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James Johnston, Co-founder and CEO of Piclo, explains how their innovative marketplace connects buyers and sellers of distributed energy resources. He discusses the challenges of coordination in current markets and how Piclo's open platform addresses these issues, allowing utilities to procure flexibility easily. Johnston highlights the potential for data centers to speed up grid access by paying for flexibility, potentially unlocking billions in investment. He also shares insights on seller vetting, market transparency, and the long-term vision of marketplaces as a key layer in decentralized energy.

Caroline Spears, Head of Climate Cabinet, shares insights following an inspiring election cycle for pro-climate candidates. They discuss the surprising successes in challenging districts, driven by a national anti-Trump sentiment. Caroline highlights pivotal victories in the Georgia Public Service Commission and Virginia's House of Delegates, emphasizing implications for future races. The conversation also dives into strategies for 2026, the importance of energy affordability, and innovative solutions like solar plus storage that can revolutionize the energy landscape.

In this discussion, Nick Chaset, CEO of Octopus Energy US, shares insights on developing customer-centric energy solutions in America. He explains how Octopus simplifies home energy management and introduces innovative concepts like the 'Zero Bills' home. The talk covers the integration of smart devices, the benefits of virtual power plants, and how Octopus is transforming utilities through flexibility-as-a-service. Chaset also addresses consumer protection and the potential for residential flexibility to lower costs, reflecting on the future of energy in a changing landscape.

Liya Rechtman, Senior Transportation Policy Lead at Evergreen Action and former DOT advisor, dives deep into salvaging sustainable transportation amid federal rollbacks. She explains how states can utilize a little-known authority to shift highway funds towards transit, EV charging, and bike lanes. You'll hear about the critical one-year window for action and the importance of political courage from governors. Liya discusses the impact of outdated traffic models and the barriers to reallocating funds, calling for innovative strategies and urgent state responses.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Liebreich, a veteran clean-energy analyst and founder of New Energy Finance, presents his unique take on the calls for a climate reset. He emphasizes the growth of renewable energy as a practical solution, arguing against expensive alternatives. Liebreich critiques the messaging of climate advocates, suggesting that attracting conservative support is key. He also debates the potential of electrochemistry in reducing emissions and the importance of a gradual transition strategy, rather than a frantic rush.

Wilson Ricks, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton, and Killian Daly, executive director of Energy Tag, dive deep into the complexities of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). They discuss the proposed shift to hourly, local matching to enhance transparency and combat greenwashing. The guests analyze the challenges and administrative burdens this may pose for large companies, while emphasizing the importance of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) over spot RECs. They also touch on how data centers can successfully adapt to new regulations, paving the way for more genuine claims of 100% clean energy.

Colin Campbell, CTO of Redwood Materials and ex-Tesla engineer, discusses the innovative deployment of second-life EV batteries for large-scale energy storage. He explains how Redwood Energy plans to maximize the utility of used batteries before recycling, highlighting the potential to create significant grid resources. Colin shares insights on the technology enabling compatibility among different battery types, the rapid deployment of projects like the Nevada pilot, and the economic viability that positions second-life batteries as a cost-effective solution compared to new systems.

Join Sarah Goodyear, a journalist known for her advocacy in urbanism, and Doug Gordon, co-host of The War on Cars, as they tackle the fallacy of car culture. They explore how cars breed isolation and diminish children’s autonomy, while championing the concept of reclaiming urban spaces for human connection. With insights on the dangers of 'motonormativity' and the societal impacts of traffic, they envision a vibrant future with less reliance on cars, advocating for alternatives like biking and public transit to foster community.

Doreen Harris, the President of NYSERDA, joins to discuss New York's ambitious climate goals and the challenges of meeting them. She highlights successes in community solar and offshore wind projects, while addressing slow renewable scaling and transportation decarbonization. Doreen explains the hurdles with permitting and funding within the energy transition. She also emphasizes the need for public education on climate costs and explores innovative solutions like partnering with data centers to enhance grid benefits.

Join Katie Wilson, a seasoned transit and housing organizer and Seattle mayoral candidate, as she shares insights from her surprising primary win. She discusses the importance of community organizing in effective governance and highlights Seattle's urban issues, like single-family zoning. Katie emphasizes the need for mixed-use neighborhood centers and affordable housing solutions, while also advocating for improved transit options. She maps out her vision for a safer, community-focused Seattle, blending progressive values with practical solutions.