Summary of Robert Bryce: “Electrify Everything” is crazy town | Tom Nelson Pod #91

00:00:00 - 00:40:00

Energy expert Robert Bryce warns against the dangerous policy of relying solely on the electric grid, citing the blackouts of 2021 in Texas as an example of the grid's shaky reliability. He argues that there was overinvestment in renewables and underinvestment in reliable forms of generation, leading to shortages in gas and ultimately in power. Moreover, he explains that electricity is a service that requires reliable generation, and that while federal tax credits incentivize more solar and wind, there aren't incentives to build reliable generation. Bryce also discusses potential malinvestment in the renewable energy market and the use of massive subsidies by big tech companies, as well as the role of cryptocurrency in the energy market.

• 00:00:00 In this section, Robert Bryce discusses his career as an author, journalist, podcaster, and film producer focusing on energy and power in Texas, the U.S., and around the world. He talks about his feature-length documentary film "Juice", which explores the world through the lens of electricity, and his book and documentary "A Question of Power: Electricity and The Wealth of Nations". Bryce also reflects on his experience of losing power during the blackouts of 2021 in Texas and how it made him question the Electrify Everything push that promotes electric-only homes. He warns against the dangerous policy of forfeiting energy security by relying solely on the electric grid, which is already shaky, and the efforts of climate-focused and alternative energy NGOs to force people to be reliant on the grid.
• 00:05:00 In this section, Robert Bryce discusses the root cause of the problems in Texas in February 2021 and argues that there was overinvestment in renewables and underinvestment in reliable forms of generation. He explains that wind energy production went effectively to zero for days in a row, causing a shift in load onto the gas grid which then resulted in a shortage of gas. Bryce also mentions the deficiencies of the Texas grid and the energy-only market created by a bunch of lawyers. Moreover, he explains that electricity is a service that requires reliable generation and that federal tax credits incentivize more solar and wind, but there aren't incentives to build reliable generation.
• 00:10:00 In this section, journalist Robert Bryce explains that while he doesn't actively seek to educate politicians, he's happy to share his views if asked. He emphasizes that his job is to report on what's happening as truthfully and thoroughly as possible, and that he uses various platforms like TikTok, Substack, his website, and his books and films to make his content accessible to all. He describes how electricity grids are a reflection of the societies they power and how Lebanon's famously corrupt society has resulted in an electricity system where citizens pay two electric bills, one to the government-owned entity and one to the generator mafia. This perverse incentive means that the generator mafia has no interest in improving the grid as it would put them out of business.
• 00:15:00 In this section, Robert Bryce discusses how some places charge for electricity as a service, not a commodity. In Lebanon, the generator mafia charged based on how much amperage was required, rather than consuming a certain amount of Watt hours. Although the government asked for meters, the generator mafia refused, stating that it was a service they were providing, and that was to be paid for. This example shows the difference between a commodity and a service of electricity. Additionally, in some places with weak governments, such as Iraq and Nigeria, the systems for buying and selling electricity have become unstable and theft rampant. To fix the issue, it would require a change of government system where people pay their fair share, rather than the government catering to every demand.
• 00:20:00 In this section, the conversation revolves around the transformation of cities due to electricity, particularly elevators. The electric elevator changed the geography of cities as it made buildings taller. Before electricity, most buildings were only four to five stories high since people could only walk up that many flights of stairs. The conversation also touches on the enlightenment of elevators, moving from horsepower to electricity. However, the conversation shifts toward the present times, where there is a shortage of transformers due to the push to electrify everything, which has led to a massive increase in inflation rates across utility products.
• 00:25:00 In this section, Robert Bryce discusses the impact of government policies that encourage the electrification of everything without considering the potential consequences. He explains that the recent influx of cash into the electric sector has resulted in a dire shortage of transformers due to a lack of consideration for the supply chain. Additionally, he notes the labor shortage and multiple issues surrounding the availability of specialty steel. Bryce reminds listeners that the shift towards electrification will require massive amounts of metals and mining, as well as significant amounts of diesel fuel, which is energy-intensive and necessary for mining equipment. Bryce also touches on the land use conflicts associated with renewables, such as wind and solar projects. Finally, he addresses concerns about solar flares and the potential for a Carrington event to cause widespread electrical grid failure.
• 00:30:00 In this section, the guest Robert Bryce, an energy expert, discusses the possibility of an electromagnetic pulse caused by a solar flare or nuclear warhead that could potentially harm electronics, including transformers for energy supply. The government has proposed a strategic reserve of transformers, but it is hard to stock due to the limited supply chain. Additionally, the use of renewable energy is facing increased rejection across the United States, with communities rejecting wind and solar projects, although large corporations continue to invest in solar facilities. Bryce believes solar and wind energy models that ignore public pushback are doomed to fail.
• 00:35:00 In this section, energy expert Robert Bryce discusses the potential of malinvestment in the renewable energy market and the use of massive subsidies by big tech companies. Bryce also talks about the role of cryptocurrency in the energy market, stating that it is fundamentally an arbitrage on the price of electricity into a store of value. He mentions some experts he admires, including Meredith Angwin, who wrote "Shorting the Grid," mining expert John Petramore, and Canadian nuclear energy advocate Chris Kiefer.
• 00:40:00 This section of the video is a discussion between Tom Nelson and Robert Bryce about Robert's podcast and the guests he's had on recently. They touch on the imminent release of Judith Curry's book, Schellenberger's substack, and a new episode with Alina Chan. They also discuss the importance of understanding SI units and having knowledge of the energy sector. Tom gives Robert kudos for his link tree.