Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11)

Energy economics and rocket science with Casey Handmer

Aug 15, 2024

01:25:18

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Casey Handmer, a rocket scientist turned CEO of Terraform Industries, explores the revolutionary potential of solar power and synthetic natural gas. He shares insights on NASA's bureaucratic challenges and compares SpaceX's efficiency in innovation. The conversation also tackles the complexities of energy systems, urging for localized production and discussing the ecological impacts of renewable energy. With his unique background, Casey emphasizes the importance of innovation and strategic policy in shaping a sustainable energy future.

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Quick takeaways

The exponential growth of solar energy, reaching nearly one megawatt installation per minute, highlights its transformative potential for civilization's energy needs.

Casey Handmer emphasizes the crucial role of economies of scale in driving down solar power costs, particularly through significant investments from countries like China.

Navigating the bureaucratic challenges in clean energy regulations showcases the stark contrasts between states like California and Texas in fostering solar adoption.

Solar panels yield significantly higher energy from the same land compared to traditional agriculture, promoting ecological sustainability alongside energy generation.

Deep dives

The Surge of Solar Power Installation

The recent surge in solar power installations is attributed to a favorable shift in the cost versus benefit equation over the past few years. Globally, solar energy capacity reached approximately 460 gigawatts in one year, equating to nearly one megawatt installation per minute. This exponential growth is likely to continue, with future installations requiring a more strategic approach to land use, comparing it to forestry and agriculture. The realization that large-scale solar deployments are needed to enhance the energy capacity of civilization underscores the transformative potential of solar power.

Advantages of Solar for Power Generation

01:13

Efficiency Over Vanity in Production

01:17

Embrace the Gift of Perspective

01:07

Value Skills Wisely

01:23

Intro

3min

The Evolution of Photosynthesis and Technological Advancements

3min

The Evolution of Textile Production and Value Signaling

3min

Energy Innovations: Aviation vs Solar

12min

The Transformative Potential of Energy and Payroll Solutions

3min

Navigating Organizational Complexities at JPL

21min

Navigating Bureaucracy and Efficiency in Engineering

19min

Decentralizing Energy: Future Trends and Challenges

18min

Closing Thoughts on Human Potential and the Power of Writing

3min

Patrick McKenzie (patio11) is joined by Casey Handmer, rocket scientist turned CEO of Terraform Industries. Casey discusses the rapid advancements in solar power, the bureaucratic challenges of NASA, the incomprehensible success of SpaceX, and the evolving energy landscape. Casey touches on his experiences at JPL revealing how the organization’s fear of waste and rigid processes often stifle innovation and efficiency.

The conversation then shifts to Terraform Industries' mission to create synthetic natural gas from sunlight and air, potentially revolutionizing the energy sector. The conversation dives into the complexities of large-scale systems, from space exploration to renewable energy, offering insights into how innovation and smart policy can shape a more sustainable and prosperous future.

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Full transcript available here: https://www.complexsystemspodcast.com/episodes/solar-economics/

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Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by Check, the leading payroll infrastructure provider and pioneer of embedded payroll. Check makes it easy for any SaaS platform to build a payroll business, and already powers 60+ popular platforms. Head to checkhq.com/complex and tell them patio11 sent you.

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Links:

Terraform Industries: https://terraformindustries.com/

SpaceX: https://www.spacex.com/

JPL: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/

Book: The Alchemy of Air: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3269091-the-alchemy-of-air

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Twitter:
@patio11
@CJHandmer

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:25) Casey’s startup: Terraform Industries

(00:48) The rise of solar power

(02:19) Solar power vs. traditional energy sources

(05:18) Economic and industrial impacts of solar

(09:02) Challenges in aviation and energy

(19:39) The role of policy in clean energy

(22:30) Sponsor: Check

(23:41) Casey’s experience at NASA and JPL

(34:17) SpaceX, Elon Musk and the US private space actors

(44:05) Solving problems and workplace politics

(45:10) Spreadsheets create their own reality, film at eleven

(48:35) Organizational challenges at NASA

(49:40) Challenges of innovation in bureaucracies

(51:07) The role of NASA and government in innovation

(55:25) The housing theory of everything

(58:36) Empowering employees for success

(01:02:41) Terraform Industries’ vision

(01:07:28) The future of energy and carbon neutrality

(01:10:52) The importance of hydrocarbons in aviation

(01:15:47) Challenges with hydrogen as a fuel

(01:18:21) Development of synthetic fertilizers

(01:21:54) Environmental considerations on industrial progress

(01:22:55) Wrap

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Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11)

Energy economics and rocket science with Casey Handmer