EP. 289 Lord Browne on the New Energy Equation: Security, AI and Decarbonisation

EP. 289 Lord Browne on the New Energy Equation: Security, AI and Decarbonisation

From Energy Unplugged by Aurora by Aurora Energy Research

May 19, 2026 · 28 min · Episode 289

About this episode

Lord Browne discusses the implications of the Iran crisis on energy security and the transformative potential of AI in the energy sector.

Recorded live at the Aurora Spring Forum 2026, this episode of Energy Unplugged features John Feddersen, Founder & CEO of Aurora Energy Research, in conversation with Lord John Browne of Madingley - former CEO of BP and one of the most influential figures in global energy and industrial innovation; currently serving as the Chairman of BeyondNetZero and co-Chair of the UK Prime Minister’s Council on Science and Technology. Lord Browne reflects on the geopolitical and economic implications of the Iran crisis, the resilience of global energy systems, and the growing importance of energy security in shaping policy and investment decisions. The conversation explores Europe’s exposure to supply disruption, the future role of natural gas and renewables, and why an “all of the above” energy strategy remains essential. They also discuss AI’s transformative potential across the energy sector - from optimizing grids and supply chains to accelerating breakthroughs in materials science, industrial processes, and low-carbon fuels. Lord Browne explains why AI-driven discovery could dramatically accelerate innovation, lower costs, and reshape the future of energy and industry. The discussion…

People in this episode

Host: John Feddersen

Guest: Lord John Browne of Madingley

Topics covered

  • energy security
  • AI in energy
  • decarbonisation
  • geopolitical implications
  • natural gas
  • renewables
  • energy transition

Keywords

  • energy security
  • AI
  • decarbonisation
  • geopolitics
  • natural gas
  • renewables
  • energy transition
  • innovation
  • industrial processes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Aurora Energy Research, BeyondNetZero, UK Prime Minister’s Council on Science and Technology

Places: Europe, Iran

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