Volts

The podcast discusses the urgent need for accelerated transmission capacity expansion in the US to meet climate goals. It explores challenges in regional transportation planning and highlights the upcoming rule by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a significant opportunity for progress. The chapter also discusses the need for active Senate involvement in FERC. The importance of anticipating future resource changes and planning accordingly is emphasized. The benefits of transmission planning, such as reliability and resilience, are highlighted. The weakness of the proposed rule, allowing regions to selectively choose benefits, is discussed. Assessing costs based on portfolios of projects and FERC oversight recommendations are explored. The chapter also delves into the design principles and potential legislation in Washington. The support for a transmission bill and improved planning in the energy sector is explained. Listeners are encouraged to engage with FERC and become paid subscribers to support the podcast.

A live podcast was recorded at the Yale Clean Energy Conference with Sonia Aggarwal discussing her experiences in the Biden administration, achievements in getting laws passed, and remaining gaps in US energy policy. They also touch on topics like clean energy policy in rural areas, unity in the 'build back better' agenda, the debate on carbon taxes, and the role of the US in accelerating decarbonization.

Carbfix, an Icelandic company, carbonates water with CO2 and injects it underground to sequester carbon dioxide as rock. They aim to make Iceland a leading hub for carbon burial. Utilizing zero carbon energy is significant for the process. Carbon mineralization is a cheap and permanent form of carbon storage. Water plays a crucial role in setting up geothermal plants. Carbonating water poses risks and precautions. Negotiating carbon credits and double claiming are discussed. Performance improvements and innovations in carbon sequestration are explored.

Discover the attitudes of rural Americans towards clean energy. Learn about the impact of rural NIMBYism on the renewable energy transition. Explore a new poll that uncovers rural residents' opinions on climate change and energy developers. Gain insights into the challenges faced by renewable energy developers in engaging rural communities. Find out how specific examples of infrastructure funded by renewable energy positively influence residents' views. Understand the need for effective communication to bridge the gap between rural and urban viewpoints.

Collaborative episode between Volts and Catalyst podcasts discussing overhyped and underhyped clean tech trends. Topics include thermal storage for industrial heat, the controversy of gas stoves vs electric cooktops, the impact of higher interest rates on clean energy, voluntary carbon markets vs corporate renewables procurement, reflections on the industry and the significance of the IRA, and concerns about interest rates and decarbonization.

Exploring the challenges of balancing the variability of wind and solar power to fully decarbonize the grid. Discussing the need for backup resources, alternative resources like batteries, and the potential of demand shifting. Exploring the limitations of battery technology and the potential of diurnal flexibility. Highlighting the challenges and solutions for dealing with intermittency in renewable energy. Discussing the roadmap for the power sector to achieve decarbonization through wind, solar, batteries, and demand flexibility. Emphasizing the importance of innovation in cutting emissions and achieving a carbon-free grid.

This podcast explores the concept of district energy and its increasing popularity as a cleaner and more efficient way to provide heating and cooling to multiple buildings. It discusses innovative heat sources, such as sewage and deep lake water, as well as the benefits and advantages of district energy systems. The podcast also highlights the importance of heat sources like data centers and the need for patient capital in district energy projects.

Discover Iceland's commitment to sustainability through geothermal energy, with 100% carbon-free consumption by 2040. Dive into the rich history and financing of geothermal energy in Iceland. Explore renewable energy sources, challenges with wind power, and progress in electric vehicles. Learn about Iceland's self-contained grid powered by hydro and geothermal energy and the potential for battery storage. Uncover the potential of hydro power and collaboration opportunities in the geothermal industry. Explore Icelandic politics and controversies surrounding energy transition.

Brian Beutler, a prominent political analyst, reflects on his 20 years in political journalism and discusses topics such as partisan journalism, confrontational politics, net roots movement, journalistic integrity, and unity against threats to democracy.

This podcast discusses the use of heat batteries to decarbonize industrial heat. It introduces thermal battery companies Rondo and Antora, highlighting Antora's unique technology. The podcast explores the decision to use solid carbon for energy storage and its benefits. It also delves into the applications of carbon in batteries and the challenges of heat transfer. The importance of heat in industrial applications is emphasized, along with the potential benefits of cheap renewable energy and the role of thermal batteries in addressing grid congestion. The challenges of breaking into markets with new technology and the need for financing are also discussed.