Markets

Energy Insiders Podcast: Coalswarm – Tracking coal plants by satellite

In light of the IPCC report that came out last week – and was summarily dismissed by Australia’s Coalition government, we talked to Ted Nace, the author of Gangs of America (about the rise of corporate power), and the NGO he founded and directs, Coalswarm.

Nace takes us through this fascinating account of how the NGO is using satellite technology to keep track of coal generators around the world, a data-base that has become invaluable for campaigners and investors alike.

And, we review the week’s news – including the Coalition’s idiotic response to the IPCC report, the push-back by big energy against small solar, and why we can at least be happy that AEMO has a plan – the Integrated System Plan – to help transform the grid,

You can find this and prior episodes of Energy Insiders here, along with episodes from Solar Insiders and our EV-focused podcast, The Driven.

Solaray is a proud sponsor of Energy Insiders
Solaray is a proud sponsor of Energy Insiders
wattwatchers is a proud sponsor of Energy Insiders

Join Renew Economy founder and editor-in-chief Giles Parkinson and columnist and energy markets expert David Leitch as they discuss the week's main events - politics, solar and storage.

Energy Insiders Podcast

Join Renew Economy founder and editor-in-chief Giles Parkinson and columnist and energy markets expert David Leitch as they discuss the week's main events - politics, solar and storage.

Share

Recent Posts

Energy Insiders Podcast: Why we need regional leaders for renewable transition

Sabiene Heindl from The Energy Charter on the need for strong regional leaders for transition…

28 August 2026

“Paint the bloody things green”: Big battery developers are facing local push back – are they ready?

Big battery developers are facing increasing scrutiny from local communities about their projects. Some of…

28 August 2026

Solar and wind lead emissions falls, EVs pitch in – but bigger cuts needed to meet climate target

Record levels of solar, wind and battery use are pushing down emissions in Australia but…

28 August 2026

Gas for data centres, solar for the grid: NT seeks new PV plant to take load off costly gas peakers

As the NT government fights to power future data centres with gas, its publicly-owned utility…

28 August 2026

No word on Snowy 2.0 as Bowen underlines importance of transmission: “They are not being built for fun”

Bowen says transmission projects are key, including the VNI West link now under threat from…

28 August 2026

Nine little councils that could: The gutsy regional energy pact that is facing down the anti-renewable fury

Nine north-western Victoria councils are fighting to ensure their communities get the most out the…

28 August 2026