Volts

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.

Minnesota passed a transportation bill that requires consideration of state climate goals in planning. Representative Larry Kraft discusses the significance of the bill and the impact on transportation projects and emissions. The podcast also explores transportation initiatives in Minneapolis, equity in planning, and the politics surrounding transportation in Minnesota politics.

Maine is considering replacing its unpopular investor-owned power utilities with a single non-profit utility called Pine Tree Power. The utilities are opposed and have spent $27 million to campaign against it. The podcast explores the need for a public utility in Maine, the advantages of Pine Tree Power, financing options, the campaign against the initiative, and the potential impact on other states.

This podcast discusses the need for the environmental movement to shift from blocking projects to actively participating in building renewable energy infrastructure. It explores organizing strategies, connecting vulnerable communities with IRA money, and the role of workers in effective tactics. The focus is on building sustainable solutions, renewable energy in developing countries, investing in schools, mobilizing people for building projects, the role of the donor community, and local activism for decarbonization.

Why is rooftop solar adoption slower and more expensive in the US compared to Australia? In this podcast, Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun, discusses speeding up the solar interconnection process, net metering, vehicle charging, virtual power plants, and the future of distributed energy. Other topics include labor shortages, supply chain challenges, higher interest rates, virtual power plants, advancements in solar energy and storage, and the potential of rooftop solar and household batteries in the US.

The podcast discusses the lack of transmission capacity in the US and the potential of grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) to improve existing infrastructure. It explores dynamic line ratings as a real-time capacity determination method, topology optimization to reduce congestion, and the role of public advocacy in enhancing the grid. The chapter also highlights the resistance from utilities to deploy GETs at scale and the need for policy support to facilitate their adoption.