Solar Panels Get a Second Life in Developing Countries
Release Date: 11/13/2024
Canada Burns While We Win Sustainability Awards
The Clean Energy Show
Our city had the worst air quality in the world at the time of recording, with an Air Quality Index of 446 (that’s like smoking over 60 cigarettes a day). We explore what led to these hazardous conditions, how wildfires are affecting our communities and even reaching Europe, and why Canada’s air quality reporting system needs a 21st-century overhaul. Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on for exciting perks! Our monthly bonus podcast is coming up this week! The Clean Energy Show received two sustainability awards from the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE), a United Nations...
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Engineering Polar Sea Ice with Underwater Drones & Penguins
The Clean Energy Show
Penguin poop might be cooling the planet by seeding clouds over Antarctica! A new study shows how ammonia from penguin guano helps form reflective cloud cover. Meanwhile, a $10 billion geoengineering plan proposes to deploy 500,000 undersea drones to regrow Arctic sea ice. Can technology save the poles—and should it? Support our podcast on and get exciting perks! We also bust myths about EV fires after The Telegraph claims they’re on the rise. Plus, an Edmonton pilot project is using secret tech to stop EV charger cable theft—and it’s already working. Also in this...
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Ford Joins Tesla, Scientists Face Threats & Wind Turbines for Americans
The Clean Energy Show
This week on a special encore episode of The Clean Energy Show, Brian is recovering from surgery, and James wonders if he’s truly on the mend—or if it’s a Schrödinger’s host situation. Either way, they’ve queued up a listener-favorite episode for your enjoyment! Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on for exciting perks! Get a monthly bonus podcast, early access to our content, behind the scenes content, access to our members-only Discord community and thank-yous in the credits of videos and shoutouts on our podcast! Starting at just a couple dollars per month! In...
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Small Modular Nuclear Comes to Canada; Plug 'n' Play Solar Comes to the U.S.
The Clean Energy Show
Canada approves its first Small Modular Reactor (SMR), but critics argue it’s a costly, high-risk distraction from cheaper, proven renewables. Ontario Clean Air Alliance explains the financial and security risks Plug-and-play solar is finally coming to the U.S., launching in Utah this summer with no permits or installers required. EcoFlow’s new modular solar kits, with similar kits already popular in Europe and China, they could revolutionize backyard and balcony power for American homeowners. Support The Clean Energy Show on for exciting perks! Also this week: Thames Water warns...
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Thorium Dreams, Landfill Solar & EVs That Just Keep Going
The Clean Energy Show
We dive into thorium nuclear reactors — a long-dormant technology with huge safety and environmental potential, now being revived by China. What are they, how do they work, and why aren’t we using them already? Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on for exciting perks! Get our monthly bonus podcast and more! Meanwhile in Los Angeles, rebuilding after devastating wildfires has sparked controversy. The mayor rolled back an electric-only building mandate to speed up reconstruction — but a new report says building all-electric is faster and cheaper. We explore why gas-free...
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Electric Vehicle Range May Need to Equal Gas Cars
The Clean Energy Show
A massive blackout brought Spain and Portugal to a standstill this week, reminding us just how deeply modern life depends on electricity. The outage disrupted everything from subways and air traffic to ATMs and elevators, leading to scenes of chaos in Madrid and emergency water deliveries by tractor. We break down the moment-by-moment collapse of daily life—and what it tells us about resilience and infrastructure. See our for our social media posts and ways to support our work! In the UK, the Labour government is pushing forward with new overhead power lines, despite public opposition to...
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Pope Francis: The First Climate Pope
The Clean Energy Show
Pope Francis had become one of the most influential voices on the moral side of climate change. Back in 2015, he released an encyclical called Laudato Si', where he framed environmental issues not just as scientific or political problems, but as deep moral and spiritual ones. He emphasized that climate change affects everyone—but especially the poor and vulnerable who contribute the least to the problem yet suffer the most from its effects. At the end of the show, we look back. All links to items mentioned on our show can be found on our 🔋 CATL’s Battery Breakthrough China’s battery...
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Solar Saving Lives in Emerging Economies (Remixed)
The Clean Energy Show
In Sierra Leone, solar power is saving lives—literally. A neonatal intensive care unit that once faced constant blackouts is now powered by a solar microgrid with lithium-ion batteries. The result? A surge from 10 newborns a month in 2013 to 140 today, with hundreds of lives saved each year thanks to reliable, renewable power. (Sorry, we had to remix this episode twice! James does NOT have a brain tumor.) Watch Michael Liebreich's documentary from his Cleaning Up YouTube channel: A historic win for climate accountability: the UN's maritime agency has passed the first international emissions...
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Hydrogen Cruise Ship Sails Next Year; Delhi Bans Gas and Diesel
The Clean Energy Show
Texas offers billions to build gas power plants—but no one wants the cash. Developers say renewables are just too cheap. Meanwhile, Delhi cracks down on combustion cars, Viking unveils a zero-emission cruise ship, and salmon are swimming free thanks to dam removal. Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on for exciting perks! Get a monthly bonus podcast, early access to our content, behind the scenes content, access to our members-only Discord community and thank-yous in the credits of videos and shoutouts on our podcast! You can support us for as little as one dollar per month...
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Lives Changed by a Solar Panel; USB-C for Ebikes
The Clean Energy Show
Welcome to episode 256 of The Clean Energy Show! This week, we explore the challenges of allowing Chinese EVs into Canada, the arrival of USB-C charging for electric bikes, and how small amounts of solar power are transforming lives in Africa. Plus, Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are trending downward, and James Whittingham claims full credit. The Downside of Chinese EVs in Canada China is testing whether the prospect of big EV investments could sway Canada’s trade policies. The country’s ambassador to Canada has expressed concerns over restrictions that have hindered BYD’s...
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Solar panels are built to last, often functioning for decades beyond their warranty. When they’re replaced, many are finding a second life in energy-poor regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where access to electricity can transform communities. Programs like Solar Sister help distribute these panels to power mobile phone chargers, e-bikes, and even entire villages. For example, an original Bell Labs PV cell from 1954 is still producing power 70 years later.
Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on Patreon or YouTube for exciting perks!
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This holiday season, Australia will pioneer V2G technology that allows electric vehicles to feed electricity back to the grid, helping balance supply and demand. Learn more about this development in Electrek’s report.
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Could a single solar panel lift someone out of energy poverty?
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In a surprising move, Exxon’s CEO has urged the U.S. to remain in the Paris Climate Agreement. This unexpected stance from an oil giant hints at complex motivations. Check out the details in Bloomberg’s report.
Listener Mail:
- Alex: A listener and sustainability expert, Alex, wrote in to share insights on the longevity and recycling of solar panels, noting that panels can often be used beyond their initial lifespan for energy-poor regions.
- Nate from Oregon Seaweed: Nate, the chief scientist at Oregon Seaweed, left us a voicemail discussing the potential of kelp as a sustainable energy source.
- Bob: Listener Bob sent us an article on Canada’s proposed emissions cap on oil and gas companies. Learn more in this piece from the National Observer.
- Larry from Saskatchewan Renewable Energy Coalition: Larry invited us to discuss the Saskatchewan Renewable Energy Coalition, a group promoting renewable energy education in Saskatchewan.
Join James at the Saskatoon Fantastic Film Festival Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11 AM for a panel discussion on the films of Lowell Dean.
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