El Podcast

E26: The Energy Transition Scam? Dr. Lars Schernikau on the Unpopular Truth

Episode Summary

German energy economist Dr. Lars Schernikau explains why the global push for wind and solar energy is both economically unsustainable and dangerously misguided. He argues that investing in reliable sources like fossil fuels and nuclear—while searching for long-term solutions—is the only realistic path forward.

Episode Notes

German energy economist Dr. Lars Schernikau joins the podcast to explain why the global energy transition is economically unsustainable, environmentally misguided, and dangerously misunderstood.

Guest bio: Dr. Lars Schernikau is a German energy economist, commodity trader, and co-author of The Unpopular Truth about Electricity and the Future of Energy. He has worked extensively in coal and energy markets, advised governments and corporations globally, and previously spent six years at the Boston Consulting Group.

Topics discussed:

• The economic and environmental costs of the energy transition
• Why wind and solar are not scalable solutions for global energy needs
• Grid stability and the dangers of intermittent power sources
• The role of fossil fuels, nuclear, and future energy systems
• Misinformation, subsidies, and political incentives driving energy policy
• Energy poverty, global development, and the human impact of rising energy costs

3 best quotes:

• “The amount of money spent on the energy transition away from fossil fuels is probably the biggest endeavor that humanity has ever embarked on — and the biggest waste of money ever.”
• “If wind and solar were truly cheaper, they wouldn’t require trillions in subsidies or laws to force their installation.”
• “You don’t take money away from the problem. You invest in making it better, cleaner, and more efficient — especially when 80% of your existence depends on it.”