
Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins
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.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 59min
Why a Climate Startup Is Building the World’s Biggest Airplane
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.

13 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 58min
What the New Rivians Say About the Future of EVs
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.

Mar 15, 2024 • 37min
A Conversation With Biden’s Former Top Economic Advisor, Part 2
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.

Mar 13, 2024 • 44min
A Conversation With Biden’s Former Top Economic Advisor, Part 1
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.

29 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 49min
Does Rooftop Solar Actually Help the Climate?
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.

Feb 28, 2024 • 55min
The Next Big Climate Tool: Little Chunks of Rock
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.

Feb 21, 2024 • 52min
Is Biden’s Climate Law Actually Working?
A year and a half ago, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest climate law in American history — and arguably in world history. But is it actually working? A new report from a coalition of major energy analysts — including our cohost Jesse Jenkins’ lab at Princeton — looks at data from the power and transportation sectors and concludes that yes, the law is starting to decarbonize the American economy. But it isn’t working in the way many people might expect. Robinson Meyer, the executive editor of Heatmap News, and Jesse Jenkins, an energy systems expert and professor at Princeton University, talk about how and why.Mentioned: The new report: Clean Investment in 2023: Assessing Progress in Electricity and TransportJesse’s story on the EV bad vibes.American carbon emissions fell last year for the first time since the pandemic. Jesse’s downshift, Jesse’s upshift.Rob’s upshift, Rob’s downshift. –This episode of Shift Key is sponsored by…Advanced Energy United educates, engages, and advocates for policies that allow our member companies to compete to power our economy with 100% clean energy, working with decision makers and energy market regulators to achieve this goal. Together, we are united in our mission to accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy in America. Learn more at advancedenergyunited.org/heatmap KORE Power provides the commercial, industrial, and utility markets with functional solutions that advance the clean energy transition worldwide. KORE Power's technology and manufacturing capabilities provide direct access to next generation battery cells, energy storage systems that scale to grid+, EV power & infrastructure, and intuitive asset management to unlock energy strategies across a myriad of applications. Explore more at korepower.com.Build your skills in policy, finance, and clean technology at Yale. Yale’s Financing and Deploying Clean Energy certificate program is a 10-month online certificate program that trains and connects clean energy professionals to catalyze an equitable transition to a clean economy. Connect with Yale’s expertise, grow your professional network, and deepen your impact. Learn more at cbey.yale.edu/certificate.Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 48min
Has Offshore Wind Finally Hit Rock Bottom?
Explore the struggles faced by Orsted, the world's largest offshore wind developer, including job cuts and project cancellations. Discover the significant role of states in shaping climate policy and the energy market. Delve into the changing incentives for zero carbon electricity and the increasing adoption of heat pumps for decarbonization. Conclude with a mention of sponsors and a clean energy certificate program.

11 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 14min
The Messy Truth of America’s Natural Gas Exports
President Biden's temporary halt on approving new LNG export terminals is explored, including its implications for climate change and carbon emissions. The potential increase in US LNG export capacity and the controversies surrounding natural gas exports are discussed. The trade-offs of US LNG exports are analyzed, including impacts on the energy system, consumers, and the global power sector. The influence of cheap natural gas and electricity on the US macroeconomy is examined, as well as the need for careful consideration in exporting natural gas. The growth of hybrid and electric vehicles is also highlighted.

Feb 5, 2024 • 1min
Welcome to Shift Key, a new climate podcast from 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.