The Clean Energy Edge

Episode 12: Elon vs. Trump: Musk’s Public Breakup & What It Means for His Companies

Elon Musk’s friendship with Donald Trump has gone nuclear. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ and Brian unpack Musk’s explosive split—public impeachment threats, Trump’s retaliation, and federal contract shakeups.
Discover:
⚡ How Musk went from Trump ally to outspoken critic—calling for impeachment and linking Trump to Epstein files—then quickly deleted the posts
🔥 Trump’s furious response: branding Musk “crazy,” threatening to revoke Tesla & SpaceX contracts worth $22 billion, and sending agencies to review federal deals
📉 The stock market reaction: Tesla shed $152 billion in market value in a single day, while SpaceX and xAI faced scrutiny and paused contract opportunities
🛑 Allegations of Musk’s erratic behavior and drug use intensify investor concerns and compound reputational risks
🤔 What this feud means for Musk’s clean energy mission—can his companies survive this public crisis?
👉 Tap in for analysis on whether this is a genuine break or a strategic PR move—and what it signals for Tesla, SpaceX & the future of clean tech.
Check out Zero Distortion: youtube.com/@TheRealRussBates

Episode 11: Building a Better Solar Carport – VCT’s Heliostation™ Comes to the U.S.

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates sits down with Zac Jolliffe and Patrick Boot, the co-founders of VCT Group, to talk about the evolution of their innovative Heliostation™ solar canopy system. From the inspiration behind the product to the real-world pain points it solves, we explore how VCT is changing the way solar canopies are built — and scaled.
We also dive into VCT’s expansion into the U.S. market, what they’re looking for in fabrication partners, and how their system supports EV charging and future infrastructure needs. Plus, Zac and Patrick share valuable insights for clean tech entrepreneurs navigating the complex journey of scaling a sustainable business.
📩 Interested in partnering or learning more? Reach out to info@nxtgencleanenergy.com

Episode 10-Fighting for Fairness: The Truth About Clean Energy and Subsidies

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ and Brian break down one of the most persistent lies in energy: that clean energy only survives because of government subsidies. With fossil fuels receiving over hundreds of billions of dollars a year in hidden and direct subsidies, the playing field is anything but level. They dive into why fossil fuels are still propped up by the government, how political efforts to gut the Inflation Reduction Act are threatening clean energy progress, and why renewables already win on cost, reliability, and deployment speed. It’s a candid, fact-based look at what’s really holding clean energy back — and why the truth matters more than ever.

Episode 9 – North American Energy Divorce?

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ Bates and Canadian co-host Brian Scott explore the growing energy tensions between the U.S. and Canada. With new U.S. tariffs targeting Canadian energy exports, Canada is rethinking its long-standing energy relationship with its southern neighbor. We break down what this shift means for energy trade, infrastructure, critical mineral supply chains, and clean energy collaboration across North America. Is this just a political standoff—or the beginning of a true energy separation?

🎙️ Episode 8 Title: Gridlocked Growth: Powering AI, Data Centers & What Comes Next

In Episode 8 of The Clean Energy Edge, host Russ Bates is joined by Peter Kelly, Managing Partner at Red Tree Engineering, to tackle the rapidly growing energy demands of AI and data centers—and what it means for the grid and generation mix.
From transmission bottlenecks to interconnection delays, Peter shares real-world insight from the front lines of project development and design. They discuss:
Why power-hungry data centers are reshaping infrastructure planning
The reality of grid constraints and temporary energy workarounds
What a future-ready generation mix really looks like—including gas, batteries, and SMRs
How developers and utilities can prepare for what’s coming next
If you're in energy, infrastructure, or site development—this one's for you.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.
#CleanEnergy #DataCenters #GridConstraints #AI #EnergyTransition #SMRs #EnergyPolicy #TheCleanEnergyEdge

Episode 7 – Coal-Fired Power: Trump’s AI Energy Gamble

In Episode 7 of The Clean Energy Edge, Russ Bates and Brian Scott dive into President Trump’s executive orders aimed at reviving coal-fired power generation—a move pitched as essential to powering the AI boom. The announcement includes reclassifying coal as a “critical mineral,” extending the life of aging coal plants, and promoting U.S. coal technology.
Coal stocks surged, but energy experts and economists are asking:
Can coal really meet the needs of energy-hungry AI data centers?
Is this sound energy policy—or a throwback to outdated infrastructure?
What does it mean for grid reliability, emissions, and clean energy investment?
With 93% of new U.S. generation capacity in 2025 projected to come from renewables and batteries, the return to coal raises more questions than answers.
🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.

Episode 6-Tariffs Trigger Turmoil: Unpacking the Economic Fallout

In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge, hosts Russ Bates and Brian Scott delve into the recent implementation of sweeping tariffs by President Trump, announced during the so-called 'Liberation Day' event. They discuss the confusion surrounding the tariff calculations, which have left even seasoned trade economists puzzled. The conversation explores the immediate market reactions, including significant drops in major indices, the ambiguous goals of these tariffs, and their projected impact on global trade and the clean energy sector. Tune in to understand the far-reaching implications of these trade policies and what they mean for the future of clean energy.

Episode 4: EV Wars, BYD’s Breakthrough, and Tesla’s Tumble

In this episode, Russ and Brian tackle the intensifying global EV race, highlighting how China's BYD is outpacing Tesla in both innovation and momentum. The hosts explore BYD’s newly announced “flash charging” tech, capable of adding 250 miles of range in just five minutes, and what that could mean for EV skeptics and infrastructure demands.
They also dive into Elon Musk’s shifting reputation and Tesla’s challenges—from missed innovation timelines to plummeting stock prices—and the broader implications for North American automakers like Ford and GM. The episode expands into a candid discussion of political influence, Trump’s tariffs, Canada’s electoral pivot, and the type of leadership needed to move clean energy forward in North America.

Episode 5: Permits, Politics, and Progress – What's Holding Clean Energy Back?

In this episode, Russ Bates and Brian Scott dive into the behind-the-scenes hurdles slowing down clean energy progress in North America, even as Asia surges ahead. With 92.5% of global new electricity generation in 2024 coming from renewables, the numbers are promising—but major permitting delays, inconsistent policies, and fossil fuel-funded misinformation are stalling real momentum in the U.S. and Canada.
They explore why countries like China and India are moving faster, how North America's fractured regulatory systems create roadblocks, and what needs to change for clean energy to meet 2030 targets. It’s a candid conversation about energy independence, government inertia, and the real cost of political division.

Episode 2 – “Tariffs, Trade Wars & Clean Energy Fallout”

In this episode, Russ and Brian unpack the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, driven by President Trump's aggressive tariff strategy. They explore the political and economic consequences of the proposed electricity tariffs, their impact on cross-border relations, and the unexpected unity forming within Canada. The hosts also discuss how these developments may inadvertently accelerate clean energy adoption, energy independence, and public awareness. With real talk, practical insight, and some laughs along the way, this episode shines a light on the messy intersection of politics, power, and progress.