Welcome to episode 242 of The Clean Energy Show! This week, we explore a groundbreaking proposal to connect Europe's and North America's power grids using undersea cables, a move that could revolutionize clean energy by balancing solar and wind production across continents. California is launching a new program offering free e-bikes to low-income residents, but there's a catch: applicants must sit through climate change and e-bike safety videos. Meanwhile, OPEC faces a harsh reality check as oil demand peaks much sooner than anticipated, leaving petrostate politicians scrambling. And in New York City, plans for mandatory e-bike license plates spark controversy.

Also in the show: Mercedes gets the green light for Level 3 autonomous driving in Germany, GM pulls the plug on its Cruise robo-taxi business, and BC Hydro opens a powerful new EV charger in British Columbia. All this and more, including the ever-illuminating Lightning Round!

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Main Stories

• California's Free E-Bike Program: Read more.

• Transatlantic Power Grids: Full report.

• OPEC’s Oil Demand Reality Check: Read the full analysis.

Other Highlights

• Mercedes-Benz's DRIVE PILOT gets approval in Germany for Level 3 autonomous driving, allowing drivers to legally read, work, or watch TV while the car drives itself.

• GM halts its Cruise self-driving taxi operations after safety incidents.

• BC Hydro opens a new 350 kW EV charger in Oyama, BC, significantly improving EV travel in the region.

Listener Mail

The Lightning Round

• US Supreme Court upholds California’s right to set its own vehicle emissions standards.

• Global renewable energy installations hit a record 560 GW in 2023, compared to just 7.1 GW of new nuclear.

• EV battery life may last 40% longer than previously estimated.

• Study finds only 1% of EV owners would switch back to gas-powered cars, with cost savings being the primary reason.

• BYD plans to introduce 6C charging technology, enabling 10-80% charging in just 7 minutes.

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This week, we dive into the latest advancements in clean energy and sustainability! A universal ‘Plug and Charge’ protocol for EVs is set to roll out in 2025, promising a seamless, app-free charging experience for all electric vehicles. In Boston, a groundbreaking program prescribes solar power to low-income patients—an innovative approach to health and energy security. Meanwhile, scientists uncover a surprising factor contributing to global warming: the Earth is dimming, with reduced cloud cover playing a significant role.

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We also welcome back a beloved guest with a special EV announcement and discuss listener mail on passive solar building codes, spinning homes, and solar history. All that and much more, including quick updates on Hyundai’s fast-charging push in India and the Pope’s new electric ride!

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• EV Charging Revolution: Learn how the upcoming universal 'Plug and Charge' protocol will streamline charging for all EV drivers. Source.
• Solar Power Prescriptions: Boston doctors prescribe solar energy to improve health and prevent utility cutoffs for vulnerable patients. Source.
• The Earth’s Dimming: Reduced cloud cover is accelerating global warming, adding a new layer of urgency to climate action.
• Listener Mail: Insights into passive solar design and how cities like Davis, CA, led the way in sustainable building practices.
• Pope’s New EV: Mercedes-Benz unveils an all-electric popemobile, showcasing the intersection of sustainability and tradition. Source.

• Seaweed for Cattle: Feeding seaweed to cows cuts methane emissions by 40%.
• Kenya’s Renewable Transformation: From 60% fossil fuels in 2000 to just 6% today.
• Egypt’s Renewable Ambitions: 18.6 GW of new wind and solar by 2030.
• Battery Price Drop: Lithium-ion battery packs see the steepest price decline since 2017. Here's a gift link to the Bloomberg article.
• Heat-Related Deaths

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Scientists in the Rockies are developing technology to detect attempts to dim the sun—a safeguard against rogue geoengineering experiments. A proposal for a 2,500-mile subsea power cable aims to deliver renewable energy from North Africa to Britain. Could it revolutionize energy trade or is it an oversized project? The most-watched primetime show in the U.S. is now powered by batteries, drastically cutting fossil fuel use. Could the NFL’s transition inspire other industries?

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Also this week:

• Finland’s Nuclear Waste Solution: Finland leads the way with the world’s first permanent geological repository for spent nuclear fuel. Is this the future of nuclear waste management?
• Ukraine’s Resilient Renewable Energy: Despite attacks on its grid, Ukraine’s decentralized clean energy projects are proving harder for Russia to destroy and quicker to repair than fossil fuel systems.
• UK’s ICE Ban in 2030: The UK confirms it will stick to its 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, with strong penalties for automakers that fail to comply.
• Updates on heat pump performance in extreme cold, a look at Norway’s sky-high car taxes, and Brian's adventures with a cold.
• Listener mail: Practical tips for EV owners and insights from parades powered by the F-150 Lightning.
• A Lightning Round featuring everything from BYD's vertical integration to agrivoltaics boosting grape yields and Mexico's net-zero commitment by 2050.

• Sunday Night Football Power Backup
• Morocco-UK Subsea Cable Proposal
• Finland’s Nuclear Waste Repository
• Ukraine’s Renewable Energy Strategy
• UN Conference on Plastic Pollution

• China’s CO2 Decline: A 1% drop in Q2 2024 marks the first quarterly decrease since COVID-19.
• BYD’s Sodium-Ion Batteries: A promising grid-scale alternative to lithium-ion.
• Heat Pump Policies in Europe: 24 nations now support industrial-scale rollouts.
• Plastic Pollution Treaty Stalemate: Talks to curb production hit a wall, with future discussions planned.

Catch us next week for more clean energy news and listener mail! Want to support the show? Join our Patreon for bonus content and early access to episodes. Don’t forget to subscribe and review us on your favorite podcast app!

The latest developments from COP29, the annual climate summit, where world leaders committed $300 billion per year to help developing nations combat climate change—though many argue this figure falls short of the required funding. Meanwhile, as Australia faces a blistering heatwave, maintenance on coal plants exacerbates the energy crisis, adding fuel to the debate over fossil fuel dependence.

We also cover the groundbreaking approval of Hermes 2, the first Gen IV nuclear reactor in the U.S., which features a unique molten salt cooling system designed for efficiency and safety. Plus, Ann Arbor, Michigan, takes a bold step forward as residents approve a local clean energy utility, furthering the city’s commitment to sustainable energy.

Finally, California makes headlines with a plan to counteract potential federal EV policy changes under the incoming Trump administration, promising state incentives to EV buyers if federal credits are repealed.

• COP29 Climate Finance and Fossil Fuel Stalemate

• Australia’s Heatwave and Energy Crisis

• Nuclear Innovation in TennesseeAnn Arbor’s Local Clean Energy Utility

• California’s EV Incentive Backup Plan

The Lightning Round:

• San Jose’s Electrified Train: Caltrain switches from diesel to electric on its San Francisco to San Jose route, marking a major shift toward greener transit.

• Data-Powered Heat in San Jose: A unique project will use excess heat from data centers to warm six new apartment buildings in San Jose, demonstrating a creative way to reduce emissions.

• Maine’s New Renewable Targets: Maine accelerates its renewable energy goals, aiming for 80% clean energy by 2030 and 100% by 2040.

• BYD’s Advanced LFP Batteries: China’s BYD announces its next-generation EV battery, designed to offer longer range and greater safety.

• California's Potential New EV Rebates: Newsom proposes state-level EV rebates as a countermeasure if federal incentives are reduced under the Trump administration.

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California is embracing wave power technology to generate electricity from ocean waves, which will help power thousands of homes. A new study challenges the long-standing belief that rooftop solar is a burden on California's customers, showing that it actually benefits the state. This update offers hope for the future of solar power in California. Read more from Canary Media.

• China's Open Sea Solar Farm: China has just powered up the world’s largest open-sea solar farm, which also incorporates fish farming. This innovative project showcases the potential of combining solar energy with marine aquaculture to boost renewable energy production. More on this from Electrek.

• COP29 Climate Talks: As COP29 unfolds, key figures are calling for a complete redesign of the conference. One major suggestion: reducing the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists, who currently outnumber climate negotiators. The conference is in its final week, and tensions are rising over the role of developing countries in achieving decarbonization goals.

  More details on COP29 from Electrek.

The Lightning Round:

• Air Pollution in India: India is currently experiencing extreme air pollution, with levels up to 130 times above the recommended safety threshold. Flights and trains have been canceled due to the severity of the pollution.

• Bomb Cyclone: A bomb cyclone is forming off the coast of the Pacific Northwest, with winds strong enough to rival a hurricane. This rare weather event is a stark reminder of the power of climate extremes.

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Store

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1. Solar panels are built to last, often functioning for decades beyond their warranty. When they’re replaced, many are finding a second life in energy-poor regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where access to electricity can transform communities. Programs like Solar Sister help distribute these panels to power mobile phone chargers, e-bikes, and even entire villages. For example, an original Bell Labs PV cell from 1954 is still producing power 70 years later.

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2. This holiday season, Australia will pioneer V2G technology that allows electric vehicles to feed electricity back to the grid, helping balance supply and demand. Learn more about this development in Electrek’s report.

3. Could a single solar panel lift someone out of energy poverty?

4. In a surprising move, Exxon’s CEO has urged the U.S. to remain in the Paris Climate Agreement. This unexpected stance from an oil giant hints at complex motivations. Check out the details in Bloomberg’s report.

Listener Mail:

• Alex: A listener and sustainability expert, Alex, wrote in to share insights on the longevity and recycling of solar panels, noting that panels can often be used beyond their initial lifespan for energy-poor regions.
• Nate from Oregon Seaweed: Nate, the chief scientist at Oregon Seaweed, left us a voicemail discussing the potential of kelp as a sustainable energy source.
• Bob: Listener Bob sent us an article on Canada’s proposed emissions cap on oil and gas companies. Learn more in this piece from the National Observer.
• Larry from Saskatchewan Renewable Energy Coalition: Larry invited us to discuss the Saskatchewan Renewable Energy Coalition, a group promoting renewable energy education in Saskatchewan.

Join James at the Saskatoon Fantastic Film Festival Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11 AM for a panel discussion on the films of Lowell Dean.

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Sheep grazing under solar panels in Australia are producing higher-quality wool! Could agrivoltaics be the future of sustainable farming? Scientists predict that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could collapse in just 15 years, threatening severe weather disruptions. Learn what this could mean for global climate.

Solar Panel Recycling Advances
A new plant in Georgia will soon recycle up to 99% of solar panel materials, taking a big step toward reducing solar waste. More details here: Electrek

Listener Mailbag

• Damon from Tasmania asks about carbon capture's effectiveness.
• Michael on Patreon shares insights into biochar and praises our climate activism.

Automotive Updates

• Toyota's Decline: With EV demand rising, Toyota’s production drops for the first time in four years. Electrek
• Ford’s F-150 Lightning Halt: Production of the Lightning will be paused for two months. Electrek

Lightning Round

• Honda’s Electric SUV Success: Honda's Prologue EV is outpacing the Chevy Blazer in sales, signaling strong consumer interest.
• Saudi Arabia’s Battery Push: The kingdom launches a tender for 8 GWh of battery storage, one of the largest in the world.
• Remote Work Reduces Emissions: A report finds Ottawa public servants working remotely produce 25% fewer emissions than office workers. The Energy Mix

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Support The Clean Energy Show

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Store

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Copyright 2024.

Louisville has launched America's first 100% electric garbage truck fleet. These trucks are perfectly suited for waste collection with heavy loads, stop-and-go conditions, and low speeds.
James shares insights from The Saskatchewan Survivor's Guide podcast, featuring former center-left Canadian politician Cathy Sproule. Why climate policies often don’t get political attention, even among left-leaning parties. Revised episode!

Listen to the Episode

• Biochar: The Carbon-Saving Solution
  Biochar, a product of burning forest materials at low temperatures, could help sequester carbon when applied to soil, rather than releasing it. This technology offers promising results in fire management and agriculture.

  • Read the Minnesota Public Radio Article
  • More from the U.S. National Forest Service

• Hurricane Relief with Solar Microgrids
  Following Hurricane Helene, the Footprint Project has provided North Carolina with solar-powered microgrids to replace polluting diesel generators. This initiative powers essentials, from food trucks to water filtration, sustainably.
  Canary Media Article

• Electric Hydrofoil Ferries in Sweden
  Sweden has launched the world’s first-ever electric hydrofoil ferry service, a cutting-edge leap towards emission-free maritime transport.
  Read More

• Claude from Lethbridge, Alberta:
  Comments on UCP attack ads in the podcast’s pre-roll ads. Thanks for sharing, Claude!
• Derek:
  Asks about biochar and its applications for carbon reduction.

• Electricity-powered garbage trucks launch in Louisville, CO.
• Bloomberg BNEF analysts find electrification outpacing hydrogen in decarbonizing sectors.
  Hydrogen Insight Article
• Sri Lanka installing solar on religious sites with support from the Indian government.
  Read More

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