E7: The Case For All the Other Energy Sources

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Dec 1, 2023

The podcast discusses the pie chart of energy sources in the US in 2050, including fossil fuels, renewables like geothermal, solar, and wind. They explore the importance of energy sources in human flourishing and the need for a realistic approach to transitioning. The potential of geothermal energy and advancements in drilling techniques are also discussed. The history and challenges of wind turbine technology, maintaining grid balance, and optimizing battery materials are explored. Finally, they discuss the future of energy sources, including predictions for nuclear, solar, wind, natural gas, oil, and coal.

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INSIGHT

Philosophical Disagreements on Energy

Alex Epstein argues that energy policy disagreements stem from philosophical differences, not factual ones.
He believes we should optimize for human flourishing, not minimizing environmental impact.

INSIGHT

Overlooked Benefits of Oil and Gas

Mark Hinman believes society overlooks the net public benefit of oil and gas.
He argues the short-term benefits outweigh long-term potential externalities.

INSIGHT

Benefits and Side Effects of Fossil Fuels

Alex Epstein emphasizes the importance of weighing both benefits and side effects of energy technologies.
He argues that from a human flourishing perspective, we need more fossil fuels, not less.

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Packy and Julia have spent the first five episodes of Age of Miracles diving into the past and present of nuclear fission—before jumping from the yin to the yang and covering nuclear fusion in the second half of this season, today we wanted to take a step back and talk about all the non-nuclear energy sources out there.

We ask this icebreaker question to every guest we bring onto the show: "What does the pie chart of energy sources look like in the US in the year 2050?" From advocating for the widely accused fossil fuels like oil and gas, to the widely celebrated renewables like geothermal, solar, and wind, each guest brings a new perspective to the mix. In this episode, Packy and Julia hear out their cases, and afterwards, answer the infamous question themselves.

Thank you to this episode’s guests: Meredith Angwin, Mark Hinaman, Alex Epstein, Casey Handmer, Noah Smith, Angelica Oung, and Eli Dourado.

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A huge thank you to our presenting sponsors for Season 1:

Range Fund Holdings: Visit https://www.rangeetfs.com or contact your financial advisor to learn more about the Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF and start investing in the future of energy.

Secureframe: Get 10% off your first year of Secureframe: https://secureframe.com/packy

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Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Energy in 2050

(00:08:29) Fossil fuels

(00:28:41) Geothermal

(00:36:53) Wind

(00:56:54) Understanding the grid

(01:03:30) Solar

(01:25:02) Batteries

(01:36:06) Episode Recap

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

Credits: Nancy Xu produced this season of Age of Miracles. Audio editor: Justin Golden. Video editor: Nancy Xu. Executive producers: Amelia Salyers, Packy McCormick, and Erik Torenberg.