Volts

Costa Samaras reflects on his role in shaping ambitious climate policy during his time in the Biden administration, emphasizing the importance of positive motivations for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The podcast also explores decarbonization efforts in various sectors, the impact of AI on climate and infrastructure funding, challenges of transformer shortages in the grid, fusion energy potential, and the promotion of clean energy initiatives in federal and state bureaucracies.

Analyzing the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on clean energy investments, EV sales exceeding expectations, and challenges in decarbonization efforts. Exploring the performance of electric vehicles, impacts of high interest rates on heat pump installations, and shifting emissions trends in the U.S.

Exploring industrial policy under Biden's administration, including critiques and challenges. Discussing the establishment of a green bank and government intervention in addressing global challenges. Emphasizing the importance of balancing coalition satisfaction and speed in policy implementation.

Explore the battle over building codes with a focus on energy efficiency advocates versus industry resistance. Delve into the evolution and impact of building standards, the push for greener practices, challenges in code adoption, and the debate over gas vs. electricity. Uncover the political intricacies, pressures, and uncertainties in shaping building regulations for a sustainable future.

This podcast discusses the importance of transitioning homes to electric alternatives for lower carbon footprint and savings. It explores considerations for home electrification, upgrading electrical panels, smart panels, and circuit sharing devices. The chapter highlights the challenges faced by low-income individuals in investing in electrification and the benefits of direct install programs.

Discussion with Jigar Shah on reviving nuclear power, new technologies like small modular reactors, role in decarbonized economy. Challenges in industry, integrating with renewables, American technology focus, marketplace dynamics, future prospects, workforce retention.

Reps. Sean Casten and Mike Levin discuss their consensus bill on transmission permitting and community engagement. Obstacles and opportunities in passing a climate bill are explored. The urgent need to double transmission and invest in renewable energy is highlighted. The importance of promoting renewable energy on public lands and including environmental justice communities is discussed. Challenges, vision, and bipartisan support for transmission policy are emphasized. Frustration with partisanship and focus on getting things done are expressed.

Journalist Hamilton Nolan discusses his book 'The Hammer' which explores the challenges facing unions and their potential for the future. The chapter provides an overview of the historical rise and decline of unions in America. It explores the legal protections and challenges of union organizing. The current state of unions in America is discussed, criticizing their defensive mentality and exploring the need for new strategies. The chapter also explores the difficulties faced in organizing unions and the importance of prioritizing organizing efforts. The issue of public sector unions and their problematic nature is explored. The hosts remain optimistic about shaping the future of unions.

Interview with Asegun Henry and Arvin Ganesan, founders of Fourth Power, a thermal storage startup. Topics include using liquid metal for heat transfer, maximizing durability of battery storage systems, funding and future pilots, scalability of the battery storage system, business case for renewable energy, controlling supply chains, and the impact of cheap clean electricity on humanity.

Upgrading power lines, or reconductoring, is a straightforward way to boost the capacity of the electrical grid. The podcast discusses advancements in power line technology, the differences between ACSR and ACSS conductors, the use of optical fiber for monitoring line temperature, and the benefits and challenges of using carbon fiber lines in distribution circuits. It also explores the concept of re-conductoring in grid planning, its use in Europe for renewable integration, and the potential of superconductors for addressing grid capacity.