When batteries get a facelift, so does renewable energy episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 16, 2026 · 13 MIN

When batteries get a facelift, so does renewable energy

from Short Wave

For years, renewable energy companies have faced a problem: How to store the mass amounts of energy they produce for later use. Batteries may be just the solution. In California, there's now enough grid-scale battery storage to power millions of homes for a few hours. Battery power is often the second largest source of energy on a given day in the state. So, we're revisiting the fast-growing technology with Cooper Katz McKim, a producer on The Indicator from Planet Money.Listen to the three-part battery series.Have questions about the future of energy? Contact us at [email protected]. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

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When batteries get a facelift, so does renewable energy

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