Ben Geman

Washington, D.C.

Energy Reporter at Axios

Energy reporter w/@Axios. Former stops incl. National Journal, The Hill, E&E, Boston Phoenix (RIP). I tweet about running too. Tips/feedback: [email protected]

Articles

Exclusive: Startup makes AI-driven minerals find Down Under

1 day ago | axios.com | Ben Geman

Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/AxiosA startup using AI to guide geologic exploration believes it has found a major Australian deposit of indium, a rare metal used in solar panels, LCD screens and semiconductors. Why it matters: Earth AI's location of what appear to be commercial concentrations shows applications for AI in the mining sector. In this case, it means finding indium outside of China, currently the biggest supplier, as the U.S. and other nations scramble to diversify sourcing.
Think tank makes economic argument for EPA's climate fund

1 day ago | axios.com | Ben Geman

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/AxiosA major EPA climate grant program in the Inflation Reduction Act would create tens of thousands of jobs and nearly $24 billion in additional wages over the next six years, new analysis first viewed by Axios finds. Why it matters: The study by Energy Innovation — a firm that backs strong CO2-cutting policies — lands as Capitol Hill Republicans look to end the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
Despite "drill baby drill," S&P sees oil production dropping

2 days ago | axios.com | Ben Geman
Pope Leo may build on Francis' climate focus

5 days ago | axios.com | Ben Geman

Photo illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios. Photo: Vatican Pool/Getty ImagesDon't expect Pope Leo XIV to file comments in EPA dockets, but he could build upon the late Pope Francis' unprecedented Vatican focus on climate change. Why it matters: The pope has a massive bully pulpit as leader of a church with 1.4 billion members worldwide, and reaches people well beyond that.
Ontario modular reactor to be first in "Western world," GE says

6 days ago | axios.com | Ben Geman

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/AxiosOntario officials have given final approval to construct a GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy small modular reactor (SMR) that the company predicts will be the first SMR operating in the "Western world."Why it matters: Construction of the 300 megawatt BWRX-300 reactor adjacent to Ontario Power Generation's existing Darlington Nuclear Station will produce enough energy to power 300,000 homes.
April temperatures continue Earth's warm 2025

6 days ago | axios.com | Ben Geman
Countries lag on curbing methane emissions, IEA report says

1 week ago | axios.com | Ben Geman

Image: Courtesy of the International Energy AgencyCountries' pledges to cut methane aren't translating into nearly enough on-the-ground action to send emissions downward, the International Energy Agency finds in a new report. Why it matters: The powerful planet-warming gas is responsible for nearly one-third of global temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution, IEA said. The energy sector accounts for over 35% of methane from human activity.
AI development's other challenge besides power: minerals

1 week ago | axios.com | Ben Geman

Illustration: Aïda Amer/AxiosEveryone knows getting power for data centers is a challenge for U.S. AI development — but don't sleep on minerals, new and recent analyses warn. Why it matters: A new Barclays report finds that obtaining critical minerals and attracting elite talent are the "new battlegrounds in the fight for AI supremacy."State of play: On the materials front, over 60% of the most critical raw minerals for AI hardware come from a few developing and emerging countries, it finds.
AI development's other challenge besides power: minerals

1 week ago | flipboard.com | Ben Geman

11 hours agoElon Musk may have a sizable fan base, but residents of the upscale Austin suburb of West Lake Hills, Texas, are unimpressed by their celebrity neighbor, reports the New York Times. Instead, a $6 million home Musk purchased in 2022 has become the center of a battle after his team erected an …
What OPEC's production boost says about Trump

1 week ago | axios.com | Ben Geman