Is 100% clean energy really possible?

The global energy transition isn’t theoretical anymore—it’s happening right now. But how fast can we go, and how far can renewables really take us? In this episode of Power Perspectives, hosts Kinsey Grant Baker sits down with Mark Jacobson, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Atmosphere/Energy Program at Stanford University, to explore one of the most polarizing questions in energy today: 100% clean energy, is it actually possible? For decades, Jacobson has modeled the path to a world powered entirely by wind, water, and solar, contending that fossil fuels, carbon capture, or nuclear aren’t necessary to meet the future energy needs. His research has influenced global climate policy, inspired states to adopt renewable targets, and sparked fierce debate across the energy sector. Whether you’re a skeptic of his stance or co-signer that the future can be all renewable, this conversation challenges assumptions and asks the most important question in energy today: what if the solutions we need are already here? Key Links: Mark Jacobson’s Stanford Profile: https://profiles.stanford.edu/mark-jacobson Mark Jacobson on X: https://x.com/mzjacobson Signup for the Energy Central Daily Newsletter: https://energycentral.beehiiv.com/subscribe