How Measured, Verified Data Is Reshaping Global Energy Markets

In this episode of The Empirical Energy Podcast, host Mark Smith is joined by David Conley, Co-Founder of CleanConnect.ai, for a deep dive into how empirical AI is transforming the energy industry from the ground up.

They explore how Clean Connect’s platform combines direct measurement, first-principles engineering, AI, and blockchain to replace emission factors with verifiable truth—creating a flexible, auditable system for modern energy production, sustainability reporting, and trading.

This conversation goes beyond theory, featuring real-world case studies from some of the world’s largest energy producers. Mark and David unpack how empirical data is driving measurable ROI across operations, emissions management, safety, and production optimization, while unlocking new premium markets for verified energy.

You’ll also hear how multi-certification frameworks like Prove Zero, blockchain-based Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs), and partnerships with global energy traders such as Gunvor are enabling new energy products tailored for hyperscalers, AI data centers, and global buyers.

From methane mitigation and remote operations to AI-driven orchestration layers and direct combustion measurement, this episode reveals why measured and verified energy is no longer optional—it’s becoming the gold standard.

🎧 Whether you’re an energy producer, trader, operator, or technology leader, this episode offers a clear look at where the industry is heading—and how to prepare for what’s next.

00:00 – Blockchain trading and the origins of empirical verification 00:03 – Why Clean Connect became a source of truth in noisy data environments 00:12 – Moving from emission factors to first-principles measurement 00:30 – Crew Zero and direct measurement at the source 00:37 – Project Vulcan and real-time combustion measurement 01:02 – Why energy and AI are now inseparable 01:45 – Welcome to The Empirical Energy Podcast 02:03 – Global market trends shaping the future of energy 02:45 – Introducing Empirical.ai: the AI operating system for energy 03:30 – Real client case studies and measurable ROI 03:45 – The evolution of Clean Connect beyond methane mitigation 04:56 – Operations, sustainability, and market-driven outcomes 08:12 – Restoring trust through empirical data 09:18 – Integrating operations, sustainability, and trading 10:26 – Highlights from the Empirical Energy Conference 11:03 – Client feedback and new product innovation 12:09 – Remote operations, safety, and workforce augmentation 14:00 – The Integrated Operations Center explained 19:22 – Solving the data integration problem at scale 20:47 – Prove Zero and multi-certification flexibility 25:06 – Overcoming data complexity with first principles 29:08 – Partnerships, hyperscalers, and new energy markets 32:13 – Blockchain-enabled trading and Energy Attribute Certificates 33:10 – The future of empirical energy 35:01 – Final thoughts and call to action