Shows
The KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 132: Purple Energy: Creating Green Energy in Red and Blue StatesThe future of energy in the United States isn't determined by the debate over green energy. Instead, it's the realization that both red states and blue states have invested in solar and wind power, and this partnership leads to the rise of purple energy. On The KJ Show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss how these efforts, on both sides, may affect the development of clean energy in the United States, especially as more Americans are becoming leery of renewable energy. Please sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a free weekly newsletter exploring these en...
2025-06-1253 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 131: Nuclear FalloutIn 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 —SMRs, which have a smaller and more flexible footprint? On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss the ramifications of t...
2025-06-0456 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 130: Blackout for RenewablesOn 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 renewable energy leads to a false sense of security. Spain and Portugal are just the latest examples of this, which has...
2025-05-2857 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 129: The False Promises of ElectrificationElectrification 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 a unique perspective regarding the challenges facing the industry, especially the push for electrification. Please tune into The KJ Show and join our ho...
2025-05-2153 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 128: Crazy Climate StrategiesFor 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 share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or sending your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com.Please sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a free weekly newsletter exploring these energy topics in de...
2025-04-3056 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show #127 - AI’s Insatiable AppetiteArtificial 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, Executive Director of the IEA, explains that this explosive growth requires more electricity, which "has major consequences for...
2025-04-2555 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 126: Coal's ComebackCoal 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 blistering pace. Some less developed countries, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Malaysia, are committed to a coal-fired economy.
2025-04-1655 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 125 - The Many Languages of Climate ChangeThe 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. Check out the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/). Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1...
2025-04-0955 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 124: Net Zero's DemiseSo 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 kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com.Be sure to sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a free weekly newsletter exploring these energy topics in depth. # NetZero; # ParisClimateAccord; #India; #EPA; #Zeldin; #COP29; # Emissions; # CarbonTaxes; #WellsFargo; # Greenwashing; #Amazon; #CROCs; #BP; #LEGO
2025-04-0256 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode #123 - Topsy Turvey Tariff WarsIs 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.com/11am-the-kj-show/) to find out how tariffs will affect our pocketbooks going forward. Share your...
2025-03-2555 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show #122 - More Unintended Consequences of Energy PoliciesReducing 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://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) to find out how Trump's energy policies may affect Americans. Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or sending your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com.
2025-03-0758 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show #121: Hydrogen's Boom Goes BustThis week's show focuses on hydrogen and its viability in a clean energy world. I attended an energy conference last week that focused on the promise that hydrogen offers, but didn't really talk about the very real challenges associated with this volatile energy source. On today's show, host Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss how the hydrogen boom has turned out to be more of boondoggle as this energy source is not yet cost-effective. Join the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) to find out how Trump's energy policies may affect Americans. Share your th...
2025-03-0143 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show #120: Presidential Energy Policies and PoliticsEnergy has always been a political issue. The energy sector represents one-sixth of our economy, and our modern life depends upon reliable and secure energy resources. But in recent years, energy has also become a flashpoint for discussion of wider issues, including climate change and reducing carbon emissions. President Trump is focused on curbing the amount of governmental regulation regarding energy policies and shifting instead towards energy independence. But how will these new policies affect our energy future? On today's show, host Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss the evolution of energy policies, and how politics have sha...
2025-02-2156 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show #119: Moving the Goal Posts: Measuring Climate ChangeAs an evaluator, I spent my career estimating energy savings from energy-efficiency programs. We always start with a baseline and then measure the results compared to that baseline.However, climate change scientists have never agreed on a baseline for measuring increasing temperatures. In fact, scientists won't know how much the planet warmed until they measure temperatures for 20 years. So, if there is no objective standard to measure climate change, how will we know if the planet's temperature increased? This is just one example of the changing goalposts in the energy community. On today's show, hos...
2025-02-1355 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show #118: Nuclear Energy is Here to StayNuclear energy is not just making a comeback—it has become a cornerstone of energy plans in the United States and Europe. In Spain, nuclear power protesters are now replaced by supporters, and Sweden just opened its first nuclear power plant in 40 years.The United States government is also expanding its plans for a nuclear energy future and approving new nuclear plants in various configurations in multiple states. On today’s show, host Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss the re-emergence of this energy source and its impact on the energy industry. Join the KJ Show at 11 a.m. E...
2025-02-1356 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show #116 - Climate-Friendly” Cows and Sheep Coming to a Farm Near YouThe concerns about flatulent cows and sheep have taken a dramatic turn: taxing cow burps and breeding “climate-friendly” sheep and cows. On today’s show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss the newest climate tax on sheep and cows in Denmark. She will also discuss some breakthroughs in breeding that have led to low-methane cows and sheep. Has the war on red meat really been won? 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 kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com. Please sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a...
2025-01-2356 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 112: The Energy Impacts of the InternetThe Internet is a hidden energy hog. On today’s show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will explain how the effects of Internet users' digital consumption result in the emission of 229 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. Moreover, estimates project that internet use will account for 1.7 billion tons of greenhouse gases per year.But that is just part of the story. While data centers appeal to some jurisdictions, others are pushing back due to their high land requirements and intense energy usage. Join The KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/). Share your...
2024-12-0456 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show #110 - Energy & The Election: Now What?The election is over, and the results have sent shockwaves across the country, with 50% pleased and 50% devastated. Energy pundits disagree about how the next Trump administration will affect current energy policies. Even though Trump appears to have a mandate to govern, it may not be easy to unwind some of Biden's energy policies, like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).On today's show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will provide a balanced view of how the election results are likely to affect energy policy in the next four years. And while it will be interesting to watch, the long-term effects of...
2024-11-1344 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 108: Electrifying Transport: Trains, Boats & CarsOn today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will share her recent electrifying experiences with France's transit system, including metro trains, electric-powered tourist boats, and many EVs and hybrid taxis. This week's episode examines some of the impressive advances in electric-powered transport. It includes a discussion of some promising electric boat advances and an update on the continuing challenges facing electric vehicles. Join The KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Wednesday (Watch More on Youtube). Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or sending your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com.
2024-10-3043 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode #104 - Where is the Energizer Bunny for RE?Wind and solar are the ideal renewable energy sources, but they have one big problem: reliability. However, the sun doesn't always shine, and the wind doesn't always blow. Therefore, renewable energy needs batteries to store the excess energy generated by wind and solar energy for dark and stormy days and nights. Battery storage technology is on the cusp of becoming practical, but it's not quite there yet. T. On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss the role of batteries in clean energy and whether there is an Energizer Bunny on the horizon for...
2024-09-2548 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show #103 - Climate EmotionsConcerns about climate change have created a new psychological issue: climate anxiety. Eco-anxiety, also known as climate anxiety, is a chronic fear and distress about environmental issues and climate change. It can cause a range of symptoms, including depression. In 2018, surveys conducted in the United States found that between 21% and 29% of Americans said they were "very" worried about the climate. This trend has led to a rise of "good grief" therapy groups and eco-chaplains. Our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss how climate anxiety is overblown as climate information is often misleading or just wrong.
2024-09-1855 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 102: Are We There Yet?Since the Paris Climate Accords, energy advocates have been pushing governments to agree to aggressive climate goals. Although significant progress has been made in developing and deploying some of these technologies, deployment of all these technologies is still not happening as fast as needed to reach 2030 targets. In addition, the technologies risk facing raw material and labor shortages and lengthy permitting procedures. On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss how the energy transition is falling behind as only a few climate policies have led to reduced emissions.
2024-09-1154 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 101: #Climate ContradictionsThe truth is slowly coming out as more environmental activists realize the grave damage caused by renewable energies. Our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss some surprising stories that didn't make the news in today's show. For example, Green Party members in Australia now oppose wind turbines. In contrast, others support nuclear power as a clean, renewable energy technology. Furthermore, according to a group of climate scientists, global warming rates are lower than expected, which contradicts the gloomy predictions of an imminent catastrophe. Join The KJ Show at 11...
2024-09-0456 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode #100: The Best of The KJ ShowToday's show marks the 100th episode of The KJ Show, which has explored how energy affects our everyday lives. It has featured experts in the energy industry who shared their insights regarding the intersection of energy, climate, and government policies. Our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will revisit and update some of her favorite energy stories on today's show, including a shout-out to her favorite climate warriors: beavers! This show will also feature some crazy energy trends (climate speed dating) and the controversy associated with carbon offsets. Join The KJ Show at 11 a...
2024-08-2855 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode #99: Trees- A Shady Climate SolutionTrees have been described as the "lungs" of the Earth. Besides shading us on hot days, trees store carbon, create diverse habitats, and beautify our Earth. However, while carbon offsets to plant trees are going in popularity, recent studies suggest that we don't have the right kind of trees or enough of them to meet these lofty goals. On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss how trees are helping utilities reduce energy usage, but the best approach is to leave trees alone. Please join The KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Wednesday (https...
2024-08-2155 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 98: #Falling Short of Net #Zero GoalsMore than 200 companies are failing to meet their net-zero pledges because these pledges are unrealistic and unattainable. Air New Zealand was one of the most recent companies to admit that it can't meet these goals because "there are so many levers outside of our control." But the real issue is there is no agreed upon definition of "net zero." How is "net" calculated, and are those estimates accurate or simply aspirational? On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss the confusion and surroundingg "net zero" pledges. Please join The KJ Show at 11...
2024-08-0754 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 97: #Cooking and the #ClimateSolar ovens have been touted as one of the most important advances to help Africans reduce their reliance on charcoal and wood. But, recent case studies have determined that people using solar ovens simply don’t like them and therefore are likely never to live up to its promise.On today’s show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss the promise and pitfalls of solar ovens. Please join the discussion with our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, on 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 send...
2024-07-3155 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 96: Electrification and ElectionsThe European Union (EU) presents itself as a decarbonization pioneer. Its ambitious policies want to transform Europe into the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. But the recent elections, combined with the growing “green backlash,” may now squash many of those plans. Are the European election results a harbinger of pushback in the US? The tides are already turning with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling against the Chevon Defense, which allowed the EPA to intervene in state policies. What will the November 5 election results mean to electrification policies across the US?Join the discussion with our ho...
2024-07-1056 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 95: Indoor AG: Is It Just a Pipe Dream?Indoor agriculture, another name for marijuana cultivation, is a booming business. While electric utilities are promoting the use of indoor grow lights, growing pots also creates a surge in CO2 emissions. The US Department of Energy, US Environmental Protection Agency and industry data all determined that growing cannabis indoors leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions in the Mountain West, Midwest, Alaska and Hawaii compared to the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Moreover, researchers found that one serving of cannabis contributes more greenhouse gas emissions than a serving of beer, wine, spirits, cigarettes, or coffee. Although...
2024-06-2655 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 94: Climate Education or Indoctrination?When does science become settled? Truthfully, science is never settled, but that is not what the schools, colleges and universities are teaching about climate change. Climate science is viewed as an undisputable fact, and the educational community stifles any debate to the contrary. Has climate education become a propaganda tool, or is it a scientific fact? On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss how climate science is being taught at American schools—and how this deviates from established teaching paradigms such as the "scientific method." Join the discussion today on The KJ...
2024-06-1956 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 93: Net Zero Energy InequitiesThe road to net zero is paved with social (in)equality. The shift away from fossil fuels will likely bring about an additional financial burden on people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who lack the resources to adapt to renewable technologies. Other inequities include that lower-income households may find home charging installation unaffordable, and those in multifamily housing are less likely to have access to charging at home. On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss how net-zero policies have created energy inequities. Join the discussion today on The KJ Show at 11 a.m...
2024-06-1257 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 92: Climate Culture WarsClimate change debates have become a culture war, pitting factions against each other in an increasingly hostile war of words. Quite simply, the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has morphed into an ideological tyranny that wants to control every aspect of our lives. As one article explained, "As climate solutions and policies move from the abstract to the personal — our cars, our food and how we keep our homes warm — it has created fertile ground for anger and fear and has fanned the flames of a culture war long in the making." The stage for this was set decades earl...
2024-06-0549 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 91: Is it Climate or Weather?Climate is a complex example of a nonlinear dynamical system and is notoriously difficult to model. Multiple variables influence the weather models. And most climate scientists don't understand how clouds and water vapor affect the overall climate. But this doesn't stop climate enthusiasts from claiming that there is a scientific consensus on climate change, when there isn't. In fact, 47% of scientists disagree among themselves on whether future warming will be much if a problem.On this episode, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss these misleading findings on the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern...
2024-05-2956 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 90: Coming Clean About Renewable EnergySolar and wind are viewed as critical power sources in a net zero world. But as the number of installations increases, so too do the unanticipated side effects of these power sources. Researchers recently discovered that wind turbines, especially those installed close to each other, create a "wake effect" that decreases energy production by as much as 34-38%. This variability creates a challenge for grid operators, as any imbalances could lead to devastating blackouts. And these power sources are not only inherently unreliable, but their reliability declines sharply during bad weather events. For example...
2024-05-2256 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 88: Extreme Climate or Climate Extremism?In Napa Valley, local regulators, described as an “eco mob,” are penalizing wineries for planting trees, making jam and conducting wine tastings on their own land to prevent climate change. Video game designers now include climate change “catastrophes,” so only players using renewable energy can win the game. Ironically, some environmentalists noted that a recent study by the World Bank showed that moving toward 100% solar, wind, and electric battery energy would be “just as destructive to the planet as fossil fuels.” Is the push towards a net carbon future based on economic and scientific realities or “fudged” estima...
2024-05-0856 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 86: EV's Long and Winding RoadTesla is laying off workers and major car companies can't sell EV's. Daily news stories describe the challenges that EV owners face from batteries that don't work in extreme weather conditions to rising insurance rates. On today's show Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss the ongoing challenges facing the EV industry. Are EV's going to reach their potential or will they turn into another "Edsel" for automakers? Join the conversation on The KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/). Share your thoughts on these ideas by calling 866-451-1451...
2024-05-0154 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 84: Geothermal Heat Pump UpdateOn today's show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will talk with W. Boyd Lee, VP of Strategic Planning for CKenergy Electric Cooperative. Boyd will share how the innovative ways that CKenergy is promoting geothermal heat pumps to its members. Join the conversation on The KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/). Please share your thoughts on these ideas by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com.Sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a free weekly newsletter that explores these energy topics in more depth.
2024-04-1757 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 83: The Carbon Tax Man ComethA carbon tax was first proposed by an economist in 1973, with the intent to allow market forces to determine the most effective approach to reduce pollution. But, carbon taxes have morphed and evolved since the 1970s to give consumers and producers a monetary incentive to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. While several European countries have successfully adopted carbon taxes, other nations have not due to a lack of political support. Morever, the price of carbon has not led to significant reductions as companies can purchase carbon offsets rather than alter their current operations. Another...
2024-04-1046 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 81: Green ColonialismAs nations struggle to meet their climate pledges, an ugly truth has emerged. Too many renewable energy projects designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels come at the expense of indigenous peoples. These groups manage more than one quarter of the world's land surface, yet they are rarely involved in conservation projects. Even more alarming, their rights curtailed in favor of industries who deforest land and otherwise harm the environment. Indigenous communities also regularly have their rights stripped by conservation organizations who are meant to be stewards of the environment. This is called "green colonialism" creating another...
2024-03-2757 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 80: Back to the Future: Nuclear Energy is Here to StayIt's one of the biggest comeback stories of the decade. Nuclear energy, in multiple configurations, is now being touted as the most logical way to achieve a clean energy future. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "Nuclear is the perfect antidote to the energy challenges facing Britain – it's green, cheaper in the long term and will ensure the UK's energy security for the long term.The emergence of new technologies, such as Small Nuclear Reactors (SMRs), offer a way to generate electricity with fewer complications and at a lower cost. On today's show, Dr...
2024-03-2054 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 78: Hot Rocks and Heat Pumps: Geothermal EnergyWhether it's tapping energy from deep in the earth or just in your back year, geothermal energy is gaining attention as a clean energy source. Several jurisdictions are tapping into their hot springs to generate energy to power nearby cities. Homeowners are weighing the advantages of a geothermal heat pump compared to more traditional heat pumps. On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss the increased interest in hot rocks and geothermal heat pumps. She will also discuss the obstacles associated with these technologies as well. Don't miss the live interaction on The...
2024-03-0657 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 77: Food Fight: The Climate Debate Over FoodThe climate debate has spilled into our dinner tables. From farmers protesting EU regulations that have cut their profits to carbon footprint calculators, people are being urged to cut down on meat consumption and “buy local.” But on today’s show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss how these facts are misconceptions. New studies have shown that urban farms and farmers’ markets have higher carbon emissions than traditional farms and groceries. And a carbon food calculator demonstrates that eating chocolate is as bad for the planet as eating a steak. Please join the KJ Show 11 a.m. Eas...
2024-02-2855 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 76: Solar Net Metering: Lessons From the FieldSolar net metering has been described as one of the ways to make solar power truly affordable for residential customers, but the reality isn't playing out as expected. On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will share some lessons from the field based on the experiences of two residential California solar PV homeowners. Their insights will be both informative and perhaps a bit shocking. And net metering is facing a repeal in California as the rooftop solar market is on the verge of financial collapse. Please join the KJ Show 11 a...
2024-02-2159 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 75: The High Cost of (Renewable) EnergyRising energy costs in Europe have led to devastating circumstances, as citizens cannot afford to heat their homes due to rising natural gas prices. Alternative energy sources are limited, as nuclear power plants have been shut down, and solar and wind don't provide reliable power. On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss the conundrum haunting energy experts: renewable energy costs are not cost-competitive, especially when coupled with rising inflation rates and supply constraints. Please join the KJ Show 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) . Share your thoughts...
2024-01-3156 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show Episode 74: Fleeting Opportunities for EVsFleet electrification is a critical element of the transition from ICE to EV vehicles. 15 million EVs are expected to be part of corporate fleets in the US by 2040. Fleets from ICE vehicles are responsible for close to 25% of total GHG emissions. More than 63 million fleet vehicles in Europe account for over 20% of all vehicles. But EV fleet electrification also brings challenges, including the upfront costs of EVs. A recent Consumer Reports study found that comparing vehicles of similar size and segment, an electric vehicle can cost between 10%-40% more than its gasoline-only cars.
2024-01-2456 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 71: Updating KJ's Favorite Energy Stories in 2023Today's show provides updates on some of Katherine Johnson's favorite energy stories. Dr. Johnson, host of The KJ Show, will revisit some of her favorite energy stories—from championing beavers to exposing the dark truths about carbon indulgences. She will also recap some of the most surprising energy stories, such as cutting down orchards and old-growth forests to make way for clean energy resources. Please join the KJ Show 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) . Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
2023-12-2033 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 71: Updating KJ's Favorite Energy Stories in 2023Today's show provides updates on some of Katherine Johnson's favorite energy stories. Dr. Johnson, host of The KJ Show, will revisit some of her favorite energy stories—from championing beavers to exposing the dark truths about carbon indulgences. She will also recap some of the most surprising energy stories, such as cutting down orchards and old-growth forests to make way for clean energy resources. Please join the KJ Show 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) . Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
2023-12-2023 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 70: Climate Math Just Doesn't Add UpThe cost of investing in clean energy is a moving target, even according to the exerts. One study estimated that it will take an annual investment of $320 billion through 2050 to meet these goals, which translates into a 43% to 286% annual electric bill increase. Other studies estimate the cost of one part of this ambitious plan—even those costs are skyrocketing. A consulting firm estimated that the offshore industry will require at least $100 billion by 2030. Another survey estimated that building the EV charging infrastructure will take between $2 to $2.5 trillion by 2050. This is just the tip of th...
2023-12-1356 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 69: Grid Lock: Barriers to Achieving Net ZeroThe push for net zero faces one enormous challenge: building a grid capable of handling the increased electric demand caused by the surge in electrification. Progress towards a clean energy future will require more than $2 trillion in investment in a new electric grid. Researchers from Princeton University concluded that the United States must triple its transmission capacity to meet the increased demand. However, many grid-ready projects are never connected according to a report by Lawrence Berkely Laboratories. Rather, these projects wait for nearly four years and just 23 percent are ever completed. So can we...
2023-12-0655 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 68: COP 28 or Cop-Out?Three climate fights will dominate COP28 as more than 70,000 delegates debate how fossil-fuel economies will meet the ambitious climate goal set in the Paris Accords. But isn't it ironic that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is hosting this discussion, a fact that has sparked international outrage? Recent reports have raised concerns regarding the pace at which these climate decisions have been made and the fact that most developed economies are falling short of these mandated goals. On today's show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss how COP28 goals remain aspirational, as most countries are unwilling to...
2023-11-2955 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 67: Net Zero- Running on EmptyEnergy policymakers are pushing hard to achieve net zero energy goals. However recent setbacks demonstrate how these goals remain out of reach. Clean energy technology projects are failing worldwide, whether in a downturn in wind turbine investments or declining demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs). There have been a few glimpses of a renewable energy future in Europe, but questions remain about the long-term viability of net zero energy solutions. On today's show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss how net zero plans are coming up empty in the energy sector. Join KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern...
2023-11-221h 08The KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 66: AI's Role in the Energy SectorArtificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing the energy sector. Its predictive capabilities can improve operations, especially in renewable energy sources like wind and solar. AI can also improve the overall efficiency of energy generation by creating neural networks that lead to gains in efficiency while reducing carbon emissions. However, like HAL in the movie 2001, AI also has some potentially negative consequences. The electric grid is increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, and this threat is increased with the integration of AI software. According to a recent Pew Study, six in ten college graduates say that AI hurts more than...
2023-11-0856 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 65: Carbon Offsets or Carbon Indulgences?Selling indulgences was a catalyst in the Reformation in Europe--- and it may be another catalyst in the move towards the Green New Deal. Environmental advocates have encouraged energy users to buy carbon offsets to represent "an emissions reduction or removal of greenhouse gases...in a manner calculated and traced to offset an entity's GHG emissions." The goal is to reduce emissions or remove and sequester carbon from the atmosphere somewhere by paying someone to plant trees, restore land or produce renewable energy. But carbon offsets are becoming as controversial as indulgences were in the Medieval Ages...
2023-11-0157 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 63: The Climate TrilemmaThe transition to a clean and green energy future faces many obstacles, but policymakers are now grappling with a new set of challenges: The Climate Trilemma. Countries must make trade-offs between Energy Security, Energy Sustainability and Energy Affordability. The catch is that a country can have two of these three goals, but it cannot have all three simultaneously. So politicians and regulators have to prioritize which two of these three goals are most important—and not surprisingly, energy security tops the list. But customers are starting to push back against solar and wind developments, an...
2023-10-1855 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 62: Behave! How Energy Policies Affect Customer ActionsInfluencing customer behavior has become an important component of energy efficiency program portfolios for electric and gas utilities. These programs rely on innovative approaches, such as comparing customer energy usage to neighbors, and including energy savings suggestions with the monthly utility bill.On today’s show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will explain how behavioral programs influence energy consumption. But, at what point do these programs evolve from customer education to customer “re-education?”Changing customer behavior is essential to achieving lasting results, but some government initiatives push for dramatic lifestyle changes. Today’s show will explore how prom...
2023-10-1157 minThe KJ ShowThe KJ Show: Episode 61: Get Your EE VeggiesOn October 4, 2023, a growing network of advocates, companies, government agencies, utilities and others will showcase the benefits of energy efficiency during the 7th annual nationwide Energy Efficiency Day. Energy efficiency strategies need to be part and parcel of the transition to a net-zero economy, as homes and businesses powered by solar, and wind need to be as efficient as possible to maximize their energy potential. On today's show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss how energy efficiency policies and goals have improved customers health, comfort and safety while also reducing energy costs. She will how customers can "...
2023-10-0456 min