Volts

Marissa Hummon, Chief Technology Officer at Utilidata, is revolutionizing the energy sector by integrating AI into electricity meters through a partnership with NVIDIA. The discussion highlights how real-time data collection enhances grid management, detecting failing transformers and optimizing energy distribution. Privacy concerns of these AI technologies are addressed, emphasizing data security protocols. Hummon also discusses the rising importance of utilities in the tech landscape, driven by modern energy demands.

Join climate blogger and author Joe Romm as he revisits the hydrogen discourse with insights from his updated book, 'The Hype About Hydrogen.' He unpacks the economic and technical hurdles that hinder hydrogen adoption, arguing that direct electrification is often a more viable option. Romm examines the challenges of scaling hydrogen production, critiques the misconceptions around its efficiency, and discusses the competitive landscape with renewables. Discover the reality behind the hydrogen push and the urgent need for effective climate action.

Kathy Hannun, President and co-founder of Dandelion Energy, discusses the innovative world of geothermal heat pumps, which offer double the efficiency of traditional heating methods. She shares insights on their unique drilling technology and a groundbreaking partnership in Colorado aimed at making geothermal systems more affordable. The conversation delves into installation challenges, potential cost-saving strategies, and the importance of integrating these solutions into urban planning for enhanced grid stability and sustainability.

Jarrett Walker, a seasoned transit consultant and author of 'Human Transit', shares his insights on the state of public transit in the U.S. He discusses the pandemic's impact on ridership and funding challenges, and why cities should look to Canada for successful transit models. The conversation dives into the myths surrounding buses and highlights the need for a balance between ridership and coverage in planning. Jarrett emphasizes the importance of understanding community needs and the role of safety perceptions and human interactions in enhancing transit systems.

Arch Rao, CEO of Span, dives into the exciting world of smart electrical panels and their evolution for home electrification. He discusses the innovative Span Edge, designed to enhance utility efficiency and revolutionize distributed energy systems. The conversation highlights the importance of consumer choices in managing grid constraints, the role of advanced technologies in optimizing energy usage, and the potential of the Matter protocol to unify smart device communication. Rao also addresses challenges like affordability, privacy, and fostering innovation within the energy sector.

In this episode, I speak with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, one of the depressingly few Democratic leaders showing real fight in the face of Trumpism. We get into the weeds on how Illinois is defending its climate laws, advancing clean energy and manufacturing, and tackling thorny challenges like the housing crisis, the transition away from natural gas, and the looming “fiscal cliff” facing transit agencies. Oh, and the governor explains what quantum computing is. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe

In this episode, the tables are turned: I'm the guest of the Climate Papa podcast, interviewed by host Ben Eidelson. We discuss the nested fractal puzzle of decarbonization, the critical importance of the grid and urban land use, and why now is the most exciting time to jump into climate work. Plus, I share some thoughts on parenting and avoiding tech-bro culture as the climate space evolves. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe

My guest, Val Miftakhov of ZeroAvia, argues that hydrogen fuel cells paired with electric motors are the key to decarbonizing aviation. We discuss why he prefers his solution to sustainable aviation fuels or batteries, the challenges and misconceptions around supplying and refueling with hydrogen, and the tech roadmap from today's small retrofits to tomorrow's large jets. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.volts.wtfI talk to Emily Pontecorvo (Heatmap) and Jeff St. John (Canary Media) to grapple with the latest Trump administration moves impacting climate and energy policy. We discuss the executive orders targeting state climate programs and propping up coal plants, the baffling new tariffs threatening energy supply chains, and the flurry of lawsuits challenging the administration's actions.

In this episode, I dive into the UK's decarbonization journey with Lucy Yu of the Centre for Net Zero. We discuss how the UK has become a world leader in offshore wind while lagging in heat pump adoption, why electricity market reform is essential to prevent gas from setting electricity prices, and how community ownership models overcome NIMBY resistance to wind projects. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe