GM’s big move to join Tesla’s Supercharger network, Australia’s rooftop solar overload, and Microsoft reviving the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear facility to power AI. Plus, we’ll discuss a billion-dollar solar-battery project in Utah, some cheeky comments about ice hockey, and much more!

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Our friend's movie Die Alone starring Carrie-Anne Moss

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWEt2FoIqlU

In Theaters in Canada September 27, USA October 10, 2024.

 

This Week’s Headlines:

• GM EVs Get Tesla Supercharger Access: GM doubles fast-charging options in North America, but you’ll have to pay for the adapter. Full article on The Verge
• Australia’s Solar Kill Switch: Australia’s booming rooftop solar power requires a kill switch to manage excess energy. But maybe James’s tanning bed could help balance things out! Read more on Renew Economy
• Microsoft and Three Mile Island Nuclear: The once-infamous nuclear facility is getting a fresh start to power AI, thanks to a massive $1.6 billion investment. Full story on Electrek
• Utah’s $1B Solar + Battery Project: Ground has broken on a massive solar and battery storage project that could change the energy landscape in Utah. Read the article on Electrek

Main Discussion Topics:

• GM and Tesla Superchargers: Why GM's access to Tesla Superchargers is a game changer for EVs, and the impact on charging times for various vehicles like the Bolt EV, Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Plus, how much that pesky adapter will cost! Full article on The Verge
• Low Power Demand in Australia: We explore Australia’s struggle to manage rooftop solar surpluses and why they may need to turn off solar generation at times. Read more on Renew Economy
• Three Mile Island Nuclear Revival: Microsoft’s massive investment to revive the plant for AI energy needs, and the implications for nuclear energy’s future. Full story on Electrek
• Listener Mailbag: A listener asks why the U.S. can’t get cheaper Chinese EVs, and we dive into the geopolitical concerns surrounding Chinese automotive tech. Read the Reuters article

Lightning Round:

• China smashes records for wind and solar additions.
• UK nuclear decommissioning to cost £132 billion. BBC article
• Carrier HVAC launches new heat pumps that work in extreme cold. Full story on Cooling Post
• How EV charging stations are boosting retail spending. Study published in Nature

Fast Facts:

• The 600 GW of solar being added worldwide in 2024 will produce the same amount of electricity as 150 nuclear reactors!

Mailbag: Listener Paul asks about the future of Chinese EVs in the U.S. following new software crackdown proposals by the Biden administration. We explore the pros, cons, and the bigger implications for global trade and technology. Read more on Reuters

Closing Remarks: Thank you for listening to episode 230! We love hearing from our listeners, so don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at Speakpipe. Subscribe to get new episodes every week, and don’t forget to check out our merch store.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• GM EVs get access to Tesla Supercharger Network The Verge
• Microsoft reviving Three Mile Island Electrek
• $1 Billion Solar-Battery Project in Utah Electrek
• Low Power Demand in Australia Renew Economy
• Biden’s proposal on Chinese EVs Reuters

 

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