Everything Electric Podcast

Why Clean Energy Will Always Win (Eventually...) with Cleantechnica

Dec 15, 2025
Guest
Scott Cooney
Scott Cooney, co-founder of CleanTechnica and a clean-energy expert from Hawaii, shares insights on the rapidly accelerating clean energy revolution. He discusses why the U.S. lost its clean tech edge to China and the role of innovation in overcoming challenges like energy demands from data centers. Scott highlights the transformative potential of solid-state batteries and electric school buses, as well as the innovative future of home appliances integrated with batteries. His optimism for a cleaner future shines through as he tackles these vital topics.
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INSIGHT

High Local Prices Drive Fast Adoption

  • Hawaii's high energy prices make rooftop solar, EVs and heat-pump water heaters pay back in ~1–2 years.
  • Local economics drive rapid clean-tech adoption where fuel is expensive and resources are scarce.
INSIGHT

China's Manufacturing Juggernaut

  • China built massive manufacturing capacity that rapidly slashed solar and battery costs.
  • That scale created an 'electrostate' lead in clean-tech exports and price competition.
INSIGHT

California Hit 100% — Repeatedly

  • California briefly hit 100% clean energy and now averages several hours daily at that level.
  • State policies and local resources can transform large economies toward renewables quickly.
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