Comment your biggest takeaway from this episode📢 Share this video with your team or peers in the energy space

Certification Pathways for Empirical Gas | MaryBeth Clifford | Empirical Energy Podcast

Discover how energy producers and traders are navigating the complex world of carbon certification to deliver verified net zero natural gas products. Host Mark Smith sits down with environmental consultant MaryBeth Clifford from Protect to explore the verification side of MMRV (monitoring, measuring, reporting, and verification) and how companies like Microsoft, AWS, and Google are moving beyond traditional carbon credits to actual net zero energy consumption.Tune in inside: ISCC certification pathways, mass balance methodology, RNG blending strategies, blockchain-based environmental attribute certificates, real-time verification systems, ISO 14067 processes, LCFS compliance, empirical energy measurement, sustainability declarations, automated carbon trackingKey takeaways: • Major tech companies are shifting from carbon credits to direct net zero energy consumption for their sustainability goals • Real-time mass balance calculations are essential for energy trading, unlike annual emissions inventory processes • ISCC certification provides viable pathways for blending RNG with conventional natural gas to achieve specific carbon intensity targets • Blockchain-based Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) eliminate double counting and provide immutable verification • Monthly verification cycles enable practical trading while maintaining certification integrity • Mass balance methodology aligns chemical engineering principles with certification requirements • Automated data collection systems are crucial for scaling verification processes across multiple regulatory frameworks • Different global regulations create complexity but ISCC is working to harmonize pathways across jurisdictions00:02 Intro - Empirical Energy Podcast opening 00:45 Host Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:23 MaryBeth Clifford's Background in Oil & Gas and Environmental Consulting 02:41 The Rise of Carbon and Sustainability Programs 03:49 MMRV Framework and Episode Context 04:42 Microsoft's Net Zero Goals and Industry Shift 05:52 RNG and Natural Gas Certification Pathways 07:02 ISCC CFR Beta Partnership and Verification Options 08:04 Mass Balance Requirements for Trading 09:18 Evolution of Carbon Intensity Pathways 10:24 Real-time Data Management and Monthly Verification 11:32 Environmental Attribute Certificates and Blockchain Integration 13:35 Verification Process Improvements 14:05 ISCC Compatibility with Various Regulatory Frameworks 15:58 Global Regulation Complexity and Alignment Challenges 17:22 Chemical Engineering Principles and Mass Balance 17:44 Protect's Services and Client Support 18:50 Outro - Call to Action"We've walked a number of clients through verification processes to help them make sure that they have the data collected and then going with them to the meetings to answer the questions and get through that verification step."Subscribe to the Empirical Energy Podcast for more insights on the intersection of energy, AI, and blockchain technology, and don't forget to rate and review to help us reach more industry professionals working on sustainable energy solutions.#CarbonCertification #NetZeroEnergy #ISCCPathways #RNGBlending #EnergyVerification #SustainabilityCompliance #BlockchainEnergy #MassBalance #EmpiricalEnergy #CleanTech

A Producers Journey to Empirical Gas | Kelly Bott | Empirical Energy Podcast

Pure West Energy's transformation from traditional commodity gas to empirical natural gas represents a seismic shift in how the energy industry approaches carbon verification and trading. In this groundbreaking episode, Kelly Bott, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Pure West Energy, reveals the untold story of how measured, verified energy is becoming the new gold standard in global markets.Tune in inside: empirical natural gas, verified energy trading, carbon intensity measurement, blockchain-fueled trading systems, AI data centers energy solutions, environmental attribute certificates EACs, MMRV monitoring systems, ISO 14067 mass balance certification, Wyoming energy production, Clean Connect leak detection technologyPure West Energy has pioneered the transition from traditional gas production to empirical natural gas, where every molecule is measured, verified, and traded based on real data rather than assumptions. This revolutionary approach is reshaping how energy companies think about production, trading, and environmental responsibility. Kelly shares the compelling journey that started with environmental compliance in Wyoming's Pinedale Anticline and evolved into a market-leading position in verified low-carbon energy.Kelly reveals how Pure West leveraged monitoring, measurement, reporting, and verification MMRV technologies to transform their operations. Using advanced leak detection systems like Clean Connect's visualization cameras and comprehensive mass balance calculations through ProMax modeling, they achieved remarkable emission reductions while creating new revenue streams through environmental attribute certificates.The discussion dives deep into the technical innovations enabling empirical energy trading, including ISO 14067 certification with mass balance accounting and ISCC standards that allow for book-and-claim transactions. These frameworks enable Pure West to account for every molecule of gas and its associated emissions footprint on an MMBtu basis, creating defensible data for global trading markets.Take away:• Empirical natural gas represents the future of energy trading, where verification and real-time data replace industry assumptions• Environmental attribute certificates EACs function like birth certificates for energy, tracking carbon intensity throughout the supply chain• Mass balance methodology enables source-by-source emissions analysis, driving targeted operational improvements• Book-and-claim systems allow global trading of environmental attributes without physical gas delivery constraints• Premium pricing for verified low-carbon gas incentivizes continued emission reductions across the industry• AI data centers require reliable energy solutions with verified environmental performance for their net-zero commitments• Real-time monitoring systems enable immediate operational adjustments and continuous emission improvementsQuote of the show: "The future that I see, and I don't think it's a stretch, this is a data-driven future. It is all about data. It is all about being able to collect, store, analyze, respond to."This episode provides essential insights for energy professionals, traders, environmental consultants, and anyone interested in the intersection of energy, AI, and blockchain technology. Pure West's success demonstrates how empirical verification creates competitive advantages while driving meaningful environmental improvements.Subscribe to the Empirical Energy Podcast for more exclusive interviews with industry pioneers reshaping global energy markets. Like this episode and share it with colleagues who need to understand the future of verified energy trading.#empiricalenergy #naturalgas #carbonintensity #energytrading #verification #blockchain #AI #datacenters #netzero #Wyoming #climatetech #energytransition #sustainability #carbonaccounting #methaneemissions #cleantech #energyinnovation #environmental