The Energy Realities team of David Blackmon, Irina Slav, Dr. Tammy Nemeth, and Stu Turley kicks off 2026 with a bang! This is a wild ride, and we are off to the Energy Realities Races in 2026.

00:00 Introduction

02:09 Dr. Tammy Nemeth looks to kick off energy trends in Canada and Oil markets

05:00 David Blackmon Venezuela

06:29 Irina Slav - Common Sense

09:34 David - Battery Advancements

11:18 Stu Turley - batteries must be recyclable, and it will take Billions to get Venezuelan oil moving

14:57 If North Korea, Democrats, or Republicans who allegedly took money grumble, it means you're on the right track.

15:26 Trillions spent on the energy transition, only to have higher costs

22:07 EVs and Norway

30:55 Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

34:33 Orsted and Equinor

43:26 Climate action faces key tests

1. Energy trends and outlook for 2026:

  - The impact of the situation in Venezuela on the global oil market and Canada's oil exports

  - The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and its expansion to more industries

  - Challenges facing the energy transition, such as the viability of new battery technologies and the reliability of renewable energy sources like wind and solar

2. Geopolitical and economic issues:

  - Tensions between the US, Canada, and the EU

  - Concerns about corruption and fraud in China's electric vehicle industry

  - The potential impact of the US taking action in Venezuela on Chinese investments in South America

3. Energy policies and their effects:

  - The differences in electricity prices and affordability between Democratic-led and Republican-led states in the US

  - The unintended consequences of renewable energy policies, such as increased electricity costs for consumers

4. Specific energy-related news and developments:

  - Legal challenges by offshore wind companies against the US government's suspension of offshore wind projects

  - The decline in oil prices in 2025 and OPEC's efforts to manage the resulting glut

The transcript covers a wide range of energy-related topics, from geopolitics and policies to technological developments and market trends, providing a comprehensive discussion of the key issues facing the energy sector in 2026.

Irina Slav

International Author writing about energy, mining, and geopolitical issues. Bulgaria

David Blackmon

Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.

Tammy Nemeth

Energy Consulting Specialist

Stuart Turley

President and CEO, Sandstone Group, Podcast Host

We had a great discussion with David Blackmon, Irina Slav, and Tammy Nemeth, who tried to join in but had a little spotty connection.

01:19 2026 Predictions

03:24 Dark Fleet Tankers filling up in Venezuela

04:48 Naval Assets in the Caribbean Sea and Panama

21:43 ExxonMobil cutting investments in low-carbon solutions

26:51 The world is healing

The main topics discussed in this podcast are:

1. Sanctions and their effectiveness (or lack thereof): The discussion covers how sanctions, particularly those imposed on Russia and Venezuela, have not had the intended impact on the oil and gas markets.

2. The energy transition and its challenges: The Energy Realities team analyzes the failures and "dead ends" of various clean energy technologies and initiatives, such as fuel cells, green hydrogen, and sustainable aviation/shipping fuels.

3. Geopolitics and trade blocs: There is discussion about the shifting global trade dynamics, with mentions of the potential for the U.S. to align more with India, China, Russia, and Japan, rather than the G7 countries.

4. The oil and gas industry: The gang analyzes trends in the oil and gas sector, including the pivot of major oil companies away from renewable investments and towards data centers, the potential for regime change in Venezuela, and the impact of subsidies on the solar and wind industries.

5. The economic and political landscape: Topics include the state of the U.S. economy, the popularity of the Trump administration, and the challenges faced by the EU in addressing the energy crisis.

Check out the full transcript https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/

Or

https://energynewsbeat.co/

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The Energy Realities Team drives it home - "Come On Man"

This was a fun podcast with Tammy Nemeth, Irina Slav, David Blackmon, and me! We had way too much fun and had some great comments from the live audience.

We also had some great insights from Dr. Graham Conway, Principal Engineer in the Automotive Division at Southwest Research Institute. A shout-out to Rodney, who found out who he was. I have included the full TED Talk clip below, along with the key bullet points.

Key Points for the Energy Realities Podcast this morning:

The main topics discussed in this transcript are:

1. The impact of Trump’s policies on the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the United States. The transcript discusses how Trump’s actions, such as rescinding California’s EV mandate and the CAFE standards, have negatively impacted the growth of the EV market in the US.

2. The challenges and limitations of EVs, including their high costs, limited range, battery fires, and lack of consumer demand. We provide detailed analysis on why EVs are not a viable or sustainable solution compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

3. The impact of government subsidies and incentives on the EV market. We discuss how the removal of subsidies, such as the $7,500 tax credit, has led to a significant drop in EV sales in the US.

4. The geopolitical and economic implications of the transition to EVs, including the impact on manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy security. We touch on how this transition is affecting countries like Canada and the European Union.

5. The broader context of the “green energy transition” agenda, criticizing it as an ideological and unsustainable approach that is harming economies and energy security.

Key Chapters:

00:00 Introduction - Irina Slav

03:18 David Blackmon’s view on how the Trump Administration’s impact on EVs

09:55 Dr. Tammy Nemeth covers Norway and the UK’s impact.

18:40 Dr. Graham Conway on his TED Talk and how EVs are not as environmentally friendly as advertised.

24:44 Irina Slav is pointing out that the EU wants smaller EVs and shorter ranges.

30:44 Dr. Tammy Nemeth Zelensky, Starmer, and Macron meeting to figure out the next action items.

32:48 Dr. Tammy Nemeth brings up that EU and Canada allowed deindustrialization to become a service economy, and may have caused harm to long-term manufacturing capabilities.

Dr. Graham Conway's TED Talk was outstanding; here is the TikTok video. I will be reaching out to him to get him on the podcast.

https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/p/did-trump-just-kill-joe-bidens-ev

Irina Slav

International Author writing about energy, mining, and geopolitical issues. Bulgaria

David Blackmon

Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.

Tammy Nemeth

Energy Consulting Specialist

Stuart Turley

President and CEO, Sandstone Group, Podcast Host

The Energy Reality team from Bulgaria, the US, and the UK had a fun energy discussion at the expense of the COP30 participants. When you get Tammy Nemeth, David Blackmon, Stu Turley, and Irina Slav on a podcast, buckle up, as fun is around the corner.

The main topics The Energy Realities Team discussed in this podcast episode include:

1. The outcomes and implications of COP30, the recent UN climate change conference:

- The lack of significant progress or agreements made at the conference

- Discussions around censorship and information control efforts that emerged from COP30

- The role and influence of the US, particularly under the Trump administration, on the outcomes

2. The geopolitical and economic shifts happening globally related to energy and climate policies:

- The diverging paths and trading blocs forming between countries/regions pursuing net-zero policies versus those resisting them

- China's growing influence and the West's increasing reliance on China for manufacturing and energy

- Concerns about deindustrialization and the fiscal impacts of net-zero policies in Western countries

3. Specific energy and climate policy developments:

- The "memorandum of understanding" between the Canadian federal government and the province of Alberta on oil pipelines

- The UK's plans to tax electric vehicle drivers

- Germany's increasing gas usage and LNG import needs

4. Commentary and analysis on the media's coverage and portrayal of these energy and climate issues.

The podcast features in-depth discussion and differing perspectives from the co-hosts on these major topics shaping the global energy landscape.

Irina Slav

International Author writing about energy, mining, and geopolitical issues. Bulgaria

David Blackmon

Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.

Tammy Nemeth

Energy Consulting Specialist

Stuart Turley

President and CEO, Sandstone Group, Podcast Host

If you want to get your story out, consider sponsoring the Podcast and reaching out to anyone on the team.

We have Brian Zinchuk, PipelineOnline.ca, Saskatchewan’s Energy News, stopping by the Energy Realities Podcast, and we’re ready to dive deep into Canada’s evolving energy markets. It’s always a great time having Brian on the show as he brings sharp insights and real-world perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s energy future.

From the federal clean energy mandates to the realities of coal, gas, and nuclear development, this conversation explores how Saskatchewan is navigating the path to reliable, affordable power. Buckle up, some true energy realities are hitting the podcast as we uncover what’s shaping the future of Canadian energy.

This was a lot of fun, and Brian and I were able to catch up after the show and talk about his reporting and how we can help him out with more coverage.

Please follow Brian on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianzinchuk/

Check out his news site: Pipelineonline.ca

Highlights of the Podcast

00:00 – Introduction

01:42 – Saskatchewan’s Energy Reality

04:12 – Coal as a Bridge to Nuclear

10:26 – Challenges with Wind, Solar, and Gas

12:11 – Lessons from Europe and Maintenance Issues

22:18 – CO₂ Capture and Enhanced Oil Recovery

26:19 – Federal vs. Provincial Energy Conflict

29:09 – The Price of Unreliable Energy

35:51 – The Storage Mirage

39:33 – Saskatchewan Pushes Back

44:54 – Doubling the Grid is Unrealistic

53:25 – Nuclear’s Massive Future

55:56 – Preparing the Next Generation

58:31 – Closing Remarks

In a shocking flip, Bill Gates announced that Climate Change, while a real issue, is not an "existential threat" to humanity. Wow, how much has his Climate leadership impacted global markets and society and how has it harmed kids' mental health? You have to ask, how much has the global market of carbon credits and Net Zero been influenced by Bill Gates' money and involvement? And how do we move forward without being censored?

In this episode of the Energy Realities Podcast, David Blackmon, Tammy Nemeth, Irina Slav, and Stu Turley dive into Gates’ sudden change in tone and what it reveals about the broader climate agenda. From the fading dominance of the Green movement to the growing backlash against global sustainability mandates, the hosts unpack how billionaire-driven policies, corporate influence, and political narratives have shaped public perception and distorted energy markets. They also explore the real “opportunity cost” of these policies how resources poured into questionable green ventures have stifled innovation, strained economies, and undermined energy security worldwide. Tune in for sharp insights and real talk you won’t hear in the mainstream.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:00 – Opening and Introductions

01:41 – Bill Gates’ Shift on Climate Change

05:11 – Gates’ Motives and Investments

06:45 – Gates’ Profit Motives & Backlash

10:28 – Media Clip: “Opportunity Cost”

15:14 – Exxon’s Pushback and Policy Overreach

21:14 – The Battle over Corporate Climate Mandates

28:15 – EU’s Overconfidence and Federalization Push

34:01 – EU’s Political Shakeups and Doubling Down

39:42 - Climate activists lose human rights case over Norway oil and gas drilling

42:36 - Tests find that Chinese manufacturer can manipulate electric busses in Norway

46:46 - Chris Wright talks China Deal, Alaska, Bill Gates and More 

47:44 - Bill Gates Lurch into Energy and Climate Reality

48:33 - Save the animals. But only the ones we say

54:50 - ExxonMobil Sues California Over Climate Reporting Laws

55:23 - Surge in Rooftop Blazes Sparks Concern Over Miliband’s Solar Panel Boom

57:46 – Global Climate Governance

01:01:46 – Closing Remarks

You won't want to miss this episode of the Energy Realities Podcast with David Blackmon, Irina Slav, Tammy Nemeth, and Stu Turley as they dive into the major shifts shaping today’s global energy landscape. From geopolitical tensions and critical mineral shortages to the ongoing tug-of-war between renewable ambitions and oil and gas realities, the hosts unpack how policy, production, and politics are redefining the future of energy.

As markets react to new trade deals, environmental directives, and economic divides, the team breaks down what these changes mean for consumers, investors, and nations alike. This episode brings powerful insight and candid analysis on the forces driving the world’s transition and why understanding them has never been more important.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 – Introductions

03:32 - Promises Made, Promises Kept: Trump Keeps Another One in ANWR

12:06 - The momentum on trade is with the United States

22:23 - Greenpeace and the Net Zero Followers are Wrong - The World is Bifurcating into New Trading Blocs

29:49 - Europe Faces an Economic Reality Check on Its Climate Agenda

31:47 - Europe struggles to catch up in race to stockpile critical minerals

38:54 - U.S. Energy Secretary and Qatari Energy Minister Send Letter to EU Regarding Proposed Corporate Climate Regulations

45:44 - Household electric bills to change with the weather

54:22 - Spain Reconsiders Its Nuclear Phaseout as Utilities Seek Almaraz Extension

55:53 - Secretary Chris Wright has a plan for Rare Earth and Critical Minerals - What is the timeline?

01:00:00 – Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

The world is facing a massive increase in electricity prices, but nobody has a straight answer on why the prices are up hundreds of percent. We have a special guest, David Turver, a first-principles thinker who writes about Net Zero and Energy Policies. We will have our regular band of energy misfits — David Blackmon, Tammy Nemeth, Irina Slav, and Stu Turley. Buckle up for the truth.

In this eye-opening discussion, the panel uncovers the real factors driving today’s skyrocketing electricity costs from renewable subsidies and carbon taxes to grid infrastructure burdens and political mismanagement. David Turver breaks down how these policies have led to economic stagnation, industrial decline, and an uncertain energy future. Tune in to hear how the UK and U.S. are both feeling the impact, and what real solutions could restore affordability and reliability to our power systems.

This was an excellent follow-up to the article Wind Turbines are Made by Coal and Are Not Sustainable

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 - Introduction

03:04 - The Real Cause of High Energy Bills

08:19 - Hidden Infrastructure Costs

12:59 - Political Pushback and Reform Party Response

14:59 - U.S. Parallels: Texas’ Two Power Grids

20:15 - Economic Impact: Stagnant GDP and Industrial Decline

23:07 - Carbon Border Taxes and Global Competitiveness

27:12 - Double Carbon Taxes in the UK

28:45 - Will Power Bills Ever Go Down?

34:18 - Wind Turbine Lifespans and Decommissioning Scandals

38:09 - Bureaucratic Capture and Net Zero Ideology

43:34 - Reliance on Interconnectors and Norway’s Discontent

46:50 - UK Politics and the Future of Net Zero

54:03 - Real Solutions: Cutting Subsidies and Redash for Gas

57:24 - The Case for Clean Coal and Energy Security

59:11 - Net Zero Equals Deindustrialization

01:00:05 - Closing Remarks

You won’t want to miss this live discussion from the Energy Realities team on China v. the US in the Critical Mineral market control that is getting global attention. China has been taking additional steps to control supply in various ways, and we will cover how the Trump administration is looking to secure key sources of critical minerals. With David Blackmon, Irina Slav, Tammy Nemeth, and Stu Turley.

As China tightens its grip on rare earth and critical energy minerals materials vital to modern technology and defense systems, the Energy Realities team dives deep into what this means for the global economy and Western energy security. From supply chain dominance and environmental resistance to national security implications and policy failures, this discussion unpacks the strategic challenges the U.S. and its allies now face.

We had a great discussion, and Stu brought up the fact that General Flynn had pointed out last week, when they were recording the podcast, that we all need to get involved and not sit on the sidelines anymore. The fact that we stood by and let our country get this bad is something we need to take to heart and take action locally. That episode with General Flynn is releasing tomorrow morning.

President Trump is going to get the critical mineral issue figured out, and we need to encourage Secretary Zeldin to get after regulatory reform before it is too late. We only have months, not years, to get the ore-refining capacity moving, and we will probably see wartime investments and action from the Trump administration.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:11 – Introduction

03:00 – China’s Global Influence and U.S. Response

04:16 – Warnings Ignored: The West’s Missed Opportunities

06:50 – Environmental Barriers to Mining

08:11 – The Irony of Green Resistance

12:03 – National Security and Supply Chain Risks

19:01 – Political Compromise and Chinese Influence in the West

23:09 – Useful Idiots and Ideological Alignment

26:56 – Political Incompetence in the West

30:00 – Call for Action: Building Domestic Capacity

32:17 - Nations Rallied To Stop the 1970s Oil Crisis. It’s Time To Do The Same For Critical Minerals

34:45 - Carney's dead end for Alberta oil

37:31 - Foreign Billionaire Pours Millions Into U.S. Politics to Push Radical Green Agenda

38:35 - China v America on Rare Earth and Critical Energy Minerals 

38:46 - Ferrari slashes 2030 electric car plan in half 

42:43 - China and Iran Seal Oil-for-Infrastructure Deal to Bypass U.S. Sanctions 

43:24 - Phil Mickelson says if you want cleaner Beaches, then restart oil drilling

44:23 - Greenpeace Threatens Crown Estate With Offshore Wind Lawsuit

45:26 - European Union and energy 

49:46 – Climate Litigation and Political Hypocrisy

50:59 – Closing Remarks

You don’t want to miss this episode of the Energy Realities Podcast with the International Team from the UK, EU, and the US. We have Dr. Tammy Nemeth, Irina Slav, Stu Turley, and David Blackmon. We will be covering the latest updates in Net Zero, like the reports that the Net Zero Banking Alliance has voted to cease operations. Is this yet another fallout from the Trump UN Speech?

This episode dives into the unraveling of the Net Zero movement—from Europe’s industrial collapse and green energy failures to the hypocrisy behind corporate “greenwashing.” It explores how political shifts, financial pushback, and the realities of energy demand are reshaping the global sustainability agenda. With insights from across continents, it exposes the widening gap between climate idealism and energy realism.

Germany’s industrial Collapse is legendary, and the number of jobs lost due to deindustrialization is estimated between 300,000 and 400,000. The number of companies that left or shut down due to increased energy costs is staggering.

Examining the financial impact of Net Zero on Germany’s GDP is remarkable, and Dr. Tammy Nemeth raised a point that the EU is considering revising or redefining GDP as a measure of financial stability. If you can have a growing economy, redefine the normal fiscal definitions.

For the full article check out:

Has Net Zero Cost Germany Its Top Spot in Manufacturing?

Highlights of the Podcast

00:13 - Introduction

03:03 - The Net Zero Movement’s Bad Year

07:05 - Economic Decline Across Europe

12:15 - The “Blessing of the Ice Block”

15:02 - Germany’s Industrial Collapse

20:28 - The Meat Industry and “Protein Craze”

25:25 - Greenwashing and Forced Compliance

30:09 - Political Pushback in Europe

32:40 - Mark Carney’s Shift From Climate-Change Warrior to Fossil-Fuel Cheerleader

35:44 - Minister Hodgson announces $22M for Quebec battery innovation

38:32 - UN, Nature Declare War on GDP With Their ‘Doughnut of Prosperity’ 

39:34 - Net-Zero banking alliance folds after mass exodus by members

42:05 - Italy's economic woes have a climate upside, for now

43:51 - California’s solar and battery combo packs a transformational punch 

48:07 - Update on the Chevron Refinery in California - A national security disaster just got worse as a possible drone strike

50:56 - AI computing demand: An additional 55 GW of power capacity required globally by 2030

55:15 - Lighthearted Closing