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The KJ Show Episode 105: Nuclear and Coal Make Strange Bedfellows

The KJ Show

Release Date: 10/02/2024

The KJ Show Episode 131: Nuclear Fallout show art The KJ Show Episode 131: Nuclear Fallout

The KJ Show

In April, President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at revitalizing the nuclear power industry in the United States. These Executive Orders will expedite approval for nuclear power plants, reassess current regulatory and licensing requirements, and encourage the installation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
 
But what is the fallout from these new orders? Will these new orders weaken the safeguards surrounding nuclear energy, or will they unleash a new type of nuclear reactor —

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The KJ Show Episode 130: Blackout for Renewables show art The KJ Show Episode 130: Blackout for Renewables

The KJ Show

On April 28, 2025,  55 million people lost power for nearly a day across Spain and Portugal. But it's still unclear what caused this major blackout. Some think it was the overreliance on renewable energy, specifically wind turbines and solar PV, while others blame "a solar flare."
 
Other theories poor maintenance on wind turbines and the failure of solar PV systems that serve Spain and France.
 
On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss how overreliance on renewa

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The KJ Show Episode 129: The False Promises of Electrification show art The KJ Show Episode 129: The False Promises of Electrification

The KJ Show

Electrification sounds like a good idea. Everything is powered using carbon-free sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro. But electrification isn't practical for everyone or every jurisdiction. In fact, some governments are rethinking their electrification policy as they weigh the costs against the benefits.
 
On today's show, Jeff Ihnen, President of MichaelsEnergy, will join our discussion on electrification. As an engineer who has worked in the energy industry for nearly 30 years, Jeff brings

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The KJ Show Episode 128: Crazy Climate Strategies show art The KJ Show Episode 128: Crazy Climate Strategies

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For the past 20 years, scientists, environmental activists and researchers have tried to develop solutions to minimize the impacts of climate change. Today's episode explores some of these ideas—which range from the practical to the fanciful.



Join our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, on the KJ Show (
https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) as she describes the practicality of some of these proposals. Please shar

info_outline The KJ Show #127 - AI’s Insatiable Appetite show art The KJ Show #127 - AI’s Insatiable Appetite

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a true disruptor- changing how we work and interact. But it is also a major energy user.
 
The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that  global data centers will use around 415 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2024, or roughly 1.5% of global power usage. This figure is expected to more than double to 945 TWh by 2030 and could reach as high as 1,720 TWh by 2035- which is roughly the equivalent of the electric usage in Japan.
 
Dr Fatih Birol

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The KJ Show Episode 126: Coal's Comeback show art The KJ Show Episode 126: Coal's Comeback

The KJ Show

Coal is back in the headlines as the Trump Administration renews its commitment to mining coal. While environmentalists worry about the harm and pollution caused by coal emissions, others believe that "clean" coal is the best way for America to generate sufficient electricity to meet rising energy demand.

But here's the paradox. While the United States and the EU have been trying to reduce their reliance on coal, other nations, including China and India, continue to build coal-fired plants at a

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The KJ Show Episode 125 - The Many Languages of Climate Change show art The KJ Show Episode 125 - The Many Languages of Climate Change

The KJ Show

The language surrounding climate change is evolving, with terms like "climate crisis" and "climate emergency" gaining traction to emphasize urgency and the severity of the issue, while also considering how language can influence public perception and action.



But recent studies show that these terms are vague, erroneous and designed to create undue alarm.Join Dr. Katherine Johnson, our host, to discuss the evolving language of climate change—and its political implications.
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The KJ Show Episode 124: Net Zero's Demise show art The KJ Show Episode 124: Net Zero's Demise

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So is net zero dead? Join Dr. Katherine Johnson, our host to discuss the viability of net zero policies. Check out the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/). Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or sending your comments to [email protected].


Be sure to sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a free weekly newslett

info_outline The KJ Show Episode #123 - Topsy Turvey Tariff Wars show art The KJ Show Episode #123 - Topsy Turvey Tariff Wars

The KJ Show

Is there a tariff on electricity coming from Canada? It depends on the day. Last week, Trump declared tariffs, and Canada retaliated. But in just a day, tariffs were suspended—for now.

 
But what are the effect of tariffs on our electricity costs? On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss the effects of tariffs on electric costs, both in the United States and throughout the world.

 
Join the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.co

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The KJ Show #122 - More Unintended Consequences of Energy Policies show art The KJ Show #122 - More Unintended Consequences of Energy Policies

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Reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions has been a central focus of energy regulation for the past three decades. But this myopic focus overlooks the unintended consequences that arise from rapidly transitioning long-established energy systems.

 

On today's show, host Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss the challenges of creating energy policies that fully recognize the cost and constraints of decarbonization plans.   Join the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Wednesday (https://boldbrave

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More Episodes
Coal plants may be the missing link to powering a nuclear energy future. The Department of Energy recently identified hundreds of coal power plants that could increase nuclear capacity in the U.S. to more than 250 gigawatts (GW). The existing fleet has a combined capacity of 95 GW and supplies half of the nation's emissions-free electricity.



The transition would also bring tangible benefits to energy communities with additional jobs, new economic activities, and improved environmental conditions.



Join The KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/). Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or sending your comments to [email protected].


Please sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a free weekly newsletter exploring these energy topics in depth.


Hashtags: #nuclearpower; #coal; #energytransition; #economicbenefits; #energyefficiency; #electrification; #disadvantagedcommunities