In this week's episode, the gang discuss nuclear power: is it a solution for providing energy security, or could it make the problem worse? Given that many consuming countries need to import most of their uranium, does relying on nuclear power create new sources of fragility? The US imported 86% of its uranium in 2020, from a range of countries, including Russia. What does that mean for hopes that a new generation of reactors could provide affordable and reliable low-carbon power?
Next up, it’s California’s quick peek into the future. The state’s power grid ran last weekend on – very nearly – 100% renewable energy, even if it was for less than 15 minutes. How can California, and everywhere else, get to grids that are 100% carbon-free around the clock, 365 days a year?
And then it’s a topic that is at the top of the agenda right now for everyone working in energy: the current state of the global supply chain. Renewable energy products and components from little solar cells to giant wind turbines are being affected, driving up prices and restricting availability. The gang reflects on the worries of people in the industry, and discuss some solutions that might work, and some that might make the problem worse.
Joining Ed today are Melissa Lott, the Director of Research at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, and Amy Harder, returning to the show. Amy is the Executive Editor of the Cipher newsletter published by Breakthrough Energy, the network backed by Bill Gates and other investors to support investment in emissions-reducing technologies.
Welcome to this week's episode of the Energy Gang, and make sure to follow us on Twitter to stay up to date.
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There’s no transition without transmission. How can we make it easier to build?
Google’s demanding goals for decarbonization
Jigar Shah returns to the Energy Gang
Is there an energy transition?
Rising electricity demand in Texas: the canary in the coalmine for the rest of the US? | Bonus Episode
2024 is a year of elections. What will they mean for clean energy?
Everyone is worrying about rising demand for electricity. Do Microsoft and Google have an answer?
How will utilities meet surging power demand?
Bonus interviews from Distributech
How can we develop new energy technologies and get them deployed at scale?
Bonus Episode: Evolving Power: The Impact of Electric Vehicles on Energy Utilities
The Energy Gang at Distributech 2024 in Orlando
2023 was a tough year for clean energy investment. Will 2024 be better?
A pause in US gas export approvals: a big win for the climate?
Is AI really a game-changer for energy?
What does 2024 have in store for energy?
Be of good cheer! Reasons to feel optimistic about the energy transition at the end of 2023
COP28 - Ed's notebook
Was COP28 a huge success?
A nuclear COP?
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