The Watt Hour

Episode 22 | The Power Behind Everything: A Simple History of Lithium-Ion Batteries

What powers your phone, aircraft, satellites, robots, and modern infrastructure?In this first episode of The Watt Hour for 2026, American Lithium Energy’s Chief Strategy Officer, William Hadala, breaks down the true foundation of modern energy storage—the lithium-ion battery cell.This episode covers:What a battery cell really is (and why it matters)A simple history of lithium-ion technologyHow batteries evolved from consumer electronics to aerospace and advanced systemsWhy safety, performance, and reliability must start at the cell levelWhere energy storage is heading nextThis is a high-level, educational discussion designed for engineers, business leaders, students, and anyone who wants to understand how energy storage quietly powers the modern world.No hype. No jargon. Just clarity.Welcome to The Watt Hour.

Episode 21: Why U S Made Battery Cells Win the Real War

The next war won’t be decided by missiles—it’ll be decided by batteries. From drones and directed-energy weapons to satellites and submarines, every system depends on stored energy. In this episode, we break down why U.S.-made battery cells are more than just components—they’re strategic assets. Learn how domestic production defines mission readiness, why foreign-made cells are becoming a liability, and what the Pentagon’s 2027 NDAA ban really means for defense, aerospace, and the industrial base.

How America Builds Power: Inside American Lithium Energy's 18650 Cell Factory | The Watt Hour Episode 19

In Episode 19 of The Watt Hour, host William Hadala takes you on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of American Lithium Energy's cutting-edge 18650 battery cell manufacturing facility. Discover how America is reclaiming energy independence through advanced lithium-ion battery production—engineered specifically for defense, aerospace, robotics, and mission-critical applications. Watch as raw materials transform into high-performance, NDAA-compliant power cells through precision processes including slurry mixing, electrode coating, cell assembly, formation cycling, and rigorous aging protocols. Learn how ALE's revolutionary SafeCore and Zero-Volt technologies are setting new standards for battery safety, reliability, and mission endurance—powering UAVs, military vehicles, satellites, space systems, and next-generation edge computing platforms. This is American battery manufacturing at its finest, delivering the energy solutions that protect national security and drive innovation forward.

Episode 17: The Golden Dome: Energy, Autonomy, and a Century of Deterrence

Episode 17 of The Watt Hour explores “The Golden Dome”—a planet-scale security fabric powered by Made-in-USA energy storage, microgrids, and edge AI. We break down NATO flashpoints, the drone threat, counter-UAS defenses, and why 5th/6th-gen warfighters teamed with collaborative autonomous aircraft, vessels, and ground systems will define deterrence across land, sea, air, space, and the electromagnetic spectrum (LEO/MEO/GEO/cislunar). We connect law-enforcement tech for critical infrastructure protection, privacy-preserving edge intelligence, and a resilient domestic battery supply chain to show how energy and autonomy—done safely—can prevent wider war while uplifting civil resilience. If you care about microgrids, batteries, AI at the edge, and sovereign networks that actually scale, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more on energy, autonomy, and national resilience.

Episode 16: The Future of UAVs: Drones, Power Systems, and Veteran Support with Tanner Yackley

In this episode of The Watt Hour, host William Hadala sits down with Tanner Yackley, a former MQ9 UAV sensors operator and founder of Remote Warrior LLC. Tanner shares his journey from flying over 1,000 combat missions to transitioning into academia and launching a nonprofit that supports veterans. Together, they explore the evolution of UAV and drone technology, the critical role of battery and power systems in endurance and mission success, and the challenges of integrating UAVs into civilian airspace. The conversation also highlights counter-UAS strategies, directed energy developments, and the mental health struggles many veterans face after service. Learn how Remote Warrior’s initiatives, including Panic Packs, are helping veterans navigate anxiety and thrive in civilian life—while also hearing Tanner’s perspective on the future of drones and military technology.