Ducks, Curves, and Batteries

In this episode, Claire and Dan break down one of the most misunderstood challenges in modern energy: the duck curve. They explain why solar-heavy grids create steep late afternoon ramps in demand, how utilities currently struggle to manage them, and why battery storage is emerging as the critical solution. They explore examples from California, Spain, Portugal, and beyond, and walk through the economics, developer challenges, and policy dynamics shaping solar-plus-storage today. If you have heard of the duck curve but never fully understood it, or wondered why storage is essential for the clean energy future, this conversation makes it crystal clear.