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.

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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.

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Podcast Show Notes for Episode 246 of The Clean Energy Show

In this week's episode of The Clean Energy Show, we explore the intersection of climate, technology, and resilience in the face of a changing world. Highlights include:

• Trump’s Second Term and Climate Policy: The U.S. pulls out of the Paris Agreement again. What does this mean for global climate efforts?
• Electric Construction Tools in Oslo: Discover how Norway is leading the charge in cleaner, quieter construction sites, where even the loudest sounds come from an art museum.
• Understanding Wildfires: Why are trees often left standing after wildfires devastate neighborhoods? We discuss the science of fire behavior and building resilience.
• Sweden’s Underground Heat Battery: Learn about a city storing summer heat for winter use, a fascinating innovation in sustainable energy.

Plus, we share listener letters from around the world, including advice for EV road trips in winter, insights on wildfire mitigation, and reactions to the latest energy news. Don't miss our deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of rebuilding after wildfires in California, as well as the science behind humidity and fire risk.

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Listener Mail Highlights:

• EV travel tips and challenges from Vancouver Island to Regina.
• Reflections on climate action and accountability from Ireland and Germany.
• A story of nostalgia for winter driving in a 1969 VW Beetle, contrasted with modern EV struggles.

The Lightning Round: Quick takes on the biggest clean energy stories, including:

• Oregon’s massive 1.2 GW solar farm.
• China’s rise as a nuclear powerhouse.
• Europe’s potential to meet 25% of EV battery metal demand through recycling by 2030.

Contact Us:
We’d love to hear from you! Email us at CleanEnergyShow@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at speakpipe.com/cleanenergyshow.

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Catch the latest in clean energy and climate news, right here on The Clean Energy Show!

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, focusing on the Pacific Palisades community and the implications for urban areas as climate change intensifies. Actor Martin Short's love for that community and how James feels connected to it. Alongside an in-depth look at John Vaillant’s book Fire Weather, we uncover the growing wildfire threat to cities and practical ways to safeguard homes and lives.

Repost of a re-edited episode. UPDATE: CAL FIRE has marked Martin Short's home as 'undamaged'! This is contrary to the previous report by The Wrap.

CORRECTION on the size of screen to protect attic vents. It should be no bigger than 1/8" opening (we said 1/4" which is an out-dated guideline.)

Episode Highlights:

• Los Angeles Wildfires: Examining the catastrophic fires in Pacific Palisades, where a tight-knit, picturesque community was largely destroyed. We discuss the human stories, the risks of living in fire-prone areas, and the role of climate change in escalating wildfire events.
• Author John Vaillant: Insights from Fire Weather and Vaillant’s analysis of urban wildfires as a dire climate threat, with compelling clips from his talks and audiobook.
• The Cost of Fire Risk: Why insurers are pulling out of high-risk areas, leaving homeowners scrambling for alternatives like the FAIR Plan.
• Tokyo’s Disaster Preparedness: A spotlight on Tokyo’s remarkable infrastructure designed to mitigate natural disasters, from flood tunnels to seismic standards for buildings.
• Home Fire Safety Tips: Learn critical steps to reduce the risk of your home catching fire in a wildfire, including creating defensible spaces, fireproofing materials, and evacuation best practices.

Key Links Mentioned:

• Fire Weather by John Vaillant: Audiobook available here
• Induction Cooktop Review on Wirecutter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/copper-charlie-induction-stove-review/
• Raw video of Pacific Palisades fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt7VVdGcDzE

Contact Us:
We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts and questions at CleanEnergyShow@gmail.com.

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