In this podcast, Shayle Kann and David Roberts discuss underhyped and overhyped trends in climatetech. They cover topics like new wave of thermal storage technology, small modular reactors, rising interest rates, the Inflation Reduction Act, electric stovetops, mineral bottlenecks, and networked geothermal. They also mention the importance of tracking funding and express admiration for each other's work.
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Quick takeaways
Onshoring manufacturing in clean energy supply chains is an under-hyped trend that can create jobs and improve supply chain resilience.
Thermal storage, using heat for heating and cooling buildings, is an under-hyped solution for reducing carbon emissions and improving infrastructure resilience.
Electric stovetops have an overhyped impact on energy consumption and emissions, with other factors like vehicle emissions having a greater climate impact.
Deep dives
Onshoring of Manufacturing in Clean Energy Supply Chains
The trend of onshoring manufacturing in clean energy supply chains is under-hyped and not widely discussed. This trend involves the relocation of clean energy component manufacturing from overseas to domestic locations. With the inflation reduction act and other factors, there has been a recent surge in domestic manufacturing of clean energy components. This renaissance in manufacturing has the potential to create jobs in regions that have been impacted by globalization, while also improving supply chain resilience and reducing reliance on foreign countries. While the US may not produce as much as China in certain areas, the focus is on getting high on our own supply and ensuring resilience in critical sectors.
Thermal Storage as an Efficient Solution for Heating and Cooling
Thermal storage, specifically using heat for heat through techniques like geo-grids or underground thermal heating networks, is an under-hyped solution for heating and cooling buildings. This method, which involves drilling boreholes and utilizing a network of pipes to distribute warmed water, offers a cost-effective, clean, and efficient alternative for heating and cooling buildings. While currently nascent in the US, these systems have gained recognition in Northern Europe. While retrofitting existing neighborhoods may pose some challenges, thermal storage is a promising solution, particularly when considering infrastructure resilience and the reduction of carbon emissions.
Electric Stovetops as an Overhyped Concern
The trend of electric stovetops is overhyped, as its impact on energy consumption and emissions is negligible. Despite recent debates comparing induction and gas stoves, the total energy load of stoves in a home is not significant. Considering the broader context of climate-conscious consumer choices, other factors like vehicle emissions, home heating methods, and commute choices have a far greater impact on carbon footprints. While the debate around electric stovetops may attract attention, it is important to prioritize areas with more substantial climate impacts.
Overhyped: Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)
Small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are often hyped, but their actual impact and feasibility are questionable. While they have captured the attention of some clean energy and tech circles, their widespread adoption among the general public is limited. SMRs are seen as a potential solution to balancing renewable energy sources, but they face challenges in terms of construction and cost reduction. The idea of smaller, modular reactors manufactured in factories sounds promising, but in reality, there are few examples of such reactors being built. Additionally, the focus on hardware rather than construction practices misses a crucial aspect of nuclear implementation. While SMRs may have potential, it is essential to approach their adoption cautiously and ensure that they do not become a catalyst for further subsidies without substantial results.
Underhyped: Impact of Higher Interest Rates on Clean Energy
The impact of higher interest rates on the clean energy sector is an underappreciated aspect of the transition. Clean energy technologies, such as solar and wind, heavily rely on financing due to their high initial capital costs. As interest rates rise, the cost of financing these projects also increases, potentially slowing down the pace of deployment. While capitalism excels at finding solutions to material shortages and market challenges, the time periods required to address these issues can be lengthy. If shortages arise in critical minerals, such as those used in electric vehicles, it could lead to higher costs and lower demand. As the clean energy transition moves quickly, it is crucial to monitor and address any choke points or cost fluctuations caused by higher interest rates.
Some technologies grab the spotlight even beyond #energytwitter, and some fly under the radar. Which ones are getting more attention than they deserve, and which aren’t getting enough?
This is the episode you never knew you needed: Shayle talks to Volts host David Roberts about the most underhyped and overhyped trends in climatetech right now. David has written about clean technology for the past two decades, first at Grist and then at Vox. He now writes a newsletter and hosts a podcast of the same.
Together, Shayle and David cover topics like:
Why this new wave of thermal storage technology is different.
Small modular reactors and why David and Shayle disagree on how much hype they deserve
Why rising interest rates are starting to become a big problem for climatetech.
The Inflation Reduction Act and how people still don’t grasp how big of a deal it is.
Plus: electric stovetops, mineral bottlenecks, and networked geothermal.
We want your climatetech questions for Shayle’s Ask Me Anything episode! Email questions to us at catalyst@latitudemedia.com. You can also tag us on Twitter or LinkedIn with the hashtag #AskCatalyst. Or you can leave us a voicemail at 919-808-5832.
Sign up for Latitude Media’s Frontier Forum on January 29, featuring Crux CEO Alfred Johnson, who will break down the budding market for clean energy tax credits. We’ll dissect current transactions and pricing, compare buyer and seller expectations, and look at where the market is headed in 2024.
Catalyst is brought to you by BayWa r.e., a leading global renewable energy developer, service supplier, and distributor. With over 22GW in their project pipeline, BayWa r.e. is rethinking energy every day and at every level. Committed to being a solid partner for the long run, BayWa r.e. wants to work with you to help shape the future of energy. Learn more at bay.wa-re.com.
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