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Renewable Energy SmartPod

Author: Sean McMahon

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The Renewable Energy SmartPod offers an inside look at the people, technologies and trends that are powering the energy transition. If you want to hear more about the role renewables are playing to decarbonize the global economy and combat climate change, this is the podcast for you. Follow us on Twitter @RenewablesPod or sign up for our newsletter: Renewable Energy SmartBrief.
60 Episodes
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We can produce all the renewable energy we want, but the march to net zero will take an unnecessarily long time if all that power is being used in inefficient buildings. Buildings are responsible for about 40% of energy related carbon emissions around the world. That means any conversation about reducing emissions and achieving net-zero goals will have to feature insights about the efficient construction and – perhaps more importantly – operation of buildings.Mark Reinbold, vice president of Global Sustainable Infrastructure at Johnson Controls, joins the show to discuss what he gleaned from attending COP28 in Dubai about how business executives and other experts are factoring infrastructure into their sustainability strategies. Mark shares some of the key findings from research Johnson Controls conducted with Forrester Consulting about smart building trends and outlines the role technologies like artificial intelligence are playing amid the expansion of the concept of net zero buildings-as-a-service.Highlights from Mark ReinboldConversations about sustainability with global leaders - (2:08)Common roadblocks to more sustainable infrastructure - (6:39)Have global gatherings like COP and Davos 'jumped the shark'? - (8:19)Any deal follow-up from COP28 - (10:26)Expanding Net Zero-as-a-Service - (13:10)Key takeaways from Forrester Research on smart building trends - (16:20)Examples of artificial intelligence delivering for smart buildings - (19:16)Showcase project: University of North Dakota - (23:41)How renewable energy is factoring into projects - (26:16)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
The battery energy storage sector was already in a strong position before the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, the industry is charging up for a boom.Mike Wietecki, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Regulatory Affairs at Powin, joins the show to share his insights on the technology and trends that are driving energy storage growth. Mike does a deep dive on how the Inflation Reduction Act is providing additional momentum for the sector, including how investment tax credits related to labor, location and domestic content are having a big impact on manufacturing. Mike also delves into the jobs-related politics of renewables and the IRA; and how Powin is working with companies like IKEA to create a blueprint for the expansion of the battery energy storage market.  Highlights from Mike WieteckiBasics about battery energy storage - (2:41)Powin's current customer base - (7:15)Common questions from customers about energy storage - (8:34)How Powin keeps the lights on in Sydney, Australia - (11:10)How the Inflation Reduction Act has supercharged the battery sector - (13:20)The importance of IRA guidance related to domestic content - (15:41)Powin's current manufacturing footprint - (19:43)The crucial role the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office - (21:05)Untangling supply chain issues - (22:14)Political headwinds - (25:00)Why speed is key for IRA projects - (27:22)Creating a battery blueprint with coporate partners like IKEA - (29:25)Batteries boosting grid resiliency in places like Texas and Califronia - (32:20)Mike's bold predicitons - (33:54)Biden administration's risky IRA politics - (34:30)Will we see a government pricing scheme for carbon? - (36:35)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Sponsored by: KPMGThe Statistical Review of World Energy, which is compiled by the Energy Institute, offers a comprehensive look at global energy production, consumption, trade and emissions. Energy Institute Chief Executive Nick Wayth joins the show to discuss some of the key takeaways from the most recent edition of the review, including region- and country-specific growth of renewables and how the industry is navigating a 'Triple Crises' spawned by the pandemic and geopolitics. Wayth also outlines the progress on the energy transition that he hopes will materialize at COP28.  More resources from KPMGEnergy Institute 2023 Statistical Review of World EnergyThe Hydrogen HorizonEnergy & ChemicalsHighlights from Nick WaythBackground info about the Energy Institute - (2:47)The history of the Statistical Review of World Energy - (3:47)Key takeaways from this year's review - (4:59)Specifics about the growth of renewables - (6:34)Data related to key minerals - (10:05)Headwinds for offshore wind - (12:34)Geopolitics and the 'Triple Crises' - (15:34)Under-the-radar nuggets of info from the review - (19:07)The regional outlook for Africa - (22:43)What to expect from COP28 - (28:33)Nick's bold predictions about changes to the energy landscape - (30:03)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Sponsored by: KPMGIt's time to talk about sustainable fuels; specifically sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Dr. Patrick Gruber is the Chief Executive Officer of Gevo, where he and the team are at forefront of sustainable fuel development. Patrick is here to outline the basics of those fuels, how they fit into a wider energy ecosystem, what it will take for those fuels to see wider adoption, and the hurdles that might be standing in the way. He also explains how some fuels can be carbon negative. Patrick is a no-nonsense executive who is passionate about growing the sustainable fuel sector in an effort to fight climate change, so enjoy the energy he brings to this episode. More resources from KPMGThe Hydrogen HorizonEnergy & ChemicalsEnergy Institute 2023 Statistical Review of World EnergyHighlights from Patrick GruberThe basics of what Gevo does - (2:14)Gevo's supply chain and feedstocks - (3:23)Overview of various markets for sustainable fuels - (8:53)Guidelines for SAF and CORSIA eligible fuels - (11:32)How SAF fits into existing aviation fuel infrastructure - (15:32)A2J: Alcohol to Jet fuel - (17:16)Current SAF production capacity - (18:00)Uncertainty surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act - (20:52)Growing bi-partisan support for sustainable fuels - (21:43)Paying farmers more for using better agriculture practices - (24:29)The impact of climate change on feedstocks - (29:01)The concept of carbon negative fuels - (30:11)The share of the global aviation fuel market SAFs can capture - (33:35)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Sponsored by DeloitteEnvironmental liability (E-liability) introduces a simple, accurate, and verifiable calculation for the total cradle-to-gate emissions of any product or service.  Karthik Ramanna is the Co-founder and Principal Investigator at the E-liability Institute . He's also the Professor of Business & Public Policy and Director of the Master of Public Policy Program at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. (3:17) Karthik explains the basics of E-liability and makes the case for why companies, standards setters and regulators all around the world should be familiarizing themselves with the concept of E-liability.Few companies produce as many household products as Colgate-Palmolive. Vance Merolla is the Senior Vice President of Global Sustainability at Colgate-Palmolive and he joins the show (28:28) to discuss how the company tackles sustainability across all its products and brands.  The initiatives Vance outlines include advancements in recyclable toothpaste tubes, what the company learned from getting certain aspects of its Sustainability and Social Impact Strategy approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative and how Colgate-Palmolive recently went about signing a virtual power purchase agreement to help Colgate-Palmolive power its operations. From DeloittePower, Utilities & Renewables servicesStart charting your decarbonization path todaySustainability SmartPod episode featuring Deloitte's John MennelMore resources about E-liabilityHarvard Business Review: Getting a Clearer View of Your Company’s Carbon FootprintHarvard Business Review: Accounting for Climate ChangeHarvard Business Review: Accounting for Carbon OffsetsHighlights from KarthikWhat is E-liability? - (3:26)Mobile phones as an example of how E-liability would work - (5:27)The impact E-liability could have on supply chains - (9:33)Pilot program with Giti Tire - (11:34)How E-liability is better than standard carbon measurement approaches - (14:24)Bringing more supply chain companies into the process - (15:51)Eliminating "inspirational disclosure" for Scope 1-3 reporting - (20:34)What's preventing wider adoption of E-liability - (22:21)How many companies will adopt E-liability in 3-6 years - (25:52)Highlights from VanceThe details of Colgate-Palmolive's VPPA - (28:40)Key points in the VPPA decision-making process - (32:43)Collborating with other market participants - (34:42)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Sponsored by: KPMGMuch-anticipated guidance coming down the pipeline from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Treasury Department is set to define how clean hydrogen can be produced in the US. Amid furious lobbying efforts, the release of this guidance has already been delayed once. With potentially hundreds of billions of dollars on the line, Adi Bhashyam, a hydrogen analyst for BloombergNEF, joins the show to share what he describes as a framework that should be followed for thoughtfully crafting and effectively implementing the hydrogen piece of the Inflation Reduction Act.From BloombergNEF Adi's recent article: "US Hydrogen Guidance: Be Strict or Be Damned"More resources from KPMGThe Hydrogen HorizonEnergy & Chemicals Energy Institute 2023 Statistical Review of World EnergyHighlights from Adithya BhashyamThe basics of the 45V hydrogen tax credit - (3:43)Possible timeline for when to expect the guidance - (5:31)How is 'clean energy' defined within this guidance? Which colors? - (6:25)$70 billion in potential tax credits - (7:28)Not the normal lobbying battle lines - (8:27)Criteria for qualifying for the 45V tax credit: additionality, time-matching, deliverability - (9:40)The ideal framework for US hydrogen guidance - (11:23)Potential timeline for implementation - (14:13)Outside factors and headwinds to consider - (17:45)Adi's bold predictions about how it all plays out - (21:32)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Sponsored by: ExxonMobilClimate Week is about to kick off in New York, so Lauren Collins and Michael Joyce, who are both partners at the law firm of Vinson and Elkins, join the show to talk about what to expect from Climate Week, what kinds of news and announcements they will be keeping an eye on and how the overall conversation about Climate Week -- and climate coverage in general -- has evolved over the years. We also mark the one year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act with a deep dive on the impact that legislation, particularly the tax credits it contains, has had on the energy sector. Lauren and Michael discuss  how the IRA will continue to reshape the energy mix and what to watch for as US government agencies continue to release related tax and regulatory guidance. They also share insights about Basel III and other headwinds that might slow the momentum of the IRA. Finally, Lauren and Michael offer their bold predictions about what lies ahead for the IRA in the next few years.Check out the Sustainability SmartPodHighlightsHow the conversation around Climate Week has evolved - (3:14)News to watch for coming out of Climate Week - (6:09)How and where firms are investing in renewables - (10:21)The IRA's impact on specific energy sectors - (16:24)Headwinds the IRA is facing - (20:23)The threat Basel III poses to tax equity and renewables investing - (21:38)US Treasury's much-anticipated guidance on hydrogen - (25:53)Questions developers are asking before closing deals - (29:09)The need for more talent throughout the industry - (30:46)Tax issues that continue to fly under the radar - (33:05)'Stacking' tax credits takes off - (37:09)Biggest takeaways from the first year of the IRA - (38:11)Lauren and Michael's bold predictions - (41:44)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Sponsored by: ImpactAISummitIt's time for Part 2 of our back-to-back episodes focused on trends that are shaping the solar sector. On our last episode, Daniel Cruise from Lium Research discussed what's going on in the solar market here in the United States. Today, we hear from Harald Overholm, the co-founder and CEO of Alight Energy. Alight is a solar energy development and consulting company based in Stockholm, Sweden, so Harald is going to walk us through current solar trends in the Nordics and the rest of Europe. During our conversation, Harald and I will touch on the rise of solar-as-a-service, the role power purchase agreements (PPAs) are playing in Europe, and how Alight is working with companies like Toyota and Swedbank to help organizations optimize the potential of both on site and off site solar.Highlights from Harald OverholmHow did Alight get started?  (3:29)How has the solar market matured? (6:03)The trend of industry verticals moving to solar together  (11:22)Headwinds solar is facing (13:21)Investment trends in the Nordics  (16:10)The benefits of agrivoltaics  (18:37)Bold predictions for the future of solar (23:32)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Sponsored by DeloitteAccording to a recent report from the Solar Energy Industries Association, US solar and storage companies have announced more than $100 billion in private sector investments since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August of 2022. So while there's certainly momentum (and capital) flowing in the right direction for solar, the forecast is not entirely sunny. Daniel Cruise, partner and Head of Renewables at Lium Research, joins the show to discuss which segments of the solar sector are looking bright ... and which segments might have a cloudy future.From DeloittePower, Utilities & Renewables servicesStart charting your decarbonization path todayDiscover what’s sustainable, renewable, and possible in the future of energy. Deloitte’s Renewable Energy Seminar is back September 27-29, 2023! Register today!Sustainability SmartPod episode featuring Deloitte's John MennelHighlights from Daniel CruiseCurrent trends in the renewables sector - (5:06)Clouds in the forecast for residential solar - (6:46)Utility-scale solar looking bright - (11:36)SOLARSAT insights - (14:11)Battery storage moving slow, but remains crucial - (17:18)Big-picture risks for the renewable sector - (18:09)Daniel's bold predictions - (19:56)More resources from Lium ResearchUtility-scale solar analysis Residential solar analysis Daniel's previous appearance on this podcast Learn more about SOLARSAT from Lium ResearchSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Sponsors:CDMSmith.com/Webinars CDMSmith.com/EnergyImpactAISummit.comWhen you think of the company 3M, you probably think of Post-it notes. But 3M produces a lot more products than Post-it notes. In fact, 3M is very active in the energy sector. Terry Collier, Vice President of Research and Development for 3M's Electrical Markets Division, joins the show to spend some time talking about the grid. Transmission queues are a well known problem for the energy sector, with some new projects expected to take years before the power they generate can be integrated into the grid. But as you all know, we need more power now. So Terry shares some of the solutions that 3M is developing to help get the most out of existing grid infrastructure. With events like extreme weather putting a strain on grids, Terry also outlines technologies already in the marketplace that aim to enhance grid stability and resiliency. We also discuss cutting-edge innovations to help wind farms, utilities and distributed energy resources (DERs) control their costs, reduce downtime, and optimize performance.More resources from 3MThe Future of Our Grid3M.com/ForwardHighlights from Terry CollierChallenges to electrifying everything - (5:13)3M's activities surrounding EVs - (6:43)Addressing the problem of lengthy transmission queues - (7:47)Deplying sensors to boost grid performance and resiliency - (9:03)More solutions to enhance grid resiliency - (15:41)The role of AI in modern grid management - (18:55)3M's activities in the wind and solar sectors - (21:42)Terry's bold predictions about the movement to electrify everything - (24:10)The 'One Thing' related to energy that Terry spends the most time thinking about - (26:30)CDM Smith listen. think. deliver.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
This episode will put you ahead of the curve on some key conversations taking place these days in the renewables sector. Numerous companies are striving to match their energy consumption – on a daily, intraday or evenly hourly basis – with renewable energy sources. It’s an ambitious goal, so today's guests are Gridmatic Founder and CEO Matt Wytock and VP of Business Development David Miller. Their team leverages artificial intelligence to make that matching a reality.And speaking of AI … the rise of ChatGPT and other generative AI solutions has propelled the technology to the top of the headlines. Not a day goes by when we don’t hear about how some company is using AI in a new way … or how many jobs AI is going to make obsolete. But you know what we don’t hear much about? How much energy it takes to power the computers that are cranking thru those AI algorithms. In fact, This story arch is eerily similar to cryptocurrency. Crypto had been on the scene for a while before people started asking hard questions about how much energy all those crypto mining computers were pulling from the grid. AI is no different. Matt and David are going to share their insights on how AI can help solve an energy consumption conundrum created by the popularity of AI. We will also discuss developments in the market for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and the impact the Inflation Reduction Act has had on the entire energy industry. Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Sponsored by DeloitteThere’s been a lot of buzz about the role hydrogen stands to play in the energy transition. Alan Alexander, a partner at Vinson & Elkins, joins the show to help separate the signal from the noise. V&E just released a paper ("Unlocking the Opportunity of Low-Carbon Hydrogen: Investment, Incentives, and Collaboration")  that outlines the current hydrogen landscape and what lies ahead as factors like the Inflation Reduction Act continue to drive growth in the sector. Alan walks us through the themes of the paper and shares his thoughts on how the hydrogen sector is maturing. The paper is an excellent primer on hydrogen and also includes an insightful summary of key points that developers and financiers need to remember when planning and negotiating hydrogen projects.From DeloittePower, Utilities & Renewables services Start charting your decarbonization path todayDiscover what’s sustainable, renewable, and possible in the future of energy. Deloitte’s Renewable Energy Seminar is back September 27-29, 2023! Registration opens June 28Sustainability SmartPod episode featuring Deloitte's John MennelSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
This quick podcast offers a taste of what went on today at Day Three of the American Clean Power Association's CLEANPOWER conference, including insights from:Magic JohnsonLeo Moreno from AES Clean EnergyArmando Pimentel from Florida Power & LightJesse Gronner from Triple Oak PowerSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
The show keep marching along in NOLA!This quick podcast offers a taste of what went on at Day Two  of the American Clean Power Association's CLEANPOWER conference, including insights from:Governor John Bel EdwardsFormer Senator Mary LandrieuSusan Nickey from HASIJason Grumet from ACPArt Del Rio from EDF RenewablesSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Things are cooking in New Orleans!This quick podcast offers a taste of what went on at Day One  of the American Clean Power Association's CLEANPOWER conference, including insights from:Retired US Army General Stanley McChrystalJohn Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy InnovationMark Bradley, President of Bradley Construction ManagementCraig Cornelius, CEO of Clearway Energy GroupSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
Workforce development is a crucial step along the path to a clean energy future. Proponents of the energy transition can't stop talking about all the jobs, jobs, jobs that the transition will bring, but what exactly will that workforce look like?  Jasmine Robinson, a project manager at IHI Terrasun Solutions, joins the show to talk about what the energy sector can do to recruit, develop and retain more women. Jasmine started developing her engineering skills at an early age and she's determined to see more women follow in her footsteps. That's why she's keen to see things like STEM classes, mentoring programs, and other initiatives used to develop a pipeline of talented women to seize all those jobs, jobs, jobs.  Key highlightsJasmine's path to an engineering career - (5:15)Advice for a young person pondering a career as an energy engineer - (7:59)Advice for someone considering a mid-career pivot to the renewables sector - (8:50)What the industry can do to attract, develop and retain more engineering talent - (10:29)How has the landscape for women in the engineering field changed in the last 15 years? - (12:33)Pivotal mentors during Jasmine's engineering journey - (16:09)Important programs working to bring more women into the renewables sector - (17:47) Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
When many people think of solar power, they think of rooftop solar panels or massive, utility-scale solar farms. But there are more options. Kacie Peters, senior director of communications at Pivot Energy, joins the show to explain the basics of community solar. Peters highlights the momentum this segment of the renewables industry is enjoying -- and some of the challenges it is facing. Peters also details how more consumers and business owners can access community solar to power their homes and/or operations.HighlightsWhat is community solar? - (1:48)Community Solar vs. Residential Solar vs. Utility Solar - (3:05)Cost benefits of community solar - (5:26)Increasing awareness about community solar - (6:42)Typical companies that tap community solar - (10:54)Other types of customers - Nonprofits, Schools, etc. - (13:00)How the Inflation Reduction Act is affecting community solar - (15:49)The role of community solar in the net energy metering debate - (17:34)Kacie's bold predictions - (20:17)Pushing back against misinformation and 'Astroturfing' - (22:50)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
If you've flown on American Airlines recently, there's a chance your plane was fueled by a small amount of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Jill Blickstein, Vice President of Sustainability at American Airlines, joins the show to talk about the latest advancements in SAF, how the carrier leverages renewables to power its operations and fleet upgrades the airline has made to enhance its sustainability. We also chat about an AI-enabled system called 'Smart Gating' that conserves fuel and saves time for travelers.  American Airlines is undertaking numerous initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. As Jill explains, many of those efforts come in places passengers might not notice, but certainly lead to more sustainable air travel.HighlightsUpdate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) - (4:10)American Airlines' goals for SAF usage - (7:56)Using SAF to attract business travelers - (10:36)Creating a SAF certificate for all travelers - (14:22)The potential for zero-emission hydrogen-electric aircraft - (14:47)Partnering with the Bill Gates-backed Breakthrough Energy Catalyst - (17:24)Other sustainability initiatives at American Airlines - (19:10)'Smart Gating' - (23:47)Powering operations with renewable energy - (26:20)Validation from the Science-Based Targets initiative - (27:02)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
While most of the listeners of this podcast might work in the renewable energy industry, ALL of the listeners of this podcast are energy consumers. And let’s be honest … even some of the most die-hard members of the renewables industry probably have at least one or two things about their home that they wish were more sustainable.With that in mind, Matt Ferrell joins the show to outline various ways everyday people can embrace cost-saving strategies that also make their homes more resilient and more sustainable. Matt is the creator of Undecided with Matt Ferrell, where he has amassed more than one million subscribers on YouTube by applying his technology-focused eye to all things sustainability. Matt is also the co-host of the Still To Be Determined podcast. He tests smart and sustainable technology solutions and often offers advice to viewers who … just like you and me …  might need just a wee bit of help making decisions about which solutions are best for their home.Matt and I will touch on batteries, solar panels, weatherization and various other topics, including … yes … even the Inflation Reduction Act. Matt is a real straight shooter, so you’ll appreciate hearing what he has to say.Key highlights(3:57) - The most common questions from consumers(5:00) - The Do's and Don'ts when it comes to installing solar(9:35) - The Do's and Don'ts when it comes to installing batteries(13:47) - How to prioritize energy efficiency needs(16:25) - The low-hanging fruit when it comes to energy efficiency solutions(19:02) - How the Inflation Reduction Act impacts consumers(21:47) - The role of Community Solar(23:03) - Exciting tech of the future: Flow batteries for homes(25:00) - Matt's bold predictions(26:17) - Matt's take on the future of EV chargingSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
From Russia's invasion of Ukraine to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in the US, numerous major events have transpired during the last couple of years that have had an impact on the global energy landscape. Luke Brett from Reuters joins the show to talk about how leading policymakers and key industry executives are keeping pace with such rapid change and continuing the shape the global energy transition. Luke also shares the details of upcoming events that he and the team at Reuters are planning for the rest of 2023. SmartBrief also has some huge news on the podcast front. We've launched yet another show, and this one focuses on all things sustainability. The Sustainability SmartPod is an industry agnostic show that will keep you informed about all the people technologies and trends, who are shaping a more sustainable society for all of us.Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod
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