Volts

Tombo Banda discusses the challenges of electricity access in Africa, mini-grid innovations, boosting profitability through economic empowerment, balancing profitability and access, and solutions for mini-grid developers in Africa

Tadeu Carneiro, CEO of Boston Metal, discusses making carbon-free steel using clean electricity, explaining the process of 'molten oxide electrolysis' and its potential to transform the industry. They explore challenges faced by the steel industry in reducing CO2 emissions and the innovative approaches to steelmaking, emphasizing the importance of clean electricity for a sustainable future in steel production.

Rob Gramlich, Expert in Grid Strategies, discusses FERC's new transmission planning rule, implications for clean energy goals, grid reliability, and consumer rates. Topics include 20-year plans, grid enhancing technologies, cost allocation dynamics, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act impacts, regulatory initiatives, future grid actions, and reevaluating stances on transmission infrastructure.

Caroline Spears, Executive Director of Climate Cabinet, discusses using data science to target state and local races for climate advocacy. Topics include Moneyball strategies, empowering clean energy advocates, legal structures, navigating partisanship, engaging marginalized voters, analyzing election performance, and the impact of volunteer engagement in climate politics.

CEOs from startup Quilt discuss redesigning heat pumps for better aesthetics and performance. Topics include ductless heat pumps, innovative outdoor and indoor units, smart room temperature control, pricing models, working with contractors, scaling a clean energy startup, and exploring demand for clean home heating in different regions.

California electricity guru Lorenzo Kristov discusses envisioning a democratic, bottom-up energy system. Topics include community-based energy resources, challenges in decentralized energy generation, empowering communities through local energy production, and rethinking revenue models for distribution system operators.

Anna Jane Joyner discusses the lack of climate change themes in popular entertainment and Good Energy's efforts to assist screenwriters. They explore the impact of industries on Hollywood's portrayal of climate change, promote climate representation in TV and film, and analyze the integration of climate narratives in popular culture. The conversation emphasizes the importance of showcasing positive solutions and diverse perspectives in storytelling to inspire action on climate change.

Grace Van Horn and Jonas Monast from the Center for Applied Environmental Law and Policy analyze the new EPA power plant standards. They discuss the legal battles surrounding the Clean Power Act, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on clean energy, and the focus on carbon capture technology in meeting emission standards. The conversation explores the flexibility granted to power plants in compliance methods and the challenges faced in navigating legal complexities in clean energy regulation.

Longtime clean-energy analyst Michael Liebreich discusses causes for pessimism and optimism in the net-zero transition. Highlights include challenges in replacing fossil fuel backup systems, expanding electricity infrastructure, political obstacles, technological advancements like battery technology, and the importance of redefining energy efficiency.

Joselyn Lai discusses how hardware and software improvements can make geothermal heat pumps more accessible for large buildings in urban spaces. They explore the advantages of geothermal heat pumps for grid efficiency, innovative cost-effective installation solutions, optimizing systems in urban environments, and the debate on rebranding geothermal terminology.