The Unpopular Truth About Energy. Why Net Zero Is Failing and What Comes Next

In this episode of Energy Newsbeat – Conversations in Energy , host Stu Turley sits down with Dr. Lars Schernikau , author of The Unpopular Truth About Electricity and the Future of Energy , to unpack why reliability and affordability must lead energy policy. They dive into the real costs of large-scale wind and solar— intermittency, low energy density, short lifetimes, grid stability (AC vs. DC/inertia), and hidden disposal/subsidy issues —contrast ERCOT nameplate vs. actual load, and spotlight energy poverty from Pakistan to Africa. Schernikau argues that “energy security starts at home,” calling for honest accounting and smarter investment in modern thermal, nuclear (incl. SMRs), geothermal , and long-horizon fusion —while noting AI/data centers make power resilience more critical than ever. Along the way: Bill Gates’ recent climate-risk comments, COP priorities, NJ Ayuk and Chris Wright’s energy-access push, and why financing institutions are beginning to rethink greenwashed narratives. Learn more at unpopular-truth.com . Dr. Schernikau, Thank You for your wonderful leadership in the world of Energy markets, and I look forward to more discussions. - Stu Highlights of the Podcast 00:00 - Intro 01:27 – Net Zero and Bill Gates’ Shift 02:01 – Why Energy Reliability Matters 03:13 – Ending Energy Poverty 03:58 – Energy Efficiency Through History 05:57 – Book Mention: Unpopular Truth 06:12 – COP and Climate Priorities 07:08 – Reliability Before Affordability 09:04 – ERCOT Grid Costs & Overbuild 10:39 – The 3 Problems: Intermittency, Density, Lifetime 14:36 – Solar Durability Issues 15:30 – Overbuilding and Storage Costs 17:24 – Subsidies & Disposal Costs 18:49 – Recycling and Greenwashing 19:43 – Grid Stability: AC vs. DC 23:16 – Energy Security Risks 24:25 – Complex Grids & Vulnerability 26:50 – Africa’s Energy Development 27:55 – Global Fuel Dependence 32:26 – Politics, IEA, and Funding 33:42 – Real Cost of Wind & Solar 35:39 – Geothermal Laser Breakthrough 36:10 – Future of Energy: Nuclear to Fusion 38:38 – Germany’s Nuclear Irony 39:11 – European Politics & Hope 40:10 – Financing & Greenwashing Shift 42:33 – Wrap Up & Final Thoughts Full transcript on https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/