This Week in Cleantech is a weekly podcast covering the most impactful stories in cleantech and climate in 15 minutes or less.
This week’s episode features Dana Clare Redden, from our “Cleantecher of the Year” committee, who has picked our Cleantecher of the Year!
1. Trump’s Energy Pick, Chris Wright, Argues Fossil Fuels Are Virtuous — The New York Times
The president-elect’s choice for energy secretary, Chris Wright, argues that only fossil fuels can supply energy for people in poverty, and that there are no other meaningful energy substitutes right now.
The World Bank estimates that solar mini-grids could bring electricity to 380 million Africans by 2030. A 2021 Rockefeller Foundation study found that investing in distributed renewables like rooftop solar and home batteries could create 25 million jobs in Asia and Africa by 2030—30 times more than oil, gas, or coal.
2. Cipher analysis: Emerging clean technologies see sharp drop in investments this year — Cipher News
A Cipher analysis finds that investments in low-carbon hydrogen, carbon capture, critical mineral processing, and sustainable aviation fuel totaled nearly $48 billion in 2022 and $42 billion in 2023, but dropped to $16.2 billion in the first three quarters of 2024. Further slowdown is expected after Trump’s election.
Despite the overall decline in investments, there is one positive trend: sustainable aviation fuels mostly made from biofuels.
3. The Age of Electrons Has Arrived, but Maybe Not for the Right Reasons — Heatmap News
A Boston Consulting Group analysis revealed that among the top 260 publicly listed energy companies worldwide, utilities for the first time spent slightly more on new projects than oil and gas companies, largely driven by growing demand for data centers. U.S. utilities added $50 billion in planned capex during Q3 alone.
Oil and gas companies are also prioritizing returning money to shareholders by exploring ways to directly power data centers without connecting to the grid so ratepayers don’t have to foot the bill.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
4. PG&E Secures $15 Billion Loan From U.S. Energy Department — The New York Times
Pacific Gas & Electric, California’s largest utility serving roughly 16 million people, was offered a record $15 billion loan guarantee from the DOE to improve its electrical grid and fund climate resiliency projects. This loan will enable PG&E to invest in hydroelectric power, batteries, and power lines, reducing electricity costs for consumers while meeting the rising demand from EV adoption, data centers, and the transition away from fossil fuels.
Just this month, the Public Advocate’s Office reported that PG&E had the highest rate increases among California’s investor-owned utilities. PG&E’s rates rose 56% over three years and 118% over 10 years. However, this loan could save ratepayers as much as $1 billion.
Cleantechers of the Year
Most Impactful – Bill Weihl – Climatevoice
Bill Weihl, transitioned from ClimateVoice’s Co-Executive Director to the role of Founder & Chief Strategic Advisor. ClimateVoice leverages corporate influence from climate-positive companies to win policy battles.
Most Entrepreneurial – Emilie Oxel O’Leary – Green Clean Wind LLC
Emilie is actively urging her LinkedIn followers to reach out for their solar recycling needs, highlighting the growing concern over solar components ending up in landfills. She’s asking for every steel pile, aluminum racking component, nut, and bolt, so she can help clean up your site.
Most Disruptive – Michael Tekabe/Hayat Bedene – Kübik
Michael Tekabe (teh-KAH-beh), Chief Operating Officer, and Hayat (HAH-yat) Bedane (BEH-dah-neh), Engineering Lead at Kubik, an Africa-based startup, make building materials out of recycled plastic for affordable, sustainable, and easy-to-deploy homes, clinics, and warehouses. Their construction materials reduce 5x less carbon pollution than traditional materials.
Most Innovative – Gregg Patterson- Origami Solar
Gregg is leading the effort to reframe the global solar industry with recycled steel, replacing aluminum solar module frames. This entire effort is designed to lower the carbon pollution footprint of the global solar industry.
Cleantecher of the Year – Jonathan Foley – Drawdown
Jonathan Foley, climatologist and Project Drawdown Executive Director, wrote a piece that shares the impact of agricultural pollution, and how we need to prioritize sustainable agricultural practices. Jonathan shared that total carbon pollution from the food system, including food waste, transport, packaging and refrigeration sits at 34%, making food the single largest polluting economic sector — more than power generation or industry, which both sit at roughly 23%.
