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
Listen ad-free on Castria