Volts

Jigar Shah, a clean energy entrepreneur and investor, shares his insights on climate policy and economic equity. He argues for a pivotal shift in the climate movement towards addressing everyday cost-of-living issues rather than just focusing on high-tech solutions. Shah emphasizes the importance of integrating energy policy with socioeconomic challenges and advocates for smart finance as a means to scale the energy transition effectively. The discussion also critiques current policies while exploring innovative funding solutions and the role of community engagement in driving real change.

Alon Levy, co-founder of NYU's Transit Costs Project, delves into the staggering expense of U.S. transit construction compared to global counterparts. He highlights how countries like Spain and Italy achieve efficiency through in-house expertise and standardized designs, contrasting with the costly privatization ideology seen here. Levy discusses strategies to bring ambitious projects, like high-speed rail in the Northeast, within reach, advocating for empowered civil servants and the adoption of international best practices to combat bureaucratic fragmentation.

Missy Stults, Ann Arbor's Director of Sustainability and Innovations, is championing a groundbreaking municipal utility focused on renewable energy. She discusses the intricacies of creating a Sustainable Energy Utility, including the collaboration with DTE and innovative funding strategies. Topics dive into challenges like outdated infrastructure and balancing community needs with sustainable practices. Stults also highlights the importance of community involvement and the potential impacts of these initiatives on wider energy policy and climate goals.

Mitch Lee, Co-founder and CEO of ARC, dives into the exciting world of electric boats. He explains how these vessels outshine gas-powered ones with their near-silent operation and impressive torque. Safety is a key topic, as electric boats reduce fire risk and offer advanced monitoring systems. Lee also discusses the future of innovation in battery technology and luxurious models, like the $300,000 Arc Sport. The podcast highlights the advantages of charging at marinas, making electric boating not only eco-friendly but also an exceptional experience.

Kostantsa Rangelova and Dave Jones, energy researchers and authors of a groundbreaking Ember report, unveil the impressive decline in solar-plus-storage costs, making it a competitive player against traditional energy sources like nuclear and gas. They discuss the surprising lag in industry adoption, rapid technological improvements, and the global shift away from natural gas. The pair also highlight the integration of solar and storage in various sectors, showcasing its transformative impact on energy reliability and costs. This conversation sheds light on a sustainable energy future.

Dive into the controversial 'Big Beautiful Bill' and its fallout on the Inflation Reduction Act. Experts dissect the implications for police and healthcare, while reflecting on the evolving climate politics. Key provisions of energy tax credits are examined, revealing bipartisan support amidst new supply chain challenges. The discussion navigates legislative outcomes and their impact on clean energy incentives, offering insights into the future of climate policy and advocacy strategies.

Montana state senators Forrest Mandeville and Ellie Boldman dive into the state's impressive bipartisan housing reforms, labeled the 'Montana miracle.' They discuss the unique coalition behind these changes and how they are tackling the state's escalating housing crisis. The senators explore generational divides in housing perspectives, why some argue 'housing is the new weed,' and the critical balance between local control and state mandates. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges and successes in making affordable housing a reality for Montanans.

Quinn Nakayama, head of PG&E's innovative GRiD program, shares insights into California's struggling utility's transformation. He discusses bold strategies for faster interconnections to support electric vehicles and data centers. The conversation highlights the crucial role of drone technology for wildfire safety and the necessity for collaboration with external partners to drive utility innovation. Nakayama also touches on the ambitious goals for California's renewable energy future and the challenges of integrating AI in energy management.

Jeff Bladen, Head of Energy at Verrus, shares his insights on creating data centers that function well within the electric grid. He discusses how innovative designs, including large-scale batteries, can transform data centers into flexible assets for utilities. The conversation covers challenges imposed by rising AI demands and the importance of energy efficiency. Bladen highlights collaborations aimed at integrating renewable energy and optimizing grid performance, ultimately positioning data centers as key players in sustainable energy solutions.

Michael Grunwald, a journalist and author focused on agriculture's climate impact, shares insightful perspectives on the complexities of food production. He discusses the challenges of biofuels and emphasizes the need for sustainable farming practices amidst a growing population. Grunwald explores the potential of meat alternatives while critiquing food waste and the role of innovative fertilizers. The conversation highlights how regenerative agriculture can enhance soil health, pushing us to rethink our diet choices for a more sustainable future.