In Sierra Leone, solar power is saving lives—literally. A neonatal intensive care unit that once faced constant blackouts is now powered by a solar microgrid with lithium-ion batteries. The result? A surge from 10 newborns a month in 2013 to 140 today, with hundreds of lives saved each year thanks to reliable, renewable power.

Revised edit.

Watch Michael Liebreich's documentary from his Cleaning Up YouTube channel: https://www.patreon.com/posts/solar-hospital-126744571?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

A historic win for climate accountability: the UN's maritime agency has passed the first international emissions cap for global shipping.

Also this week: New research shows that cleaner air boosts solar power generation.

Plus: A U.S. jury has ordered Greenpeace to pay $660 million in damages over its role in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. 

• Florida has overtaken California in utility-scale solar.

• It’s illegal to bike your kids to school in Ontario.

• J.D. Vance called the people of China "peasants." We had thoughts.

Links Mentioned:

• Solar Brightening Boosts Power Output – Bloomberg

• Greenpeace Verdict and the Future of Activism – Bloomberg

• UN Shipping Emissions Vote – BBC

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Texas offers billions to build gas power plants—but no one wants the cash. Developers say renewables are just too cheap. Meanwhile, Delhi cracks down on combustion cars, Viking unveils a zero-emission cruise ship, and salmon are swimming free thanks to dam removal.

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In this episode:

• Texas’ Energy Gamble: A $5B loan program for new gas plants is falling apart. Developers say costs and market risks are too high. Read more
• Viking's Hydrogen Cruise Ship: The Viking Libra launches in 2026 as the world's first zero-emission hydrogen-powered cruise ship. Details
• Barcelona's All-Electric Ferry: New ferry runs 21 hours on a single charge. Story
• Delhi’s Combustion Crackdown: Starting April 15, vehicles older than 10–15 years can’t refuel. Big bans are coming by 2035. Read
• UK Adjusts Its Ban: ICE vehicle sales end in 2030, hybrids get a 5-year extension. Details
• Salmon Return to the Klamath: Four dam removals bring salmon back to Oregon and California rivers. Watch the doc
• Fleet EV Update: James reflects on EV truck adoption and fights battery myths. CATL eyes Nio’s battery swap network. More

Lightning Round:

• Russia struggles as oil nears $50/barrel
• Toyota plans 10 new EVs by 2027 (link)
• Audi halts U.S. deliveries due to tariffs
• BYD sells 6,500 EVs in March in the UK (+750%)
• Pakistan multiplies solar capacity 17x in 2024
• Illinois EV adoption up 50%, fueled by $4,000 rebate
• Solar power is doubling globally every 3 years
• Over 100 oil refineries face shutdown by 2035
• Clean electricity surpassed 40% globally in 2024 Source

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Welcome to episode 256 of The Clean Energy Show! This week, we explore the challenges of allowing Chinese EVs into Canada, the arrival of USB-C charging for electric bikes, and how small amounts of solar power are transforming lives in Africa. Plus, Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are trending downward, and James Whittingham claims full credit.

The Downside of Chinese EVs in Canada

China is testing whether the prospect of big EV investments could sway Canada’s trade policies. The country’s ambassador to Canada has expressed concerns over restrictions that have hindered BYD’s expansion into Canada. Critics argue that China’s trade proposals could reduce Canada to a resource exporter while China dominates global tech and manufacturing. Is this the kind of economy Canada wants?

Read more

USB-C Charging for E-Bikes

Read more

Electrification in Africa Gains Momentum

Plunging solar panel prices and increased international funding are fueling the rise of mini-grids in Africa. These solar-powered microgrids are transforming rural communities, enabling businesses, improving education, and even providing street lighting for safety. The impact is profound, with villages experiencing economic and social growth thanks to electricity access.

Read more

Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decline

Read more

The Lightning Round

• EV sales in China have likely caused gasoline consumption to peak. Read more

• Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are emerging as major markets for Chinese solar panels. Read more

• Uruguay’s EV market is booming, with battery-electric vehicles reaching over 15% market share. Read more

• Hyundai’s Georgia EV plant is now operational, ready to launch the three-row IONIQ 9. Read more

• Waymo’s self-driving cars now use external speakers to alert passengers about forgotten items. Read more

• Volvo’s latest electric truck boasts a 600km range, 44-ton capacity, and rapid 40-minute charging. Read more

• Chinese battery manufacturer Cornex has improved grid-scale battery storage by 50%, with mass production beginning in June. Read more

Eric from the Bay Area recommends the documentary The White House Effect, which is premiering at a local film festival in Sebastopol, California.

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The downside of allowing Chinese EVs into North America, the arrival of USB-C charging for electric bikes, and how small amounts of solar power are transforming lives in Africa. Plus, Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are trending downward, and James claims full credit.

The Downside of Chinese EVs in Canada

China is testing whether the prospect of big EV investments could sway Canada’s trade policies. The country’s ambassador to Canada has expressed concerns over restrictions that have hindered BYD’s expansion into Canada. Critics argue that China’s trade proposals could reduce Canada to a resource exporter while China dominates global tech and manufacturing. Is this the kind of economy Canada wants?

USB-C Charging for E-Bikes

Estonian-based Ampler Bikes has unveiled the first-ever production e-bikes that charge via USB-C. This innovation allows riders to use a standard 140W laptop charger to top up their bikes. Could this become the new universal charging standard?

Electrification in Africa Gains Momentum

Plunging solar panel prices and increased international funding are fueling the rise of mini-grids in Africa. These solar-powered microgrids are transforming rural communities, enabling businesses, improving education, and even providing street lighting for safety. The impact is profound, with villages experiencing economic and social growth thanks to electricity access.

Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decline

Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions fell slightly in 2023, marking an 8% decrease since 2005. While progress is being made, the country is still far from its 2030 target of a 40-45% reduction. The electricity sector has led the way in emission reductions, largely due to coal phase-outs and increased renewable energy adoption.

The Lightning Round

• EV sales in China have likely caused gasoline consumption to peak.

• Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are emerging as major markets for Chinese solar panels.

• Uruguay’s EV market is booming, with battery-electric vehicles reaching over 15% market share.

• Hyundai’s Georgia EV plant is now operational, ready to launch the three-row IONIQ 9.

• Waymo’s self-driving cars now use external speakers to alert passengers about forgotten items.

• Volvo’s latest electric truck boasts a 600km range, 44-ton capacity, and rapid 40-minute charging.

• Chinese battery manufacturer Cornex has improved grid-scale battery storage by 50%, with mass production beginning in June.

Listener Mail

• Timo on Patreon shares insights on AC charging, recalling that the Renault Zoe in Europe could charge up to 43 kW via an AC connector.

• Eric from the Bay Area recommends the documentary The White House Effect, which is premiering at a local film festival in Sebastopol, California.

Support the Show

Join our Patreon for exclusive content, including bonus episodes and ad-free listening! Sign up at Patreon.com/CleanEnergyPod.

Contact Us

We love hearing from you! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/CleanEnergyShow.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next week!

Solar plus batteries are having a breakthrough moment, signaling a major shift in global energy. An aluminum plant in Australia is moving to solar plus battery storage, making its production greener than ever.

We also hear from a listener who connected his heat pump hot water heater to his HVAC system, proving once again that our audience is the smartest around. And in a groundbreaking development, scientists have achieved 100% lithium recycling, which could make EV battery production truly sustainable.

• Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on Patreon for great rewards from Brian and James like our exclusive Patreon Podcast on Clean Energy!

Meanwhile, a new millimeter-wave drilling technology could revolutionize geothermal energy by reaching depths conventional drills can't handle. Plus, we discuss fossil fuel subsidies in Canada and Alberta’s premier’s threats to national unity over green policies.

Topics This Week:

• Solar plus battery storage powering an aluminum plant in Australia

• A listener shares his heat pump water heater and HVAC integration

• 100% lithium recycling breakthrough for EV batteries

• Millimeter-wave technology for next-gen geothermal drilling

• Canada’s ongoing fossil fuel subsidies and Alberta’s political maneuvers

Listener Mail: Roshan Gervais shares his experience with a heat pump hot water heater in Edmonton, how it affects his home’s temperature, and how he integrated it with his furnace ducts for cooling benefits in summer.

Lightning Round:

• China is expanding its grid to keep up with its solar boom

• Mercedes-Benz unveils its most affordable and advanced EV sedan

• Germany locks its net-zero goals into the constitution

• Trump’s plan to kill clean energy tax credits could spike U.S. household energy costs

• China’s Sinopec halts Russian oil purchases

• Tesla deliveries drop 43% in Europe, while EV sales rise 28%

• BYD advances silicon-ion battery technology for improved safety and durability

• UK announces its first national forest in 30 years

• Global building sector emissions stop rising for the first time since 2020

• Landmark youth climate lawsuit in the U.S. comes to an end, but leaves a lasting impact

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James goes on a well-deserved rant about his local government doubling the road tax on electric vehicles. Despite rarely using highways, his Nissan LEAF EV is now subject to a tax that funds road repairs outside the city and it's six times what a similar gas vehicle would pay. It’s a move that highlights how some governments continue to punish EV owners instead of encouraging clean transportation.

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Meanwhile, California has unveiled an ambitious plan to deploy six million heat pumps by 2030. However, despite incentives, the state is projected to fall two million units short of its goal. We discuss what’s being done to promote heat pump adoption and how the initiative could serve as a model for the rest of the U.S.

In a major shake-up for the automotive industry, Chinese battery and car manufacturer BYD has delivered what could be the final blow to the internal combustion engine. With their latest breakthrough in ultra-fast EV charging, vehicles can now recharge in just five minutes—matching the convenience of refueling a gas car. If this innovation takes hold, it could rapidly accelerate EV adoption worldwide.

Also on the show:

• London is set to install 570 sidewalk-flush EV chargers, making it easier than ever for city dwellers to charge their vehicles.

• The Ultra Low Emissions Zone in London continues to be a success, reducing air pollution significantly and improving public health.

• Listener Mail: A real-life experience with Hyundai’s ICCU recall, and a discussion on the future of electric air taxis ahead of the L.A. Olympics.

• The Lightning Round: Global BEV sales surge, solid-state battery advancements, and U.S. states wrestling with Chinese automaker investments.

Links & References:

• California’s Heat Pump Initiative

• London’s Flush EV Chargers

• Ultra Low Emissions Zone Impact

• BYD’s Five-Minute Charging Announcement

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Alberta has long believed its oil would sell forever, but U.S. refineries are signaling they could drop Alberta crude in a heartbeat. Looks like “forever” lasts about as long as a duck on a tailings pond.

Meanwhile, Korea’s $800 billion pension fund is ditching coal, an 8-year-old activist has forced India’s Supreme Court into action, and Brazil wants to reverse deforestation with reforestation.

Main Stories

🔹 Korea’s Pension Fund Ditches Coal – One of the world’s largest pension funds is divesting.

🔹 Trump’s Tariffs Hammer Canadian Oil – Marathon Petroleum plans to drop Alberta crude due to 10% tariffs. Read more.

🔹 8-Year-Old Activist vs. India’s Supreme Court – The court demands ministries collaborate on climate action after this case.

🔹 Brazil’s COP30 Reforestation Push – Brazil seeks funding for tree-planting as a climate fix.

Lightning Round!

⚡ Erin Brockovich calls for battery storage oversight (Read) ⚡ Fossil fuel lawyer joins U.S. EPA leadership (Read) ⚡ Ontario adds 25% tariff on U.S. electricity ⚡ Montana’s power is 90.4% renewable & cheap ⚡ China aims to cut energy use per GDP unit by 3% in 2025 ⚡ Texas power grid sets wind, solar & storage records (Read)

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The develping country of Pakistan has a terrible power grid but that's why it is experiencing a massive shift to solar, from the ground, up! With a payback period of just 1.5 years, solar is becoming a necessity for many Pakistanis.

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

Also this week:

• Mapping industrial heat pump opportunities

• BYD and forced labor allegations 

• Massachusetts launches V2X pilot program – While a great step toward energy resilience, we discuss why it’s time to move beyond pilot programs and into real-world deployment.

• Eagle Cam - Watch live here.

Main Stories:

• Pakistan’s grassroots solar revolution: We examine how businesses and everyday citizens are adapting to an unreliable grid by embracing small-scale solar installations. Even rickshaws and motorcycles are going electric!

  • Listen to the Volts podcast featuring experts Mustafa Amjad and Waqas Moosa discussing Pakistan’s transition.

• Industrial heat pumps in the US: Canary Media has mapped out the best areas to replace industrial boilers with heat pumps to reduce ozone pollution.

• BYD’s Brazil controversy: The Guardian and Reuters have reported on forced labor allegations at a BYD factory construction site in Brazil. Workers were found living in degrading conditions, and labor laws were violated in both Brazil and China.

• Massachusetts' V2X Pilot: Electrek reports on Massachusetts launching a two-year vehicle-to-everything (V2X) pilot program to explore energy-sharing possibilities between EVs and the grid.

The Lightning Round:

• Companies shift to ‘greenhushing’ Bloomberg

• Japan’s worst wildfire in 50 years

• Norway’s zero-emission transport zones – The country allows cities to ban fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Bloomberg

• China’s nuclear fusion timeline – Bloomberg

• A racist oil change sticker leads to a free EV – After an appalling incident in Wisconsin, a Nissan dealership in New York is giving a free Leaf EV to the victim. Electrek

Email us at [email protected] or find us on Patreon!

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!

Contact Us: We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/cleanenergyshow. 

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

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

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.

Listener Mail

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!

The Lightning Round

• 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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