Volts

In this discussion, Adam Stern from Offshore Wind California and Jocelyn Brown-Saracino of the US Department of Energy dive into the exciting prospects of offshore wind in California. They highlight the state's ambitious goal of five gigawatts by 2030 and the necessary infrastructure improvements. The conversation touches on the transformative potential of floating wind technology, innovative turbine designs, and a $475 million climate bond aimed at port advancements. They also explore economic opportunities and compare California's progress with the East Coast.

Michael Murray, leader of Mission:data, discusses the untapped potential of smart meter data, which most consumers can't access despite its ability to help reduce energy consumption and costs. He explores the monopolistic control utilities have over this data and advocates for greater transparency to empower consumers. The conversation touches on the evolution of smart meters, privacy concerns, and the push for regulatory changes to promote a fairer energy landscape. Murray encourages listeners to actively engage with policymakers to unlock these valuable resources.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a leader in climate legislation, joins climate policy advisor Will Toor to discuss groundbreaking wins in environmental policy. They unpack Colorado's 2019 climate roadmap, showcasing ambitious emission reduction goals. The conversation highlights innovative sustainable transportation initiatives, such as electric bike rebates, and the state's geothermal energy advancements. They also delve into the evolving role of utilities in the clean energy transition and the need for faster renewable energy development to meet ambitious climate targets.

Tobias Lescht from Revel, a prominent figure in urban EV solutions, discusses the pressing challenges of establishing fast chargers amid NYC's urban landscape. He delves into Revel's dual strategy of launching a rideshare network while expanding charging infrastructure. The conversation touches upon the complexities of regulatory hurdles, the necessity for innovative location strategies, and the urgency of scaling electric vehicle support to meet rising demand. Exciting plans for urban expansion and the integration of user-friendly technologies are also highlighted.

Joel Jean, co-founder and CEO of Swift Solar, dives into the groundbreaking world of perovskite solar cells. He highlights their impressive efficiency and lightweight design, setting them apart from traditional silicon panels. Joel discusses the challenges these innovative cells face, like stability and manufacturing hurdles, while maintaining an optimistic view on their market potential. Expectations for commercialization and the transformative impact on solar technology and U.S. manufacturing jobs make for a riveting conversation!

Environmental advocates Rita Frost and Brenna Bell discuss the harmful impact of burning wood pellets for energy, focusing on the controversy surrounding the industry's expansion in the Pacific Northwest and the concerns about sourcing wood from natural forests. They highlight the lack of awareness surrounding biomass energy, air and water pollution issues, and the need for global collaboration to combat false climate solutions.

Beverly Craig discusses Passive House principles, benefits, and challenges. Topics include key construction principles, cost considerations, benefits of quality construction, reducing embodied carbon, and integrating geothermal heat pumps. The podcast explores the success of Passive House apartments in Massachusetts and strategies for wider adoption in the U.S.

Gabe Klein from DOE's Joint Office of Energy and Transportation discusses new approaches to EV charging for multifamily residences in urban areas. Topics include novel business models, smart chargers, integrating parking with charging stations, maximizing copper value, and strategies for effective public charging infrastructure.

David Wooley and Ed Carr, lead authors in the shipping industry, discuss future ship fuels, policies, and California's role in decarbonization. Topics include alternative fuels like ammonia and methanol, wind tech, slow steaming, clean electricity, enforcement mechanisms, costly technology investments, global efforts, and policy recommendations for the US and California to drive industry change.

CEO Jeff Erhardt of Mattiq discusses using nanotechnology, AI, and electrolysis to create innovative materials for industries. Topics include electrolyzers for green hydrogen, nanotechnology in drug development, iridium substitutes, advancements in electrolyzer technology, and moonshot bets in sustainable energy like ammonia production.