Volts

Helena Sarén, Head of the Zero Carbon Future mission at Business Finland and a veteran in the clean energy sector, shares insights on Finland's remarkable journey to nearly 95% carbon-neutral electricity. She discusses Finland's pragmatic embrace of nuclear power and its ambitious goal for carbon neutrality by 2035. Helena highlights the synergy between industry and government in pushing for aggressive climate targets, and how Finland navigates energy independence amid geopolitical tensions. The conversation uncovers innovative energy solutions and sustainable forestry practices shaping the future.

Join Bryony Worthington, the founder of Ember, and Nicolas Fulghum, lead author of the Global Electricity Review, as they dive into the global electricity landscape. They discuss how clean electricity surpassed 40% of global generation in 2024, fueled by solar advancements. Insights on how China's energy decisions impact global trends stand out. The conversation also covers rising demand for electricity driven by electrification, the role of battery technology, and the geopolitical influences shaping the transition to cleaner energy.

In this engaging discussion, Antoine Vagneur-Jones, head of clean energy, trade, and supply chains at BloombergNEF, dives into the complexities of global clean energy supply chains. He highlights China’s manufacturing dominance and the hurdles Western countries face in onshoring production. The conversation also tackles the unintended consequences of tariffs, the struggles of the solar and battery industries, and the pressing need for investment to reach net-zero goals amid geopolitical tensions. Vagneur-Jones provides a thought-provoking look at the future of clean energy technology.

Join U.S. Representative Sean Casten, a leading voice on energy and climate policy, as he unpacks the tangled politics behind clean energy in Congress. He reveals the internal conflicts over IRA tax credits and the surprising bipartisan support among some Republicans. Casten emphasizes the need for civic engagement to navigate these challenges and discusses the evolving clean energy landscape influenced by AI and electric vehicles. Despite the political chaos, he urges developers to push forward with clean energy solutions.

Dive into an electrifying discussion about a new electric vehicle that has captured the speaker's heart, challenging a lifelong aversion to cars. Explore the complexities of hybrid solar technology and the costly realities behind home battery systems. Delve into the promising rise of battery-only installations and how they could revolutionize residential energy. The conversation even touches on the political landscape surrounding decarbonization, revealing intriguing insights about the future of energy.

In this discussion, Patrick Robbins from Public Power NY and Ioana Bozuwa of the Climate and Community Institute dive into New York's transformative Build Public Renewables Act. They share insights on how this landmark legislation empowers public utilities to spearhead large-scale renewable energy projects. The conversation explores the grassroots activism that made it possible, the political hurdles ahead, and the vital role of public ownership in making renewable energy accessible and resilient. Expect a candid examination of community-driven energy solutions!

Tom Lumsden, the development manager for Blatchford, and architect Tom Young share insights into creating Edmonton's largest sustainable community on a former airport site. They discuss innovative urban solutions like a biomass energy system and pedestrian-friendly designs. The duo highlights the complexities of integrating sustainability with community affordability, ensuring the project is inclusive for all income levels. Challenges of implementing a district energy system and the fascinating evolution of Blatchford's urban landscape showcase the ambitious vision for a carbon-neutral future.

Devrim Celal, the Chief Marketing and Flexibility Officer at Kraken Energy, discusses the Mercury Consortium's mission to build standards for smart devices. He highlights how these standards can prevent issues if a manufacturer goes out of business, ensuring your EV charger or heat pump remains functional. The conversation delves into the importance of interoperability among devices, the innovative technologies reshaping energy management, and how these efforts will optimize energy usage in homes and enhance communication with the grid.

Eliza Martin, a legal fellow at Harvard, and Ari Peskoe, head of the Electricity Law Initiative, delve into the alarming rise in electricity consumption by data centers. They reveal how ordinary consumers might be footing the bill for Big Tech’s energy demands. A discussion unfolds about the cozy relationship between utilities and tech giants that risks undermining necessary reforms. The complexity of utility pricing, the potential of energy parks, and the urgent need for fair regulations add depth to their insightful analysis.

Matthew Lewis, Director of Communications for California YIMBY, dives into the pivotal relationship between housing and climate action. He argues that electric vehicles alone can't solve the climate crisis. Discussing the insurance crisis, he warns that it could lead to state bankruptcies. Lewis unpacks the challenges posed by NIMBYism against necessary urban density, advocating for thoughtful reform to promote 'gentle density.' The conversation highlights the urgent intersection of climate policy, housing affordability, and local resistance, urging forward-thinking solutions for sustainable urban living.