Listen to Victoria and Mark’s Conversation Here:
Explore the intricate relationship between the chemical industry and energy in this discussion with Mike Kolodner, the US Energy and Power Leader and Global Renewable Energy Leader at Marsh. Victoria Meyer and Mike discuss the energy transition, the realities of energy consumption, and the role of chemical products in supporting renewable technologies. Discover how the energy demands of industrial sectors, including chemicals, shape the broader energy landscape, and the critical need for informed policymaking to address these challenges.
Victoria and Mike also discuss perspective on Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corporation, keynote at the conference. Plus, the complexities and unintended consequences of energy policies, especially in Europe, and how these impact global businesses. Related episodes:
https://thechemicalshow.com/critical-business-risks-in-2025-and-how-to-mitigate-insights-from-marsh/
Be sure to check out the full episode to learn more about:
- The complex relationship between energy and chemical industries: Chemical as a form of energy
- Importance of industrial demand: How industry drives energy consumption
- The reality of the energy transition: Challenges and communication across sectors
- Global policy and manufacturing: The impact of European policies and international energy consumption
- The role of companies like Marsh: Supporting clients through risk management and policy shaping
Killer Quote: “We have to stop pretending that you can just build a bunch of stuff and it’s all going be fine. There are unintended consequences, and it’s a far more complex ecosystem when we talk about global energy infrastructure.” —Michael Kolodner
Other links:
Register for The 40th World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global this March 17 – 21 in Houston, Texas. The Chemical Show audience receives a special discount of 5%. Register today using code WPC2025ChemShow5%.
Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives
Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry
Watch Victoria and Mike talk about energy and chemical policy here:
Unintended Consequences of Energy & Chemical Policy with Mike Kolodner of Marsh
Subscribe To The Chemical Show On Your Favorite Platform
How the Energy Landscape is Evolving
In the latest episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer sits down with Michael Kolodner, US Energy and Power Leader and Global Renewable Energy Leader at Marsh, to discuss the ongoing energy transition and its myriad challenges and opportunities. This episode provides a thought-provoking look into how the energy sector, chemical industry, and military backgrounds intersect, the real impact of energy policies, and the role risk management plays in supporting businesses through these pivotal changes.
The Connection Between Military Expertise and the Energy Sector
One interesting thread throughout the conversation is the unexpected connection between the military and the energy sector. Kolodner notes that many professionals in the energy industry have military backgrounds, highlighting the high level of technical expertise and discipline gained through service. This connection underscores the importance of technical skills in navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of energy today.
Understanding the Realities of Energy Transition
A focal point of the discussion is the energy transition, explored in depth by Kolodner and Meyer. Energy transition is not a simple or linear process; it involves balancing complex economic, environmental, and social considerations. Kolodner explains how energy consumption by commercial and industrial entities significantly drives demand in the sector. With industries continuously growing and new technology like AI further augmenting energy needs, the energy transition must account for this increased demand.
Connecting Chemicals and Energy
A particularly insightful part of the podcast is the connection between the chemical industry and energy transition, emphasized through keynote speaker Peter Huntsman’s address. Huntsman, a leader in the chemical sector, draws attention to the link between chemical products and energy solutions. Whether it’s manufacturing wind turbines or solar panels, chemicals play a crucial role. Kolodner stresses the interconnectedness of chemicals and energy, outlining how efforts in one field impact the broader goal of achieving sustainable energy.
Navigating Global Policies and Perspective
Kolodner brings to light the varied impact of global policies, particularly in Europe. These policies often inadvertently divert manufacturing and create regional energy imbalances. Kolodner and Meyer chat about the unintended consequences and inefficiencies spawned by energy policies that seem to push industries out of certain regions, highlighting that a one-size-fits-all approach to policy-making might be misguided.
The Role of Risk Management in the Energy Transition
Kolodner explains Marsh’s role in risk management during the energy transition. Marsh’s involvement highlights the need for expert counsel to navigate risks such as operational disruptions, policy shifts, and evolving market dynamics. By optimizing risk management strategies, companies can thrive through the transition rather than merely survive.
Encouraging Industry Dialogue and Collaboration
A key takeaway from the discussion is the importance of open communication across industries. Kolodner applauds Peter Huntsman’s call for dialogue between chemical and energy sectors, in order to break down silos and work together toward sustainable energy solutions. Recognizing the chemical sector’s significant energy consumption, Kolodner encourages industry leaders to be active participants in broader energy discussions.
Conclusion: Setting a Course for an Informed Energy Future
As the energy sector grapples with the complexities of transition, collaboration and informed decision-making emerge as crucial elements for success. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and utilizing expert risk management, industries can better navigate the path towards sustainable energy. Reflecting on these insights, it becomes evident that the energy transition is not just a technological change, but a comprehensive shift requiring strategic thinking and collaborative action.
Stay tuned to The Chemical Show for more enlightening discussions on how various sectors impact and are impacted by the ongoing energy evolution.
About Mike Kolodner:
Michael Kolodner is the Global Renewable Energy Leader for Marsh Specialty, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor. Based in Boston, he leads a team of over 250 renewable energy specialists globally, while also maintaining his responsibilities as US Power and Renewable Energy Leader, a position he has held since rejoining Marsh in 2020.
With over 20 years of experience in clean energy risk and insurance management, Kolodner brings a diverse background to his role, encompassing operational, brokerage, advisory, and underwriting expertise. His career includes service as a US Naval Nuclear Submarine Officer, Risk Manager for Exelon Corporation, Leader of Marsh’s US Nuclear Energy Practice, and Vice President of Underwriting for Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd.
Michael leads a team that supports over 2,000 clients operating more than 640 gigawatts of renewable energy production across various technologies, including wind, solar, hydro, energy storage, and biomass. Michael is committed to helping clients navigate the complex risk landscape of the evolving energy industry and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.