

Volts
David Roberts
Volts is a podcast about leaving fossil fuels behind. I've been reporting on and explaining clean-energy topics for almost 20 years, and I love talking to politicians, analysts, innovators, and activists about the latest progress in the world's most important fight. (Volts is entirely subscriber-supported. Sign up!) www.volts.wtf
Episodes
Mentioned books

13 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 1h 11min
How to cram EV fast chargers into tight urban spaces
Tobias Lescht from Revel, a prominent figure in urban EV solutions, discusses the pressing challenges of establishing fast chargers amid NYC's urban landscape. He delves into Revel's dual strategy of launching a rideshare network while expanding charging infrastructure. The conversation touches upon the complexities of regulatory hurdles, the necessity for innovative location strategies, and the urgency of scaling electric vehicle support to meet rising demand. Exciting plans for urban expansion and the integration of user-friendly technologies are also highlighted.

35 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 1h 1min
What's the deal with perovskite solar?
Joel Jean, co-founder and CEO of Swift Solar, dives into the groundbreaking world of perovskite solar cells. He highlights their impressive efficiency and lightweight design, setting them apart from traditional silicon panels. Joel discusses the challenges these innovative cells face, like stability and manufacturing hurdles, while maintaining an optimistic view on their market potential. Expectations for commercialization and the transformative impact on solar technology and U.S. manufacturing jobs make for a riveting conversation!

21 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 1h 1min
What's the deal with burning wood pellets for energy?
Environmental advocates Rita Frost and Brenna Bell discuss the harmful impact of burning wood pellets for energy, focusing on the controversy surrounding the industry's expansion in the Pacific Northwest and the concerns about sourcing wood from natural forests. They highlight the lack of awareness surrounding biomass energy, air and water pollution issues, and the need for global collaboration to combat false climate solutions.

20 snips
Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 1min
What's the deal with Passive House?
Beverly Craig discusses Passive House principles, benefits, and challenges. Topics include key construction principles, cost considerations, benefits of quality construction, reducing embodied carbon, and integrating geothermal heat pumps. The podcast explores the success of Passive House apartments in Massachusetts and strategies for wider adoption in the U.S.

21 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 54min
EV charging for those without a garage
Gabe Klein from DOE's Joint Office of Energy and Transportation discusses new approaches to EV charging for multifamily residences in urban areas. Topics include novel business models, smart chargers, integrating parking with charging stations, maximizing copper value, and strategies for effective public charging infrastructure.

9 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 1h 2min
How are we going to decarbonize shipping?
David Wooley and Ed Carr, lead authors in the shipping industry, discuss future ship fuels, policies, and California's role in decarbonization. Topics include alternative fuels like ammonia and methanol, wind tech, slow steaming, clean electricity, enforcement mechanisms, costly technology investments, global efforts, and policy recommendations for the US and California to drive industry change.

6 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 1h 7min
Electrolyze everything!
CEO Jeff Erhardt of Mattiq discusses using nanotechnology, AI, and electrolysis to create innovative materials for industries. Topics include electrolyzers for green hydrogen, nanotechnology in drug development, iridium substitutes, advancements in electrolyzer technology, and moonshot bets in sustainable energy like ammonia production.

Jul 5, 2024 • 54min
What's up with solid-state batteries?
CEO Siyu Huang of Factorial Energy discusses advancements in solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, emphasizing higher energy density and safety. Topics include lithium metal anodes, stable electrolytes, market dominance of lithium, challenges in manufacturing, and future applications beyond cars.

9 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 13min
A clever new way to distribute storage on the grid
Co-founders Zach Dell and Justin Lopas of Base Power discuss their innovative approach in the Texas electricity market. They propose selling oversized home batteries to stabilize prices, provide backup power, and boost grid reliability. They highlight the use of latest battery tech for efficient grid storage and address challenges in integrating energy storage systems in residential areas, aiming to balance grid peaks and reduce arbitrage for grid stability.

Jun 28, 2024 • 53min
Hey schools, go get your IRA tax credits!
Sara Ross and Jonathan Klein discuss how schools can benefit from IRA tax credits for climate-friendly upgrades to address infrastructure challenges. They delve into the impact of climate change on education, the importance of resilience plans, and the hurdles schools face in accessing funding for clean energy technologies like electric buses.


