The BREAK—DOWN Episode 1: The Price is Wrong w/ Brett Christophers
May 30, 2024
Brett Christophers, an economic geographer from Uppsala University and author of "The Price is Wrong," joins the discussion to challenge the belief that the drop in renewable energy costs guarantees a smooth transition to clean energy. He emphasizes the critical role of electricity in decarbonization and critiques the dependence on private ownership for sustainable energy solutions. Brett also highlights China's dual role in renewable growth amid coal investments, questioning the effectiveness of market-driven approaches and advocating for stronger government intervention.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Energy System Importance
- Electricity generation is the largest source of CO2 emissions, making it crucial to decarbonize.
- Electrification of other sectors like transportation further amplifies the importance of a clean power sector.
Electricity Delivery
- Electricity travels from generators (like wind turbines) through a transmission system (highways) to a distribution system (local roads).
- Historically, vertically integrated entities controlled the entire process, but many countries have shifted to liberalized electricity markets with separate actors.
Electricity Pricing
- Consumers pay for both electricity generation and its distribution.
- In liberalized markets, wholesale markets connect generators and intermediaries, while retail markets connect intermediaries and consumers.