Diesel generators remain ubiquitous because they offer an unusually powerful combination of low cost, high energy density, long-duration storage, and reliable off-grid power. But their pollution, noise, maintenance requirements, permitting challenges, and growing footprint are becoming increasingly problematic as data centers drive demand for backup generati ... Show More
Aug 13
Is now the time for DERs to scale? [re-published]
A decade ago, DERs were hot. The hype was that things like batteries, smart devices, and other distributed energy technologies would offset the need for expanding traditional grid infrastructure. But DERs never took off, at least not at the scale that many hoped for. They had hig ... Show More
42m 21s
Aug 11
Critical Capital: Senator Tillis' case for "all-of-the-above" energy
This week, we’re presenting an episode of Critical Capital, a new podcast from Crux and Latitude Studios. Energy policy has become increasingly polarized just as the U.S. faces record electricity demand, a rapidly expanding AI economy, and growing competition from China. In this ... Show More
31m 21s
Sep 2021
Will Direct-Air Carbon Capture Be Viable?
Carbon capture has long been criticized as too nascent, too expensive, and too distracting. Is that changing?This month, the Swiss company Climeworks officially launched a direct-air capture plant in Iceland, called Orca. The company has already signed deals with SwissRe, Bill Ga ... Show More
54m 8s
Jan 2025
Re-imagining the energy grid ... through batteries (Two Indicators)
When it comes to solar and wind power, renewable energy has always had a caveat: it can only run when the wind blows or the sun shines.The idea of a battery was floated around to make renewables available 24/7. For years, it existed as an expensive, little-used technology. Then i ... Show More
17m 49s
Jul 2023
What’s the next big trend in clean energy?
For decades, we have wildly underestimated the growth of renewables. Now that cost curves and deployments have exceeded all expectations, what’s next for the clean energy industry?
This week, we feature a conversation between journalist David Roberts and futurist Ramez Naam about ... Show More
52m 58s
