The Energy Pipeline

Hosted by Josh Lowrey

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132

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Energy Pipeline, powered by Upright Digital and sponsored by Cat Oil & Gas, is hosted by Josh Lowrey. Each week, the show explores the conversations shaping today’s oil and gas industry from operations in the field to innovation, technology, and long-term sustainability. Featuring insights from industry leaders and decision-makers, The Energy Pipeline dives into the challenges, opportunities, and tools driving progress across the energy value chain, and how the industry continues to evolve in a rapidly changing world.

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June 10, 202652 min

Molly Determan and Tim Tarpley on The Energy Challenge Behind the AI Boom | Ep. 131

Can America Meet the Energy Demand Surge? In this episode of The Energy Pipeline Podcast, sponsored by Cat Oil & Gas, host Josh Lowrey sits down with Molly Determan and Tim Tarpley, Presidents at EWTC, to discuss how AI, data centers, and industrial growth are reshaping energy demand. The conversation covers energy infrastructure, permitting reform, workforce evolution, energy security, and what it will take to power the next generation of growth. Tune in for an insightful look at one of the biggest challenges facing the energy industry today. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions02:02 Understanding EWTC Organization05:35 Advocacy and Lobbying Efforts07:49 DC Fly-Ins Experience10:40 Personal Stories Matter13:16 EWTC's Industry Impact17:23 Collaboration and Committee Work19:49 COVID Response and Support20:44 Tariffs and Current Challenges21:44 Venezuela Market Opportunities23:38 State of Energy Workforce25:30 AI and Data Centers27:18 Energy Demand and AI27:51 The 100 Gigawatt Challenge29:05 Balancing Focus and Awareness30:11 Permitting Reform Explained30:59 Pipeline Capacity Constraints31:53 State Level Barriers33:11 New York NIMBYism Story35:27 Shifting Energy Security Mindset36:22 Value of EWTC Membership38:36 Digital Workforce Evolution40:52 EWTC Events Overview41:44 Committee Events and Conferences44:20 June 17th Energy Forum45:49 Leadership Forums and Networking47:29 Exciting Times in Energy48:07 Reflecting on COVID Era49:27 Consistency and Legacy51:50 Closing Remarks

May 13, 202638 min

Dallas McCauley & Nathan Getschel on Natural Gas-Powered Frac Operations | Ep. 130

What does it take to run a 100% natural gas-powered frac fleet?On The Energy Pipeline, sponsored by Caterpillar Oil & Gas, host Josh Lowrey sits down with Dallas McCauley, VP of Canadian Operations, and Nathan Getschel, Director of Asset Management and Manufacturing at Step Energy Services, to discuss the deployment of Caterpillar’s NGX gas management solution and the shift toward natural gas-powered frac operations.They explore diesel displacement, equipment logistics, reliability, and the real-world challenges of executing new technology in the field.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:20 Meet The Guests01:56 Calgary Plus 1504:21 Asset Management Role06:00 Sponsor And Setup07:56 NGX Overview10:50 Power Density Logistics14:15 Data Monitoring Automation15:46 Step Growth Merger17:11 Canada Market Outlook18:13 Calgary Energy Revival19:10 AI Peptides Data Centers19:54 Natural Gas Powers Growth20:46 Being First With Tech23:22 Field Pride And Culture29:11 What Customers Value31:00 Gas Ops Misconceptions34:47 Defining Success And Wrap

May 6, 202645 min

Matt Rayson on Autonomy & Digital Oilfield Solutions | Ep. 129

Cutting 100M gallons of diesel isn’t a future goal; it’s already happening.On The Energy Pipeline, sponsored by Caterpillar Oil & Gas, host Josh Lowrey speaks with Matt Rayson, Director Product Manager at Caterpillar Inc. Rayson explains how Caterpillar is evolving from equipment to integrated, outcome-driven solutions—leveraging connected assets, predictive maintenance, and autonomy to improve safety and reduce downtime. He highlights innovations like connected valves that reduce red-zone exposure, dynamic gas blending saving over 100M gallons of diesel annually, and fully natural gas-powered frac systems. 00:00 Show Welcome and Guest Intro00:29 Podcasting Nerves and Live Intros02:17 Matt’s Cat Career Journey03:34 Caterpillar Culture Worldwide05:06 Customer Problems and Service Focus06:56 Digitizing Iron and Predictive Maintenance08:51 Tech Talk Tesla to Oilfield Autonomy10:11 Automation Examples Valves and Gas Blending13:57 Measuring Impact 100 Million Gallons16:19 How Cat Chooses New Products18:24 Customers Getting Louder and AI Shift20:29 US vs Europe Economics and Emissions23:17 What Matters Most24:42 Customer Solutions Focus25:31 Gas Mechanical Frac27:33 Systems Not Parts29:53 Grid Tie Explained31:32 Five-Year Roadmap32:24 Emissions And Gen 335:53 Culture And Factories38:38 Dealers Secret Sauce40:50 OTC 2027 Predictions43:13 Wrap Up And Contact

April 22, 20261 hr 0 min

Chris Combs on AI Power & Grid Constraints | Ep. 128

AI is rewriting the rules of power. Live from Upright Digital Studios in Houston, The Energy Pipeline, sponsored by Cat Oil & Gas, host Josh Lowrey sits down with Chris Combs, COO and co-founder of Electric Gen, to break down the energy demands behind the AI boom. From the Marine Corps to Schlumberger and power startups like Evolution Well Services, Volta Grid, and now Nitrogen, Combs shares a firsthand view of how the industry is evolving. They cover:• The rise of gigawatt-scale data centers• Grid constraints and slow interconnection timelines• Why behind-the-meter power and microgrids are gaining ground• Key factors in site selection and power technology 00:00 Welcome and Banter01:24 Caterpillar Podcast Setup02:03 Chris Background and Evolution06:38 From VoltaGrid to Nitrogen09:54 Data Center Power Boom11:44 Why AI Changes Everything20:00 Nuances of Data Center Power23:22 Oilfield Mindset Advantage28:04 AI Uses 12x Power30:38 Grid Limits and Key Questions31:47 Grid Can’t Keep Up32:28 PPAs and Onsite Power33:34 Curtailment and Grid Support34:26 Brownouts Are Back36:00 Data Centers Eat Demand37:58 Picking Data Center Sites39:30 Behind the Meter Explained40:56 Turbines vs Recips Reality44:48 OEM Partnerships and Supply45:29 Energy as a Team Sport49:53 AI Is the New Internet52:35 Five Year Energy Forecast56:33 Scar Tissue Advice59:22 Wrap Up and Contact

April 15, 202632 min

Chris Berrie on Powering AI & Behind-the-Meter Energy | Ep. 127

AI is driving a power surge and reshaping how energy gets delivered. Recorded at the 2026 EWTC Annual Meeting in Tucson, The Energy Pipeline, sponsored by Cat Oil & Gas, host Josh Lowrey speaks with Chris Berrie, Senior Sales Manager at Caterpillar Oil & Gas, about the surge in AI-driven data center demand. They cover:• Grid constraints and rising power needs• The shift to behind-the-meter solutions and microgrids• Cat Oil & Gas technologies like gas generation and Dynamic Gas Blending 00:00 Welcome to Tucson00:40 Meet Chris Berrie02:49 EWTC Roles and Committees05:36 International Career Journey06:37 Caterpillar in Oil and Gas08:16 Power Demand and Data Centers11:30 Behind-the-Meter Solutions13:01 Cat Oil & Gas Expertise and Legacy15:14 Legacy of Excellence16:45 Customer-Back Innovation17:35 DGB and Drilling Gains18:17 Power Access Decisions19:35 DGB Explained Simply20:16 Full Gas Completions22:39 Optimizing Site Energy24:02 Dealers and One Team25:27 Infrastructure vs Tech27:24 AI Demand and Timing29:09 EWTC Committee Work31:35 Wrap Up and Thanks

April 8, 202640 min

Karen Harbert on Natural Gas, AI Demand, and the Future of Energy | Ep 126

Natural gas demand is being reshaped in real time. Live from Houston during CERAWeek 2026, Energy Pipeline Podcast host Josh Lowrey sits down with Karen Harbert, President and CEO of the American Gas Association, to break down what’s behind this shift. From powering nearly 187 million Americans to supporting LNG exports and global allies, Harbert explains why natural gas remains a strategic advantage—and how infrastructure, permitting, and long-term demand are redefining the energy landscape. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:37 Houston and Rice Memories02:18 What Is AGA04:11 Gas Back in Demand08:29 Energy Poverty and Fertilizer10:39 Why Energy Realism Matters13:46 Pipeline Politics in States16:11 AI Driving Energy Demand18:05 Security Case for AI Race19:46 Why CERAWeek Works20:15 Houston Energy Comeback20:55 Middle East Data Center Boom21:39 Build Baby Build LNG22:39 Will Gas Prices Rise24:57 Permitting Reform Fight27:45 Energy Evolution Not Transition29:16 AI Demand And Emissions30:01 Methane Cuts Best Practices31:52 Serving 189 Million Customers34:43 Capital Markets And Ratings37:25 Closing Thanks And Where To Find37:41 Utility Workers First Responders

April 1, 202640 min

Tyler Rice on Linear Pressure, Continuous Pumping & Remote Ops | Ep 125

Recorded live in Houston, Josh Lowrey sits down with Tyler Rice, Pressure Control Sales Manager at Caterpillar SPM, to break down how frac operations are evolving. They cover the shift from labor-heavy sites to linear pressure systems that cut connections by 80%+, improve safety, and reduce rig-up time from days to hours. Tyler also dives into post-2020 efficiency gains, continuous pumping, cost improvements, and what’s slowing adoption in some regions. 01:17 Colorado Talk and Mountain Adventures02:49 Moving to Midland During the Downturn05:26 Breaking Into Oil and Gas in 200607:23 From Field Hand to Commercial Role08:22 Surviving 2020 and the Tech Shift10:47 Caterpillar Innovation and Long View12:37 Linear Pressure Control Explained17:18 Safety Efficiency and Better Jobs19:38 Customer Value Pitch20:22 Simul Frac Scaling Up21:22 Field Experience Matters22:40 Automation Before AI24:13 Perpetual Pumping Plan26:51 Permian Economics Proof27:51 Regional Adoption Curve29:15 Global Tech Rollout31:33 Safety And Clean Ops34:34 Remote Controlled Future38:58 Wrap Up And Where To Find

March 25, 202639 min

Drilling Is Changing Faster Than You Think with Brett Schellenberg | Ep 124

What’s really behind Nabors’ comeback? It’s not just better rigs. Live from the Thrive Energy Conference 2026 at Daikin Park, Josh Lowrey talks with Brett Schellenberg of Nabors Industries about how automation is changing the game. Faster iteration beats perfect techKnowing when to cut losses mattersOpen platforms unlock real scale (with partners like Halliburton and Schlumberger) Meanwhile, growth is shifting, away from North America and toward markets like Saudi Arabia and Argentina. 00:00 Live From Thrive00:17 Meet Brett Schellenberg01:15 40 Under 40 Talk02:52 From Roughneck To Sales04:12 Rig Tech Then Now05:44 Fail Fast Learn Faster08:01 Killing Your Baby09:03 Nabors Legacy And Acquisitions11:28 Reinvention And Innovation Bets15:59 Brand Power Story17:00 Caterpillar And Product Thinking18:50 Tech And AI Tease19:26 Rig Automation Highlights19:57 Razor Pipe Handling Lessons21:24 Open Rig App Ecosystem21:49 Vertical Integration Edge22:57 North America Rig Outlook24:47 Tier Two Acreage Debate26:37 International Footprint Growth29:26 Argentina Tech Adoption31:49 Travel And North Africa32:24 Phone Safety Callout34:16 Career Advice And Mentors37:34 Wrap Up And Shoutouts

March 18, 202640 min

Powering Data Centers in a Constrained Grid with Dave Bosco | Ep 123

Power demand is exploding, but the grid is not ready. Live from the Daniel Energy Partners Thrive Energy Conference, host Josh Lowrey sits down with Dave Bosco to unpack why “light-switch” reliability is now mission-critical. They dive into island power, microgrids, and how ProPower is building utility-grade solutions for oil & gas and hyperscale data centers in a constrained grid, plus the tech behind it, their partnership with Caterpillar, and what most people are still getting wrong. 00:00 Live From Thrive Conference01:17 Pro Power Origin Story01:42 Why The Grid Cannot Keep Up02:40 Light Switch Reliability Story04:37 Demand Surge Data Centers06:13 Career Built From Ground Up06:48 From IT To Oilfield Rotations09:24 Lessons On Growth And Discomfort11:57 Electrification Versus ESG13:41 Caterpillar Partnership Playbook16:42 Service Network And Asset Care19:04 Scaling Fast And Hybrid Tech20:54 BESS For AI Load Swings22:05 Skunkworks Training Lab22:38 Consultative Power Partnerships23:41 Hyperscaler Contract Talk23:59 Energy Conference Shift25:29 Reliability And Market Maturity28:21 Island Power Explained32:20 Why The Grid Lags35:55 Microgrids And Scaling Up37:44 Company Vision And Value41:06 Team Culture And Wrap Up

March 12, 202634 min

Steven Anderson on Scaling Electric Frac & Hypermobile Power | Ep 122

How do you transform electric frac from a bold idea into one of the largest pressure pumping platforms in the U.S.? Live from the Daniel Energy Partners Thrive Energy Conference, host Josh Lowry sits down with Steven Anderson, President & CEO of Evolution Well Services, to discuss the company’s next chapter. From its founding in Canada in 2011 to becoming the fifth-largest pressure pumper in the U.S., Evolution has reengineered hypermobile power, cutting 35 MW mobilization timelines from weeks to hours while scaling toward 1.6 million hydraulic horsepower. They also explore electrification, AI-driven automation, market skepticism, and why culture remains Evolution’s ultimate competitive advantage. 00:00 Podcast Intro Live Event00:52 Thrive Conference Growth01:37 Steven Anderson Background03:13 Evolution Electric Frac Origins04:53 Hypermobility Breakthrough08:01 Skepticism And Partnerships10:38 Industry Shift And Adoption12:26 Digital Automation Advantage14:36 Going Public And Scaling16:15 Partnerships That Expand16:52 AI Teaser Next17:13 AI and Automation Platform19:29 New Tech and Power Expansion21:32 Solutions Business Mindset23:10 PRISM Culture and Empowerment24:46 Future of Electrification25:55 International Growth Timing28:25 People First Culture Advantage31:34 Advice and Closing Thanks