Exploring The Future of Global Energy with Andrew Holland
Air Dates: February 10-16, 2025
Imagine an energy technology the produces vast quantities of energy with extremely small quantities of waste and a virtually limitless supply of fuel. Sounds too good to be true, right? Andrew Holland says that technology is coming—with dozens of start-ups getting into the space and driving innovation that may just prove to be revolutionary.
With over two decades of experience in science, energy, policy, and politics, Holland has been at the forefront of discussions surrounding sustainable energy security and addressing climate change. He founded the Fusion Industry Association (FIA) in 2021, a group that provides strategic direction and advocates for fusion energy through direct action. Prior to his time at the FIA, he was active in policy discussions on energy security, Arctic policy, climate security, and water resources at high-profile events around the world. As an expert in energy policy and international strategy, Holland previously worked for the American Security Project and on Capitol Hill for Senator Chuck Hagel. He holds an MSc in International Strategy and Economics from the University of St. Andrews and is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
On this episode of “Story in the Public Square,” Holland discusses the concept of fusion energy and its prevalence around the globe. “What happens in fusion energy is you take light atoms and in extreme pressures and temperatures, the fuse together, and in the process, a small amount of matter is turned into tremendous amounts of energy,” he said. Although this type of industry is newly emerging, Holland states that there is an interest in this energy technology on an international level. He said, “It’s kind of a good news story here in the United States, but other countries are moving fast to try and both cooperate and compete to get there first.”
“Story in the Public Square” broadcasts each week on public television stations across the United States. In Rhode Island and southeastern New England, the show is broadcast on Rhode Island PBS on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and is rebroadcast Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Check your local public television listings for air times near you! An audio version of the program airs Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET, Sundays at 4:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. and Mondays at 2:30 a.m. ET on SiriusXM’s popular P.O.T.U.S. (Politics of the United States), channel 124. “Story in the Public Square” is a project of the Pell Center at Salve Regina University. The initiative aims to study, celebrate and tell stories that matter.