The Clean Energy Show

Canada's unprecedented existential crisis caused by bizarre actions from the White House. It could be worse—we could be Greenland. Meanwhile, the long-awaited geothermal power plant near us is finally set to come online next year, initially providing 5MW of power—just enough to keep James' heated socks toasty. Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on  Patreon for exciting perks! Out of Spec YouT...

The United Arab Emirates is building the world's largest solar farm with battery storage, capable of providing 1 GW of consistent baseload power, just like a nuclear reactor. We also explore why some trees survive wildfires while entire neighborhoods are reduced to ash, and why Washington State's e-bike subsidy program is turning heads with its innovative lottery system. Join The Clean Energy Show...

Podcast Show Notes for Episode 246 of The Clean Energy Show In this week's episode of The Clean Energy Show , we explore the intersection of climate, technology, and resilience in the face of a changing world. Highlights include: Trump's Second Term and Climate Policy : The U.S. pulls out of the Paris Agreement again. What does this mean for global climate efforts? Electric Construction Tools in O...

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, focusing on the Pacific Palisades community and the implications for urban areas as climate change intensifies. Actor Martin Short's love for that community and how James feels connected to it. Alongside an in-depth look at John Vaillant's book  Fire Weather , we uncover the growing wildfire threat to cities and practical ways to safeguard homes and lives....

We honor the life and legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away last week at the age of 100. Carter's visionary actions, from installing solar panels on the White House to helping clean up the first nuclear accident in Canada, laid the groundwork for today's clean energy movement. We revisit the energy crises of the 1970s, examining how the OPEC oil embargo and subsequent event...

In this special year-end episode of The Clean Energy Show, we reflect on the remarkable progress in clean energy throughout 2024. From groundbreaking renewable energy initiatives to significant policy changes and technological advancements, this year has been a monumental one for the transition to a sustainable future. Join Brian Stockton and James Whittingham as they delve into the stories that d...

Welcome to episode 242 of The Clean Energy Show ! This week, we explore a groundbreaking proposal to connect Europe's and North America's power grids using undersea cables, a move that could revolutionize clean energy by balancing solar and wind production across continents. California is launching a new program offering free e-bikes to low-income residents, but there's a catch: applicants must si...

This week, we dive into the latest advancements in clean energy and sustainability! A universal 'Plug and Charge' protocol for EVs is set to roll out in 2025, promising a seamless, app-free charging experience for all electric vehicles. In Boston, a groundbreaking program prescribes solar power to low-income patients—an innovative approach to health and energy security. Meanwhile, scientists uncov...

Scientists in the Rockies are developing technology to detect attempts to dim the sun—a safeguard against rogue geoengineering experiments. A proposal for a 2,500-mile subsea power cable aims to deliver renewable energy from North Africa to Britain. Could it revolutionize energy trade or is it an oversized project? The most-watched primetime show in the U.S. is now powered by batteries, drasticall...

The latest developments from COP29, the annual climate summit, where world leaders committed $300 billion per year to help developing nations combat climate change—though many argue this figure falls short of the required funding. Meanwhile, as Australia faces a blistering heatwave, maintenance on coal plants exacerbates the energy crisis, adding fuel to the debate over fossil fuel dependence. We...

California is embracing wave power technology to generate electricity from ocean waves, which will help power thousands of homes. A new study challenges the long-standing belief that rooftop solar is a burden on California's customers, showing that it actually benefits the state. This update offers hope for the future of solar power in California. Read more from Canary Media . China's Open Sea Sol...

Solar panels are built to last, often functioning for decades beyond their warranty. When they're replaced, many are finding a second life in energy-poor regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where access to electricity can transform communities. Programs like Solar Sister help distribute these panels to power mobile phone chargers, e-bikes, and even entire villages. For example, an original Bell Labs...

Sheep grazing under solar panels in Australia are producing higher-quality wool! Could agrivoltaics be the future of sustainable farming? Scientists predict that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could collapse in just 15 years, threatening severe weather disruptions. Learn what this could mean for global climate. Solar Panel Recycling Advances A new plant in Georgia will soon...

Louisville has launched America's first 100% electric garbage truck fleet. These trucks are perfectly suited for waste collection with heavy loads, stop-and-go conditions, and low speeds. James shares insights from The Saskatchewan Survivor's Guide podcast, featuring former center-left Canadian politician Cathy Sproule. Why climate policies often don't get political attention, even among left-lean...

Apple will use its waste heat from a data processing center to heat a small town. Uganda will swap out gas two wheelers for E-motorcycles for free. And Hyundai will stop celling combustion vehicles in Norway. This includes PHEVs. Brian struggles with Apple Music. James appologizes for getting Brian to buy Tesla stock. James's LEAF does something weird again. Chevy Bolt customers in Canada get shaf...

Why 2022 was a good year for clean energy (thanks Putin!), our EV of the year, solar on an abandoned nuclear power plant site, Brian gets stranded by the weather, James's Prius has troubles, and more evidence that the Tesla Supercharger network is the one to beat. The sound of driving next to the Tesla Semi will amaze you. EU emissions are down despite cold weather and a partial return to coal.  W...

A net energy gain for fusion in a lab is a landmark scientific achievement but we're decades away from commercialization according to experts. We have to decarbonize the planet by 2050. Will fusion energy contribute? Utility solar farm that lays the panels flat on the ground is commissioned. The Salton Sea in California could provide all the United States lithium needs and then some ( CNBC video l...

Tesla released their 500 mile/800 KM battery electric semi truck, proving that long-haul tranport can be electrified. A Texas fossil fuel foundation is fighting facts with misinformation campaigns and legal action to slow the adoption of clean energy. Link to NY Times story on the Texas foundation (free link) New IEA report: Renewables will do in the next five years what they did in the last two d...

Brian talks about Wired.com's story on the benefits of processed foods. James is depressed because his beloved Nissan LEAF needs a new PTC cabin heater with a hefty price tag. The city of Houston has a boil water advisory because of a blip in their power grid. The Tesla Semi seems to be for real. Musk says it completed a 500 mile journey pulling an 81,000 pound load. The upcoming Sizewell C nuclea...

Two hundred billion dollars of oil and gas money to through The World Cup in Qatar. Turns out Qatar is 'new money' and yet has a huge sovereign fund of $300B. Even they know the transition is coming. The governor of Tokyo suggests turtleneck sweaters for saving on energy. Will the trend take off? Donate to The Clean Energy Show via PayPal! COP27 was a big, fat compromise and we need to do better b...

Debunking the myths that say we can't live without carbon. Plus, plug-in hybrids and wooden sky scrapers. James and Brian attend Drive Electric Week events and talk to a local organizer.  James test drives the Chevy Bolt EV he wants to buy. Filling your tires in winter and having them blow up in summer. Electric Corvette.  EV pricing confustion due to rebates. PBS Frontline series on Big Oil disin...