Molecules & Electrons

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to "Molecules vs. Electrons: Navigating the Energy Transition" with James Cater and J.W. Hackett–your guides to the evolving landscape of energy markets in the Northeast and beyond. The push for an energy transition is already disrupting markets, and the Northeast has an active part in these dynamic discussions. Join us for insightful conversations, valuable insights, and interesting perspectives on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the Energy Transition. Brought to you by Global Partners, your trusted regional energy provider that’s been serving the community for over 90 years.

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25 recent

August 31, 202643 min

Molecules & Electrons Episode 23: Roman Kramanchuck, S&P Global

Can the Northeast's electric grid keep up with what's coming? As electricity demand accelerates for the first time in decades, utilities, regulators, and energy companies are being forced to answer some difficult questions. Are we building enough power generation? Is the grid ready for widespread electrification? And are our climate ambitions aligned with physical reality? In this episode of Molecules and Electrons, we welcome Roman Kramarchuk Head of Integrated Narratives and Policy Analysis at S&P Global Commodity Insights , a recognized expert who has spent more than 30 years analyzing the intersection of energy markets, technology, and climate policy. Together, we explore what's driving the surge in electricity demand, where the energy transition may be encountering unexpected obstacles, and how the Northeast can balance reliability, affordability, and decarbonization. If you've never listened to Molecules and Electrons before, this is the perfect place to start.

May 27, 202635 min

Molecules & Electrons Episode 22: Producer's Episode with Orion Breen

On this producer's cut episode of Molecule and Electrons, Jon Dryja, Sustainability Business Development Manager and Maggie Plomin, Senior Initiatives Operations Specialist of Global Partners, sit down with Executive Director of E2 Tech, Orion Breen. This episode was recorded onsite at the 2026 Climatework ME Summit in Portland (@ClimateworkMaine). Topics of discussions include Maine decarbonization efforts, EVs, low-carbon fuels, and E2 Tech work supporting the growth of green technologies in Maine.

April 17, 2026Episode 2134 min

Molecules & Electrons Episode 21: Maura McDonough, Chief People Officer, Global Partners

In this episode of the Molecules and Electrons, James and J.W. sit down with Maura McDonough, Chief People Officer at Global Partners to discuss career trajectory, employers need for talent in the energy space, and the emerging workforce of the future. This episode is full of useful discussion points for both aspiring and seasoned energy industry personnel. Tune in to learn tips from a leading human resource professional on how to position yourself for a career in energy and emerging industry trends. Check out episode 21 of Molecules and Electrons!

April 8, 2026Episode 2034 min

Molecules & Electrons Episode 20: Mike McAdams, President, Advanced Biofuels Association

On this episode of Molecules and Electrons, James Cater and J.W. Hackett have an engaging conversation with Mike McAdams of the Advanced Biofuels Association. Mike McAdams is a veteran energy policy and public affairs leader with decades of experience across government, Capitol Hill, and the private sector. He has led industry efforts in advanced energy and biofuels, bringing deep expertise in climate policy, fuels regulation, and the intersection of business and government. Tune in for a great discussion pertaining to Mike's experience, biofuels, and more!

March 3, 202629 min

Molecules & Electrons Episode 19: Chris Bliley, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Growth Energy

In the first Molecules and Electrons episode of 2026, James Cater and J.W. Hackett are joined by Chris Bliley, Senior Vice President at @Growth Energy, for a conversation on emerging markets and trends for ethanol. Together, they explore how ethanol is emerging as a versatile tool in new markets and its evolving role within transportation fuel. Whether you’re in the fuel sector or another stakeholder, this episode sheds light on what might be coming and how ethanol helps meet emerging needs in a changing energy landscape.

December 22, 202538 min

Moelcules & Electrons Episode 18: Georgina Campbell Flatter; CEO, Greentown Labs

On this episode... Georgina Cambell Flatter discusses her journey in academia and green tech, the pivotal role incubators like Greentown Labs play, and the importance of collaboration across the sustainability space to drive innovative outcomes. Tune in!

December 4, 202524 min

Molecules and Electrons Episode 17: Barry Carr, Coalition Director, Clean Communities of CNY

On this episode of M&E, James and J.W. sit down with Barry Carr, Coalition Director, Clean Communities of Central NY to discuss low carbon fuels and decarbonization opportunities with regard to transportation in the capital region and beyond. Tune in to hear their enlightening conversation.

October 17, 202546 min

Molecules & Electrons: Episode 16: Steve Panova and Trent Rogers

Episode 16 of Molecules & Electrons is now live! In this episode, James Cater and J.W. Hackett speak with guests Steve Panova and Trent Rogers from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a leading organization for the power generation and distribution sectors conducting groundbreaking studies and demonstrations. The guys discuss strategies for efficient power usage, the pathway to decarbonizing electricity, and innovations to make the grid greener and more resilient. Tune in to hear more about EPRI's ongoing studies, the implications of increased power demand and peaking power, and what the future holds for our electric grid.

September 4, 202518 min

Molecules & Electrons: Episode 15: Jen Boothroyd, Manager of Environmental Sustainability at Northern Light Health

On this directors cut episode of Molecules and Electrons, Jon Dryja, Sustainability Business Development Manager at Global Partners sits down with Jen Boothroyd, Manager of Environmental Sustainability at Northern Light Health, to discuss sustainability planning for hospitals, emissions reporting and where to start, and the importance of working with vendors and leveraging relationships to meet organizational sustainability goals. Tune in!

August 1, 20257 min

Molecules & Electrons: Episode 14 with Jonathan Gagne, Sustainability Coordinator at the Greater Portland Council of Governments.

Episode 14 of Molecules & Electrons is now live! This producer's cut episode is hosted by Global Partners' Sustainability Business Development Manager, Jon Dryja, featuring guest Jonathan Gagne, Sustainability Coordinator at the Greater Portland Council of Governments. Jonathan Gagne discusses current sustainability initiatives, recent developments in the renewables space in Northern New England, and shares thoughts on how to create a suite of alternative energy sources for fleets in the Northeast. Tune in to hear more about the discussion around the Northern New England Clean Communities Renewable Diesel working group, and what they are working towards. Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!