On the Energy Realities podcast today, with David Blackmon, Dr. Tammy Nemeth, and Stu Turley, we have an eye-opening discussion about the UK's totally horrific energy policies. Irina Slav was unable to attend this week’s podcast.

Just to tee up the next interview with Kathryn, she has another one on the UK’s oil and gas markets rolling out next month, and we have already asked for her to hop on the Energy Realities or Energy News Beat podcast.

The report by Kathryn Porter at Watt-Logic delves into whether the UK's electricity grid can handle this transition, especially amid reliance on intermittent renewables like wind and solar. The analysis highlights stalling deployment due to high costs, grid constraints, and reliability issues, while drawing parallels to similar policies in the European Union and "blue" states in the United States. As I often emphasize, understanding these dynamics is crucial for consumers bearing the financial brunt.

1. The state of the UK power grid and the challenges it faces due to electrification and the retirement of legacy power generation assets. Catherine Porter, an energy consultant, discusses her recent report on this topic.

2. The potential issues with the UK’s gas grid and pipeline infrastructure as North Sea gas production declines. This could lead to gas shortages during peak demand periods.

3. The political and policy landscape in the UK, including the role of the Labour party under Keir Starmer and the rise of new political movements like Reform UK. There is discussion around the disconnect between government policies and the ability to implement them effectively.

4. The broader themes of deindustrialization, the economic challenges facing the UK, and the impacts on ordinary citizens, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.

5. The debate around the motivations and ideological drivers behind the UK’s energy and climate policies, with differing views on whether this is driven by genuine beliefs or a hidden agenda to control people’s lives.

Here is the link to the full Report:

I highly recommend connecting with Kathryn on her LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynporter26/

https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/p/electrification-can-the-grid-cope

Irina Slav

International Author writing about energy, mining, and geopolitical issues. Bulgaria Irina Slav

David Blackmon

Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host. David Blackmon

Tammy Nemeth

Energy Consulting Specialist The Nemeth Report

Stuart Turley

President and CEO, Sandstone Group, Podcast Host

This is a huge story, with great implications for the United States, but not so much for UN climate funds. Tom Nelson is a great friend to the Energy Realities podcast, a movie producer, and a podcast host. He will bring some fun insights to this huge story. Buckle up as Dr. Tammy Nemeth, Irina Slav, David Blackmon, and Stu Turley pile in to have some fun on this great start to a new year.

The main topics discussed in this Podcast are:

1. The United States' withdrawal from various UN and international organizations, conventions, and treaties, particularly those related to climate change. This includes the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the IPCC, and other climate-related institutions.

2. The implications and potential impacts of the US withdrawal from these organizations, with differing views expressed. Some see it as a positive development that will undermine the "climate change scam", while others are concerned it will reduce US influence and participation.

3. The debate around the role and validity of climate science, with some participants strongly criticizing the IPCC and climate change narratives as being unscientific, alarmist, and driven by political and financial agendas rather than facts.

4. The discussion of alternative energy sources, with participants expressing support for fossil fuels, nuclear power, and criticizing the push for renewable energy like wind and solar as impractical and ineffective.

5. Broader geopolitical and ideological themes, including the perceived links between climate change activism, globalism, and communism, as well as the idea of a "global reset" and shifting power dynamics.

6. The impact of events like the COVID-19 pandemic in shaping public skepticism towards expert consensus and government policies related to climate change.

Check out Tom Nelson's Substack https://tomn.substack.com/

Time Stamps:

05:01 Tom Nelson spending 50 trillion dollars on wind and solar

26:13 David Blackmon CO2 is plant food

30:52 Tom Nelson CO2 has never been the climate control knob

31::34 Irina - you can call them cultists

40:03 Stu Turley: Countries begging for Trump to capture their leaders

43:32 Clean Coal , Nuclear

44:38 Dr. Tammy Nemeth - More CO2 when dinosaurs were around

Irina Slav

International Author writing about energy, mining, and geopolitical issues. Bulgaria

David Blackmon

Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.

Tammy Nemeth

Energy Consulting Specialist

Stuart Turley

President and CEO, Sandstone Group, Podcast Host

The Energy Realities team of David Blackmon, Irina Slav, Dr. Tammy Nemeth, and Stu Turley kicks off 2026 with a bang! This is a wild ride, and we are off to the Energy Realities Races in 2026.

00:00 Introduction

02:09 Dr. Tammy Nemeth looks to kick off energy trends in Canada and Oil markets

05:00 David Blackmon Venezuela

06:29 Irina Slav - Common Sense

09:34 David - Battery Advancements

11:18 Stu Turley - batteries must be recyclable, and it will take Billions to get Venezuelan oil moving

14:57 If North Korea, Democrats, or Republicans who allegedly took money grumble, it means you're on the right track.

15:26 Trillions spent on the energy transition, only to have higher costs

22:07 EVs and Norway

30:55 Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

34:33 Orsted and Equinor

43:26 Climate action faces key tests

1. Energy trends and outlook for 2026:

- The impact of the situation in Venezuela on the global oil market and Canada's oil exports

- The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and its expansion to more industries

- Challenges facing the energy transition, such as the viability of new battery technologies and the reliability of renewable energy sources like wind and solar

2. Geopolitical and economic issues:

- Tensions between the US, Canada, and the EU

- Concerns about corruption and fraud in China's electric vehicle industry

- The potential impact of the US taking action in Venezuela on Chinese investments in South America

3. Energy policies and their effects:

- The differences in electricity prices and affordability between Democratic-led and Republican-led states in the US

- The unintended consequences of renewable energy policies, such as increased electricity costs for consumers

4. Specific energy-related news and developments:

- Legal challenges by offshore wind companies against the US government's suspension of offshore wind projects

- The decline in oil prices in 2025 and OPEC's efforts to manage the resulting glut

The transcript covers a wide range of energy-related topics, from geopolitics and policies to technological developments and market trends, providing a comprehensive discussion of the key issues facing the energy sector in 2026.

Irina Slav

International Author writing about energy, mining, and geopolitical issues. Bulgaria

David Blackmon

Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.

Tammy Nemeth

Energy Consulting Specialist

Stuart Turley

President and CEO, Sandstone Group, Podcast Host

We had a great discussion with David Blackmon, Irina Slav, and Tammy Nemeth, who tried to join in but had a little spotty connection.

01:19 2026 Predictions

03:24 Dark Fleet Tankers filling up in Venezuela

04:48 Naval Assets in the Caribbean Sea and Panama

21:43 ExxonMobil cutting investments in low-carbon solutions

26:51 The world is healing

The main topics discussed in this podcast are:

1. Sanctions and their effectiveness (or lack thereof): The discussion covers how sanctions, particularly those imposed on Russia and Venezuela, have not had the intended impact on the oil and gas markets.

2. The energy transition and its challenges: The Energy Realities team analyzes the failures and "dead ends" of various clean energy technologies and initiatives, such as fuel cells, green hydrogen, and sustainable aviation/shipping fuels.

3. Geopolitics and trade blocs: There is discussion about the shifting global trade dynamics, with mentions of the potential for the U.S. to align more with India, China, Russia, and Japan, rather than the G7 countries.

4. The oil and gas industry: The gang analyzes trends in the oil and gas sector, including the pivot of major oil companies away from renewable investments and towards data centers, the potential for regime change in Venezuela, and the impact of subsidies on the solar and wind industries.

5. The economic and political landscape: Topics include the state of the U.S. economy, the popularity of the Trump administration, and the challenges faced by the EU in addressing the energy crisis.

Check out the full transcript https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/

Or

https://energynewsbeat.co/

Got Taxes? https://energynewsbeat.co/invest/

The Energy Realities Team drives it home - "Come On Man"

This was a fun podcast with Tammy Nemeth, Irina Slav, David Blackmon, and me! We had way too much fun and had some great comments from the live audience.

We also had some great insights from Dr. Graham Conway, Principal Engineer in the Automotive Division at Southwest Research Institute. A shout-out to Rodney, who found out who he was. I have included the full TED Talk clip below, along with the key bullet points.

Key Points for the Energy Realities Podcast this morning:

The main topics discussed in this transcript are:

1. The impact of Trump’s policies on the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the United States. The transcript discusses how Trump’s actions, such as rescinding California’s EV mandate and the CAFE standards, have negatively impacted the growth of the EV market in the US.

2. The challenges and limitations of EVs, including their high costs, limited range, battery fires, and lack of consumer demand. We provide detailed analysis on why EVs are not a viable or sustainable solution compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

3. The impact of government subsidies and incentives on the EV market. We discuss how the removal of subsidies, such as the $7,500 tax credit, has led to a significant drop in EV sales in the US.

4. The geopolitical and economic implications of the transition to EVs, including the impact on manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy security. We touch on how this transition is affecting countries like Canada and the European Union.

5. The broader context of the “green energy transition” agenda, criticizing it as an ideological and unsustainable approach that is harming economies and energy security.

Key Chapters:

00:00 Introduction - Irina Slav

03:18 David Blackmon’s view on how the Trump Administration’s impact on EVs

09:55 Dr. Tammy Nemeth covers Norway and the UK’s impact.

18:40 Dr. Graham Conway on his TED Talk and how EVs are not as environmentally friendly as advertised.

24:44 Irina Slav is pointing out that the EU wants smaller EVs and shorter ranges.

30:44 Dr. Tammy Nemeth Zelensky, Starmer, and Macron meeting to figure out the next action items.

32:48 Dr. Tammy Nemeth brings up that EU and Canada allowed deindustrialization to become a service economy, and may have caused harm to long-term manufacturing capabilities.

Dr. Graham Conway's TED Talk was outstanding; here is the TikTok video. I will be reaching out to him to get him on the podcast.

https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/p/did-trump-just-kill-joe-bidens-ev

Irina Slav

International Author writing about energy, mining, and geopolitical issues. Bulgaria

David Blackmon

Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.

Tammy Nemeth

Energy Consulting Specialist

Stuart Turley

President and CEO, Sandstone Group, Podcast Host

The Energy Reality team from Bulgaria, the US, and the UK had a fun energy discussion at the expense of the COP30 participants. When you get Tammy Nemeth, David Blackmon, Stu Turley, and Irina Slav on a podcast, buckle up, as fun is around the corner.

The main topics The Energy Realities Team discussed in this podcast episode include:

1. The outcomes and implications of COP30, the recent UN climate change conference:

- The lack of significant progress or agreements made at the conference

- Discussions around censorship and information control efforts that emerged from COP30

- The role and influence of the US, particularly under the Trump administration, on the outcomes

2. The geopolitical and economic shifts happening globally related to energy and climate policies:

- The diverging paths and trading blocs forming between countries/regions pursuing net-zero policies versus those resisting them

- China's growing influence and the West's increasing reliance on China for manufacturing and energy

- Concerns about deindustrialization and the fiscal impacts of net-zero policies in Western countries

3. Specific energy and climate policy developments:

- The "memorandum of understanding" between the Canadian federal government and the province of Alberta on oil pipelines

- The UK's plans to tax electric vehicle drivers

- Germany's increasing gas usage and LNG import needs

4. Commentary and analysis on the media's coverage and portrayal of these energy and climate issues.

The podcast features in-depth discussion and differing perspectives from the co-hosts on these major topics shaping the global energy landscape.

Irina Slav

International Author writing about energy, mining, and geopolitical issues. Bulgaria

David Blackmon

Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.Principal at DB Energy Advisors, energy author, and podcast host.

Tammy Nemeth

Energy Consulting Specialist

Stuart Turley

President and CEO, Sandstone Group, Podcast Host

If you want to get your story out, consider sponsoring the Podcast and reaching out to anyone on the team.

We have Brian Zinchuk, PipelineOnline.ca, Saskatchewan’s Energy News, stopping by the Energy Realities Podcast, and we’re ready to dive deep into Canada’s evolving energy markets. It’s always a great time having Brian on the show as he brings sharp insights and real-world perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s energy future.

From the federal clean energy mandates to the realities of coal, gas, and nuclear development, this conversation explores how Saskatchewan is navigating the path to reliable, affordable power. Buckle up, some true energy realities are hitting the podcast as we uncover what’s shaping the future of Canadian energy.

This was a lot of fun, and Brian and I were able to catch up after the show and talk about his reporting and how we can help him out with more coverage.

Please follow Brian on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianzinchuk/

Check out his news site: Pipelineonline.ca

Highlights of the Podcast

00:00 – Introduction

01:42 – Saskatchewan’s Energy Reality

04:12 – Coal as a Bridge to Nuclear

10:26 – Challenges with Wind, Solar, and Gas

12:11 – Lessons from Europe and Maintenance Issues

22:18 – CO₂ Capture and Enhanced Oil Recovery

26:19 – Federal vs. Provincial Energy Conflict

29:09 – The Price of Unreliable Energy

35:51 – The Storage Mirage

39:33 – Saskatchewan Pushes Back

44:54 – Doubling the Grid is Unrealistic

53:25 – Nuclear’s Massive Future

55:56 – Preparing the Next Generation

58:31 – Closing Remarks

In a shocking flip, Bill Gates announced that Climate Change, while a real issue, is not an "existential threat" to humanity. Wow, how much has his Climate leadership impacted global markets and society and how has it harmed kids' mental health? You have to ask, how much has the global market of carbon credits and Net Zero been influenced by Bill Gates' money and involvement? And how do we move forward without being censored?

In this episode of the Energy Realities Podcast, David Blackmon, Tammy Nemeth, Irina Slav, and Stu Turley dive into Gates’ sudden change in tone and what it reveals about the broader climate agenda. From the fading dominance of the Green movement to the growing backlash against global sustainability mandates, the hosts unpack how billionaire-driven policies, corporate influence, and political narratives have shaped public perception and distorted energy markets. They also explore the real “opportunity cost” of these policies how resources poured into questionable green ventures have stifled innovation, strained economies, and undermined energy security worldwide. Tune in for sharp insights and real talk you won’t hear in the mainstream.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:00 – Opening and Introductions

01:41 – Bill Gates’ Shift on Climate Change

05:11 – Gates’ Motives and Investments

06:45 – Gates’ Profit Motives & Backlash

10:28 – Media Clip: “Opportunity Cost”

15:14 – Exxon’s Pushback and Policy Overreach

21:14 – The Battle over Corporate Climate Mandates

28:15 – EU’s Overconfidence and Federalization Push

34:01 – EU’s Political Shakeups and Doubling Down

39:42 - Climate activists lose human rights case over Norway oil and gas drilling

42:36 - Tests find that Chinese manufacturer can manipulate electric busses in Norway

46:46 - Chris Wright talks China Deal, Alaska, Bill Gates and More

47:44 - Bill Gates Lurch into Energy and Climate Reality

48:33 - Save the animals. But only the ones we say

54:50 - ExxonMobil Sues California Over Climate Reporting Laws

55:23 - Surge in Rooftop Blazes Sparks Concern Over Miliband’s Solar Panel Boom

57:46 – Global Climate Governance

01:01:46 – Closing Remarks