Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins

Why Solar Might Be Better Off Than You Think

Mar 5, 2025

At a live solar industry conference, experts discuss the bright future of solar energy amidst regulatory challenges and political uncertainty. They highlight the ongoing growth driven by state investments and new legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. The conversation also delves into the complex landscape of energy permitting and the strategic need for swift solar and battery deployment to meet rising demand. Additionally, the potential resurgence of nuclear power as a crucial component of clean energy is examined, along with the controversies surrounding recent EPA funding.

47:46

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Quick takeaways

The solar industry's growth is strong despite regulatory challenges, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive permitting reforms for future expansion.

Consumer choice in renewable energy is becoming increasingly significant, fostering public engagement and understanding of clean energy's long-term benefits.

Deep dives

The Momentum of the Solar Industry

The solar industry has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, emerging as the fastest-growing source of new energy capacity in the U.S. Despite this momentum, uncertainties concerning government policies and regulatory frameworks present significant challenges going forward. Industry veterans express a belief that, while short-term impacts may arise from policy shifts, the long-term trajectory of solar investment remains upward, as the critical mass of investment in clean energy cannot be unwound easily. The discussion highlights the importance of acknowledging these past successes while preparing to navigate a complex future landscape.

Intro

2min

Navigating Solar Industry Challenges

10min

Navigating Energy Permitting Complexities

7min

Navigating the Solar Energy Transition

16min

Nuclear Energy's Resurgence: A Global Perspective

3min

Navigating the Future of Energy: Nuclear's Rising Importance and Funding Challenges

3min

Contentious EPA Disbursement Controversy

8min

Longtime listeners of Shift Key will recognize the name Intersolar and Energy Storage North America, one of the country’s premier solar industry conferences. Shift Key was live at this year’s event, hosting a panel on the present and future of the solar industry featuring a pair of marquee panelists: Tom Starrs, currently the vice president for government and public affairs at EDP Renewables, North America, who has more than 30 years of experience in the renewables industry; and Maria Robinson, until recently the director of the Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office and now the president and CEO of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. (Robinson is also a repeat Shift Key guest.)

On this week’s episode of Shift Key, Rob and Jesse talk with the panelists about the momentum propelling solar energy forward in the U.S. and whether the uncertainty created by the Trump administration could put a damper on that. Shift Key is hosted by Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University, and Robinson Meyer, Heatmap’s executive editor.

Mentioned:

Previously: Maria Robinson on Shift Key

Solar Was the Biggest Non-Loser of Trump’s First Day

Solar and storage lead planned new energy additions in 2025

Advait Arun on the looming natural gas turbine crisis

Jesse’s upshift; Rob’s downshift.

Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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