Solar Goes Nuclear

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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