In 2025, the clean energy sector faced one of its toughest years—policy reversals, Investment Tax Credit changes, more interconnection issues, and a renewed federal push toward fossil fuels. But despite the chaos, renewables are still outperforming every other generation source. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ breaks down what really happened this year, why the grid needs clean energy more than ever, and the surprising momentum behind solar, storage, domestic manufacturing, and behind-the-meter systems. Whether you’re in solar development, energy policy, utilities, or just following America’s grid transition, this episode covers: -How the “Big Billionaire Bill” disrupted the ITC timeline -Why utilities are stalling interconnections -The surge in behind-the-meter solar + storage -Explosive growth in residential batteries -The comeback of U.S. solar manufacturing -Rising grid demand from AI, electrification & industry -Why clean energy is still winning—economically and technically Clean energy isn’t the problem—politics is. And even after a brutal year, this industry’s momentum is undeniable. Subscribe for more insights on clean energy, policy, grid modernization, and the future of power in America.

America’s clean energy boom is running into a grid bottleneck. Utility-scale solar and storage projects are getting stuck for years in interconnection queues, transmission upgrades are crawling, and new ITC deadlines under the “Big Billionaire Bill” are adding even more pressure. In this episode, Russ Bates breaks down why behind-the-meter solar + storage—for commercial, industrial, and residential systems—is the smart, fast, and realistic play for the rest of the decade. Learn how distributed clean energy: ⚡ Protects businesses and homeowners from rising rates and grid instability ⚙️ Reduces strain on the grid during peak demand 🏗️ Can be designed, permitted, and built in months—not years 🇺🇸 Puts America’s new domestic manufacturing capacity to work right now If you’re an installer, developer, or business looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode explains why the future of clean energy might be closer to home than you think. #CleanEnergy #SolarEnergy #BatteryStorage #BehindTheMeter #Grid #PowerGrid #EnergyTransition #EnergyIndependence #CNI #CommercialSolar #ResidentialSolar #CleanTech #RenewableEnergy #SolarStorage #DistributedEnergy #EnergyPolicy #RussBates #TheCleanEnergyEdge #NXTGEN

U.S. electricity demand is rising faster than at any time in decades — and the question now is whether our generation capacity can keep up. In this episode, Russ Bates breaks down what’s driving the surge — from AI data centers and EV charging to new industrial manufacturing — and why the U.S. may need hundreds of new power plants or thousands of clean energy projects just to stay even. We’ll look at what the numbers from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) actually mean, explore why fossil fuel and nuclear options can’t scale fast enough, and explain why clean energy — solar, wind, and storage — is the only realistic path forward on the timeline we have. You’ll also hear how America’s rebounding clean energy manufacturing base is a critical part of the solution — but only if we deploy faster to match the pace of demand. Topics covered: EIA projections: U.S. power demand growing 2–3% per year through the 2030s What that means in real numbers: 100–150 GW of new generation needed Why coal, gas, and nuclear can’t build fast enough Clean energy as the scalable, affordable solution The risks of delay: grid reliability, costs, and competitiveness The takeaway:America has the manufacturing capacity to lead the clean energy future — now it’s a race to build fast enough to keep the lights on. ⚡🇺🇸 #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #PowerGrid #SolarEnergy #WindEnergy #EnergyPolicy #ElectricityDemand #TheCleanEnergyEdge

In 2025, the impossible happened — every major part of the solar supply chain is now made in America. From polysilicon refining to module assembly, U.S. factories are once again powering the clean-energy revolution. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates breaks down how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and 45X manufacturing tax credits reignited American solar manufacturing. Learn where billions are being invested, how over 50 GW of solar module capacity is coming online, and why 50,000+ jobs signal a real-world industrial revival — even as new policy headwinds threaten to slow it down. 📍 Topics Covered: The return of U.S. solar manufacturing Hemlock Michigan’s record-breaking wafer facility $36.6 billion in clean energy investments How policy and tax credits drive domestic production The impact of Trump administration changes on clean energy growth 🌞 Clean energy. American jobs. Real momentum. Subscribe for weekly episodes on solar, EVs, storage, and energy policy that cut through the noise. #CleanEnergy #SolarManufacturing #InflationReductionAct #MadeInAmerica #RenewableEnergy #EnergyPolicy #Jobs #Sustainability #ClimateAction #TheCleanEnergyEdge

Last week, we talked about how clean energy needs to do a better job telling its story. This week, we’re tackling one big reason why that story still isn’t breaking through — misinformation and disinformation. From “windmills kill all the birds” to “EV batteries can’t be recycled,” false claims about clean energy spread faster than facts. In this episode, Russ Bates breaks down the three types of people fueling the chaos —the misinformed, the trolls, and the disinformers — and how to deal with each. 🎙️ In This Episode: -Why misinformation about solar, wind, and EVs spreads so easily -The difference between the misinformed, the trolls, and the disinformers -How outrage and algorithms make lies go viral -How to respond with clarity, confidence, and composure -Why clean energy must win not just the data, but the narrative 💡 Key takeaway: Clean energy doesn’t just fight in policy or technology — it fights in the comment section. The truth won’t spread itself. It needs people who can tell the story better. 🔔 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to support clean energy storytelling that cuts through the noise.

Clean energy has already won on cost, technology, and performance — but it’s still losing where it matters most: the story. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates breaks down how fossil fuels win with emotion, simplicity, and slogans — while clean energy buries its wins under jargon, stats, and PowerPoints. It’s not a technology problem anymore. It’s a messaging problem — and fixing it isn’t optional in the age of disinformation. 🎙️ In This Episode: How “Drill, Baby, Drill” became a storytelling masterclass Why “energy independence” is a myth that still sells The emotional gap between fossil fuel slogans and clean energy facts The power of storytelling in driving jobs, investment, and community growth How developers, EPCs, OEMs, and innovators can reclaim the narrative 💡 Key takeaway: Clean energy doesn’t need to win another tech race — it needs to win hearts and minds.If you’re leading a company, project, or community initiative and you’re ready to tell your story, this is your platform. Let’s amplify it together. 🔔 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to support clean energy storytelling that cuts through the noise.

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, host Russ Bates sits down with Kim Noguera Gabrielli, CEO of Worldview International Foundation, to answer one of the biggest questions in climate change — What can I do? When the scale of global warming, deforestation, and pollution feels overwhelming, Kim reminds us that meaningful change starts locally. From restoring one billion mangroves by 2035 to empowering 500,000 coastal residents, her organization proves that small, consistent actions can drive massive environmental impact. Together, Russ and Kim break down: 🌿 How to turn individual choices into systemic change ⚡ Simple energy and lifestyle shifts that reduce emissions 🌎 Why mangroves are “nature’s climate champions” — storing 5× more carbon than rainforests 🏡 How teachers, electricians, builders, and everyday people can make a difference through their work 💪 Why hope and leadership are essential to solving the climate crisis This episode is a powerful reminder that every action matters — whether it’s planting trees, choosing clean energy, or simply inspiring others to care. 👉 Watch, like, and subscribe to The Clean Energy Edge Podcast for more conversations that cut through the noise and focus on real climate and clean-energy solutions. #CleanEnergy #ClimateAction #Mangroves #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Environment #RussBates #KimNogueraGabrielli #WorldviewInternationalFoundation #NatureBasedSolutions #CarbonCapture #BlueCarbon #GreenJobs #TheCleanEnergyEdgePodcast

Donald Trump has called electric vehicles a “hoax” and rolled back federal incentives - but the market tells a different story. In this episode, Russ Bates breaks down the facts about EV performance, cost savings, and why people are still going electric despite the politics. We’ll look at: -How EVs stack up against gas cars in performance, reliability, and cost -Why U.S. EV sales keep climbing even after federal tax credits ended -The impact of the ICE raid that shut down Hyundai’s Georgia battery plant -What it means for American jobs, red-state economies, and the global race for clean tech EVs aren’t a fad — they’re the technology of today and tomorrow. The question is whether U.S. policy will keep up or fall behind. 🔋 Watch, like, and subscribe for more straight talk on the future of energy. 🎧 The Clean Energy Edge Podcast — hosted by Russ Bates.

Is clean energy really clean? Or are skeptics right when they point to lithium mining, solar panel waste, or offshore wind turbines? In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates takes on the myth that renewables are just as dirty as fossil fuels — and brings the receipts. We break down the science and data on: Offshore wind vs. whales: What NOAA and BOEM actually say. Lifecycle emissions: Wind (10–20 g CO₂e/kWh), Solar (30–60), Natural Gas (450–500), Coal (900–1,100). Carbon payback: Why renewables erase their upfront footprint in 1–3 years while coal and gas pollute forever. Lithium mining vs. oil spills: One-time material investment vs. 2.5 billion gallons of oil spilled in the U.S. every year. Land & biodiversity: Coal and gas destroy more land per unit of energy than solar, while wind’s bird impact is a fraction of everyday hazards. Waste & pollution: Coal ash ponds and CO₂ vs. recyclable panels, blades, and batteries. Bottom line: Clean energy isn’t perfect, but fossil fuels are the environmental wrecking ball we’ve lived with for a century. 📌 If this helped cut through the noise, hit subscribe, drop a comment, and share this with a friend still quoting Facebook memes about “dirty solar panels."

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ Bates and Brian Scott sit down with Stephanie Choi Brookes, Chief Marketing Officer at Emtel Energy USA, to explore a breakthrough in long-duration energy storage. Stephanie explains how Electrostatic Graphene Energy Storage (ELDES) is disrupting the market by eliminating the fire risks and degradation issues tied to lithium-ion batteries. She shares insights from her journey into clean energy, why storage is the “linchpin” of the renewable transition, and how Emtel is scaling projects from telecom to utility-scale. Topics covered include: Why lithium-ion batteries fall short on safety, longevity, and true cost. How electrostatic graphene storage works (plain English version). Real-world deployments from the Alps to Abu Dhabi. Upcoming U.S. pilots, including Duke Energy’s microgrid project. Economic case: 100% depth of discharge, 500k+ cycles, 25-year predictable life. Sustainability advantage: graphene sourced from waste, recyclable and biodegradable. Residential solutions competing with Tesla Powerwall, with far greater throughput. If you want to understand where storage is headed — and why electrostatic long-duration energy storage could reshape the grid, data centers, and our homes — this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the alert bell for more straight talk on energy policy, technology, and the future of clean power.

Opponents love to say “clean energy only survives because of subsidies.” But that’s projection. Fossil fuels have been on government life support for over a century , and the new Big Billionaire Bill just handed them billions more while cutting support for solar, wind, EVs, and storage. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Brian Scott bring the receipts: Direct subsidies still in place: Intangible Drilling Costs (~$4B/yr), Percentage Depletion (since 1926), Accelerated Depreciation, and below-market Federal Leasing. Indirect subsidies hidden in plain sight: $81B/yr military protection of oil routes, $649B/yr in health and climate damages, and liability caps that left taxpayers with the bill for disasters like Deepwater Horizon. Big Billionaire Bill (BBB): $70B in NEW fossil subsidies, reduced royalties, non-competitive leasing, and expanded nuclear aid — all while slashing clean energy credits. The real comparison: Fossil fuels and nuclear got 5–10x more support in their first 15 years than renewables ever did. Since 1950, taxpayers have spent ~$846B on fossil fuels vs. ~$200B on renewables (2025$). 👉 Every gallon of gas, every kWh of coal power is already subsidized — you just don’t see the bill. If fossil fuels had to pay their true costs, they’d be anything but cheap. 📌 Subscribe now to The Clean Energy Edge Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for honest conversations on energy, policy, and the future of our economy. #CleanEnergy #FossilFuels #EnergyPolicy #ClimateTruth #Subsidies #Solar #Wind #EVs #TheGreatFossilFuelHandout

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Canadian co-host Brian Scott tackle the surging electricity prices gripping the U.S. in 2025 — and why the promises of cheaper energy have turned into pain for households and businesses. Eight months into President Trump’s second term, electricity bills are up an average of 10% nationwide, with some states like Maine seeing year-over-year spikes as high as 36%. We break down how supply and demand pressures, grid strain from AI data centers, aging infrastructure, and the administration’s war on renewable energy are driving costs higher. We cover: Trump’s rollback of clean energy policies and his pledge to block new solar and wind projects. The financial and operational fallout from cancelled offshore wind projects and stalled utility-scale renewable projects. The reality of keeping aging coal plants online at skyrocketing costs — costs being passed directly to consumers. How the administration is throttling the cheapest, fastest-growing sources of energy while fueling fossil fuel subsidies. The looming threat of blackouts and brownouts as the grid struggles to meet rising demand. Why these issues are shaping up to be a defining political issue heading into the 2026 midterms. This episode delivers data-driven insights and candid analysis on the energy crisis, the politics of power, and what it will take to stabilize the grid and lower costs. Whether you’re in the energy industry, a clean energy advocate, or simply someone trying to understand your rising power bill, this conversation connects the dots.

In Episode 19 of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Brian Scott sit down with Travis Eckert, CEO and Co-Founder of Batricity, to explore the future of energy storage, EV charging, and grid reliability. Travis shares his journey from managing $60M in private banking to building companies at the forefront of clean energy—including Batricity, Enernuevo, and ChargeForward. He breaks down how falling battery costs, smarter supply chains, and new financing models are reshaping project economics, while also unpacking how the “Big Beautiful Bill” and shifting federal incentives impact the clean energy sector. Key topics include: Why energy storage is the missing piece for grid reliability. How EV charging infrastructure must evolve to meet demand. The critical role of supply chains and policy shifts in scaling solutions. Lessons from Puerto Rico and what U.S. markets can learn about resilience. Where battery technology is headed—and how costs keep dropping. Whether you’re in clean tech, energy policy, or just want to understand how storage + EV charging fit into the future of power, this conversation delivers valuable insights. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

AI isn’t virtual — it’s physical, and it’s hungry for power. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ Bates and Brian Scott uncover how U.S. data centers already consume 176 TWh a year (over 4% of national electricity) and are on track to double by 2030 and hit nearly 10% by 2035. We break down what that means in kWh per person, translate it into gigawatts of constant load, and compare it to the generation capacity the U.S. has online today. Then we examine how the Big Billionaire Bill could slash clean energy growth by more than 50%, just as PJM warns of 30–60% higher retail rates and Texas passes laws to cut data center power during emergencies. We connect the dots on why electricity prices will climb, blackout risks will rise, and what solutions — from decentralized solar + storage to holding Big Tech accountable for time-matched clean energy — could help keep the lights on.

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and co-host Brian Scott dive deep into the real story behind SMRs — exploring the cost per watt, deployment timelines, fuel supply challenges, and why no SMR is commercially operating yet in the U.S. or globally. We examine canceled projects like NuScale’s VOYGR, stalled efforts like TerraPower’s Natrium, and the hype around data centers and defense applications. Is nuclear power finally going modular — or is this just another decades-long promise? 👉 What you’ll learn in this episode:• What is an SMR and how does it differ from traditional nuclear?• SMR cost per watt: real-world data vs industry projections• Timelines: How long SMRs actually take to deploy (spoiler: not 2 years)• Why SMRs are still not economically viable• Security, nuclear waste, and regulatory challenges• SMR fuel issues — the HALEU problem• Are Amazon and Google really going nuclear?• What should the clean energy sector focus on now? ✅ If you care about clean energy, climate solutions, or grid reliability, this episode breaks through the noise. 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else you get your shows. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to:🔔 Subscribe👍 Like📢 Share🛎 Hit the bell for alerts #SmallModularReactors #SMR #NuclearEnergy #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #NuScale #TerraPower #Xenergy #BWRX300 #NuclearPower #GridReliability #EnergyPodcast #SMRvsRenewables #TheCleanEnergyEdge

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Brian Scott break down how the U.S. just made a massive strategic mistake by doubling down on fossil fuels. With the passage of the so-called Big Ugly Bill, clean energy tax credits are slashed while oil, gas, and coal get billions in new subsidies and AMT exemptions. Meanwhile, China, India, Europe, and Canada are racing ahead with wind, solar, EV infrastructure, battery storage, and grid modernization. As global energy demand soars — especially from AI data centers and EVs — the U.S. is clinging to outdated 19th-century tech and blocking the very industries that could meet the moment. We also discuss: -The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) exemption for fossil fuels -The myth that fossil fuels can meet 2030 electricity demand -Why global clean energy investment is skyrocketing -The economic and geopolitical risks of falling behind -What happens when Canada starts charging more for exported power -How much longer America can pretend it's still leading the world 🎧 Like, subscribe, and hit the alert bell to stay updated. Clean energy is the future — and the U.S. is running out of time to catch up.

The U.S. just slashed clean energy incentives and doubled down on fossil fuels — right as electricity demand is exploding. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates and Canadian co-host Brian Scott break down the fallout from the “Big Ugly Bill” and what it means for the grid, the economy, and your power bill. ⚡ Key Topics in Episode 15: • Why the U.S. just crippled clean energy and how it fuels a future of blackouts and brownouts • The real impact of gutting the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and pausing utility-scale solar projects • How AI data centers, EVs, and electrification are driving power demand far beyond what fossil fuels can deliver • The myth of “just build more gas” — and the truth about 5+ year lead times for turbines and steam generators • Why nuclear is completely off the table until at least 2035 • The overlooked risk of 35% tariffs on Canadian electricity imports • What this means for ratepayers, reliability, and small businesses across the U.S. • Why clean energy still wins — even with the policy headwinds 💡 If you want to understand what’s really happening in U.S. energy policy — and how it affects your wallet, your business, and the grid — this episode pulls no punches. 👉 Like, subscribe, and hit the alert bell so you don’t miss the next unfiltered episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast. We're telling the truth about energy, policy, and the future — whether they like it or not.   🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and everywhere you get your podcasts. 📺 Full episodes + shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealRussBates   #Blackouts #CleanEnergy #GridCrisis #EnergyPolicy #FossilFuels #PJM #BigUglyBill #AITech #ElectricityDemand #CleanEnergyEdgePodcast #RussBates #BrianScott #NuclearEnergy #EnergyFuture

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates sits down with climate finance expert Shraddha Nair to explore how carbon markets and energy markets are converging—and what that means for the global energy transition. We cover: -The evolving role of carbon credits in clean energy financing -Why Europe is surging ahead despite geopolitical challenges -How U.S. policy reversals—like the exit from the Paris Agreement and rollback of IRA incentives—are affecting international climate action -What’s next for voluntary and compliance carbon markets -The gap between carbon pricing theory and how funds are actually being deployed -Why investors may be pausing but not pulling out of carbon markets As the U.S. steps back, the rest of the world keeps moving. Shraddha shares her global perspective on where we’re headed—and why clean energy is still the only viable path forward despite political headwinds. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and click the alert bell so you never miss an episode. 🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #CarbonMarkets #CleanEnergy #ClimateFinance #EnergyTransition #VoluntaryCarbonMarket #ParisAgreement #CarbonCredits #NetZero #IRA #Sustainability #Decarbonization #ShraddhaNair #RussBates #CleanEnergyEdge

The Clean Energy Edge tackles one of the most critical energy policy battles of 2025: the showdown between the Republican-led Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) in the House and the Senate's more tempered version. Discover: 🔍 Policy deep dive — What clean energy tax credits are being slashed in both versions?📊 Job loss data — SEIA warns ~330,000 U.S. clean‑energy jobs are at risk, many in red states like Texas (~34K), Florida (~21K), Arizona (~9K), with up to 830K losses on the table.🧠 Political fault lines — Inside the GOP: 13 House Republicans push back, the Freedom Caucus doubles down, red‑state Senate Republicans feel the heat.⏳ Deadline drama — With July 4 and the August–September recess windows looming, gridlock just might preserve IRA clean energy incentives.💥 What this means — Could congressional dysfunction actually protect clean energy? Or are job losses in red districts forcing a reckoning? Tune in to hear Russ and Brian unpack why clean energy rollback is not just policy—it’s red-state economic sabotage, and how GOP infighting may inadvertently safeguard the future of solar, wind, EVs, and battery storage in America. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube — and wherever you get your clean energy news.#CleanEnergy #InflationReductionAct #SolarJobs #WindEnergy #EVTaxCredits #GOPBudget #BigBeautifulBill #EnergyPolicy #Renewables #SustainableJobs #TheCleanEnergyEdge

Elon Musk’s friendship with Donald Trump has gone nuclear. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ and Brian unpack Musk’s explosive split—public impeachment threats, Trump’s retaliation, and federal contract shakeups. Discover: ⚡ How Musk went from Trump ally to outspoken critic—calling for impeachment and linking Trump to Epstein files—then quickly deleted the posts 🔥 Trump’s furious response: branding Musk “crazy,” threatening to revoke Tesla & SpaceX contracts worth $22 billion, and sending agencies to review federal deals 📉 The stock market reaction: Tesla shed $152 billion in market value in a single day, while SpaceX and xAI faced scrutiny and paused contract opportunities 🛑 Allegations of Musk’s erratic behavior and drug use intensify investor concerns and compound reputational risks 🤔 What this feud means for Musk’s clean energy mission—can his companies survive this public crisis? 👉 Tap in for analysis on whether this is a genuine break or a strategic PR move—and what it signals for Tesla, SpaceX & the future of clean tech. Check out Zero Distortion: youtube.com/@TheRealRussBates