

Volts
David Roberts
Volts is a podcast about leaving fossil fuels behind. I've been reporting on and explaining clean-energy topics for almost 20 years, and I love talking to politicians, analysts, innovators, and activists about the latest progress in the world's most important fight. (Volts is entirely subscriber-supported. Sign up!) www.volts.wtf
Episodes
Mentioned books

22 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 14min
Biden sets out to supercharge industrial decarbonization
Rebecca Dell from ClimateWorks Foundation and Evan Gillespie from Industrious Labs discuss Biden's grants for industrial decarbonization projects. Topics include challenges in reducing industrial emissions, transitioning to green hydrogen in steel manufacturing, reviving domestic aluminum production, innovative approaches in decarbonization, and the significance of industrial decarbonization in the chemicals industry.

15 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 56min
What's the deal with these methane satellites?
Discussion on the newly launched MethaneSAT satellite's ability to detect methane emissions on Earth, its technical capacities, and how it can help global efforts to reduce emissions. Topics include the inception of the MethaneSat project, using satellite technology to map methane emissions, the importance of monitoring methane emissions in the oil industry, and advancements in methane emission tracking to combat global warming.

35 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 58min
What's the deal with "scope 3" emissions?
Explore the complexities of disclosing Scope 3 emissions and the recent SEC decision. Learn about the significance of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in corporate reporting and the challenges faced by businesses. Delve into the impact of Scope 3 emissions on businesses like Apple and the importance of data collection. Understand how Scope 3 emissions influence decision-making for consumers and investors, and the regulatory risks related to climate action in the US.

15 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 9min
Getting ready for IRA 2
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.

9 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 1h 8min
How's IRA doing?
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.

23 snips
Mar 8, 2024 • 1h 14min
Industrial policy: what it is, how Biden's doing it, and how it could be done better
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.

Mar 6, 2024 • 1h 4min
The obscure but extremely important battle over building codes
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.

34 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 59min
So you want to electrify your home
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.

192 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 1h 14min
Nuclear? Perhaps!
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.

38 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Democrats' new consensus bill would supercharge transmission
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.


