Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins
Heatmap News
Every week, Heatmap News Executive Editor Robinson Meyer and Princeton University Professor and energy systems expert Jesse Jenkins make sense of the biggest shift of our time -- navigating the energy transition away from fossil fuels. Drawing on their years of experience reporting on and researching climate change and decarbonization, Meyer and Jenkins unpack the most important issues of the week and how the impacts of climate change and efforts to address it are transforming our economy, politics, and society at large. Music by Adam Kromelow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
17 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 46min
What J.P. Morgan’s Chief Climate Advisor Is Telling Energy Startups
Dr. Sarah Kapnick, Global Head of Climate Advisory at J.P. Morgan and former chief scientist at NOAA, shares her insights on the evolving energy landscape. She discusses how global politics, driven by renewable resources, affect decarbonization efforts. The conversation dives into the importance of blending adaptation and mitigation strategies in climate policy. They explore North America's shift from fossil fuels to renewables and compare U.S. and China's paths in clean technology, highlighting the need for stable investments to foster innovation.
39 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 7min
Utility Regulation Really Sucks
Electricity prices are soaring, mainly due to aging infrastructure and regulation issues. The U.S. can learn from international approaches to better control costs and improve utility management. The podcast unpacks the unique challenges of monopolistic utilities, the moral hazards in regulation, and the need for greater efficiency. It also touches on the importance of energy storage innovations and discusses global solar trends, particularly China’s massive installations and their impact on the market.
40 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 59min
What Carbon Dioxide Has to Do With the Meaning of Life
In this captivating discussion, Peter Brannen, a contributing writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Story of CO2 Is the Story of Everything', dives into the crucial role of carbon dioxide in our planet's history. He explores how CO2 has shaped life on Earth, intertwined with energy dynamics and mass extinctions. Brannen highlights the transformation of coal in the industrial age and examines humanity's relationship with energy consumption and its impact on climate change, stressing the urgent need for innovative solutions in our decarbonization efforts.
19 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 6min
Shift Key Classic: How to Hook Up More Power Plants
Tyler Norris, a doctoral student at Duke's Nicholas Institute, and Claire Wayner, a senior associate at RMI, dive into the pressing issue of integrating renewable energy into the U.S. power grid. They address the daunting interconnection queue that delays new projects and explore innovative solutions like automation in processing. The duo also discusses the transition from coal to gas, lessons learned from Texas's energy strategies, and the urgent need for reform to streamline interconnection processes and accelerate clean energy deployment.
40 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 7min
This Is What It’s Like to Run a Power Grid
Mark Rothleder, senior vice president and COO of the California Independent System Operator, oversees 80% of California's electricity flow. In this engaging conversation, he explains how the grid is managed akin to air traffic control, balancing supply and demand. Rothleder shares insights on blackouts, market dynamics, and the integration of renewable resources. He highlights the complexities of forecasting energy needs and the critical strategies necessary for maintaining reliability, especially during peak demand. Plus, he tackles the mystery of pronouncing CAISO!
76 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 7min
How Electricity Markets Work
Dive into the intriguing world of electricity markets where power is sold at lightning speed! Discover how electricity pricing is influenced by unique market dynamics and renewable energy's impact. Learn about the historical evolution of these markets and the strategies behind power generation and transmission. Explore the delicate interplay between demand, supply, and market behavior, with surprising insights that even mix in sports betting. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of energy!
19 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 9min
Trump’s Move to Kill the Clean Air Act’s Climate Authority, Forever
Jody Freeman, Archibald Cox Professor of Law at Harvard and architect of the Obama administration's landmark auto emissions deal, joins a discussion about the Trump administration's controversial declaration that carbon dioxide is not a dangerous pollutant. They explore its potential to dismantle regulations on greenhouse gases and analyze the implications for U.S. climate policy. Freeman critiques the legal and scientific basis of this move and highlights the historical context of bipartisan climate efforts, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to tackle climate challenges.
39 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 6min
Why We’re Worried About Electricity Prices
The discussion revolves around the impending surge in electricity demand in the U.S., reminiscent of the 1970s. Key topics include the impact of political decisions on renewable energy financing, particularly the repeal of tax credits. They explore how rapid increases in natural gas exports and supply chain issues could drive electricity prices up. Insights from recent market auctions reveal potential crises in electricity affordability, affecting both consumers and the economy. Additionally, there's a look at the strategic importance of electricity in AI and manufacturing.
43 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 60min
How Sun and Wind Become Electricity
Explore how sunlight and wind are transforming electricity generation. Discover the fascinating connection between solar panels and semiconductors, and why it took so long for solar tech to scale up. Uncover the importance of inverters in the future power grid and learn about the mechanics of wind turbines. Plus, delve into the historical evolution of these technologies and their rising contributions to clean energy. From perovskite solar cells to wind patterns, this discussion covers the exciting journey of renewable energy.
19 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 11min
Climate Policy in America: Where We Go From Here
Jillian Goodman, Deputy Editor at Heatmap, dives into the recent shifts in U.S. climate policy following the Republican reconciliation bill that significantly cuts clean energy tax credits. She discusses the immediate impacts on industries like solar and EVs, the future challenges in manufacturing and supply chains, and the emotional responses from climate advocates navigating these turbulent changes. Goodman underscores the importance of bipartisan support and innovative strategies to adapt to the altered landscape of climate legislation.
