

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

Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 6min
Electrifying battery recycling
Steve Cotton, CEO of Aqua Metals, talks about regenerative electro-hydrometallurgy, a clean and cost-effective battery recycling method. Topics include the need for cleaner recycling methods, challenges in handling chemicals, renewable electricity, market value of metals, expansion plans, managing debt, benefits and risks of recycling, and the convenience of charging stations.

Jan 19, 2024 • 59min
Michigan targets clean electricity and faster permitting
This podcast discusses the ambitious clean energy policies in Michigan, including clean energy standards, reform of permitting, and the role of the Inflation Reduction Act. It explores the challenges of spreading misinformation, the transition to clean energy, and the prospects for rural areas. The podcast also analyzes the political landscape and upcoming elections in Michigan.

Jan 17, 2024 • 1h 2min
Transitioning off of fossil gas in Australia
Victoria, Australia aims to transition off of fossil gas with their Gas Substitution Roadmap. The importance of rooftop solar and its success in the Solar Homes program are discussed. Challenges of transitioning rental housing from gas to electricity are explored. The struggles of convincing owners to switch from gas to electric appliances are debunked. Building transmission infrastructure and meeting electricity demand is a challenge. The limitations of biomethane are highlighted. The journey of decarbonization in a specific state is shared.

18 snips
Jan 12, 2024 • 1h 14min
The Chevron Doctrine: what it is and why it matters that the Supreme Court might kill it
This podcast discusses the Chevron Doctrine, potential Supreme Court demise, and its impact on climate policy and government functioning. It explores the advantages of deferring to agencies, the evolution of conservative views on administrative agencies, and various Supreme Court cases related to greenhouse gases. The chapter also delves into the potential consequences of conservative capture of the Supreme Court and Congress's actions on clean power generation and carbon emissions.

6 snips
Jan 10, 2024 • 1h 1min
A Connecticut reformer is shaking up utility regulation
Chairman Marisa Gillett aims to reform Connecticut's cozy utility regulation environment, improve service, and deny excessive rate increases. She discusses the Innovative Energy Solutions program and the challenges of implementing innovation in the regulatory space. The podcast explores the phases of a program, potential impact on other states, performance-based regulation, business perspective, and importance of fresh faces in utility regulation.

Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 3min
Decarbonizing a sprawling university system
Lindsey Rowell discusses decarbonizing the California State University system, challenges faced, and strategies employed. They explore the complex process of achieving carbon neutrality across 23 campuses, the importance of renewable energy generation, and measuring scope three emissions. They also discuss the need for government partnerships, frustration with lack of support, and the significance of communication in the field of decarbonization.

Jan 1, 2024 • 1h 19min
Volts podcast: Will Toor on Colorado's burst of clean energy policy
Will Toor from the Colorado Energy Office discusses the state's clean energy policy. Topics include reforms for electric utilities, support for electric vehicles, new restrictions on oil and gas, greenhouse gas reduction targets, clean energy goals for electricity, decarbonization, carbon capture, addressing oil and gas leakage, transportation emissions, environmental justice, and community engagement in Colorado.

29 snips
Dec 27, 2023 • 1h 9min
We are closing in on zero-carbon cement
The podcast discusses the challenges in decarbonizing the cement industry and introduces Sublime Systems, a startup with a zero-emission cement manufacturing method. It explores the use of supplemental materials and cheap renewables to reduce CO2 emissions. The podcast also delves into the process of producing zero-carbon cement using an ambient room temperature process. The cost of producing green cement, building a kiloton plant, and the importance of carbon avoidance are also discussed.

13 snips
Dec 20, 2023 • 60min
Getting better at mining the minerals needed for clean energy
The podcast discusses the challenges of mining minerals for clean energy and the potential of AI to improve exploration efficiency. It emphasizes the urgency of the estimated $15 trillion supply gap and the need for improved technology and skills in mining. The chapter also explores data gathering and standardization for AI technology in mining exploration, different types of data used, and the importance of environmental and social concerns in the mining industry.

22 snips
Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 17min
What's going on with offshore wind?
The podcast explores the challenges facing the US offshore wind industry, including increasing costs, contract renegotiations, and project cancellations. It discusses local opposition, benefit sharing, and power purchase agreement renegotiations. The uncertainty surrounding offshore wind projects in New Jersey and New York is highlighted, along with the unique challenges of offshore wind on the West Coast. The impact of macroeconomic problems, such as inflation and the pandemic, is examined. The potential of offshore wind projects in the US is discussed, emphasizing the need for tempered expectations and policy tools.


