Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins

Jigar Shah, overseeing $400 billion in DOE lending, discusses financing EV factories, geothermal wells, and more. Exploring cash flow, tech innovation, and risk in new projects. Analyzing investment risks in cutting-edge tech and the bridge to bankability. Evolution of clean energy technologies and challenges in the energy and automotive sectors. State initiatives for clean energy financing and local entrepreneurship support.

Discussion on the slump in EV sales in the US, Tesla's challenges, potential solutions with hybrids, and Detroit's EV strategy. Also, the evolving identity of Tesla, automakers' growth patterns, profitability strategies, emissions standards, and the dynamics between plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles in the market.

Author Akshat Rathi and VC Sophie Purdom discuss how capitalism can drive climate solutions, highlighting profitable ventures, Chinese EVs, and interest rates' impact. They explore carbon pricing, international trade challenges, and diverse country approaches. The conversation also delves into the intersection of climate capitalism, venture capital, and macro interest rates in funding climate solutions.

Jonathan Koomey discusses the impact of AI on energy consumption and the history of computing's energy use. The episode explores data centers, AI-related computing, and electricity demand growth. Topics include energy efficiency improvements in GPU for AI training, balancing energy demand growth, and AI models in pricing and sustainability.

A climate tech startup aims to build a massive airplane for transporting wind turbine blades, revolutionizing renewable energy. The CEO discusses the need for a bigger plane and the potential of gigawind. The podcast explores the challenges and benefits of deploying large onshore wind turbines and the economic opportunities associated with the project. It also delves into the synergy between big wind and solar energy for renewable solutions and the US Department of Energy's investments in industrial decarbonization.

Discussion on the new Rivian electric vehicles, their design, and market positioning. Exploring the evolution of electric vehicle design, smaller batteries, and crossover SUVs. Challenges and future prospects for a leading EV manufacturer amidst increased competition. Revolutionizing EVs for traditional car enthusiasts by focusing on performance and thrilling designs. Debate on GM Hummer EV and Canoe pickup truck in the EV market. Exploring Hyundai's electric work trucks and high-performance IONIQ 5N model.

Former top economic advisor to President Joe Biden, Brian Deese, discusses the future of electric vehicles, U.S.-China trade, and the survival of Big Three automakers. Insights on Clean Investment Monitor, fears of Ford and GM from Chinese electric cars, and the impact of trade wars. The podcast delves into the complexities of global trade, affordable EVs, economic strategies in the US-China relationship, and US competitiveness in clean energy markets.

Former top economic advisor Brian Deese discusses the future of Bidenomics, State of the Union speech, 2024 campaign impact on climate policy. Shift Key podcast analyzes clean energy investments, housing policy, and surprising trends in clean energy sector amid economic transition.

The podcast discusses the effectiveness of rooftop solar panels in reducing carbon pollution and the impact on electricity grids. They explore the economic dynamics of rooftop solar compared to utility-scale projects. The implications of rooftop solar on emissions and climate action are also examined, along with the cost discrepancy of distributed solar in the US. Environmental challenges and policy implications, as well as innovations in heating and positive global emission trends are also covered.

A look at enhanced rock weathering as a simple method for carbon removal. Discussion on investments, policy implications, and market incentives. Exploring the potential of using basalt in agriculture for carbon removal. Challenges of scaling up rock weathering globally. Insights on energy consumption in carbon removal strategies. Rivian's struggles with profitability and advancements in geothermal energy technology.