Volts

Yeh-Tang “Ricky” Huang, a clean-energy advocate leading Climate Era Catalyst, discusses Taiwan’s grid constraints and heavy industrial demand. He breaks down barriers to wind, solar, and geothermal. He covers politics around nuclear and imports, the promise of demand-side flexibility and VPPs, and a regional electrotech vision linking Asia’s clean-energy future.

Michael Hobbes, journalist and podcaster known for cohosting shows like You're Wrong About and If Books Could Kill, joins to unpack the phenomenon of reactionary centrism. He and the host trace its media incentives, show how it blames Democrats while ignoring right‑wing threats, and explore examples like coverage norms, Merck’s Law, and the role of contrarianism in public discourse.

Andrew Birch, 25-year solar veteran and co-founder of Solar App, and Nick Josefowicz, nonprofit leader at Permit Power, tackle US rooftop solar’s “paperwork tax.” They explain how automated permitting, standardized interconnection, and flexible grid rules can slash soft costs. Short stories of permitting absurdities and real-world scaling show bureaucratic fixes could unlock much cheaper rooftop solar for households.

Seth Frader-Thompson, Founder and CEO of EnergyHub, dives into the world of virtual power plants (VPPs). He explains the different maturity levels of VPPs, highlighting what separates effective systems from mere demand response. Discussion includes the importance of diverse energy resources, the Huells test for VPP evaluation, and how VPPs can help avoid costly distribution upgrades. Seth also emphasizes the need for practical regulatory frameworks to boost VPP deployment and shares exciting goals for reaching 100 GW by 2035.

Jonas Birgersson, a Swedish tech entrepreneur and founder of Via Europa, unveils his revolutionary EnergyNet concept, which likens electricity distribution to internet architecture. He discusses how decentralized microgrids can prevent outages and facilitate direct power sharing among neighbors. The conversation delves into open protocols, galvanic separation for safety, and leveraging batteries as network buffers. Birgersson also highlights the potential for U.S. adoption and the importance of local energy production, promising a future of resilient and efficient energy distribution.

Jeanine Vany and Mark Fitzgerald, leaders at Eavor, delve into closed-loop geothermal technology, a game-changer in renewable energy. They explain how this system, operating like massive underground radiators, can tap into geothermal resources almost anywhere, avoiding fracking and significant water use. With their new plant in Germany, they discuss the advantages of scalability, reduced seismic risks, and the potential for heat and power markets. The duo also highlights the collaboration needed to bring this innovative technology to market and its impact on energy costs.

Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President of the Regional Plan Association and a stalwart advocate for urban transit, dives into NYC's first year of congestion pricing. She highlights how it has enhanced business and pedestrian traffic while minimizing gridlock and spillover onto surrounding streets. Slevin also discusses the significant revenue generated for public transit and early successes like reduced crashes and faster bus rides. With legal protections in place for funds, she outlines future pricing strategies and shares lessons for cities looking to improve urban mobility.

Senator Brian Schatz, a prominent advocate for climate action from Hawaii, dives into the current energy policy landscape and the Democrats' messaging shift toward affordability. He critiques efforts on permitting reform, especially the SPEED Act, arguing it undermines critical environmental protections. Schatz discusses the importance of local community involvement in climate politics and emphasizes the need for equitable funding. He envisions harnessing data centers to support local clean energy initiatives, all while advocating for a clearer Democratic pitch on energy affordability.

In this engaging discussion, energy expert Saul Griffith shares insights on Australia's efficient rooftop solar system. He reveals how homeowners there enjoy quick installations and low costs, thanks to streamlined permitting processes. Griffith critiques the U.S. system, highlighting excessive delays and high prices. He also explores the history of solar in Australia, the rise of battery adoption, and innovative solutions like virtual power plants. With a focus on equity and real-world impacts, Griffith makes a compelling case for scalable solar solutions globally.

Samuel Bagg, a political scientist at the University of South Carolina, discusses the deep-rooted issues of misinformation and trust in institutions. He argues that social identity heavily influences political beliefs and perceptions. Bagg emphasizes that traditional methods like fact-checking are insufficient; instead, transforming social identities is crucial. He suggests that collective experiences and organizing can reshape trust in institutions, ultimately enhancing democracy by bridging divides and fostering inclusive identities.