Power Engineering podcasts

Lin Ma discusses the development of batteries for electricity grids, including the promise and limitations of sodium-ion systems. The conversation considers safety, materials choices and the role of storage in electricity systems that depend increasingly on renewable generation.

Hosted by Hamish Johnston

Ellen Zapata-Webborn discusses how mathematical research can help predict household energy use. The episode connects patterns in smart-meter data, human behaviour and the demands of electricity systems, illustrating how quantitative models can inform practical energy questions.

David Hsu examines community electricity systems built around solar generation, batteries and microgrids. The conversation considers the policies and technologies challenging centralised utilities, including in places with unreliable electricity access. It compares what local and large-scale systems can offer as communities seek cleaner, affordable and dependable energy.

Hosted by Madison Goldberg

Jacopo Buongiorno examines why construction of nuclear power plants has become expensive in the United States despite the technology’s ability to supply low-carbon electricity continuously. The discussion compares countries with different recent building experience and asks what their industries can teach about controlling costs and delivering projects on schedule.

Hosted by Madison Goldberg

Åshild Grøtan discusses electricity markets, rapidly changing prices and the need to balance generation with demand. Conversation in Norwegian.