The Clean Energy Show

In this episode of The Clean Energy Show, James and Brian explore a groundbreaking startup backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman that's turning sunlight into heat stored in bricks. These modular containers can be deployed anywhere, potentially revolutionizing data center power supply. They also discuss how heat pumps continue to outsell gas furnaces in the U.S., signaling a major shift in home heating technology. Meanwhile, Japan's largest nuclear reactor remains inactive, stalled by local political resistance even as public opinion on nuclear power shifts.

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The episode also features a humorous story from the Czech Republic, where industrious beavers thwarted plans for a new dam by building their own—completely free of charge. James and Brian explore the implications of these stories for clean energy adoption and environmental conservation.

Brian revisits a classic SNL clip featuring Mike Myers in a climate change-themed Christmas special, while James shares his thoughts on a YouTube video documenting a train journey from Shanghai to Beijing. He humorously contemplates the highs and lows of communist amenities, including squat toilets.

The hosts dive into the cold hard facts about wind turbines and whether they can function effectively at temperatures below -30°C. They also touch on the challenges of grid stability and energy demands during extreme weather conditions.

In The Lightning Round, they cover a range of fast-paced stories including:

• Ram's electric truck with a unique battery reserved just for towing.
• India doubling its rooftop solar subsidies to $2.31 billion.
• Indonesia's delayed coal peak timeline and its implications for climate goals.
• California's push towards 100% renewable energy with massive wind energy imports from New Mexico.
• China's clean energy boom, now accounting for 10% of its GDP.
• Texas gearing up for its windy season, which could significantly boost wind power output.
• A surge in U.S. battery manufacturing, doubling cell production capacity this year.
• Solar and battery combinations becoming cheaper than coal and natural gas in key markets.
• California's ambitious offshore wind plans moving forward despite political challenges.

This week's CES FAST FACT™ reveals how Japan's largest floating solar plant was redesigned after a typhoon-related fire, highlighting the importance of engineering clean energy projects to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Don't miss this jam-packed episode of The Clean Energy Show!

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See you in one week!

Palm oil is one of the biggest environmental villains, but now a Dutch biotech company has scaled up a breakthrough yeast-based alternative that could drastically cut emissions and deforestation. Meanwhile, New York City is tackling unsafe e-bike batteries by handing out free replacement e-bikes to delivery workers. Plus, France is going all-in on nuclear power to support the AI boom.

Undecided with Matt Ferrell - the popular YouTuber comes to Brian and James's backyard to explore the construction of a wind farm. Great video here. https://youtu.be/rKPYy8RF1RU?si=p8HFcVONNNYHMCks

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Also on this episode:

• China's heavy trucks are electrifying at a record pace.

• Russia's war is increasing global aviation emissions.

• New research shows carbon capture may be worse than simply investing in renewables.

• Rivian's electric delivery van, once exclusive to Amazon, is now available for purchase by any fleet.

Weldon in Winnipeg shares a funny experience about driving an EV in -30°C, proving that gas cars aren't just bad for the environment but also for visibility!

• BYD's solid-state battery breakthrough could double EV range.

• A new Airbus A321XLR jet cuts fuel use by 30% per passenger.

• Data center electricity demand is skyrocketing worldwide.

• EV interest is surging, but cost misconceptions remain high.

• The cost of installing a Tesla Supercharger stall? About $40,000.

• Home insurance costs in Alberta have soared 90% in a decade due to extreme weather events.

• China's heavy-duty truck market is rapidly shifting to electric, hitting 21% market share this year.

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Our special fifth-anniversary episode! This week, we take a trip down memory lane to reflect on five years of clean energy news, predictions, and surprises. James takes us through just how much progress has been made in clean energy since we started the podcast five years ago. The growth is staggering, even compared to the most optimistic 2020 predictions!

The Baltic states have officially disconnected from the Russian power grid and joined the EU grid. Workers literally cut the cord and took pieces home as souvenirs, along with safety, security, and peace of mind.

Celebrating Five Years Our first show aired on February 12, 2020, in Brian's bomb shelter studio, where we recorded the first five episodes.

How Predictions Held Up Back in 2020, some clean energy forecasts missed the mark—by a lot:

• A 2020 climate report estimated 2.5 million EVs on the road by 2030. We're at 85 million today, with four years to go.

EV Boom in Five Years

• In 2020, 2.9% of new car sales in Canada were EVs—by the end of 2024, it was 13.2%.
• There were only 4 million EVs in the world when we started. Now, 4 million EVs are sold every two months.

China's Rapid Growth

• In 2020, China exported 1 million cars. By 2024, that number skyrocketed to 6.4 million.
• When we started the podcast, there were 8 million EVs worldwide. Now, China alone produces 238,000 plug-in vehicles every day!

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The Lightning Round

• Ozempic is reportedly messing with climate predictions by reducing food consumption. Less food, less pollution!
• Over $2 trillion was invested in the global energy transition in 2024—a record-breaking amount.
• The U.K. would need a forest twice the size of London to offset its airport expansion emissions.
• Oxford University, at 699 years old, is replacing gas heating with heat pumps to cut carbon emissions.
• The Baltic states successfully cut ties to the Russian power grid and are now fully synchronized with the EU grid.

Thank you for five years of listening! Here's to the next five!

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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.

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• Out of Spec YouTube channel

We also take a deep dive into an EV YouTuber's trip to China and uncover just how far behind we are in EV technology. Spoiler: it's bad, but still not as bad as Greenland. Plus, while Indian Railways celebrates 100 years of electrification, some North American officials are still convinced electric trains don't exist.

Also on the show this week:

• Turning fiber optics into smart sensors.

• James rigs up his old electric car to defrost his windows.

• And much more!

The latest U.S. policies have thrown Canada into turmoil, with jobs disappearing and small businesses shutting down. The idea of Canada becoming the 51st state is floating around, but what would that mean? With an additional 343 seats in the U.S. House and 2 in the Senate, plus 345 electoral votes, Canada would fundamentally alter the political landscape—potentially preventing another Republican presidency. But would Americans ever accept us?

The long-awaited geothermal power plant near us will start producing electricity next year. Initially generating 5MW, this marks a significant step in clean energy for the region. Read more: Deep Earth Energy and SLB Canada partnership.

Kyle Connor from Out of Spec recently tested EVs in China, where battery swapping is a common practice due to the lack of home charging in massive apartment complexes.

Researchers are developing technology that repurposes fiber optic cables to monitor and optimize the electrical grid. Read more: Electrek article.

• China's EV charging points surged by 49% to 12.8 million in 2024.

• The UK now has 8GWh of operational battery energy storage, with nearly 20GWh under construction.

• 60 million AAA members in the U.S. and Canada can now get preferred pricing at ChargePoint stations.

• Tesla's sales are plummeting in California while the broader EV market continues to grow.

• PV-powered EVs can extend their range by up to 30%, with real-world tests showing an additional 530 km of range.

• Enhanced geothermal is expected to reach a levelized cost of $80/MWh by 2027, eliminating the need for coal and nuclear as baseload power sources.

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That's our show for this week! Email us at [email protected], follow us on social media @CleanEnergyPod, and don't forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast app. See you next week!

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's CLEAN CLUB on Patreon for exclusive perks! Get a monthly bonus podcast, early access to our content, behind the scenes content, access to our members-only Discord community and thank-yous in the credits of videos and shoutouts on our podcast! Starting at just a couple dollars per month!

Plus, we reflect on five years of podcasting and take a deep dive into the state of electric vehicle adoption worldwide. Norway is set to hit its 100% zero-emission vehicle goal this year, while the U.S. and Canada struggle to keep pace. We'll also discuss how EV price parity is reshaping the global auto industry and why fast charger costs are finally coming down.

Highlights from this week's episode:

• Renaming the Gulf of Mexico: A humorous take on geopolitics as James suggests Canada reclaim the Gulf as "The Gulf of Southern Canada."
• UAE's Solar Mega-Project: How the largest solar-plus-storage project compares to traditional baseload power sources.
• Wildfire Survivors: Why some trees remain standing amid devastation and how homes can be better protected from fire risks.
• Washington State's E-Bike Lottery: A unique approach to e-bike subsidies that could make cleaner transportation more accessible.
• EV Adoption Trends: Norway leads the pack with near-total EV adoption, while China outpaces North America in price competitiveness and sales growth.
• Listener Feedback: A shoutout to Ian, who reconsidered a winter EV road trip, and Ronnie, who shares insights on nuclear energy from a viral TikTok.

The Lightning Round:

• Volkswagen may partner with a Chinese EV manufacturer in Germany.
• Extreme heat in Europe is predicted to cause more deaths despite milder winters up north.
• France hit 95% carbon-free electricity production in 2024, driven by nuclear power.
• Solar energy overtakes coal for the first time in the EU.

Fast Facts:

• Texas solar power increased by 64% in one year.
• China's renewable energy investments dwarfed its nuclear developments in 2024.

Book Nook: James revisits Ducks by Kate Beaton, a poignant memoir about working in Alberta's oil sands.

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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 Oslo: Discover how Norway is leading the charge in cleaner, quieter construction sites, where even the loudest sounds come from an art museum.
• Understanding Wildfires: Why are trees often left standing after wildfires devastate neighborhoods? We discuss the science of fire behavior and building resilience.
• Sweden's Underground Heat Battery: Learn about a city storing summer heat for winter use, a fascinating innovation in sustainable energy.

Plus, we share listener letters from around the world, including advice for EV road trips in winter, insights on wildfire mitigation, and reactions to the latest energy news. Don't miss our deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of rebuilding after wildfires in California, as well as the science behind humidity and fire risk.

Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on Patreon for exciting perks! Get a monthly bonus podcast, early access to our content, behind the scenes content, access to our members-only Discord community and thank-yous in the credits of videos and shoutouts on our podcast! Starting at just a couple dollars per month!

Listener Mail Highlights:

• EV travel tips and challenges from Vancouver Island to Regina.
• Reflections on climate action and accountability from Ireland and Germany.
• A story of nostalgia for winter driving in a 1969 VW Beetle, contrasted with modern EV struggles.

The Lightning Round: Quick takes on the biggest clean energy stories, including:

• Oregon's massive 1.2 GW solar farm.
• China's rise as a nuclear powerhouse.
• Europe's potential to meet 25% of EV battery metal demand through recycling by 2030.

Contact Us: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at speakpipe.com/cleanenergyshow.

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Catch the latest in clean energy and climate news, right here on The Clean Energy Show!

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.

Repost of a re-edited episode. UPDATE: CAL FIRE has marked Martin Short's home as 'undamaged'! This is contrary to the previous report by The Wrap.

CORRECTION on the size of screen to protect attic vents. It should be no bigger than 1/8" opening (we said 1/4" which is an out-dated guideline.)

Episode Highlights:

• Los Angeles Wildfires: Examining the catastrophic fires in Pacific Palisades, where a tight-knit, picturesque community was largely destroyed. We discuss the human stories, the risks of living in fire-prone areas, and the role of climate change in escalating wildfire events.
• Author John Vaillant: Insights from Fire Weather and Vaillant's analysis of urban wildfires as a dire climate threat, with compelling clips from his talks and audiobook.
• The Cost of Fire Risk: Why insurers are pulling out of high-risk areas, leaving homeowners scrambling for alternatives like the FAIR Plan.
• Tokyo's Disaster Preparedness: A spotlight on Tokyo's remarkable infrastructure designed to mitigate natural disasters, from flood tunnels to seismic standards for buildings.
• Home Fire Safety Tips: Learn critical steps to reduce the risk of your home catching fire in a wildfire, including creating defensible spaces, fireproofing materials, and evacuation best practices.

Key Links Mentioned:

• Fire Weather by John Vaillant: Audiobook available here
• Induction Cooktop Review on Wirecutter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/copper-charlie-induction-stove-review/
• Raw video of Pacific Palisades fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt7VVdGcDzE

Contact Us: We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts and questions at [email protected].

Support Our Work: Help us continue creating climate-positive content:

• Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VMDCRPHLNR8YE
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Follow Us:

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Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on Patreon for exciting perks!

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.

Episode Highlights:

• Los Angeles Wildfires: Examining the catastrophic fires in Pacific Palisades, where a tight-knit, picturesque community was largely destroyed. We discuss the human stories, the risks of living in fire-prone areas, and the role of climate change in escalating wildfire events.
• Author John Vaillant: Insights from Fire Weather and Vaillant’s analysis of urban wildfires as a dire climate threat, with compelling clips from his talks and audiobook.
• The Cost of Fire Risk: Why insurers are pulling out of high-risk areas, leaving homeowners scrambling for alternatives like the FAIR Plan.
• Tokyo’s Disaster Preparedness: A spotlight on Tokyo’s remarkable infrastructure designed to mitigate natural disasters, from flood tunnels to seismic standards for buildings.
• Home Fire Safety Tips: Learn critical steps to reduce the risk of your home catching fire in a wildfire, including creating defensible spaces, fireproofing materials, and evacuation best practices.

Key Links Mentioned:

• Fire Weather by John Vaillant: Audiobook available here
• Induction Cooktop Review on Wirecutter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/copper-charlie-induction-stove-review/
• Raw video of Pacific Palisades fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt7VVdGcDzE

Contact Us: We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts and questions at [email protected].

Support the Show: Help us continue creating climate-positive content:

• Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VMDCRPHLNR8YE
• Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/cleanenergypod

Follow Us:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cleanenergypod
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleanenergypod/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thecleanenergyshow
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-clean-energy-show/id1498854987
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nIGJi8pZ9EmiJTPY4VOr5

Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on Patreon for exciting perks! Get a monthly bonus podcast, early access to our content, behind the scenes content, access to our members-only Discord community and thank-yous in the credits of videos and shoutouts on our podcast! Starting at just a couple dollars per month!

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 events reshaped global energy policy and consumer habits. Meanwhile, New York State takes a bold step in the fight against climate change by passing a law to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the costs of extreme weather.

Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on Patreon for exciting perks! Join at any level to get access to the extended edition of this week's show.

President Joe Biden's recent ban on oil drilling in nearly all federal waters marks a historic move in the clean energy transition, though its permanence remains uncertain under future administrations.

Other Highlights in This Episode:

• The reality of EV performance in super-cold conditions, including insights from Yakutsk, Siberia.
• Congestion pricing kicks off in Manhattan, with a reported 40% reduction in travel times.
• The return of compact EVs like the Chevy Bolt and the debut of cutting-edge electric trucks and SUVs in 2025.
• The fascinating journey of Carter's original White House solar panels, from their installation in 1979 to their afterlife across the globe.

We also dive into the latest clean energy developments in the Lightning Round, including:

• Robotaxis rolling out from Uber and Lyft.
• BYD's record-breaking growth in EV sales.
• The IEA's promising outlook on next-generation geothermal technologies.
• Germany's renewables hitting 125% of electricity demand on New Year's Day.

Join us as we kick off the year with exciting stories from the world of clean energy and a tribute to a true pioneer.

Bonus Content for Patreon Supporters: A deep dive into 2025's clean energy predictions, challenges, and upcoming EVs. Support us on Patreon to access exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/members.

Donate to Support the Show: Help keep the show running! Donate via PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VMDCRPHLNR8YE.

The Lightning Round: Stick around as we wrap up with quick-fire updates on cutting-edge clean energy news and trends!

[email protected]

Copyright 2025 Sneeze Media.

On this episode of The Clean Energy Show, 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 events reshaped global energy policy and consumer habits. Meanwhile, New York State takes a bold step in the fight against climate change by passing a law to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the costs of extreme weather.

President Joe Biden’s recent ban on oil drilling in nearly all federal waters marks a historic move in the clean energy transition, though its permanence remains uncertain under future administrations.

Other Highlights in This Episode:

• The reality of EV performance in super-cold conditions, including insights from Yakutsk, Siberia.
• Congestion pricing kicks off in Manhattan, with a reported 40% reduction in travel times.
• The return of compact EVs like the Chevy Bolt and the debut of cutting-edge electric trucks and SUVs in 2025.
• The fascinating journey of Carter’s original White House solar panels, from their installation in 1979 to their afterlife across the globe.

We also dive into the latest clean energy developments in the Lightning Round, including:

• Robotaxis rolling out from Uber and Lyft.
• BYD’s record-breaking growth in EV sales.
• The IEA’s promising outlook on next-generation geothermal technologies.
• Germany’s renewables hitting 125% of electricity demand on New Year’s Day.

Join us as we kick off the year with exciting stories from the world of clean energy and a tribute to a true pioneer.

Bonus Content for Patreon Supporters: A deep dive into 2025’s clean energy predictions, challenges, and upcoming EVs. Support us on Patreon to access this week's extended episode: https://www.patreon.com/members.

Donate to Support the Show: Help keep the show running! Donate via PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VMDCRPHLNR8YE.

The Lightning Round: Stick around as we wrap up with quick-fire updates on cutting-edge clean energy news and trends!

Contact Us

[email protected] or leave us an online voicemail: http://speakpipe.com/clean

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Copyright 2025 Sneeze Media.