Podcasts about renewable

This is our daily Tech and Business report. KCBS Radio News Anchors' Rebecca Goodeyon and Scott Cohn spoke with Bloomberg's Kyle Stock. Renewable energy appears to be surging despite the current administration's efforts to reduce funding for natural sources, like wind and solar.

As Mumbai hosted its first Climate Week, the spotlight is on how India's fast-growing cities will navigate the accelerating energy transition. Renewable power is now cheaper than ever, electric vehicles are expanding globally, and India has emerged as one of the world's largest generators of wind and solar energy. Yet the shift away from fossil fuels is proving uneven. Regulatory bottlenecks and financing gaps are slowing the pace of change even as electricity demand surges. That demand is set to climb further with the rapid expansion of AI and data centres, raising fresh questions about energy sources and long-term lock-ins. At the same time, Mumbai faces intensifying heatwaves, heavier rainfall and the long-term threat of sea-level rise, vulnerabilities that sit uneasily alongside large-scale infrastructure projects and rising air pollution levels. Urban planning choices made today, from coastal development to transport electrification, could determine whether the city builds climate resilience or compounds future risk. Can India's growth story remain compatible with its climate commitments? Will rising power demand from technology and infrastructure revive fossil fuel dependence, or accelerate clean electrification? Can India's financial capital turn climate pressure into an opportunity to lead? Guest: Helen Clarkson, CEO, Climate Group Host: Vinaya Deshpande Pandit Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tehillah Niselow speaks to Gyongyi King, Chief Investment Officer at Alexforbes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has today announced €2.6 million in phased funding for five research teams focused on renewable gas production, energy system integration and intelligent gas network technologies. The co-funded Research Ireland – Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge brings together leading academic researchers with industry expertise to develop practical, scalable solutions for Ireland's future energy needs, while contributing to Ireland's climate and energy security objectives. The five successful teams are working to develop solutions which will improve the efficiency, efficacy and commercial viability of biomethane and biohydrogen production, accelerate the integration of renewable gases into the Irish energy system and develop AI-based solutions for intelligent gas network performance diagnostics. Minister James Lawless said: "I am delighted to announce the first cohort of teams to be co-funded under the Research Ireland – Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge. This €2.6 million investment marks an important step in Ireland's journey toward a climate-neutral future. By bringing academics and industry together, this programme empowers world-class researchers to deliver practical, high-impact solutions in renewable gas and intelligent energy systems. It shows how targeted research investment can accelerate sustainability, bolster our energy security, and position Ireland as a global leader in research-driven innovation." A key aspect of the programme is the close collaboration between researchers and Gas Networks Ireland, ensuring innovations are grounded in real-world system needs. Each team will work with a dedicated Gas Networks Ireland liaison, supporting the development, testing and validation of solutions with the potential for deployment at scale. Dr Diarmuid O'Brien, CEO, Research Ireland, said: "I wish every congratulations to the five teams being funded as part of Research Ireland's partnership with Gas Networks Ireland. The research these teams are undertaking will support Ireland on the path to decarbonisation. Cross-sector collaboration is vital for Ireland to meet its national commitments to be climate-neutral by 2050. The Challenge model of embedding end users into the team and engaging with key stakeholders from the project outset will help ensure that real and tangible impacts are delivered. I look forward to seeing the teams progress their solutions over the coming months." Bobby Gleeson, Chief Operations Officer at Gas Networks Ireland, said: "These projects represent innovation in action – turning cutting-edge research into solutions that can strengthen Ireland's energy system, improve resilience and support our journey to net zero. Supporting key research through our Gas Innovation Fund and working directly with these teams allows us to accelerate the development of technologies that will help decarbonise Ireland's gas network while enabling the integration of renewable gases at scale." Teams being awarded funding are as follows (alphabetical by team name): BIOGRID: Biogas Methanation to Grid-quality Biomethane using Intensified Reactors Lead: Professor Vivek Ranade, University of Limerick; Co-Lead: Dr Recep Dereli, University College Dublin DIGIGAS – AGeoAI-Powered Digital Twin of Ireland's Renewable Gas Infrastructure for Dynamic Decarbonisation Planning Lead: Dr Abdalkarim Gharbia, Atlantic Technological University; Co-Lead: Dr Nasim Eslamirad, University College Dublin ALgas:Innovative macroalgal biorefining and social licensing for new biomethane production for Ireland Lead: Dr Gavin Collins, University of Galway; Co-Lead: Dr Edel Doherty, University of Galway O.P.P.O.R.T.U.N.I.T.Y. – Optimised Processes for ProductionOfRenewable Technologies Using NanomaterialsInTargeted Yield Lead: Dr Conor Boland, Dublin City University; Co-Lead: Dr James Carton, Dublin City University ReGasIn- Stakeholder co-created Scenari...

Supply chains are recalibrating, and the Middle East and Africa are investing aggressively to meet the moment.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and special guest co-host Yaseen Ahmid welcome Toby Maier, CEO for Middle East and Africa at DHL Global Forwarding, for a wide-ranging conversation on what is changing trade and logistics across the region. Toby breaks down how recent tariffs are redirecting export flows into the Middle East and Africa, why GCC countries are racing to build world-class logistics hubs, and how production is shifting from Turkey toward markets like Egypt and Morocco.They also explore what it will take to build stronger, more reliable supply chains across Africa, from investment in life sciences and healthcare infrastructure to modernized regulation that reduces delays at customs. Toby shares how DHL's publicly announced $300 million investment through 2030 prioritizes end-to-end capability that helps medicines, vaccines, and other critical products reach communities across a fast-growing population. The conversation also tackles the practical realities of energy access, data centers, and the cost to deliver goods, plus how sustainability efforts like electrified fleets and sustainable aviation fuel can support performance and emissions goals at the same time.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:13) Getting to know guest Toby Maier and co-host Yaseen Ahmid(06:05) Toby's journey in global logistics leadership(11:17) Trade shifts and what they mean for Africa(15:24) DHL's investment focus across Africa(18:18) Infrastructure and power realities on the ground(22:50) Building efficiency and sustainability into the network(24:22) Renewable energy progress and practical pathways(26:37) What commitment to sustainability looks like at DHL(30:26) Developing talent and leadership across the continent(40:09) Why emerging markets belong on your career mapAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Toby Maier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-maier/Connect with Yaseen Ahmid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaseen-ahmid/Learn more about DHL Global Forwarding: https://www.dhl.com/Learn more about Luna: https://luna-resume.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here:

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has announced significant new funding of almost €35 million to further support local authorities as they continue to drive forward climate action in our communities. This funding underpins the continued commitment of Government to local climate action and recognises the key role of local authorities in supporting communities as we transition to a climate neutral economy. €35 million for climate action in communities €30 million START Scheme to support local climate action As part of the European Union's Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU, €30 million is being provided to local authorities in the Midlands EU Just Transition Territory to support their local climate action. The new scheme, Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START) will support Local Authority-led Climate Action Plan infrastructure projects and feasibility studies that align with the EU JTF programme. The types of projects that local authorities can submit for consideration under this closed call include but are not limited to: Renewable energy solutions, enhancing community engagement, promoting sustainability; Enhancing energy efficiency of public and community buildings; Active travel and sustainable transport; Transforming former landfill sites into tourism/recreational spaces, developing community/heritage spaces, enhancing public amenities. Additional €4.9 million for Local Authority Climate Action: A further €4.9 million is also being made to support Local Authority climate action across Ireland. This will break down as follows: The three Irish cities in the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission – Cork, Dublin and Galway – will be able to access funding of €2 million next year. This will help the cities to deliver projects which move them to becoming climate neutral by 2030. A new fund of €1.5 million will be set up to assist local authorities with their Decarbonising Zones (DZs). DZs are spatial areas which have been selected by local authorities as the focus for climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity projects. There is a new €2.5 million European Regional Development Fund scheme for local authorities in the northern and western region. It offers funding for local projects in Decarbonising Zones on adaptation or the protection of biodiversity and green infrastructure. The Department is committing €1 million in funding. Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) will receive €2.4 million in 2026 – an increase of €400,000. The offices support local authorities to deliver climate action, helping them develop local climate plans and sharing best practice across the regions. These announcements follow a funding commitment at the end of 2025 of €26.9m to fund community climate action projects and a Community Climate Action Officer in each Local Authority to 2027. Commenting on the funding, Minister O'Brien said: "Our local authorities are the leaders in making sustainability at a community level a reality. Through the Community Climate Action Programme, hundreds of projects across communities have been and will be funded with the support of over €50 million from the Climate Action Fund from 2023 to 2027. I'm delighted now to announce, in addition, the launch of a new €30 million Just Transition scheme investing further in the Midlands, and to increased climate funding for local authorities in 2026 of almost €5 million. This funding demonstrates our commitment to local authorities and communities, supporting them to deliver the meaningful, place-based climate action required for their specific needs." Commenting on the launch of the START scheme, Clare Bannon, A/Director for Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, said: "EMRA is looking forward to launching the START scheme which marks a transformative moment for the wider Midlands region. With this vital boost of investm...

Contact Energy's looking to raise more than half a billion dollars to fund three large-scale renewable generation projects. Contact Energy Chief Executive Mike Fuge spoke to Corin Dann.

In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY) podcast, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Praveen Kakulte, Founder & CEO of The POWERCON Group, to explore how India's renewable energy future depends not just on asset creation—but on asset performance, longevity, and engineering excellence.Praveen shares his journey as a first-generation entrepreneur who built a 100% bootstrapped renewable energy company in a highly capital-intensive industry. He explains why intellectual capital matters more than financial capital, and how transparency, data, and technology can unlock long-term value in wind and solar assets.The conversation dives deep into the Energy Studio, Asia's first centralized renewable energy diagnostics platform, the role of the Center for Engineering Excellence in tackling technology obsolescence, and how predictive analytics, AI, digital twins, and storage solutions are shaping the next wave of renewable transformation.

Demand for home batteries in Australia has taken off, with a generous government subsidy prompting more people to add power storage to their solar panel set up. More people installed a battery in the second half of last year than during the previous five years. Renewable power generation also made up half of the nation's power supply last quarter.Today, Tony Wood from the Grattan Institute on what the surge in home batteries and renewables in the grid means for everyone's power bills now and into the future.Featured: Tony Wood, Energy and Climate Change Senior Fellow at Grattan Institute 

In February 2022, Russia's invasion of Ukraine suddenly highlighted European agriculture's dependence on Russian nitrogen fertilisers, which are produced from fossil methane. To reduce this dependence, a circular solution is attracting growing interest in agriculture: anaerobic digestion. This involves recycling agricultural organic waste by fermenting it to obtain gases — biomethane and carbon dioxide — as well as a natural, renewable fertiliser called digestate. The 66th episode of the Food for Europe podcast takes you to meet Thomas Karle, a German cereal farmer who has been passionate about anaerobic digestion for 25 years. Sophie Bourgeteau-Sadet, a lecturer and researcher in France, talks to us about the impact of digestates on soil biology. Lucile Sever, policy advisor to the European Biogas Association, discusses the obstacles to the development of anaerobic digestion and the solutions that could change the situation. Finally, Herwig Ranner, head of the climate change team at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, takes stock of the production of biogas and digestate and shares the European Union's ambitions in this area.

In this episode, Ian is joined by Dimitri Zenghelis, Chair of our Responsible Capital Committee and Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, to discuss the evolving landscape of responsible capital, including:Trump's impact on the progress of sustainabilityThe transition to electrification and renewable energy and China's strategic lead in these sectorsThe progress of natural capital in the UK

Super Bowl parties often feature takeout, delivery, and foods served over several hours, and theRenewable Fuels Association applauded President Trump for strongly reaffirming his support for America's ethanol industry.

Friday 30 January 2026 Renewable energy provides the majority of electricity across the nation during the December quarter, for the first time. Senior Liberals meet without Sussan Ley to discuss the party’s leadership Tesla to stop making Model S and Model X EVs as the company pushes into robotics A good day for uranium and a bad one for rare earths The EU and India do a mega trade deal Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, inside the Frugal February challenge. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Possibly we're talking to reporter Juliana Merullo about what it's like living in Uruguay, a country with an electric grid run almost completely on renewable energy.

Michelle and Chase explore a fresh idea that sparked for Michelle while writing her annual performance check‑in: what if we approached career development like renewable energy? Inspired by trends from the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report and the rapid disruption of core skills, Michelle and Chase talk about why development can't be a one‑and‑done effort, it has to be intentional, adaptable, and continuously renewed.    They introduce a Renewable Development Framework, built around four powerful outputs: Skills, Purpose, Momentum, and Relationships.    Research shows that people who set career goals engage in learning four times more than those who don't. So: How might you treat your development as a renewable resource?   Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

The United Nations General Assembly, designated 26 January as the International Day of Clean Energy to raise global awareness and accelerate action towards a just and inclusive clean energy transition. This transition is essential for climate stability, sustainable development, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as current energy systems remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal offer sustainable, low-emission alternatives. Beyond environmental benefits, these technologies can catalyse economic growth, create jobs, and enhance energy access, especially in underserved communities. Nigeria, Africa's largest economy and most populous nation, confronts a profound energy access crisis. Over 140 million Nigerians (71% of the population) lack reliable electricity, compelling widespread use of expensive, polluting diesel and petrol generators. Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan (ETP) sets a clear pathway to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, balancing socio-economic realities with climate imperatives. Central to this plan is scaling renewable generation to account for 50% of the electricity mix by 2030, alongside universal energy access goals. Achieving these targets demands comprehensive regulatory reforms, increased capital investment, and strong private-sector engagement. Installed renewable capacity is expanding, with solar capacity exceeding 1,200 MW, largely through off-grid and rural electrification initiatives. Programs like the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) supported by a $750 million World Bank credit and over $1 billion in leveraged capital aim to deliver clean energy to 17.5 million Nigerians via mini-grids and standalone solar systems (World bank 2023). Regionally, West Africa faces similar energy challenges. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 85% of the global population without electricity, despite substantial renewable potential. However, the region attracts a disproportionately small share of global clean energy investment, underscoring the urgent need for robust policies and financing mechanisms to enable equitable energy transitions.

The Benefits of Recycling Wind TurbinesWhile wind energy is renewable and non-polluting, the wind turbines themselves can create pollution problems. Now, scientists are creating wind turbines that can be made with less energy, but also create less waste because they can be recycled. This, of course, reduces impacts on the waste stream and provides a sustainable alternative to current wind turbines that are often extremely hard to recycle. Moreover, the new material requires less energy to create and mold into the desired output, subsequently reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions.Making Wind Turbines with Recyclable ResinNot surprisingly, even renewable energy resources also have environmental costs. For instance, when the life of a wind turbine ends (after about 20 years), it ends up in landfills. Moreover, as more wind farms are built and older turbines are taken out of usage, the waste burden is significant. Most resins also used in wind turbines require many nonrenewable resources and a lot of energy to produce. In addition, they do not easily degrade.This is why researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) started developing turbines from recyclable resin. They call the resin PECAN, and it is created with “bio-derivable resources” like sugars as opposed to the type of resin that has traditionally been used, which is not bio-derived and extremely hard to upcycle. Specifically, when the wind blades are unusable they are shredded to be used as “concrete filling”, which never biodegrades, while turbines made of recyclable resin can chemically break down within 6 hours.Benefits of Recyclable Resin Not only can PECAN withstand harsh weather, but it does not deform over time. Additionally, once the resin undergoes a chemical process called “methanolysis” it only takes 6 hours for the original carbon and glass to be recovered to be recycled. Moreover, the catalyst to harden the resin is also recovered and this means that it is possible for it to be used again (creating a circular waste stream). Moreover, PECAN produces “40% less greenhouse gas emissions and 30% less energy to make”.Challenges of Implementation There is a general lack of awareness of solutions like PECAN which strive to make our waste stream more circular, and without that awareness, it would not be able to make the large positive impact that it is capable of making. This is also one of the reasons why right now, wind turbines made out of recyclable resin proves to be more expensive, as there is not enough of a demand for it yet.Ryan Clarke believes that creating wind turbines from naturally occurring resources like sugars can be extremely helpful in waste reduction. Additionally, he emphasizes that larger deployment of this technology and increased awareness can lead to major cost savings in the long run. About Our GuestRyan Clarke studied materials science and became a postdoctoral researcher for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he was the study's lead author. Now, he works at Hexion Inc. as a R&D material scientist.ResourcesreNews, NREL Develops Recyclable Resin for Wind BladesENERGY THEORY, NREL Develops Wind Turbine Blades From Recyclable ResinEnvironment + Energy Leader, NREL's Breakthrough in Renewable, Recyclable Wind EnergyFurther ReadingResearch Gate, A Recyclable Epoxy for Composite Wind Turbine BladesNEW ATLAS, Fast-Dissolving Bio Resin Could Drive Recycling of Wind Turbine BladesFor a transcript, please visit: https://climatebreak.org/recyclable-resin-for-wind-turbines-with-ryan-clarke/ 

This week on Possibly we're talking to Ramón Mendez Galain, a physicist who helped the small South American country transition its electric grid to renewable energy almost overnight.

Joe Natale from Knight-Chemstar joins the show fresh off pulling off something pretty remarkable in Massachusetts - successfully running the first 100% renewable diesel pilot program for commuter rail locomotives in the country. He breaks down the wild logistics of moving renewable diesel from Midwest producers to New England, why heating oil is basically diesel's cousin, the bacon grease problem that happens when biodiesel gets cold, and why drop-in fuels make way more sense than ripping out all our infrastructure for electrification.Click here to watch a video of this episode.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 Joe's background from terminal operator to renewables08:08 Development of Providence biodiesel rail terminal14:06 Winning and executing the MBTA renewable diesel pilot20:21 Sustainable aviation fuel distribution strategy25:04 Breaking down fuel types: ethanol, diesel, heating oil33:00 Northeast heating oil versus natural gas infrastructure38:15 Renewable diesel logistics and clean heat standards43:35 Drop-in fuels versus full electrification51:05 Cloud point and the biodiesel gelling problem55:33 Future of sustainable aviation fuel and incentiveshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Guest host Bruce Claggett talks to Kirk LaPointe, Vice President, Fulmer & Company; and columnist at Lodestar Media and The Hub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allen delivers the 2025 state of the wind industry. For the first time, wind and solar produced more electricity than coal worldwide. The US added 36% more wind capacity than last year, Australia’s market hit $2 billion, and China extended its 25-year streak of double-digit growth. But 2025 also brought challenges: the Trump administration froze offshore wind projects, Britain paid billions to curtail turbines, and global wind growth hit its lowest rate in two decades. Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard’s StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary Barnes’ YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! Allen Hall: 2025, the year the wind industry will never forget. Let me tell you about a year of records and reversals of triumphs and a bunch of turbulence. First, the good news. Renewable energy has done something historic for the first time ever. Wind and solar produce more electricity than coal worldwide. The energy think tank embers as global electricity. Demand grew 2.6% in the first half of the year. Solar generation jumped by 31%, wind rose nearly 8%. Together they covered 83% of all new demand. Coal share of global electricity fell to 33.1%. Renewables rose to 34.3. A [00:01:00]pivotal moment they called it. And in the United States, turbines kept turning wood. McKinsey and the American Clean Power Association report America will add more than seven gigawatts of wind this year. That is 36% more than last year in the five year outlook. 46 gigawatts of new capacity through 2029. Even Arkansas by its first utility scale wind project online through Cordio crossover Wind, the powering market remains strong. 18 projects will drive 2.5 gigawatts of capacity additions over the next three years. And down under the story is equally bright. Australia’s wind energy market reached $2 billion in 2024 by. 2033 is expected to reach $6.7 billion a growth rate of nearly 15% per year. In July, Australian regulators streamlined permitting for wind farms, and in September remote mining operations signed [00:02:00] long-term wind power agreements while the world was building. China was dominating when power output in China is on track for more than 10% growth for the 25th year in a row. That’s right, 25 years in a row. China now accounts for more than 41% of all global wind power production a record. And China’s wind component exports up more than 20%. This year, over $4 billion shipped mainly to Europe and Asia, but 2025 was not smooth sailing, as we all know. In fact, global wind generation is on track for its smallest growth rate in more than 20 years. Four straight months of year over year. Declines in Europe, five months of declines in North America and even Asia registered rare drops in September and October. The policy wind shifted too in the United States. The Trump administration froze offshore wind project work in the Atlantic. The interior [00:03:00] Department directed five large scale projects off the East Coast to suspend activities for at least 90 days. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management cited classified national security information. That’s right. Classified information. Sure. Kirk Lippold, the former commander of the USS Coal. Ask the question on everyone’s mind. What has changed in the threat environment? Through his knowledge, nothing. Democratic. Governors of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York issued a joint statement. They called the pause, a lump of dirty coal for the holiday season, for American workers, for consumers, for investors. Meanwhile, in Britain, another kind of problem emerged the cost of turning off wind farms when the grid cannot cope, hit 1.5 billion pounds. This year, octopus Energy, Britain’s biggest household supplier is tracking it payments to Wind farms to switch off 380 [00:04:00]million pounds. The cost of replacing that wasted power with. Gas 1.08 billion pounds. Sam Richards of Britain remade called it a catastrophic failure of the energy system. Households are paying the price. He said, we are throwing away British generated electricity and firing up expensive gas plants instead. In Europe, the string of dismal wind power auctions also continued some in Germany and Denmark received no bids at all. Key developers pushed for faster permitting and better auction terms. Orsted and Vestas led the charge. And in Japan soaring cost estimates cause Mitsubishi to pull out of three offshore projects. Projects that were slated to start operations by 2030. Gone. The Danish shore Adapting Ted, the world’s largest offshore wind developer sold a 55% stake in its greater Chiang two offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan. The Buyer [00:05:00] Life Insurance Company Cafe, the price around $789 million. With that deal, Ted has signed divestments, totaling 33 billion Danish crowns during 2025. The company is trying to restore investor confidence amid rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and uncertainty from American policy shifts. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency is sounding the alarm director, Fadi Beal says Solar will account for 80% of renewable capacity growth through the end of the decade. And that sounds about right. So it’s got a bunch of catch up to do, but policymakers need to pay close attention. Supply chain, security grid integration challenges and the rapid rise of renewables is putting increasing pressure on electricity systems worldwide. Curtailment and negative price events are appearing in more markets, and the agency is calling for urgent [00:06:00] investments in grid energy storage and flexible generation. And what about those tariffs? We keep reading about wood McKenzie projects. Tariffs will drive up American turbine costs in 2026 in total US onshore wind capital expenditure is projected to increase 5% through 2029. US wind turbine pricing is experiencing obviously unprecedented uncertainty. Domestic manufacturing over capacity would normally push down prices, but tariff exposure on raw materials is pushing them up. And that’s by design of course. So where does this leave us? The numbers tell the story. Renewables overtook Coal. America will install 36% more turbines. This year, Australia’s market is booming. China continues. Its 25 year streak of double digit growth, but wind generation growth worldwide is at its lowest in two decades. And policy reversals in America have stalled. [00:07:00] Offshore development and Britain is paying billions to turn off turbines because the grid cannot handle the power. Europe’s auctions are struggling and Japan’s developers are pulling back and yet. The turbines keep turning. You see, wind energy has had good years and bad years, but 20 25, 20 25 may be one of the worst. The toxic Stew Reuters called it major policy reversals, corporate upheaval, subpar generation in key markets, and yet the industry sees reasons to expect improvement changes to auction incentives, supply chain adjustments, growing demand for power from all sources. The sheer scale of China’s expansion means global wind production will likely keep hitting new highs, even if growth grinds to a halt in America, even if it stays weak. In Europe, 2025 was a year of records and reversals. The thing to remember through all of this [00:08:00] is wind power is low cost power. It is not a nascent industry. And it is time to deliver more electricity, more consistency. Everyone within the sound of my voice is making a difference. Keep it up. You are changing the future for the better. 2025 was a rough year and I’m looking forward to 2026 and that’s the state of the wind industry for December 29th, 2025. Have a great new year.

In this episode of Energy Newsbeat – Conversations in Energy, host Stu Turley sits down with Dr. Gene Nelson of Californians for Green Nuclear Power and the “Green Nuke” Substack to unpack how anti-nuclear ideology and California's Public Utilities Commission are ignoring basic physics and economics. Dr. Nelson explains why overreliance on solar, wind, and batteries makes grids brittle—citing the April 28 blackout in Spain and idle nuclear plants taxed to prop up renewables—while nuclear delivers cheap, reliable, 24/7 power with strong safety records and massive “synchronous inertia” for heavy loads like California's water system.They dig into Diablo Canyon's real-world performance and safety culture, debunk nuclear fearmongering, highlight the hidden costs, land use, waste, and subsidies behind wind and solar, and connect these policies to deindustrialization in places like Germany and California. Throughout, Dr. Nelson shares his on-the-ground advocacy, from farmers' markets to PUC hearings, arguing that embracing nuclear is essential for energy reliability, national security, and an honest path forward on emissions.Due to Gavin Newsom's energy policies, California and the entire West Coast of the United States are facing one of the most significant national security threats you can experience. And that is an energy crisis on a self-imposed path of Net Zero and the elimination of nuclear and fossil fuels. Well, they wanted to take atomic power down with those same policies, and it just does not make sense to shut down the other nuclear reactors in the name of clean energy.As for the war on fossil fuels, they executed that war too well, and they got what they wanted, only to see the oil companies go out of business or leave the West Coast. Now Californians will have to import more than 70% of their oil, including gasoline and diesel. And there will be more tankers off the California coast, causing ecological damage and potential accidents.Dr. Gene Nelson brings up some critical points about wind and solar power. It is based upon facts and physics. When driving on the highway vs. stop-and-go traffic, you use less gasoline and emit less. Well, the same thing applies to wind and solar on the grid: trying to put DC power from wind and solar into AC systems.Thank you, Dr. Nelson, for your dedication to nuclear and clean power for California and the United States. I truly appreciate your efforts and your insights on this critical topic for California. - Stu Highlights of the Podcast00:00 - Intro1:24 – CPUC Issues and Bureaucratic Problems4:24 – “We Don't Need No Stinking Physics” Moment6:50 – Spain–Portugal Blackout Explained7:52 – Why Spain Idled Its Nuclear Plants8:53 – Germany's Nuclear Exit & Economic Decline9:53 – Three Mile Island Reality vs Fear10:49 – Nuclear Training, Simulators & Safety Culture13:22 – Diablo Canyon Outage & Operator Preparedness15:07 – Dr. Nelson's Car Accident Story16:40 – The Origin of the Green Headband19:27 – Net Zero Myths & Real Grid Costs21:57 – Solar, Wind & True LCOE+ Costs22:59 – China's Nuclear Expansion & Global Energy Shift23:25 – Understanding Grid Inertia & Reliability25:11 – California's Massive Water Pumps & Power Needs27:24 – How Renewables Raise Emissions & Wear Out Engines29:18 – Inside Diablo Canyon: Turbines & Control Room31:15 – Earthquake Simulation & Real-World Plant Response32:27 – Why Diablo Canyon Is Built Like a Fortress34:15 – Microreactors, New Fuel & Nuclear Innovation37:32 – Nuclear Safety Compared to Wind Turbine Risks39:03 – Land Use Problems: Solar & Wind Footprint41:22 – Subsidies, Repowering & Hidden Costs43:13 – Solar Waste, Toxic Panels & Recycling Issues45:59 – EVs Powered Mostly by Fossil Fuels47:22 – Imported Jet Fuel & “Green” Policy Contradictions48:55 – Sinopec Dependence & Energy Security50:03 – PUC Regulatory Capture & High Power Costs52:04 – Media Narratives vs Energy Reality53:21 – How to Contact Dr. Nelson & Support CGNP57:42 – California's Energy Crisis & National Security58:56 – Final Thoughts, Thanks & OutroWe recommend subscribing to Dr. Nelson's GreenNuke Substack. https://greennuke.substack.com/Full transcript on https://energynewsbeat.co/Check out other discussions on https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/

In this episode of The Electric Wire, we explore how Manitowoc Public Utilities is turning waste into energy — and reshaping what renewable, dispatchable power can look like for Wisconsin. Host Kristin Gilkes is joined by Troy Adams, CEO and General Manager of MPU, and co-host Tyler Vorpagel from the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin to discuss the Refuel Renewable Project and what it means for the future of public power.

In Part 2 of the Holiday Rewind, Trevor revisits five standout episodes from thinkenergy in 2025. The conversations focus on renewable energy, from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and building decarbonization to energy storage, district energy, and the policy forces shaping it all. This episode reflects on how renewables are becoming personal, scalable, and central to Canada's smart energy future. Listen in for a thoughtful look at the momentum we've built and the progress we made.   Related links   Episode 163 (How Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are reshaping the grid): https://thinkenergypodcast.com/episodes/thinkenergy-shorts-how-distributed-energy-resources-ders-are-reshaping-the-grid/  Episode 150 (Decarbonizing Canada's buildings with the Building Decarbonization Alliance): https://thinkenergypodcast.com/episodes/decarbonizing-canadas-buildings-with-the-building-decarbonization-alliance/  Episode 152 (Capturing lightning in a bottle with Energy Storage Canada): https://thinkenergypodcast.com/episodes/capturing-lightning-in-a-bottle-with-energy-storage-canada/  Episode 154 (Reimagining heating and cooling with district energy systems): https://thinkenergypodcast.com/episodes/reimagining-heating-and-cooling-with-district-energy-systems/  Episode 149 (Looking ahead at 2025 clean energy trends): https://thinkenergypodcast.com/episodes/looking-ahead-at-2025-clean-energy-trends/ Trevor Freeman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-freeman-p-eng-cem-leed-ap-8b612114/ Hydro Ottawa: https://hydroottawa.com/en     To subscribe using Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinkenergy/id1465129405   To subscribe using Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wFz7rdR8Gq3f2WOafjxpl   To subscribe on Libsyn: http://thinkenergy.libsyn.com/ --- Subscribe so you don't miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/user/hydroottawalimited   Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hydroottawa   Stay in the know on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HydroOttawa   Keep up with the posts on X: https://twitter.com/thinkenergypod --- Transcript: Trevor Freeman  00:00 Welcome to thinkenergy, a podcast that dives into the fast, changing world of energy through conversations with industry leaders, innovators and people on the front lines of the energy transition. Join me, Trevor Freeman, as I explore the traditional, unconventional and up and coming facets of the energy industry. If you have any thoughts, feedback or ideas for topics we should cover, please reach out to us at think energy at hydro ottawa.com, hi everyone and welcome back. Welcome to the second of our special year end holiday rewind episodes that we do here on the think energy podcast, I'm your host, Trevor Freeman, in our last episode, we looked at five conversations or snippets of conversations that we thought, you know, helped shape the way we think about the grid, everything from politics to grid modernization to large scale investments, what Hydro Ottawa in particular is proposing to invest in our grid, but Today is all about the fuel that powers our clean energy future. And I don't mean all the candy and gingerbread and all the sugar that we're going to eat over the next little while, although those help too. I'm talking about renewable energy, solar, District Energy Systems, how we're using distributed technologies to really transform the way we generate and manage and use power here in Canada. Think of this episode as a bit of a, you know, warm fireside reflection on the progress that we've made, the momentum we're carrying into the year ahead. But also keep in mind how far we have to go. We've got more work to do, and 2026 needs to be another year of focusing on that. But today we're going to revisit portions of, you know, five conversations from 2025 that really show how renewable energy isn't just a trend, it's an accelerating shift that's reshaping our homes and our businesses, our communities and even the grid itself. So let's jump right in with our first clip. So today we're going to start with a clip that's close to my heart, because I talk about distributed energy resources all the time, and you guys hear me talk about that all the time with guests and in some of the solo episodes that I do, it's one of the clearest signs that renewable energy is moving from kind of the fringes of the grid, the very large centralized systems to really write on our own rooftops and backyards and on our businesses, DERs represent really that bottom up renewable revolution. So rooftop solar, home batteries, smart EV chargers and more, these are becoming technologies that our friends and neighbors and us, even the listeners of this podcast, have and are using to add real clean energy to the grid and using it in smarter ways. So here's a moment from my distributed energy resources episode that looks at how DERs are becoming those practical tools for resilience, for decarbonization and just for everyday energy use. So let's dive into what some of the reasons are why someone would want a der there's a couple of different reasons. The first is for backup during an outage. So using solar panels, especially if paired with a battery, can give you some backup if there's an outage from the grid, whether that's a storm or an accident or something like that, that backup power can be focused on your key devices or systems or appliances, or if your storage is big enough, or your system is big enough, it may be used to power your whole home for a period of time. Of course, if you're using one of those non renewable sources that I mentioned, like a fossil fuel power generator, for example, then your backup supply can last longer, really, as long as you've got fuel. But it's not clean, so you will be producing carbon emissions. One emerging technology that we'll likely see more of in the future is using an electric vehicle for this purpose. So while there's only a few different models that allow this right now, the Ford F150 is one of them, and there are some safety and regulatory considerations before you go ahead and do this, we can expect to see more of this in the future as the technology advances and it becomes a bit more widespread. Another reason for DERs is financial. Installing a der can actually help you save money every month, whether that's just by reducing what you consume from the grid, or by pushing back unused generation to the grid for credits, and I'll touch on this a little bit more shortly. Finally, if we're talking about those renewable DERs, they produce clean energy. So that's carbon free emissions, free energy. And if you are concerned about your carbon footprint, you're trying to decarbonize and reduce the amount of emissions that you cause. Renewable DERs are a great way to do that. You can lower your carbon footprint by reducing how much you draw from the electricity grid and any carbon emissions that are associated with that. You know what I love about this is just how simple. Empowering. It truly is. Renewable energy isn't industrial scale anymore. You know, everybody can at least envision themselves playing a part in the renewable transition. There's incentives out there to support putting renewables in the business case. Is starting to make sense for homes, for businesses, it's becoming local. And as these DERs grow, they don't just decarbonize homes, they also strengthen resiliency, and, you know, support the other drivers that people have for their energy, having more control over it, having resiliency and backup during outages, etc. And this theme of people having more agency and control over their energy really ties into the next clip that we're going to show as well. We're revisiting again we played this on the last holiday rewind, but we're revisiting our conversation with the Building Decarb Alliance about buildings. Buildings are one of Canada's largest sources of emissions. They're also one of the biggest opportunities for renewable driven change. So in this conversation with Brian Flanagan, we talk about how renewable energy and electrification, so from heat pumps to solar grid integrated building systems, how these things are reshaping the way we heat and cool and power the places that we live and work. And in this clip, I really think it captures the scale of the challenge and the optimism of the transition. You really can't overstate the importance of buildings in our lives. We eat, sleep, work, learn and socialize in buildings, among many, many other things, a huge percentage of our lives takes place inside buildings. In fact, most of us probably have to make a conscious effort to actually spend time outside of buildings. I know that I try to make a point of spending time outside every day, and I have to be conscious about it, because it might not otherwise happen. And as a result of that, centrality in our lives, buildings are major users of energy. Some estimates say that around 30 to 40% of energy use in Canada is associated with buildings, and they're also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. So around maybe 18% or so in Canada. That means that the buildings themselves and the way we build them, the way we heat them, the way we use them, are an important part of our efforts to decarbonize and to further the ongoing energy transition.   Bryan Flannigan  07:24 We tend to focus on kind of four main areas, making sure that there's policy support at various levels of government, and understanding which policies might be effective and which ones might be less so, and trying to advance the ones that are high leverage, looking at the grid impacts of electrifying buildings. Because it's undeniable that if you switch from fossil combustion of fossil fuels to electricity, you require a clean electricity system that has to have the capacity and be robust enough to support that. So we want to be clear about that. We want to really address that in a cogent sort of way, and then really mobilizing and activating the sector to implement these changes and to find the solutions, because many of the solutions are at the intersection of different subsets of the of the sector, whether it's banking and finance, or whether it's development community or the utilities, every market actor has a role to play to find solutions. Is very rarely one sub sector that can really act to, you know, to overcome a barrier. And so we try to work at the intersection of these different groups, and by convening the players, we can roll up our sleeves and kind of get to that. And then, last but not least, you know, this is a very complex sort of question in terms of, how do we get there? What are the pathways? It kind of reminds me of nutrition, medicine, things like that, where, you know, at one instance, it's great to eat eggs, and another instance, terrible to eat eggs, and then it's good to eat eggs again, because the evidence is shifting right, and we have to follow the evidence. We have to understand that the systems are complex and that various investments in the grid will alter the landscape. And so we're working really hard to increase the analytical capacity of the sector, to model and to be able to understand how this will really play out when you have exponential sort of technological advancement coming to play, and you know, different investments and different dynamics that are bearing out as the sector decarbonizes, which is, it's really complex, and so we need better tools to be able to grapple with that. So those are the four sort of main areas, and it's a heavy lift. We arrive on the scene with great humility, recognizing that we stand on the shoulder of many, many other organizations who have come into the space, trying to take a slightly different approach by bringing all the players together and trying to find some common understanding of how we how we get this done. You know, we have to do something different. We've been doing energy efficiency for four decades, give or take with the programming that we've had, and it's been very effective. I don't think there's any more old T 12 light bulbs anywhere that worked. That's great, but we need to do something different now to get fossil fuels out of the buildings for heating purposes, right? That's the goal.   Trevor Freeman  09:53 So what resonates most for me about Bryan's message is the idea that buildings aren't obstacles to decarbonization. They're really. The engines for it, as the renewable electricity systems we have our buildings will become smarter, cleaner, more efficient, and as we talk about we spend a lot of our time in buildings. And so when we think about grid interactive homes to solar ready construction and thermal storage, the building sector is really becoming a major driver, or has the potential to become a major driver of renewable transformation. So speaking of storage, this next clip is a revisit of the conversation that I had with Justin Rangooni from Electricity Storage Canada, and we explored one of the biggest enablers of renewable energy growth, which is battery storage, because, you know, let's face it, the sun isn't always shining and the wind isn't always blowing in the right direction. And with batteries, you can really create flexibility and stability for your renewable systems. And ultimately, that comes down to possibility. So my conversation with Justin really walks through how these battery systems both utility scale but also behind the meter, kind of more individual sized unlock far more renewable energy by making it dispatchable, resilient, responsive, et cetera. And I think in this next clip, we really capture that beautifully.   Justin Rangooni  11:16 Okay, so the best way to think of it is. There's an analogy that one of our members had always said, and we continue to use it when we talk about energy storage. And the great things that can do is that it's like bacon. It makes everything better. I don't eat bacon, but I take I understand the concept, and what that means is, if you look at it from a grid management point of view is that we have all in Ontario, we're lucky to have a pretty clean grid. If it's nuclear power, or it's water power, or it's intermittent generation like wind and solar and even some gas too, which is which is near zero, low, low carbon, and we don't have coal, so it's a clean grid, and energy storage can make that better in the sense that it will optimize those generation assets so we're not wasting it. So those days before we would hear about when energy is needed but the wind's not blowing, or the sun's not shining, or we don't need the energy and we have to spill water, or, you know, we may have to power down a ramp, down a bit of the nuclear ramp, or the natural gas units. Now, energy storage can make sure we don't waste that now we can collect that power when it's done, when it's when it's being done, when it's being made, and we're holding it for when it's needed. And from a grid management that is the real key. That is the game changer that energy storage provides. And if we break it down, down to the customer themselves. You know, you're trying to think of now, not just helping keep the lights on. We're also talking about your rates now in terms of, now, we can kind of defer those investments in terms of more generation, because now you have energy storage that's getting more out of it. We're also talking from the distribution side of poles and wires. Maybe you don't you can defer those investments a little longer with more distributed, connected energy storage. So now the customer is starting to see the benefits of energy storage in their rates and in their electricity bill. And look, I just got an electric car, so really excited about it, and I can see the possibilities of that car being a battery from my home for my use, which, again, now maybe that's still a bit down the road with B to G and, you know, using it to power a residential energy storage unit in my house. But the possibilities are really endless. So this is really the exciting thing about energy storage, from a Grid Manager down to the customer,   Trevor Freeman  13:38 Yeah, and I think it's, it's important to think about the different contexts that energy storage can play, or the different roles that it can play for our individual customers, a homeowner. There is a role for storage there, and you get some of those benefits that you just mentioned, but then we can scale that all the way up to the grid level. And you know, us in the utility space also have some things that we can do with energy storage. And like you said, we can manage things a little bit better. We don't have to waste that energy. We can generate it when it's cheap and hold on to it and use it when it's maybe a bit more difficult in those peak periods. So lots of different uses. Thanks for laying that out for us. Now we hear a lot about, you know, decentralization and community based energy systems kind of more control at the community level. When it comes to energy what's the role of energy storage in systems like that?   Justin Rangooni  14:34 Well, I think that's energy storage can really make that a reality. Now, again, I think I'll go back to my example having an electric car, it seems like more getting closer to being more a prosumer than just a consumer now. So I can see the possibilities of using electric vehicle. You could and then you start to pair that with other kind of your thermostat or your other smart technologies in your home. So now, when we're talking about decentralizing community-based energy. Systems, the consumer, the utility, the system operator, you're all able to get in the space of playing with the technologies. And that's really again, where it gets kind of exciting, that everyone's playing a role. There are different possibilities to use, and we think energy storage is the key to doing that, because it can store that energy when it's not needed, and you can use it when it's needed. And if the technology evolution continues, eventually, the homeowner, the business owner, can start to use that. I can use buy power from the cars. I can use my power that I'm generating myself or from the distribution grid. And now I can start to play with it and use it store overnight when rates are low or when it's excess supply, I could store that energy and use it when it's needed during the day. So really exciting times, and that's why we think energy storage is key to any decentralized or community-based energy systems.   Trevor Freeman  15:53 Yeah, really unlocks that ability to push control into the hands of the end user, whether that's the homeowner or the business owner or the community, kind of pushes it downstream into their hands. So really, every renewable energy expansion story has, you know, a chapter on storage. Batteries are no longer just an add on. They're becoming really an essential part of the conversation and a consideration for all these projects. And like Justin said, you know, a battery is like bacon. It makes everything better. And I couldn't agree more about bacon and batteries, from batteries powering homes and emergencies to grid scale storage, smoothing out renewable intermittency to neighborhood level systems, supporting micro grids, these are all things that we'll hopefully start to see more in our lives and in our communities. Battery storage is really what turns renewable energy into performance, great performance, and we're actually going to see those impacts. It's also tying into our next episode, because if batteries make renewables flexible, then something like a district energy system is how you really take that to scale. So in this episode that we're going to play a clip from, we took a deep dive into a world that often operates behind the scenes. And it was really great to reconnect with kind of an old friend and colleague, Scott Demark, about district energy systems. These systems provide heating and cooling to entire neighborhoods or campuses by using centralized, efficient infrastructure. And you know, you maybe you're asking, why does this tie into renewable energy? And that's because district systems are one of the most effective ways to integrate large scale renewable heat sources, whether that's taking waste heat from existing sources or geo exchange biomass, you know, ultra-efficient thermal storage, and putting that to good use. And so listen to this clip from my conversation with Scott that kind of captures that idea. So we've kind of touched on this a little bit, but let's dive right into, you know, we talk a lot on the show about the energy transition this, this push to one, move away from fossil fuel combustion to meet our energy needs, and two, shifting from a kind of static, centralized energy system like we have right now, big generators, large transmission lines, etc, to more of a two way flow, distributed energy system. What is the role of district energy systems within that transition? How do they help us get closer to that sort of reality that we talk about?   Scott Demark  18:29 I think the biggest way that they help is economies of scale. Okay, so by that, I'll explain that. Imagine there's a lot of technology that's been around a long time that is very scalable to the building level, but most of them are fossil fire. Okay, so the cheapest way to heat a building in Ottawa is to put a gas fired boiler in. That's the cheapest capital cost, first cost, and it's also the cheapest operating cost, is to put a gas boiler in. That industry is well established. There's lots of trades who could do it. There's lots of producers who make the boilers. When you start to try and think about the energy transition and think about what you may do to be different, to be lower carbon, or to be zero carbon, those industries are just starting right. Those industries don't exist. They don't have the same depth and so they don't have the same cost structure. And oftentimes they don't scale well down to the building. And therefore a district energy system aggregates a bunch of load, and so you can provide a thermal energy so at scale, that becomes affordable. And that is, you know, a very good example of that would be where you know you might want to go and recover heat from some process. And we'll talk about Zibi as the example. But if you want to go recover heat from some process and bring it in, it doesn't make sense to run a pipeline to a source to heat one building. You can't make financial sense of it. But if you're heating 20 buildings, that pipeline, all of a sudden makes sense to take waste heat from somewhere, to move it somewhere else. The other advantage is that truly, district energy systems are agnostic to their inputs and outputs for heat. So once you've established that hydronic loop, that interconnection of water pipes between buildings, what the source and what the sources doesn't matter. So you may have at one point, built a district energy system, and Markham District Energy Systems a great example of this. Markham district energy system was built on the concept of using a cogeneration facility. So they burned natural gas to make electricity. They sold electricity to the grid, and they captured all the waste heat from that generation, and they fed it into a district energy system. Well here we are, 20 plus years later, and they're going to replace that system, that fossil fired system, augment, not fully replace, but mostly replace that system with a sewer coupled energy recovery and drive those heat recovery chillers to a sewer system. So they're putting a very green solution in place of a former fossil solution. They don't have to rip up the pipes, they don't have to change anything in the buildings. They only have to change that central concept. Now, again, Markham could never do that at a one building scale. They're only that at the community scale.   Trevor Freeman  21:24 And because district energy systems make renewable energy more affordable through scalability and shared infrastructure, in some cases, the economic case for entire communities or neighborhoods or even large industrial complexes to adopt them is really becoming something that people are looking at. It's becoming more compelling. It's not going to work in every instance, as we talk about with Scott in the full episode, but it really kind of opens the door to more possibilities. And that brings us to our final episode highlight, which is a big picture look at some of the politics and trends and strategies that helped shape renewable energy in 2025 now we played a clip from this episode in our last rewind episode, but I want to revisit another part of that episode, and this is the beginning of the year when I kind of laid out some of the trends and things that we thought might shape energy politics in the year ahead, in 2025 and we looked at Canada and the US and global markets to really try and get a sense of where renewable energy was heading, just to remind you of where we were back then. We were facing a couple of elections ahead of us and the possibility for new or different federal governments, political government or provincial government. Sorry, looking at affordability conversations worldwide, momentum around clean generation. In this clip that we're going to play, we really talk about how renewable energy doesn't advance in isolation. It moves forward because of political, economic and technological factors that really help shape those conditions and create those conditions for growth, and those are essential if we do want to grow together. So I'm going to play this clip here and have a listen to kind of what we were thinking about at the beginning of 2025 and just a quick teaser, we'll be doing something similar in the early part of 2026 and so that'll give us a chance to maybe pick apart how close we were to reality. So without further ado, let's dive into those areas. Area number one is politics. So energy is political, and energy shapes politics, and politics shapes energy, and that's the same every year, but 2025, is shaping up to be a pretty significant year when it comes to political change that might impact energy policy. So to start with, we are mere days away, a little over a week away, as I record this from a new US administration. The Trump administration will take over on January 20, and like any change in administration, in what is arguably the biggest economy in the world that will have an impact on climate change policy, Energy policy, the flow of goods across borders. You know, there's talk of tariffs between Canada and the US. So just because it is in the United States, that doesn't mean it won't impact us here in Canada. So we'll be looking to see what change that does bring, what how that influences politics and energy policy and the flow of goods and all of those things that can impact what we do with energy a little bit closer to home. However, we also have some change potentially coming here in Ontario, at least, we are looking at potentially two elections this year. So to start with, there's the federal election. It is very, very likely, almost a sure thing, that we will see a federal election in the coming months. Justin Trudeau has recently announced his resignation, which will almost definitely trigger an election. So we could be looking at a new government or a new mandate for the existing government. So what might that mean? Well, if the. The liberal party, the current government manages to get another mandate and remain in power, we kind of know what their priorities are. They've been going down a path for the last little while. They will probably continue to invest in clean energy infrastructure. They will continue to push for net zero goals and look for ways to support others to achieve Net Zero targets as well. If there's a change in governments, which the polling suggests is likely that conservatives get into power, they are likely to look to prioritize affordability and resource sector competitiveness. They may also adjust timelines for emissions targets as a result of that, the one big thing that's worth mentioning, of course, is the price on carbon. This was brought in by the existing Liberal government, and they stand behind it. The Conservatives are very much campaigning on a platform of getting rid of the price on carbon, the Federal price on carbon, that will have significant impact on energy policy and how things move. There are a few previous episodes that you can listen to that talk a little bit about that, and I'm sure we'll talk about it throughout the year as things play out. And finally, in this section, in Ontario, it's very likely that we might see a provincial election as well. All signs are kind of pointing towards a provincial election this year. So what could that mean? Well, similarly, our existing government has kind of made their energy policy known. We know what their focus is, so they are focused on expanding our traditional energy mix, so nuclear, some natural gas, as well as some investments in renewables in order to make sure that the grid can handle growth and electrification in the sort of rising demand that we're seeing. Should we see a change in government to one of the opposition parties? There may be more of a push for more renewable sources and lowering those carbon emissions faster than the current pace of change, at least based on what they are saying. So we'll keep an eye on that and how that comes into play. Obviously, energy is sort of primarily in the provincial jurisdiction here, so a change in government or a new mandate for the existing government would certainly have a big impact on energy policy. So area number one politics, area number two is energy affordability. So as we've said, renewable energy progress doesn't just depend on the technology itself, it depends on the systems around it. 2025 really turned out to be a pretty pivotal year. And I think we'll probably look at every year in recent history and moving forward as pivotal years, because there was this convergence of political shifts and economic pressures and policy decisions that in some ways created a supportive environment for renewable energy planning and implementation, but not without barriers and not without challenges and so we're probably not where we would have wanted to be at the end of 2025 if we Were being absolutely optimistic. And thinking about a great outcome for the end of the year, but that's not to say progress wasn't made. As we close out part two of our holiday rewind, one thing becomes crystal clear, and something that I want to highlight, renewable energy isn't just a single technology or single story, it's a movement made of many different interconnected pieces, from the specific technologies of DERs that empower our customers to the buildings that are evolving into clean energy assets, to the batteries that are helping unlock flexibility in our renewable energy systems, to systems like district energy that are really transforming communities and campuses, and finally, to the policies and trends and, you know, other forces that are really shaping the pace of all this progress together, they show that there is a future that's cleaner and smarter and more resilient and far more electrified. These things are possible, and we are moving in that direction. The big question is always the pace that we're moving at. Thanks for joining me for our final rewind of the year. In fact, our final episode of the year. On behalf of the entire thinkenergy team, we really are grateful for your time, your curiosity and your commitment to understanding the energy transition, and, quite frankly, to your expertise. I know a lot of folks listening, and everybody that I have on the show really has a lot of great thinking and knowledge on these topics, and I'm really appreciative of getting to talk to those folks and bring some of that insight to the show. We will be back in the new year, absolutely, with more conversations that the goal is to illuminate and challenge and inspire and really continue this conversation with all of you and with our fantastic guests. Until then, stay warm, stay safe and stay energized. Thanks for listening. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the thinkenergy podcast. Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and it would be great if you could leave us a review. It really helps to spread the word. As always, we would love to hear from you, whether it's feedback comments or an idea for a show or a guest. You can always reach us at thinkenergy@hydroottawa.com.

December 2025 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks. Covers America's most responsible companies, AI infrastructure and renewable energy stocks, and more. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 162, December 19, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 162, published on December 19, 2025, titled "December 2025 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks." This podcast is presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your go-to site for vital global, ethical, and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content, including stock symbols and bonus material, on this episode's podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don't receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. I have a great crop of 8 articles for you in this podcast! Note: Some companies are covered more than once. ------------------------------------------------------------- December 2025 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks (1) In this edition, I'm starting with a ranking of responsible companies. It's titled America's Most Responsible Companies 2026 on rankings.newsweek.com. It's by Newsweek and Statista. Here are some quotes from the introduction by Jennifer H. Cunningham. "According to a study by The Roundup, 84 percent of customers say that they are deterred from companies with poor environmental practices, and 62 percent 'always or often' specifically look for products that are sustainable. That is why Newsweek is proud to partner with Statista for the seventh time to present America's Most Responsible Companies 2026, highlighting 600 companies that are taking action each day to uphold their social responsibility.  This ranking is built on an evaluation of company CSR/ESG or sustainability reports, financial reports, history of lawsuits and 2024 top polluter indexes from the Political Economy Research Institute. Additionally, over 30 KPIs were researched from the three areas of ESG—environmental, social and governance performance. Companies included in this ranking are American Tower (AMT), Ingersoll Rand (IR), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), NVIDIA (NVDA), and Tapestry (TPR )." End quotes The top five companies in the ranking are NVIDIA (NVDA), Mastercard (MA), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Ecolab (ECL), and T-Mobile (TMUS). ------------------------------------------------------------- December 2025 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks (2) As renewable energy companies make gains, this article reviews some top companies in the sector. The article is titled Top 7 companies offering digital transformation solutions for renewable energy on azbigmedia.com. It's by Eric Kelly. Here are some of his comments. "1. DXC Technology (DXC) builds Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems – DERMS for short. What that means in plain English: software that can juggle thousands of solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries at once. Their renewable energy digital services do real-time forecasting and balancing. When a cloud covers a solar farm, the system already knows and has adjusted before anyone notices a flicker. They use predictive analytics to figure out what's going to happen hours or days ahead, which matters when you're trying to keep the lights on for millions of people. 2. Siemens Energy (ENR.DE) Their Omnivise Digital Solutions covers pretty much everything – from the moment you build a power plant to the day you tear it down decades later. They make distributed control systems that pull data from every sensor, every turbine, every transformer, and show it all in one place. What's interesting is their edge computing for substations. Instead of sending all data to some central cloud and waiting for instructions, the processing happens right there on-site. Milliseconds matter when you're managing a grid. Siemens is also deep into green hydrogen tech. They're working on projects in over 100 countries and their equipment generates about half the world's electricity. 3. Schneider Electric (SU.PA) built EcoStruxure. It connects hardware, software, and services to optimize energy use in buildings, factories, and grids. Their new One Digital Grid Platform uses AI to manage planning, operations, and asset management all in one place. The AI automatically catches when the digital model of a grid doesn't match reality – like when someone forgot to update the system after installing new equipment. Sounds simple, but that kind of mismatch causes real problems. 4. ABB (ABBNY) make robotic systems for manufacturing solar panels, complete instrumentation packages for solar and wind plants, and the smart grid systems that tie it all together. Their battery storage solutions are particularly interesting. BESS-as-a-Service means companies can use battery systems without buying them outright. For industrial users trying to cut electricity costs during peak hours, that's huge. You get energy independence without the capital expenditure. ABB supplies converters for the world's biggest offshore wind farms and generators for hydroelectric plants. 5. GE Vernova (GEV) is the spinoff from General Electric that focuses purely on power generation and grid management. They generate about 25% of the world's electricity through their installed base of 2200 GW worth of equipment.  Their Grid Orchestration Software uses AI to predict demand, optimize energy flow, and integrate all those distributed resources we keep talking about. Their Advanced Asset Performance Management system pulls data from information systems, operational systems, and engineering models to help people make faster decisions. GE Vernova partnered with Amazon Web Services to accelerate cloud migration and bring generative AI into energy infrastructure. 6. IBM Energy and Utilities (IBM) brings Watson and AI expertise to energy. Their Maximo platform manages assets, and Watson handles the heavy data analytics. They're using AI to forecast renewable energy production, optimize maintenance schedules, and manage distributed resources. IBM is also experimenting with quantum computing for modeling complex energy systems. Their blockchain platforms enable peer-to-peer energy trading – imagine selling excess solar power from your roof directly to your neighbor. They build digital twins that simulate how turbines, transformers, and entire grids will behave under different conditions. 7. Accenture (ACN) isn't selling hardware or software directly. They're consultants who help energy companies figure out their entire digital transformation strategy. Sometimes the problem isn't technology – it's knowing which technology to use and how to implement it without disrupting your business. They work with industry leaders on IoT, Big Data, AI, and cloud solutions. Their approach covers operational excellence, asset management, customer experience, and decarbonization. Renewable energy digital services from Accenture include predictive maintenance for wind and solar farms, platforms for managing virtual power plants, and real-time carbon emission monitoring. They also help companies integrate ESG principles into operations and reporting." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- December 2025 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks (3) This next article is titled Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights Bloom Energy, OPAL Fuels and FuelCell on finance.yahoo.com. It's by Zacks Equity Research. Now, some quotes from the article. "1. FuelCell Energy (FCEL) Based in Danbury, CT, the company makes ultra-clean, highly efficient power plants that can run on fuels like renewable biogas and natural gas, producing electricity with far less pollution and fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fossil-fuel plants. In September 2025, the company announced its fiscal third-quarter results. The company reported a loss of 95 cents per share, which improved 45% year over year. The company's top line also improved 97% year over year to $46.74 million. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FuelCell Energy's fiscal 2026 sales implies an improvement of 21.5% year over year. The consensus estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings implies 51.3% growth year over year. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). 2. OPAL Fuels (OPAL) Based in New York, the company is a vertically integrated renewable fuels platform involved in the production and distribution of renewable natural gas for the heavy-duty truck market. During the third quarter, the company produced renewable natural gas of nearly 1.3 million Metric Million British Thermal units (MMBtu), which was up 30% year over year. The Fuel Station Services segment sold, dispensed, and serviced an aggregate of 38.9 million GGEs of transportation fuel for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2025, reflecting an increase of 1% year over year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company's 2025 sales implies an improvement of 21.8% from the previous year's reported figure. The estimate for 2025 earnings implies 128.6% growth from the previous year's reported figure. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. 3. Bloom Energy (BE) Based in San Jose, CA, the company generates and distributes renewable energy. On Oct. 28, 2025, Bloom Energy announced its third-quarter results. It reported earnings of 15 cents per share against a loss of a cent in the year-ago quarter. The company's top line also improved 57.3% year over year to $519 million. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales implies an improvement of 28.6% from the previous year's reported figure. The consensus estimate for 2025 earnings implies 92.9% growth from the previous year's reported figure. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold)." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- December 2025 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks (4) This final review article makes a bold prediction on an AI infrastructure stock. The article is titled Prediction: This AI Infrastructure Stock Could Hit a $500 Billion Valuation by 2032 on fool.com and is by Thomas Niel. Here are some quotes from Mr. Neil's article. "Arista Networks (ANET) A top provider of cloud networking solutions for end-users such as AI data centers, the company has already benefited greatly from this trend. Already a strong performer over the past five years, its shares may be in for further outsized price appreciation in the years ahead, as the AI growth trend persists. How Arista benefits from the AI buildout Arista Networks has been in business for over 20 years, becoming a billion-dollar business around 10 years ago. Still, it's only been over the past three years that the company experienced a sustained growth resurgence. The reason for this is hardly a mystery. In late 2022, ChatGPT launched, sparking the start of the genAI growth trend. Soon after, tech companies, especially the largest names in the space, began to deploy hundreds of billions of dollars into building out their AI infrastructures. With this booming surge in demand, it's no surprise that Arista Networks has benefited from a big jump in demand for networking hardware, like switches and routers, as well as the software used to power them… This rapid revenue growth has brought with it a correspondingly high rate of earnings growth… Next stop $500 billion? It's possible At current prices, Arista Networks has a market cap of around $161.3 billion. To reach a $500 billion market cap and a share price of around $400 within six years, at a minimum, Arista will need to sustain 20% annualized growth… The bottom line for new or existing Arista Networks investors Currently, Arista has a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just under 40. In the years ahead, even if annual growth stays around 20%, shares could experience a slight de-rating as investors anticipate a growth slowdown over a longer time frame… Rather than entering or adding to a position at any price, you may want to wait for renewed worries about an AI bubble or whitebox competition to create new buy-the-dip situations." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- More articles from around the world with Sustainable Investment Picks for December 2025. 1. Title: Sustainability ETFs Still Shining Despite Investor Pullback. Here are the 4 Largest on thedailyupside.com. By Kiran Aditham. 2. Title: Better AI Infrastructure Stock: Nebius Group vs. Iren Limited on fool.com. By Patrick Sanders. 3. Title: FCEL vs. BE: Which Hydrogen Power Stock Has Better Potential for Now? On nasdaq.com. By Jewel Saha for Zacks. 4. Title: EQR Named A Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock on nasdaq.com. By BNK Invest. ------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Comment These are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips for this podcast, "December 2025 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks." Please click the like and subscribe buttons wherever you download or listen to this podcast. That helps bring these podcasts to others like you. And please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. Let's promote ethical and sustainable investing as a force for hope and prosperity in these tumultuous times! Contact me if you have any questions. I wish you a wonderful time over the holidays and a terrific and prosperous 2026! Thank you for listening. My next podcast will be on January 23rd. See you then. Bye for now   © 2025 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul

Renewable energy advocates say it's madness thousands of new piped gas connections are being put into houses every year despite dwindling supply. Climate Change Correspondent, Kate Newton reports.

In this episode, Kellie Macpherson sits down with Kimberlee Centera, founder of TerraPro Solutions, to unpack what really makes or breaks renewable energy projects behind the scenes.With more than 24 GW of projects supported, Kimberlee shares hard-earned insights on:Transmission risk and land rightsWhy communication failures delay projectsHow to de-risk renewable developments before capital is committedThe realities of permitting across counties and state linesHow to build trust with landowners, regulators, and stakeholdersWhy “transmission isn't sexy” — but it's mission-criticalThey also dive into leadership, mentorship, and how to create pathways for women and future leaders in renewables through collaboration, transparency, and real-world integrity.This conversation is a must-listen for developers, asset managers, investors, and anyone navigating risk in renewable energy, transmission planning, and infrastructure development.Kimberlee has generously shared access to her upcoming Mergers & Acquisitions E-book, a practical guide for navigating risk, diligence, and the evolving landscape of renewable project transactions.Access it here: https://29qd9.share.hsforms.com/2XCopk5IaRtivQHhWKvMXSA?utm_campaign=3724125-M%26A%20Campaign&utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Access%20to%20M%26A%20e-Book&utm_content=M%26A%20e-Book%20LinkedIn 

Title: Australia's Renewable Revolution & the EV Boom — with Giles Parkinson   Robert chats with Giles Parkinson, founder of The Driven and Renew Economy, about the rapid global shift to electric vehicles, the state of Australia's energy transition, and why the data shows EV adoption is unstoppable—regardless of political noise or media myths. Giles breaks down the real numbers behind EV uptake, the rollout of charging infrastructure, the massive potential of Australia's renewable energy sector, and the role EVs will play in the future grid with V2G.    https://thedriven.io/  https://reneweconomy.com.au/  Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/cv9JfLMkj0A   00:00 Intro  01:00 Giles Parkinson 04:30 The state of EV adoption in Australia  09:15 Media myths vs. EV reality  15:20 Charging infrastructure: the good, the bad, the future  22:50 Renewable energy growth & grid transition  30:40 The role of policy and government  37:10 Home charging, smart tariffs & V2G  44:20 Battery technology & lifecycle misunderstandings  50:00 The road ahead for EVs and energy  56:40 Closing thoughts   Why not come and join us at our next Everything Electric expo: www.everythingelectric.show    Check out our sister channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EverythingElectricShow   Support our StopBurningStuff campaign: https://www.patreon.com/STOPBurningStuff Become an Everything Electric Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fullychargedshow Become a YouTube member: use JOIN button above Buy the Fully Charged Guide to Electric Vehicles & Clean Energy : https://buff.ly/2GybGt0 Subscribe for episode alerts and the Everything Electric newsletter: https://fullycharged.show/zap-sign-up/ Visit: https://FullyCharged.Show Find us on X: https://x.com/Everyth1ngElec Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialeverythingelectric To partner, exhibit or sponsor at our award-winning expos email: commercial@fullycharged.show   Everything Electric SYDNEY - Sydney Olympic Park 6th, 7th & 8th March 2026  EE NORTH (Harrogate) - 8th & 9th May 2026  EE WEST (Cheltenham) - 12th & 13th June 2026  EE GREATER LONDON (Twickenham) - 11th & 12th Sept 2026

Energy systems expert Bruce Miller explains why spinning machines won't be needed in future grid, while regional independent MP Helen Haines says developers should drop the spin and focus on community benefits.

In this latest OIES podcast from the Energy Transition Programme, Dimitra Apostolopoulou talks to Managing Director of Energy Management, Markets and Risk at Reventus Power, Naz Osmancik, about his latest paper titled “From Certainty to Volatility Beyond the Contract: Managing Risks and Opportunities for Renewable Assets with expiring CfD Support”. This podcast explores the shifting […] The post OIES Podcast – From Certainty to Volatility Beyond the Contract: Managing Risks and Opportunities for Renewable Assets with expiring CfD Support appeared first on Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

Threat to the Atacama Desert: Scientists are raising alarms over a massive renewable energy project near Chile's Atacama Desert, home to the Paranal Observatory. Concerns include potential light pollution, dust interference, and atmospheric heating that could compromise the region's exceptional astronomical conditions. The scientific community is advocating for solutions to minimize these impacts while balancing sustainable energy needs.Blue Origin's New Innovations: Blue Origin has unveiled exciting new hardware, including the Blue Moon Mark One robotic lander set to fly by 2026, a more powerful version of the New Glenn rocket, and Blue Ring, a space tug designed to support logistics in Earth orbit. These advancements highlight the company's commitment to building a sustainable space infrastructure.Starquakes and Cosmic Mysteries: NASA's TESS has detected unusual starquakes from a red giant orbiting the black hole Gaia BH2. The star's rapid spin and curious chemical composition suggest it may be the result of a merger between two stars, showcasing the power of astroseismology in uncovering cosmic histories.Time on Mars: A fascinating revelation indicates that time moves slightly faster on Mars compared to Earth due to its weaker gravity and slower orbit. This difference, while minuscule, poses significant implications for future Martian missions, necessitating a standardized time system for coordinated operations.Innovative Martian Construction: Researchers propose a groundbreaking method for building on Mars using local resources. By combining Martian soil with Earth bacteria, scientists aim to create bioconcrete for construction, while also producing oxygen, offering a dual solution for habitat creation and life support in the harsh Martian environment.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesThreat to the Atacama Desert[Astronomy Journal](https://www.astronomy.com/)Blue Origin Innovations[Blue Origin](https://www.blueorigin.com/)Starquakes Research[NASA TV](https://www.nasa.gov/tess)Time on Mars Studies[Physics Today](https://www.physicstoday.org/)Martian Construction Research[NASA Mars](https://mars.nasa.gov/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Jason Kaminsky, CEO, kWh Analytics, discusses how resilient renewable energy assets, built with smart design and proactive management, help insurers differentiate risk and improve coverage for extreme weather events.

Comprehensive coverage of the day's news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. Venezuelan flag Trump wants ground attacks on Venezuela, as controversy swirls over attacks on alleged drug boats; 12 year old Gaza girl suffers faints, nightmares, lung surgery, as family seeks aid after deaths of her siblings in Israeli attacks during ceasefire; “Evict ICE Not Us” activists interrupt Board of Supervisors meeting to demand eviction protections for immigrants; SF sues ultraprocessed foods manufacturer, alleging company knew products harmful and addictive; Trump administration to withhold SNAP food benefits in most Democratic-controlled states starting next week; Trump Administration renames “National Renewable Energy Laboratory”, deleting “Renewable” and “Energy” – now it's “National Laboratory of the Rockies” The post Trump proposes ground attacks on Venezuela; “Evict ICE Not Us” demands LA enact eviction protections for immigrants – December 2, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Aubrey Masango joined by Rocco Barnard, Director and Project Engineer at Ingwe Energy, discuss building a profitable business, leveraging partnerships, and the importance of innovation in a competitive market. Tags: 702, Aubrey Masango show, Aubrey Masango, Bra Aubrey, Rocco Barnard, Profit margin, Innovation, Business partnership, Solar energy, Renewable energy The Aubrey Masango Show is presented by late night radio broadcaster Aubrey Masango. Aubrey hosts in-depth interviews on controversial political issues and chats to experts offering life advice and guidance in areas of psychology, personal finance and more. All Aubrey’s interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from The Aubrey Masango Show. Listen live on weekdays between 20:00 and 24:00 (SA Time) to The Aubrey Masango Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk between 20:00 and 21:00 (SA Time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find out more about the show here https://buff.ly/lzyKCv0 and get all the catch-up podcasts https://buff.ly/rT6znsn Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfet Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! We've got the latest from the Council of Governments meeting on Monday, and the county council's Wednesday meeting. This includes a review of the Transportation Sales Tax policy, information on the Utah Renewable Communities program, and much more! Alright, let's get … Continue reading November 21, 2025 — Transportation sales tax, Utah Renewable Communities, and more! →

China is making huge investments in eco-friendly technology and is quickly becoming the biggest source of renewable exports around the globe. Also, a special tribunal in Bangladesh sentences ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death over deadly crackdowns on a student-led uprising last year. And, Equal Pay Day draws attention to the wage gap between men and women in Europe. Plus, a new study finds that the average human spends 78 minutes a day on the move.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Talking About Climate Change with Confidence: A Conversation with Dr. Alice Alpert Climate change is a topic that affects every one of us, yet it can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even polarizing. That's why I was excited to welcome Dr. Alice Alpert, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund, to the Go Natural English podcast. Dr. Alpert studies emerging climate technologies, evaluates their real-world impact, and works with teams focused on methane, climate policy, and international sustainability partnerships. In our conversation, we explored misconceptions, sources of hope, daily sustainability habits, and clear English vocabulary related to the climate conversation. What Does a Climate Scientist Do? Dr. Alpert evaluates new climate solutions, from clean energy to carbon-removal technologies to sustainable farming. Her work starts with two key questions: Does this solution meaningfully help reduce climate impact? What are the trade-offs or challenges that come with it? Her job is not just to imagine solutions but to determine what actually works. The Biggest Misunderstanding About Climate Change Dr. Alpert explained that a major misconception is the idea that climate action is "all or nothing." People often believe: "It's too late to do anything," or "It's someone else's responsibility." Both mindsets lead to inaction. "You don't have to be perfect," she said. "Every step forward helps. The idea of 'everything or nothing' isn't useful." How She Stays Hopeful Climate news can feel heavy, so I asked what keeps her motivated. Her answer was simple: the future. "I have three kids. That's three votes for the future. We are moving in the right direction, and I think we'll get most of the way there." Her optimism is practical and rooted in evidence. Many climate solutions are already working and becoming more affordable. Misconceptions About Sustainability, Especially in Texas One surprising part of our conversation was about renewable energy in Texas. Many people assume Texas is not sustainable, but the opposite is true. Texas produces more clean energy than any other U.S. state, and by a huge margin. Wind, solar, and battery storage are growing rapidly. Much of this growth is driven by economics, not ideology. "It's the cheapest energy," she said. "People are making money from it." Another misconception is that sustainability is always more expensive. In reality, the cheapest new energy to build today is solar. Short-Term Costs vs. Long-Term Benefits Many sustainable choices cost more upfront but save money over time: installing solar panels, buying an electric vehicle, or purchasing high-quality items that last longer. I shared the example of clothing I've kept for more than a decade. A well-made sweater ended up costing less over time than several cheaper ones. Dr. Alpert agreed. "The upfront investment is real. But long-term thinking matters." Everyday Sustainability: What Works for You Dr. Alpert emphasized that sustainability should be personal and realistic. A few examples we discussed: Thrifting and Secondhand Shopping Buying used items reduces waste and builds community. Reusing Items for Children Circulating children's items among families increases their lifespan and reduces unnecessary purchases. Flexible Eating Habits She chooses what feels natural. She doesn't eliminate any foods, but she eats less beef because she doesn't enjoy it much and knows it has a higher climate impact. Her philosophy is simple: do what works for your lifestyle, not someone else's. Cultural Differences in Sustainability Many listeners of Go Natural English live in the United States but grew up abroad. If that describes you, you may have noticed differences in: recycling habits how food is packaged energy use transportation diet choices We would love to hear about your experiences and what surprised you when comparing sustainability practices around the world. Key English Vocabulary for Talking About Climate Change Because much climate information is published in English, we reviewed several useful terms. Carbon footprint The amount of greenhouse gases created by an activity. Carbon neutral No net increase in emissions; emissions are balanced by removals. Renewable or clean energy Energy sources that do not rely on fossil fuels. Examples include wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and sometimes nuclear. Fossil fuels Coal, oil, and natural gas. Dr. Alpert jokingly compared them to "burning dinosaurs." Move the needle To make a meaningful impact or measurable improvement. In the same boat Facing the same challenge or depending on the same shared resource. Individual Actions and Leadership Actions While individual choices matter, Dr. Alpert pointed out something important: You cannot expect one person to "save the world." Leadership and policy matter too. So how do we hold leaders accountable? Voting, especially at the local level Joining conservation-minded organizations Speaking up through social media or letters Staying informed on local policies Supporting leaders who prioritize clean energy and sustainability These steps make a meaningful difference. Where to Learn More Dr. Alpert recommends two easy places to start: The book "Not the End of the World" by Hannah Ritchie

What is the Waverley Street Foundation?The Waverley Street Foundation, founded by Laurene Powell Jobs in 2016, aims to attack climate related issues through funding community-led programs, leading to community action against climate change. The Waverley Street Foundation specifically funds programs related to renewable energy and regenerative agriculture, as these sectors have an immense impact on the environment and vulnerable communities. The Foundation's approach to achieving climate-related goals is unique, as their solutions revolve around investing in prominent community institutions in order to benefit the entire community, showing people that we all benefit from a healthy planet.Regenerative Agriculture as a Climate SolutionRegenerative agriculture is the practice of using farming and agricultural techniques to help reverse climate change, including some techniques that date back to Native American cropping systems and the way in which they interact with the soil. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the goals of the practice include helping to “mitigate climate change, improve soil health, restore biodiversity, enhance ecosystems, and contribute to human health.” By focusing on the larger community impacts of sustainable farming practices, the Waverley Street Foundation promotes a close connection between people and their food systems. As an example,  the Foundation established agreements with local school districts to support fresh and nutritious lunches, bringing  local regenerative farmers into the supply chain, thereby improving farmers' economics, and allowing them to decide to continue planting regenerative crops. Other Community-Based Climate InitiativesThe Waverley Street Foundation is also currently working on converting health clinics from being run on diesel fuel to solar in India. This not only reduces pollution and carbon emissions, but can also help make healthcare more affordable for residents, while providing new local jobs installing, fixing, and financing the panels. In order to evade the most devastating climate change impacts, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. The ultimate goal of the Waverley Street Foundation is to approach climate change with a new outlook: “Cultivating Health, Justice and Joy,”  emphasizing the role that climate change has in harming vulnerable communities' everyday lives rather than solely focusing on technical solutions. Jared Blumenfeld, the president of the Waverley Street Foundation, argues that “unless we can make the case to them, that climate action is going to support and make their communities stronger, I don't think we win many of the other arguments.”About Our GuestJared Blumenfeld is the former Secretary of CalEPA and current President of Waverley Street Foundation, the climate philanthropy funded by Laurene Powell Jobs. Blumenfeld also served as Director of San Francisco's Department of Environment. Currently, at Waverley, he is working on critical environmental issues, such as oil litigation, renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and food systems.ResourcesWaverley Street Foundation, WorkWaverley Street Foundation, What if lunchrooms served the freshest food in town? Regeneration International, Why regenerative agriculture?California Department of Food and Agriculture, Defining Regenerative Agriculturefor State Policies and ProgramsUnited Nations, Renewable energy – powering a safer futureWaverley Street Foundation, AboutFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/climate-action-through-community-driven-philanthropy-with-jared-blumenfeld/

Soybeans are all over the headlines right now but you might not realize they drive American ag—and North Carolina is a prime case study. Charles Hall, Executive Director of the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association, returns to break down what's actually moving the market this year: tight farm margins, a potential price rally that hasn't materialized, and a flood of supply with limited in-state storage. We cover why 75% of NC beans are rated good-to-excellent yet profitability remains elusive, how a 1.6M-acre crop meets constrained crush capacity after an ADM plant closure, and why six-hour delivery lines are more than an inconvenience—they're a cost center. Hall explains China's stop-start purchases, Brazil's rapid expansion (and quality trade-offs), and how shifting tariffs hit farmers twice—at the elevator and on input invoices. We dig into weed resistance, the dicamba drift debate, and why new chemistries take ~20 years to clear regulation. On the opportunity side: renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are reshaping crush margins by pulling harder on oil than meal. We also hit risk management wins (higher reference prices, improved crop insurance) and why the farm “safety net” still hangs inches above concrete. If you own rural land, lease ground, or care about U.S. food and fuel security, this episode lays out the stakes—straight. Key Takeaways Margins are thin: Inputs up, prices not keeping pace; profitability remains “right on the bubble.” Big crop, tight logistics: ~1.6M acres in NC; ~75% rated good/excellent; limited storage and recent crush capacity loss create delivery bottlenecks. China & tariffs: New-crop U.S. purchases lag; tariff volatility depresses demand and raises input costs (equipment, herbicides, nutrients). Brazil vs. U.S.: Brazil gained China share post-2018; quality/logistics trade-offs vs. NC's local hog & poultry demand. Weed resistance is constant: Fewer approved chemistries, dicamba drift concerns; regulatory timelines are long. Energy demand shift: Renewable diesel/SAF increasingly drive crush margins via soy oil, not just meal. Risk management: Higher soy reference prices and crop insurance tweaks help, but the “safety net” is still low. North Carolina Soybean Producers Association https://ncsoy.org/   National Land Realty https://www.nationalland.com 

In this new episode of the Energy Vista podcast, host Leslie Palti-Guzman sits down with Cécile Maisonneuve to explore the reenergized role of #nuclear power in #Europe—and what it reveals about broader shifts in #energy, #sovereignty, and #industrial strategy.Together, they unpack: Why nuclear energy is back in vogue in Europe after years of political pushback The role of nuclear in France's industrial and #digital future—including energy for #AI and #data centers How #Russia is using nuclear exports as a geopolitical tool, from financing to reactor deployment Why nuclear and natural #gas could compete in some jurisdictions SMRs (Small Modular Reactors): innovation vs. proliferation and security risks Is there now a “transatlantic” nuclear strategy in the making?

Leslie Palti-Guzman speaks with Michal Meidan, Head of Gas Research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. Together, they explore:

-Gaza families welcome home nearly 2,000 Palestinian hostages freed -Trump celebrates ceasefire at Knesset, congratulates war criminals -Shut Down Day 14: Fed workers laid off, Argentina gets bailout -Renewable energy surges in China, India

Ep 231 | This week on Discover Ag, Natalie and Tara dig into generational food debates, Boston's rodeo revival, and Texas' fight against an invasive pest — with plenty of banter along the way. First up: A viral reel sparks debate about seed oils and generational food culture. An "almond daughter" confronts her "seed oil grandmother" about pantry staples, but the comment section isn't having it. Natalie and Tara explore how different generations relate to food, why we're so divided on nutrition, and whether we've optimized ourselves into confusion. Then, the rodeo returns to Boston for the first time in nearly 100 years — complete with skyscrapers, city hall plaza, and plenty of PETA protesters. The hosts discuss the logistics of transforming downtown into a rodeo arena, why animal activists are so vocal about rodeos, and whether this cultural moment will stick around. Next, Bose drops a butter-yellow Bluetooth speaker packaged like a stick of butter, and the marketing genius (or missed opportunity) has everyone talking. Plus, a quick debrief on Steven McBee heading to BravoCon and what that means for ag's crossover into mainstream entertainment. Finally, Texas agriculture faces a new threat: the cotton jassid, an invasive leaf hopper spreading fast from Florida to the cotton belt. Tara talks to a local cotton farmer about what this pest could mean for the multi-billion dollar industry — and why Georgia growers are already devastated. BUT WAIT — there's more! Stick around for a bonus mini-interview with Jeff Risley, Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA). If you've ever considered solar, wind, or any renewable project on your farm, this conversation is a must-listen. Jeff breaks down peer-to-peer resources, lease negotiations, succession planning, and how REFA helps farmers make informed decisions about long-term energy opportunities. Learn more at https://renewableenergyfarmers.org What We Discovered This Week

Elizabeth Peek discusses the growing demands that massive data centers place on local resources, including electricity, water, and workforce. She anticipates a public backlash, particularly due to rising electricity costs and the reliance on renewable mandates in uncompetitive markets like California and New York. Water scarcity issues are also a significant concern, comparable to the public reaction to fracking. Peek notes that elected representatives must address how these massive buildings impact the national conversation regarding resource allocation and pricing. 1910 VALDEZ

Elizabeth Peek discusses the growing demands that massive data centers place on local resources, including electricity, water, and workforce. She anticipates a public backlash, particularly due to rising electricity costs and the reliance on renewable mandates in uncompetitive markets like California and New York. Water scarcity issues are also a significant concern, comparable to the public reaction to fracking. Peek notes that elected representatives must address how these massive buildings impact the national conversation regarding resource allocation and pricing. 1910

A Finnish town is using a deceptively simple new technology to stay warm using renewable energy.Read more about the big battery here ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What do high school grads, new parents, and brides-to-be have in common? In this episode, we explore renewable markets—those endlessly refreshing customer pools—and why they’re smart for side hustlers. Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case studies of people who earn extra money without quitting their job. This year, the show includes free guided lessons and listener Q&A several days each week. Show notes: SideHustleSchool.com Email: team@sidehustleschool.com Be on the show: SideHustleSchool.com/questions Connect on Instagram: @193countries Visit Chris's main site: ChrisGuillebeau.com Read A Year of Mental Health: yearofmentalhealth.com If you're enjoying the show, please pass it along! It's free and has been published every single day since January 1, 2017. We're also very grateful for your five-star ratings—it shows that people are listening and looking forward to new episodes.