The Energy Transition Show with Chris Nelder

Is China relying on coal to power its growth, or renewables? Are their emissions on track to increase, decrease, or go flat? We review the facts!

Chris travels to Australia and interviews Giles Parkinson, a longtime journalist and observer of the energy transition Down Under.

Is it time to break up the utility monopolies in the US and turn ownership and control of the grid over to the public?

What will it take to make the vision of “smart homes” and smart appliances real?

Why haven’t our climate policies been more effective at stopping carbon emissions, and what kinds of policies would work better?

How is the public EV charging sector evolving, and what is needed to make it more usable and affordable for EV drivers?

Explore the full potential of distributed solar power in the U.S., and how it can lead to a decarbonized energy system. Discover the unique insights on innovative solar installations, from rooftop systems to floating arrays. Learn about the impressive estimates for rooftop solar capacity and the role of technology in enhancing efficiency. Delve into how low-income communities can gain access to solar energy through substantial grants. The exciting possibilities for sustainable energy await!

Learn about effective climate communication strategies that resonate with people and drive action. Discover insights on messaging for climate action, crafting narratives on clean energy, and connecting with the public on climate change. Explore the intersection of politics, oil industry acquisitions, environmental regulations, and international commitments to phase out coal power.

The podcast dives into the challenges of expanding the U.S. transmission capacity to support clean energy. With 2.5 terawatts of renewable projects stalled, the need for better infrastructure is urgent. FERC Order 1920 aims to enhance regional planning and competition among utilities. Insights reveal the historical struggles with utility control and the slow evolution of regulatory frameworks. Efforts from the Biden administration to streamline transmission line construction highlight the ongoing push for energy resilience. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of innovation to meet renewable energy goals.

Exploring the surge in electricity demand from data centers and AI technologies, challenging the need for new gas-fired power plants. Mike O’Boyle from Energy Innovation discusses the reality of modern computing demand and advocates for cleaner alternatives. The podcast questions inflated demand projections and the motivations behind rushing towards new gas infrastructure.