PODCAST: Batteries vs fossil fuels, US Secretary of Energy’s big challenges, SPACs and storage

March 16, 2021
LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email
Inside Alamitos, a battery project recently inaugurated in California that uses 100MW / 400MWh of energy storage to reduce the local area’s reliance on burning natural gas for electricity. Image: AES Corporation.

The new episode of the Solar Media Podcast, sponsored by Honeywell, is now available stream, as we take a look at US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm’s in-tray and explain why solar module prices could be set for a short-term price increase.

We also reflect on last month’s energy crisis in Texas, brought about by a winter storm, and detail what the power market needs to learn about weather events and how to plan for them more appropriately.

There’s also discussion of the SPACs phenomenon and what it could mean for energy storage, we talk about how batteries and renewables are replacing fossil fuels – but not fast enough, the storage investment tax credit (ITC) and much, much more.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Alternatively, you can subscribe and listen to the podcast on the Solar Media Editor’s Channel, which is now on all popular audio channels, including;

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts

This episode of the Solar Media Podcast is brought to you by Honeywell.

6 October 2026
Warsaw, Poland
The Energy Storage Summit Central Eastern Europe is set to return in September 2025 for its third edition, focusing on regional markets and the unique opportunities they present. This event will bring together key stakeholders from across the region to explore the latest trends in energy storage, with a focus on the increasing integration of energy storage into regional grids, evolving government policies, and the growing need for energy security.

Read Next

Premium
December 19, 2025
The board of trustees for New York Power Authority (NYPA) last week gave the greenlight for the public power organisation to develop an additional 1.2GW of storage as part of its renewed Strategic Plan for New Renewable Energy Generation. 
December 19, 2025
The Australian government has expanded the nationwide Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which has seen rapid uptake from homeowners.
Premium
December 18, 2025
California Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) Clean Power Alliance (CPA) last week (8 December 2025) moved one step closer to executing agreements for offtake with two companies developing innovative thermal battery storage projects. 
December 18, 2025
Two US companies, GridStor, and CPS Energy are making advancements on Texas energy storage deployments, with GridStor executing a tolling agreement and CPS Energy issuing a new request for proposals.
December 17, 2025
In an upcoming conversation with Energy-Storage.news Premium and Optimisation platform provider Ascend Analytics, CEO Dr. Gary Dorris PhD, discusses the ‘roller coaster’ revenues of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market.