| Energy Realism this past week discussed our requirement for reliable, affordable, and secure energy in a world where many are out to exploit our weaknesses. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville got us started last week. Instead of providing families with reliable energy, Joe Biden and his administration have other priorities. They’ve spent the last three years on a crusade to make America dependent on unreliable energy sources such as wind and solar power, all in the name of supposedly fighting “climate change.” While wind and solar have roles to play in domestic energy production, we simply cannot rely on them. The sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow, but our energy grid needs to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The “Biden plan” is a major problem for reliable and affordable energy. Bill King looks at ERCOT in Texas. During the recent Winter Storm Heather (Jan. 13-16), the Texas grid was able to produce enough energy to meet demand, but just barely. Since Winter Storm Uri (February 2021), it appears that improvements have been made to the reliability of gas generation. Also, there have been significant additions of renewables capacity, primarily solar, and a small amount of energy storage (batteries). All of these helped to prevent another grid collapse. But we also got lucky. This storm was not nearly as severe as Uri in its intensity, duration, and precipitation. Paul Steidler then gives us the reality check of how our adversaries are looking to capitalize on the obvious holes in our power grid protection apparatus. The U.S. is once again being brazenly hit with successful cyberattacks from Russia and China, a wake-up call for the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies to make sure that technology providers adhere to the highest standards to minimize the impact of such attacks. Our Essential Reading therefore comes from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. To combat climate change and improve local air quality, EVs will rise throughout the world. There is, however, great uncertainty as to the timing and extent of the potential EV fleet. This analysis examines what will determine the speed and nature of EV deployment and what barriers could slow the process. The primary conclusion is that, while electricity is obviously necessary for EV penetration, it is very unlikely to constitute a major barrier, unless policy and regulation are badly designed or implemented. In the News Andy Puzder, National Review Alfie Shaw, Power Technology Elizabeth Weise, USA Today Matthew Sparkes, NewScientist Julia Terruso, Philadelphia Inquirer Jermont Terry, CBS News Bill King, RealClearEnergy ZeroHedge, Oil Price Matthew Yglesias, Slow Boring Douglas McIntyre, Climate Crisis 247 Charles Kennedy, Oil Price Wired Taylor Penley, Fox Business Geraldine Herbert, Euronews Tommy Tuberville, RealClearEnergy Club Random Podcast The perfect episode for a football-less Sunday! Bill and Patrick Bet-David on Bill’s dinner with Warren Buffet, dementia and our leaders, Patrick’s military service, the woman who ne... ChargeDrive Ford Finally Heard Us! Ford CEO HAD ENOUGH and SHUT DOWN the entire EV production. CEO Jim Farley finally heard the common man. He’s now stopping production and going back to gas car... Engineering With Rosie Electric vehicles are taking the world by storm, sparking conversations and controversies alike. Are they the green champions of the road or hidden culprits of environmental harm? Simon Clark A lot happened in the world of climate in 2023. Let's talk about it. | 
