The Clean Energy Edge

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and co-host Brian Scott dive deep into the real story behind SMRs — exploring the cost per watt, deployment timelines, fuel supply challenges, and why no SMR is commercially operating yet in the U.S. or globally. We examine canceled projects like NuScale’s VOYGR, stalled efforts like TerraPower’s Natrium, and the hype around data centers...

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Brian Scott break down how the U.S. just made a massive strategic mistake by doubling down on fossil fuels. With the passage of the so-called Big Ugly Bill, clean energy tax credits are slashed while oil, gas, and coal get billions in new subsidies and AMT exemptions. Meanwhile, China, India, Europe, and Canada are racing ahead with...

The U.S. just slashed clean energy incentives and doubled down on fossil fuels — right as electricity demand is exploding. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Canadian co-host Brian Scott break down the fallout from the “Big Ugly Bill” and what it means for the grid, the economy, and your power bill. ⚡ Key Topics in Episode 15: • Why the U.S. just crippled clean energ...

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates sits down with climate finance expert Shraddha Nair to explore how carbon markets and energy markets are converging—and what that means for the global energy transition. We cover: -The evolving role of carbon credits in clean energy financing -Why Europe is surging ahead despite geopolitical challenges -How U.S. policy reversals—like the...

The Clean Energy Edge tackles one of the most critical energy policy battles of 2025: the showdown between the Republican-led Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) in the House and the Senate's more tempered version. Discover: 🔍 Policy deep dive — What clean energy tax credits are being slashed in both versions? 📊 Job loss data — SEIA warns ~330,000 U.S. clean‑energy jobs are at risk, many in red states like...

Elon Musk’s friendship with Donald Trump has gone nuclear. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ and Brian unpack Musk’s explosive split—public impeachment threats, Trump’s retaliation, and federal contract shakeups. Discover: ⚡ How Musk went from Trump ally to outspoken critic—calling for impeachment and linking Trump to Epstein files—then quickly deleted the posts 🔥 Trump’s furious re...

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates sits down with Zac Jolliffe and Patrick Boot, the co-founders of VCT Group, to talk about the evolution of their innovative Heliostation™ solar canopy system. From the inspiration behind the product to the real-world pain points it solves, we explore how VCT is changing the way solar canopies are built — and scaled. We also dive into VCT...

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ and Brian break down one of the most persistent lies in energy: that clean energy only survives because of government subsidies. With fossil fuels receiving over hundreds of billions of dollars a year in hidden and direct subsidies, the playing field is anything but level. They dive into why fossil fuels are still propped up by the government, how pol...

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ Bates and Canadian co-host Brian Scott explore the growing energy tensions between the U.S. and Canada. With new U.S. tariffs targeting Canadian energy exports, Canada is rethinking its long-standing energy relationship with its southern neighbor. We break down what this shift means for energy trade, infrastructure, critical mineral supply chains, and...

In Episode 8 of The Clean Energy Edge, host Russ Bates is joined by Peter Kelly, Managing Partner at Red Tree Engineering, to tackle the rapidly growing energy demands of AI and data centers—and what it means for the grid and generation mix. From transmission bottlenecks to interconnection delays, Peter shares real-world insight from the front lines of project development and design. They discuss:...

In Episode 7 of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ Bates and Brian Scott dive into President Trump’s executive orders aimed at reviving coal-fired power generation—a move pitched as essential to powering the AI boom. The announcement includes reclassifying coal as a “critical mineral,” extending the life of aging coal plants, and promoting U.S. coal technology. Coal stocks surged, but energy experts and...

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, hosts Russ Bates and Brian Scott delve into the recent implementation of sweeping tariffs by President Trump, announced during the so-called 'Liberation Day' event. They discuss the confusion surrounding the tariff calculations, which have left even seasoned trade economists puzzled. The conversation explores the immediate market reactions, including signi...

In this episode, Russ and Brian tackle the intensifying global EV race, highlighting how China's BYD is outpacing Tesla in both innovation and momentum. The hosts explore BYD’s newly announced “flash charging” tech, capable of adding 250 miles of range in just five minutes, and what that could mean for EV skeptics and infrastructure demands. They also dive into Elon Musk’s shifting reputation and...

In this episode, Russ Bates and Brian Scott dive into the behind-the-scenes hurdles slowing down clean energy progress in North America, even as Asia surges ahead. With 92.5% of global new electricity generation in 2024 coming from renewables, the numbers are promising—but major permitting delays, inconsistent policies, and fossil fuel-funded misinformation are stalling real momentum in the U.S. a...

In this episode, Russ and Brian unpack the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, driven by President Trump's aggressive tariff strategy. They explore the political and economic consequences of the proposed electricity tariffs, their impact on cross-border relations, and the unexpected unity forming within Canada. The hosts also discuss how these developments may inadvertently acce...