
The Clean Energy Show
James Whittingham and Brian Stockton
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Top 10 The Clean Energy Show Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Clean Energy Show episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Clean Energy Show for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Clean Energy Show episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Canada in Crisis, China Dominating Electric Vehicle and Self-Driving
The Clean Energy Show
02/06/25 • 59 min
Canada’s unprecedented existential crisis caused by bizarre actions from the White House. It could be worse—we could be Greenland. Meanwhile, the long-awaited geothermal power plant near us is finally set to come online next year, initially providing 5MW of power—just enough to keep James’ heated socks toasty.
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We also take a deep dive into an EV YouTuber’s trip to China and uncover just how far behind we are in EV technology. Spoiler: it’s bad, but still not as bad as Greenland. Plus, while Indian Railways celebrates 100 years of electrification, some North American officials are still convinced electric trains don’t exist.
Also on the show this week:
- Turning fiber optics into smart sensors.
- James rigs up his old electric car to defrost his windows.
- And much more!
The latest U.S. policies have thrown Canada into turmoil, with jobs disappearing and small businesses shutting down. The idea of Canada becoming the 51st state is floating around, but what would that mean? With an additional 343 seats in the U.S. House and 2 in the Senate, plus 345 electoral votes, Canada would fundamentally alter the political landscape—potentially preventing another Republican presidency. But would Americans ever accept us?
Geothermal Power Finally Coming OnlineThe long-awaited geothermal power plant near us will start producing electricity next year. Initially generating 5MW, this marks a significant step in clean energy for the region. Read more: Deep Earth Energy and SLB Canada partnership.
EV Tech in China is Light-Years AheadKyle Connor from Out of Spec recently tested EVs in China, where battery swapping is a common practice due to the lack of home charging in massive apartment complexes.
Turning Fiber Optics into Smart SensorsResearchers are developing technology that repurposes fiber optic cables to monitor and optimize the electrical grid. Read more: Electrek article.
Listener Mail The Lightning Round!- China’s EV charging points surged by 49% to 12.8 million in 2024.
- The UK now has 8GWh of operational battery energy storage, with nearly 20GWh under construction.
- 60 million AAA members in the U.S. and Canada can now get preferred pricing at ChargePoint stations.
- Tesla’s sales are plummeting in California while the broader EV market continues to grow.
- PV-powered EVs can extend their range by up to 30%, with real-world tests showing an additional 530 km of range.
- Enhanced geothermal is expected to reach a levelized cost of $80/MWh by 2027, eliminating the need for coal and nuclear as baseload power sources.
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That’s our show for this week! Email us at [email protected], follow us on social media @CleanEnergyPod, and don’t forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast app. See you next week!

Palm Oil Without the Deforestation? It’s Here.
The Clean Energy Show
02/19/25 • 48 min
Palm oil is one of the biggest environmental villains, but now a Dutch biotech company has scaled up a breakthrough yeast-based alternative that could drastically cut emissions and deforestation. Meanwhile, New York City is tackling unsafe e-bike batteries by handing out free replacement e-bikes to delivery workers. Plus, France is going all-in on nuclear power to support the AI boom.
Undecided with Matt Ferrell - the popular YouTuber comes to Brian and James's backyard to explore the construction of a wind farm. Great video here. https://youtu.be/rKPYy8RF1RU?si=p8HFcVONNNYHMCks
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Also on this episode:
- China’s heavy trucks are electrifying at a record pace.
- Russia’s war is increasing global aviation emissions.
- New research shows carbon capture may be worse than simply investing in renewables.
- Rivian’s electric delivery van, once exclusive to Amazon, is now available for purchase by any fleet.
Weldon in Winnipeg shares a funny experience about driving an EV in -30°C, proving that gas cars aren’t just bad for the environment but also for visibility!
The Lightning Round- BYD’s solid-state battery breakthrough could double EV range.
- A new Airbus A321XLR jet cuts fuel use by 30% per passenger.
- Data center electricity demand is skyrocketing worldwide.
- EV interest is surging, but cost misconceptions remain high.
- The cost of installing a Tesla Supercharger stall? About $40,000.
- Home insurance costs in Alberta have soared 90% in a decade due to extreme weather events.
- China’s heavy-duty truck market is rapidly shifting to electric, hitting 21% market share this year.
We’re giving away a one-year membership to our Clean Club, which includes:
- Ad-free, high-quality episodes
- Early access to new episodes
- Exclusive Patreon bonus content
- Monthly shoutouts and merch discounts
If you’re already a Patreon supporter or following us for free, you’re automatically entered!
Contact UsWe love hearing from listeners! Send us your feedback:
- Email: [email protected]
- Voicemail: speakpipe.com/cleanenergyshow
- Join our Patreon community for exclusive posts and discussions.
Support the show by rating us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app. Don’t forget to follow for weekly episodes!

The Future of Energy: A Robo-Taxi World Imagined
The Clean Energy Show
10/19/24 • 58 min
A new offshore wind turbine sets a size record, so big it might just brush the moon. Google is betting big on nuclear energy to power its AI data centers. James envisions a robotaxi future, making some bold predictions.
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Also in this episode:
- Goldman Sachs’ Surprising Battery Outlook: Discover what Goldman Sachs predicts for next year's battery market. Read more on Goldman’s report.
- Florida Hurricanes & EV Owners: Find out how EV owners handled Florida’s recent hurricanes, using their vehicles to power their homes during outages.
- Rammed Earth Project Update: Brian shares the latest on his rammed earth project.
- Tesla’s Megapack Solution: Tesla brought in a Megapack to support areas hit by hurricanes with power outages. See Tesla’s Megapack in action.
Main Stories Covered:
- Google & Nuclear Power: Google signs a deal with Kairos Power for a 500 MW small modular reactor (SMR) fleet to power data centers. Learn more about Google’s nuclear energy investment.
- Offshore Wind Turbine Record: Dongfang Electric announces a 26 MW offshore wind turbine, surpassing the previous record by 31%. Full details on the new record.
- Tesla RoboTaxi Event Highlights: Tesla unveiled a two-seater RoboTaxi and wireless charging technology at the event.
- Tesla's Megapack Post-Hurricane: Tesla's Megapack helps restore power after hurricanes, supporting EV chargers. Find out how Tesla supported hurricane-hit areas.
Listener Mailbag:
- We hear from Patreon member, Timo, who shares his insights on clean energy.
Join Our Community:
- Want exclusive content, early access to episodes, and more? Join us on Patreon to unlock perks and become part of the Clean Energy Show community.
Support the Show:
- Visit our Clean Energy Store for merch, or become a Patreon member for ad-free episodes and bonus content.
Thanks to our Patreon members for supporting climate-positive content!
Lightning Round Headlines:
- Air pollution from fossil fuels kills 5 million people annually in the Global South.
- Global EV sales rose 20% in August 2024.
- The US government announced $612M in funding for hurricane-impacted regions' grid projects.
- Toyota predicts job losses with the shift to EVs.
- Read more about battery price predictions.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. We release new episodes every week!
Links from the Show:
- Google’s Nuclear Deal with Kairos Power
- EDF Seeks Funds to Complete Hinkley Point C
- World’s First Lithium-Sulfur Gigafactory in Nevada
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Why U.S. Refineries May Drop Alberta Oil
The Clean Energy Show
03/12/25 • 49 min
Alberta has long believed its oil would sell forever, but U.S. refineries are signaling they could drop Alberta crude in a heartbeat. Looks like “forever” lasts about as long as a duck on a tailings pond.
Meanwhile, Korea’s $800 billion pension fund is ditching coal, an 8-year-old activist has forced India’s Supreme Court into action, and Brazil wants to reverse deforestation with reforestation.
Main Stories🔹 Korea’s Pension Fund Ditches Coal – One of the world’s largest pension funds is divesting.
🔹 Trump’s Tariffs Hammer Canadian Oil – Marathon Petroleum plans to drop Alberta crude due to 10% tariffs. Read more.
🔹 8-Year-Old Activist vs. India’s Supreme Court – The court demands ministries collaborate on climate action after this case.
🔹 Brazil’s COP30 Reforestation Push – Brazil seeks funding for tree-planting as a climate fix.
Lightning Round!⚡ Erin Brockovich calls for battery storage oversight (Read) ⚡ Fossil fuel lawyer joins U.S. EPA leadership (Read) ⚡ Ontario adds 25% tariff on U.S. electricity ⚡ Montana’s power is 90.4% renewable & cheap ⚡ China aims to cut energy use per GDP unit by 3% in 2025 ⚡ Texas power grid sets wind, solar & storage records (Read)
Support & Follow Us📧 Email: [email protected] 📞 Voicemail: speakpipe.com/cleanenergyshow

2024 Year in Review Special
The Clean Energy Show
12/31/24 • 58 min
In this special year-end episode of The Clean Energy Show, we reflect on the remarkable progress in clean energy throughout 2024. From groundbreaking renewable energy initiatives to significant policy changes and technological advancements, this year has been a monumental one for the transition to a sustainable future. Join Brian Stockton and James Whittingham as they delve into the stories that defined the year, sprinkle in a few laughs, and preview what lies ahead in 2025.
Bonus Content for Subscribers:Paid subscribers and Patreon members get exclusive access to the full-length version of this special episode.
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Highlights from This Episode:- California’s $2,000 Electric Bike Vouchers: A wildly successful program that ran out in minutes.
- Record Investments in Clean Energy: A staggering $2 trillion in 2024, double the amount spent on fossil fuels. Learn more
- Tesla Co-Founder’s Battery Recycling Breakthrough: Redwood Materials achieves 95% efficiency in critical mineral recovery. Read the full story
- Britain’s Coal-Free Milestone: The UK becomes the first G7 nation to close all coal plants, with renewables dominating its energy mix.
- China’s Offshore Solar and Wind Records: A 1GW floating solar PV facility and the world’s first 26MW wind turbine set new benchmarks.
- Pakistan’s Solar Surge: The country adds 17GW of solar capacity, revolutionizing its energy landscape. Dive deeper
- Paris Olympics and Sustainable Transport: A model for urban cycling and reduced car reliance.
- Major Victory in Montana Climate Lawsuit: A landmark ruling upholding youth climate advocates' rights. Full decision here
- Poland’s Coal Exit Accelerates: On track to phase out coal entirely by 2032.
- Hudson Bay’s Christmas Heatwave: Temperatures projected to soar 20°C above historical averages.
- Innovative Floating Wind Technology: Mingyang Smart Energy's "V"-shaped OceanX turbine goes live.
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The 140 Year EV Battery from China, Natural Gas Appliances and Asthma
The Clean Energy Show
09/19/24 • 54 min
The world’s largest battery maker, unveils a battery that lasts 2.8 million kilometers, which is roughly 140 years of average driving—138 years more than Facebook memes claim about EV batteries. California is using robots to control wildfires by creating controlled burns. Think of it as a Zamboni, but with fire! India is spending $1.3 billion to subsidize electric two- and three-wheelers, along with electric ambulances. The Hague becomes the first city in the world to ban fossil fuel advertising!
Re-edited for your listening pleasure. Our Patreon launches next week!
Main Topics:- CATL’s New Heavy-Duty EV Battery CATL is developing a revolutionary battery for heavy-duty vehicles that lasts up to 2.8 million kilometers (140 years of driving). Key features:
- 15-year lifespan.
- Can withstand 72 hours of water immersion.
- Charges 60% in 12 minutes.
- Expected to enter mass production soon, with 13 companies ready to adopt it. More details here.
- California’s Fire-Fighting Robots California is deploying robots that create controlled burns to prevent wildfires, likened to a "Zamboni but with fire."
- Also, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada is accelerating production of water-bombing planes. Read about the robots here, and about the water bombers here.
- India’s EV Subsidy Plan India is investing $1.3 billion to promote electric two- and three-wheelers while also electrifying ambulances.
- EV sales in India could hit 10 million units by 2030, supported by the subsidy. More details here.
- Richard recommends podcasts like The Fully Charged Show and Everything Electric.
- Chuck asks about gas stoves and their link to asthma, with studies showing they can increase childhood asthma risks by 30%. More info on the health risks here and here.
- David shares his story of convincing his son to switch to an EV after some initial resistance—thanks to lower operating costs and cleaner air!
The 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs in North America could harm domestic automakers by delaying their efforts to catch up with Chinese competition.
Lightning Round:- Spain’s Prime Minister commits €40 million to subsidize e-bikes.
- A battery-electric speedboat makes the same roundtrip as a gas-powered one for 95% less fuel cost.
- China installs wind and solar capacity equivalent to five new nuclear reactors every week.
- Chile leads the world with 9.4% of its primary energy coming from solar in 2023.
That’s it for this week! Remember to reach out via email at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail at speakpipe.com/cleanenergyshow. Follow us on social media @cleanenergypod.
Links:
- CATL’s new battery
- California’s fire-fighting robots
- India’s EV subsidy plan
- The Hague’s fossil fuel ad ban
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Solar Goes Nuclear
The Clean Energy Show
01/29/25 • 60 min
The United Arab Emirates is building the world’s largest solar farm with battery storage, capable of providing 1 GW of consistent baseload power, just like a nuclear reactor. We also explore why some trees survive wildfires while entire neighborhoods are reduced to ash, and why Washington State’s e-bike subsidy program is turning heads with its innovative lottery system.
Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on Patreon for exclusive perks! Get a monthly bonus podcast, early access to our content, behind the scenes content, access to our members-only Discord community and thank-yous in the credits of videos and shoutouts on our podcast! Starting at just a couple dollars per month!
Plus, we reflect on five years of podcasting and take a deep dive into the state of electric vehicle adoption worldwide. Norway is set to hit its 100% zero-emission vehicle goal this year, while the U.S. and Canada struggle to keep pace. We’ll also discuss how EV price parity is reshaping the global auto industry and why fast charger costs are finally coming down.
Highlights from this week’s episode:
- Renaming the Gulf of Mexico: A humorous take on geopolitics as James suggests Canada reclaim the Gulf as “The Gulf of Southern Canada.”
- UAE’s Solar Mega-Project: How the largest solar-plus-storage project compares to traditional baseload power sources.
- Wildfire Survivors: Why some trees remain standing amid devastation and how homes can be better protected from fire risks.
- Washington State’s E-Bike Lottery: A unique approach to e-bike subsidies that could make cleaner transportation more accessible.
- EV Adoption Trends: Norway leads the pack with near-total EV adoption, while China outpaces North America in price competitiveness and sales growth.
- Listener Feedback: A shoutout to Ian, who reconsidered a winter EV road trip, and Ronnie, who shares insights on nuclear energy from a viral TikTok.
The Lightning Round:
- Volkswagen may partner with a Chinese EV manufacturer in Germany.
- Extreme heat in Europe is predicted to cause more deaths despite milder winters up north.
- France hit 95% carbon-free electricity production in 2024, driven by nuclear power.
- Solar energy overtakes coal for the first time in the EU.
Fast Facts:
- Texas solar power increased by 64% in one year.
- China’s renewable energy investments dwarfed its nuclear developments in 2024.
Book Nook: James revisits Ducks by Kate Beaton, a poignant memoir about working in Alberta’s oil sands.
Connect With Us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Voicemail: speakpipe.com/cleanenergyshow
- TikTok: @cleanenergypod
- Donate via PayPal: Support the show here

5th Anniversary Special! Clean Energy Progress Since 2020
The Clean Energy Show
02/12/25 • 44 min
Our special fifth-anniversary episode! This week, we take a trip down memory lane to reflect on five years of clean energy news, predictions, and surprises. James takes us through just how much progress has been made in clean energy since we started the podcast five years ago. The growth is staggering, even compared to the most optimistic 2020 predictions!
The Baltic states have officially disconnected from the Russian power grid and joined the EU grid. Workers literally cut the cord and took pieces home as souvenirs, along with safety, security, and peace of mind.
Celebrating Five Years Our first show aired on February 12, 2020, in Brian’s bomb shelter studio, where we recorded the first five episodes.
How Predictions Held Up Back in 2020, some clean energy forecasts missed the mark—by a lot:
- A 2020 climate report estimated 2.5 million EVs on the road by 2030. We’re at 85 million today, with four years to go.
EV Boom in Five Years
- In 2020, 2.9% of new car sales in Canada were EVs—by the end of 2024, it was 13.2%.
- There were only 4 million EVs in the world when we started. Now, 4 million EVs are sold every two months.
China’s Rapid Growth
- In 2020, China exported 1 million cars. By 2024, that number skyrocketed to 6.4 million.
- When we started the podcast, there were 8 million EVs worldwide. Now, China alone produces 238,000 plug-in vehicles every day!
Join the Clean Club at https://www.patreon.com/c/cleanenergypod for exclusive content, ad-free episodes, and more!
The Lightning Round
- Ozempic is reportedly messing with climate predictions by reducing food consumption. Less food, less pollution!
- Over $2 trillion was invested in the global energy transition in 2024—a record-breaking amount.
- The U.K. would need a forest twice the size of London to offset its airport expansion emissions.
- Oxford University, at 699 years old, is replacing gas heating with heat pumps to cut carbon emissions.
- The Baltic states successfully cut ties to the Russian power grid and are now fully synchronized with the EU grid.
Thank you for five years of listening! Here’s to the next five!
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Sharing Power Between North America and Europe is Possible
The Clean Energy Show
12/18/24 • 57 min
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.
Contact Us We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail at speakpipe.com/cleanenergyshow.
Support the Show
- Join us on Patreon for exclusive content and to be part of the conversation.
- Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VMDCRPHLNR8YE.
We’re also preparing our year-end wrap-up! Let us know what stories from 2024 stood out to you and how you feel about the progress made this year.
Thank you for listening to The Clean Energy Show! See you next week!

Solar Panels Get a Second Life in Developing Countries
The Clean Energy Show
11/13/24 • 54 min
- 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. Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on Patreon or YouTube for exciting perks!
- 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.
- Could a single solar panel lift someone out of energy poverty?
- 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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FAQ
How many episodes does The Clean Energy Show have?
The Clean Energy Show currently has 227 episodes available.
What topics does The Clean Energy Show cover?
The podcast is about News, Tesla, News Commentary, Nature, Podcasts and Science.
What is the most popular episode on The Clean Energy Show?
The episode title 'Birds Find Sanctuary in Solar Parks & The Vatican Goes 100% Green' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Clean Energy Show?
The average episode length on The Clean Energy Show is 54 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Clean Energy Show released?
Episodes of The Clean Energy Show are typically released every 6 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of The Clean Energy Show?
The first episode of The Clean Energy Show was released on Jan 1, 2020.
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