Why Most Grid Batteries Won’t Survive a Winter Storm

Arvin Ganesan, CEO of Fourth Power, joins Steph Speirs to unpack what’s really happening at the intersection of extreme heat, carbon blocks, and the future of long-duration energy storage. From the “25% demand surge” hitting the U.S. grid to why traditional lithium-ion isn’t enough for our wind and solar future, Arvin breaks down the massive technological friction points holding back the next generation of environmental giants.

Learn why the shift to decentralized power is making the grid more volatile and how a career spanning from the U.S. Senate and Obama-era EPA to Apple led Arvin to solve the “loneliness” of climate tech entrepreneurship.
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Common Questions

What is long-duration energy storage (LDES)? It refers to systems that can store energy for 10+ hours to handle grid fluctuations when the sun isn’t shining.

How does Fourth Power’s technology work? It uses electricity to heat carbon blocks to extreme temperatures, which can then be converted back to power as needed.

Why is grid demand increasing so fast? The primary drivers are the massive energy needs of AI data centers, the transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs), and a resurgence in domestic manufacturing.

What are the biggest challenges for climate tech CEOs? Beyond the tech, it’s about managing investor trust and the emotional toll of leading a “hard tech” revolution.