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How to build the next wave of clean energy | Jennifer Granholm, Ryan Panchadsaram

Nov 7, 2026 · 19m

Summary

Former U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm discusses the urgent need for a comprehensive American industrial strategy to compete globally in clean energy and manufacturing. She argues that winning requires reviving domestic production, forming international alliances to diversify supply chains, and ensuring that left-behind communities share in the economic prosperity. Granholm also explores the future of electric vehicles, the importance of community engagement for data centers, and how nuclear safety protocols can inform AI governance.

Topics discussed

Introduction: Jennifer Granholm's background and episode preview Sponsor segments: TikTok, Walmart Business, and Apple Card Current state of US clean energy and the second revolution Lessons from the Inflation Reduction Act and industrial strategy Defining US victory: manufacturing, allies, and supply diversification Preferred clean technologies: storage, solar, and virtual power plants The future of the auto industry and EV manufacturing Competing with China: speed, cost, and national security premiums Data centers: community guardrails, trust, and dividends AI safety lessons from nuclear weapons and international oversight Personal motivation: The story of Greenville and left-behind communities Closing remarks and production credits Sponsor segments: Ashby, ServiceNow, and Betterment
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