In this episode of Chatter, Josh Hamilton is joined by Kathryn Porter to ask why the UK is paying the highest energy costs in the developed world? Why isn't the cost of electric falling when the price of gas falls? Why aren't renewables making our energy cheaper? Are wind and solar cheaper than fossil fuels? Is net zero a bad idea? We cover all this and more including:
- The hidden (and not-so-hidden) costs of wind and solar
- How decades of energy mismanagement have left our grid vulnerable
- Why nuclear might be the only sensible path forward
- The reality of where your green energy really comes from
Kathryn Porter is an energy consultant and the founder of Watt-Logic, a UK-based consultancy focused on energy markets, regulation, and strategy. She’s widely regarded for her sharp, data-driven insights and for being an outspoken critic of poorly designed energy policy—particularly in the UK.
She’s best known for challenging the mainstream energy narrative, particularly around renewables, carbon pricing, and the economics of net zero—often arguing that current policies are driving up costs and risking the stability of the energy system.
**Timestamps**
00:00 - Intro
00:50 – "Challenges of the Polluter Pays Doctrine"
06:05 – Renewable Energy Infrastructure Costs
13:10 – "Challenges of Weather-Dependent Renewables"
17:31 – Offshore Wind's Hidden Environmental Costs
24:23 – Graphite, Earthquakes, and Reactor Safety
32:47 – Aging Energy Infrastructure Concerns
36:10 – Legacy Project Specification Bias
40:26 – Gas Generation Necessity and Delays
44:38 – Government Support Needed for Turbines
49:42 – "Last House on the Grid"
58:35 – French Energy Policy Missteps
01:04:29 – "Streamlining Nuclear Regulations Proposed"
01:06:40 – Balancing Safety and Practicality
01:11:14 – Links Provided in Description
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