Does the Economic Crisis Shift the Clean Energy Calculus?

<p>This week: The coronavirus shockwave brings staggering losses of lives, jobs, and money.</p><p>So many applied for unemployment last week – 5 times more than ever before – that it was hard for graphic artists to draw a Y-axis that would fit them in historical comparisons. We’re now at 10 million unemployment claims.&nbsp;</p><p>With so much turmoil and uncertainty, we are going to dig back into some of the big themes of the week.&nbsp;</p><p>First, we’ll have a recap of stimulus activity. The day after the unprecedented unemployment numbers, the federal government approved a boost to the economy twice as large as any before in the history of the United States. What’s in it? What’s coming next?</p><p>Then, essential workers in energy: how grid operators are making sure that all-important juice keeps flowing to your home or essential workplace.</p><p>And finally, how the oil price shock may – or may not – impact renewables investment from fossil fuel majors.</p><p>Mentioned on the show:</p><ul><li><a href="https://ourfiniteworld.com/author/gailtheactuary/" target="_blank">Gail Tverberg</a>: Our Infinite World</li><li><a href="https://www.dsireusa.org/" target="_blank">DSIRE</a>: The database of renewables</li><li><a href="https://www.dsireusa.org/" target="_blank">Energy Storage News</a>: Editor’s Blog</li></ul><p>Recommended reading:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/3/23/21188900/coronavirus-stock-market-recession-depression-trump-jobs-unemployment" target="_blank">VOX</a>: How the Covid-19 Recession Could Become a Depression</li><li><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/after-three-coronavirus-stimulus-packages-congress-is-already-prepping-phase-four-11585483203" target="_blank">WSJ:</a> After 3 Coronavirus Packages, Congress is Already Prepping a Fourth</li><li><a href="https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/490063-mccarthy-says-fourth-stimulus-bill-might-not-be-necessary" target="_blank">The Hill:</a> McCarthy Says Fourth Stimulus Might Not Be Necessary</li><li><a href="https://www.bloomb