Renewable Energy SmartPod

Sponsored by: EDF power solutionsWhen hockey legend Mike Richter retired from the NHL, he pivoted to a career in energy efficiency. Mike is now the president of Brightcore Energy, a company that offers turn-key solutions -- including geothermal systems, solar, energy storage, or smart building technologies -- that simplify the clean energy journey for large commercial and industrial clients. During our conversation, Mike and I focus on advancements in geothermal that enable companies like Brightcore to not only complete projects in wide open spaces like business parks and college campuses, but also in extremely tight spaces ... like Manhattan. Selected highlightsHow geothermal helps buildings 'beat the heat ... and the cold' - (4:33)The challenges of using georthermal in urban settings - (10:05)Geothermal and earthquakes - (18:48)PPAs and other financial factors for geothermal - (25:17)The impact of the Big Beautiful Act on geothermal - (32:06)Mike's bold predictions for the future of geothermal - (39:33)Geothermal and AI data centers - (43:13)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

Plus: Trump administration ponders more hurdles for offshore wind ... Mining companies turn to renewables ... Another tally of canceled renewables projects ... Vestas pivots to Japan ... Cambridge gets creative with its moneySign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

Plus: Energy analysts call US-EU deal 'pie in the sky' ... EPA targets endangerment finding ... PJM looks for answers ... Electricity output and prices hit record highsSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

Plus: North Carolina puts 50,000 jobs and $47 billion at risk ... An MIT spinoff works on some very hot e-bricksSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

 National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory facing job cuts ... Foreign investors shy away from US ... Brightcore Energy's Mike Richter is on the waySign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

Plus ... White House AI plan and solar supply chain challengesSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

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BP sells its US onshore wind business ... Utilities accelerate renewables projects ... Moss Landing sparks more BESS pushback ... Trump taps LaCerte for FERC ... Commerce plans new duty on Chinese graphite ... The EU marks a solar power milestoneSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

Should Big Tech fret Interior Department's slow roll of wind and solar? ... Jigar Shah compares renewables now to fracking of the early 2000s ... Amazon's carbon emissions cllimb ... VPPs save the day in heat waves ... GOP districts come to grips with project cancellationsSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

A salute to Cipher ... Renewables go missing in Pittsburgh ... The US threatens to pull out of the IEA ... Uncertainty persists for transferability of tax credits ... California bill tweaks net metering for home salesSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

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Sponsored by KPMG Policy shifts and market pressures are making big headlines in renewables industry in the US. Amid all the uncertainty, Daniel Cruise, Partner and Head of Renewables at LIUM, returns to the show to provide an update on the state of the solar sector. Leveraging data gathered via LIUM's solarSAT montioring system, Daniel offers a near-term forecast for utility-scale solar that many listeners of this podcast might find surprising.(Note: This episode was recorded on June 25, 2025)More resources from KPMG:Shaping the Future of Renewable and Emerging EnergiesNatural Gas Power Surge The First 100 Days: The New Administration's Impact on EnergySign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

Sponsored by KPMGNegotiations currently taking place on Capitol Hill stand to have a dramatic impact on tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act that have powered tremendous growth in clean energy and domestic manufacturing. With so much chatter coming out of Congress, Alfred Johnson, the co-founder and CEO of Crux, and Lauren Collins, a partner at Vinson and Elkins LLP, return to the show to help separate the signal from the noise -- or in this case, decipher the difference between a scalpel and a sledgehammer. Insights from Crux (updated May 22, 2025)Insights from Vinson & Elkins LLP (updated May 22, 2025)More resources from KPMGTransferable Tax CreditsTrade and Tarfiff InsightsShaping the Future of Renewable and Emerging EnergiesSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

From project development and permitting to interconnection, construction and startup, the experience of a fully integrated engineer-procure-construct (EPC) team can be a crucial driver of results for renewables projects. With that in mind, two experts from Burns & McDonnell join the show to outline best practices for getting projects done amid all the uncertainty that is swirling around the industry. Cam Garner, section manager in the solar program, and Bob Fayard, solar preconstruction manager, share examples from the field and offer great tips that owners and developers can utilize at various stages of a project.More resources from Burns & McDonnell:Drive Predictable Results With an Integrated EPC TeamEarly Moves That Matter: Aligning Solar Project Teams From Day OneSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief

Walt Musial, a principal engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, stops by the show to discuss the current state of the US offshore wind market. Walt details progress in key regions like the Northeast, where gigawatt-scale projects are actively under construction. Walt addresses the ramifications of renegotiations of power purchase agreements and the mixed outcome of recent offshore wind lease auctions. On the technology front, Walt goes into great detail about the potential of floating wind technology, which offers flexible siting and cost benefits when compared to fixed-bottom turbines. Walt also outlines the key highlights of NREL's annual Offshore Wind Energy Market Assessment, which track information for 2,036 active offshore wind energy projects in 49 countries.Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Sponsored by EDF RenewablesLearn more about Atlantic Shores WindThe offshore wind industry has been navigating some choppy seas as of late, so Oliver Metcalfe, Head of Wind Research at BloombergNEF, stops by the show to outline what the industry must do to chart a course for sustained growth. Oliver recently returned from an industry conference in China, so he shares his expert insights on that market -- including how Chinese turbine companies are starting to boost their export efforts. When it comes to policy, Oliver details how the early steps in the UK market that put offshore wind on a path for success could be copied in other developing markets. And finally, we turn our attention to the US, where tough economic conditions are beginning to recede, but much work lies ahead for the offshore wind industry to reach its full potential.Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Wade Gungoll, CEO of Industrial Sun, and Christine Larson, the Head of Strategy and Operations at Modern Energy, stop by the show to discuss the role of renewables in heavy industries like chemical processing, manufacturing, and oil and gas. Petrochemical refineries might not be first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the facilities that powered by renewables, but it's happening -- and Wade and Christine are here to tell us more about it.They highlight the unique approach of Industrial Sun, which focuses on industrial net-metered solar for heavy industries, offering significant cost savings and green attributes. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the data center market and outline why Big Tech's race for computing power means renewables might actually have to wait to capture a larger share of the market. Christine predicts a rise in battery storage, while Wade predicts more than $100 billion in green hydrogen investment in ERCOT by 2030.Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Jason Peart, GM of Strategy and Development at Sage Geosystems, joins the show to outline the many ways geothermal energy is advancing to provide diverse solutions for the world's booming growth in power demand. Jason walks us through some need-to-know information about the latest trends and technologies related to geothermal energy, including how progress is being made on using geothermal for energy storage. Jason also shares details about a partnership Sage recently formed with Meta to power data centers, as well as the work Sage is doing with the US Army and California Resources Corporation.Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Sponsored by KPMGWith Climate Week in full swing, tons of speeches, meetings and presentations are taking place in New York, with an eye toward how the energy transition will continue to evolve. One key technology that will continue to play a huge role in that evolution is batteries. Roger Miksad, the president and executive director of Battery Council International, stops by the show to explain how batteries of various chemistries are advancing to power things like data centers, EVs and microgrids. Roger also touches on a few policies that the battery sector is watching closely, like the USA Batteries Act. And with more and more batteries coming to the market, Roger outlines the hard work BCI and its members have put in over the years to advance recycling and develop a circular economy for raw materials and components.More resources from KPMGKPMG generative AI survey report: Energy, natural resources and chemicalsKPMG LLP AI & Digital Innovation Quarter Pulse Survey - Q2 2024Key highlightsThe importance of Climate Week - (2:57)What Roger hopes to see from this year's Climate Week - (3:59)The expanding role of batteries in the energy landscape - (4:30)Specific areas batteries are powering the energy transition - (6:04)The impact the Inflation Reduction Act is having on battery manufacturing - (7:53)Other policies that are crucial for the battery industry - (10:31)The role batteries play in powering data centers - (14:41)Advancements in battery recycling and the circular economy - (16:42)Roger's bold predictions - (19:58)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Sponsored by KPMG and EDF RenewablesWith the election fast-approaching, many people in the renewable energy industry are wondering how a potential shift in the current political power structure in the US might impact the push for clean energy. With that uncertainty in mind, Suzanne Leta, vice president of policy and advocacy for the Americas at Fluence, joins the show to discuss tax incentives related to the Inflation Reduction Act, with a particular focus on domestic manufacturing. Suzanne also explains how tariffs related to batteries are structured in a way that makes them surprisingly vulnerable to the whims of whoever occupies the White House. Suzanne also touches on cybersecurity and shares her insights on the impact data centers powering AI are placing on batteries and the rest of the grid … and how smart utilities and other organizations are planning to manage that increased energy demand.More insights from Suzanne:Powering America's Future: Grid-Scale Energy Storage Boosts Grid Reliability, Jobs and US ManufacturingMore resources from KPMG:Survey results:  High energy expectations for renewablesMore resources from EDF Renewables:What We DoKey highlights from Suzanne:The buzz around domestic manufacturing - (4:01)Other IRA incentives like the PTC, ITC and other bonus tax credits - (10:45)The whimsical nature of Section 301 tariffs on batteries - (13:20)The politics of the election and the energy transition in the US - (17:15)Cybersecurity and the grid - (22:12)Manaing the boom in energy demand from AI data centers - (26:41)'Hyperscale' data centers vs. typical data centers - (27:24)Suzanne's bold predictions about the future of battery storage - (31:46)Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Sponsored by KPMGIn this special episode from RE+, we connect with Ryan Pfaff, EVP of Grid- and Distribution-Scale Power at EDF Renewables. Ryan discusses the massive growth in energy demand from companies and utilities, the geographic distribution of clean energy jobs across the US and what the future of automation might look like for renewables. Ryan explains how the longer duration of incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act is boosting renewables and he also outlines what customers and developers can do to quicken the pace of projects and bring more clean energy to the grid. More resources from KPMGSurvey results:  High energy expectations for renewables Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Sponsored by EDF RenewablesThis special episode focusing on RE+ features insights from Jessica Libby, a Principal in the KPMG US Trade and Customs service line. Jessica shares her expert analysis of all the hottest topics from the conference, including the outlook for tariffs, news related to forced labor and the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We also discuss the long-term prospects for key components of the Inflation Reduction Act -- regardless of which party takes the White House. And in a lighter moment, Jessica kicks off the conversation by revealing that one of the 'must-see' things at this year's RE+ is sheep ... real, live sheep in the convention hall.More resources from EDF RenewablesWhat We DoSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Sponsored by KPMG and Vinson & ElkinsChris Creed, the chief investment officer at the US Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office (LPO), joins the show to discuss how the LPO is deploying public funds and attracting private capital to energy, transportation and manufacturing projects that are advancing technologies and delivering jobs across America. Creed shares his insider perspective on how the LPO's various financial programs are helping established companies expand their operations and newer companies build what the LPO calls a 'bridge to bankability.'Key highlightsOverall mission of the LPO - (3:42)Projects the LPO has recently helped finance - (4:26)Diversity of projects that apply for LPO financing - (6:50)The differing maturity levels of companies within the LPO's portfolio - (10:13)The philosphy behind the 'bridge to bankability' - (18:27)The 'patient capital' of the LPO - (20:08)How the LPO works with private investors - (22:25)The process for LPO applicants - (24:44)More resources from the LPOMonthly Application Activity ReportMore resources from KPMGTurning the Tide in Scaling RenewablesEnergy Institute 2024 Statistical Review of World EnergyMore resources from Vinson & ElkinsEnergy Transition & Clean TechnologyIn-Depth Insight on the Energy TransitionV&E+ - Conversations About Our Values, Views and VenturesVinson & Elkins' main office is located at: 845 Texas Avenue, Houston, Texas 77002 +1-713-758-2222Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Sponsored by KPMGMore resources from KPMGTransferable Tax CreditsEnergy & ChemicalsEnergy Institute 2024 Statistical Review of World EnergyAs the financial landscape for the renewables industry continues to evolve, Luis Silva, the chief financial officer at EDF Renewables, joins the show to offer his perspective on what lies ahead for the energy transition. Luis delves into areas of focus like the Inflation Reduction Act, the cost of capital and emerging trends around how projects are being financed. We also spend a great deal of time talking about transferable tax credits. In fact, when asked to share his bold predictions … the first one Luis mentions is very much related to transferable tax credits.Key highlightsHow the financial landscape for renewables has evolved - (3:21)Operating in the current interest rate environment - (5:06)What are the biggest financial risks to the renewables industry right now? - (6:40)New players in the transferable tax credit market - (8:10)Key questions being asked around tax deals - (10:19)Luis' views on the Inflation Reduction Act - (13:47)Policy moves that could help the renewables industry - (17:05)Top concerns around deal finance - (17:51)Luis' bold predictions - (19:26)More resources from EDF RenewablesWhat we do - SolarSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Sponsored by: EDF RenewablesThe Inflation Reduction Act has revolutionized how the energy transition is being financed. The IRA is chock full of tax credits and other incentives designed to spur investment in renewables and one key aspect of the IRA pertains to the transferability of those tax credits. Alfred Johnson, the co-founder and CEO of Crux, joins the show to discuss how the market for transferable tax credits is taking shape. The team at Crux recently released their Mid-Year Market Intelligence Report, which details how the market for transferable tax credits is faring so far this year. Alfred also offers his insights on how the market for transferable tax credits is set to grow -- regardless of political uncertainty -- and what firms can do to make their tax credits 'highly transactable' in a rapidly evolving market. And finally, Alfred tells the remarkable story of how part of his inspiration to co-found Crux came from a source that is VERY familiar to listeners of this podcast.Key highlightsBackground information at Alread and the founding of Crux - (3:34)How Crux's 2024 Mid-Year Market Intelligence Report was compiled - (6:41) The 6 key takeaways from the Mid-Year Market Intelligence Report - (9:31)What's driving growth in the market for transferable tax credits - (11:18)Participation in the market expands beyond big banks and Big Tech - (14:27)How long it takes deals to close - (15:46)Regions where deals are originating - (17:55) How the market is coping with political uncertainty - (19:13)Possible headwinds the market might encounter - (20:28)How big will the market be by 2030? - (21:56)How organizations can make their tax credits highly transactable - (23:43)Where Alfred got some of his inspiration to co-found Crux - (28:05) More resources from EDF RenewablesWhat we do - SolarSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

Sponsored by: EDF RenewablesWhen it comes to the utility-scale and residential solar sectors in the US, Daniel Cruise, partner at Lium Research, says current trends tell a tale of two markets. While research from the team at Lium points to a booming utility-scale market that is enjoying record construction starts, the residential market is struggling in California and beyond. Other highlights from our conversation include:With sourcing of solar modules a hot topic in the news, Cruise notes that NextEra is switching to Indian suppliers for many of its large scale solar projects.Cruise predicts 40 gigawatts of new solar will be interconnected to the grid in 2024, with an additional 50 gigawatts to follow in 2025.Noting a decline in the fervor surrounding overall renewables markets in the last year or two, Cruise shares his insights on suspected causes  ... and possible remedies. More resources from EDF RenewablesWhat we do - SolarSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

This episode is sponsored by EDF RenewablesRob Gramlich, the founder and president of Grid Strategies, discusses the challenges faced by the US grid in accommodating increasing demand for renewable energy sources, including power demand growth, limited grid capacity, and constraints in the interconnection process. Rob highlights the importance of building transmission infrastructure and leveraging battery storage to ease grid stress during peak summer hours. Rob also share their perspectives on the Inflation Reduction Act's impact on clean energy, including the significance of storage tax credits and the need for transmission cost allocation policies to develop the grid. Finally, Rob emphasizes the importance of maximizing clean energy sources and leveraging energy storage to provide value in the system.More resources from EDF RenewablesWho we serveSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

With the American Clean Power Association's brand new RECHARGE conference taking place this week in Portland, Oregon, we decided to bring on a guest who is the leader of a battery energy storage company that just so happens to be headquartered in The Rose City.  Chris Taylor, the CEO of GridStor, has been in the renewables industry for a long time, so he joins the show to discuss the origins of GridStor and how the battery sector has grown in recent years. Ahead of his appearance on the "A View From the Top - Energy Storage Leadership Fireside Chat" panel discussion at the RECHARGE conference, Chris also shares his insights about the state of the marketplace and how factors like the Inflation Reduction Act and growth in energy storage procurement among utilities and corporations are driving big interest in batteries.Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

This episode is sponsored by EDF Renewables. Leaders from across the renewable energy industry are gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this week for the CLEANPOWER conference. This annual gathering, hosted by the American Clean Power Association, is always a great chance to check in on the key issues and trends that are driving the energy transition. Adam Bernardi, director of renewables sales and strategy at Burns & McDonnell, joins the show to talk about what he's hearing at CLEANPOWER and out in the marketplace. Key topics from our conversation include:The recent filing of Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD) petitions on U.S. imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cellsConcerns about breakers being in short supplyAspects of the  Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that are and aren't working wellRobot technology at solar sitesWorkforce and apprenticeship initiativesDomestic contentShared lessons learned from Burns & McDonnell's projectsPop culture references to "Robocop," the Kevin Kline movie "Dave," the World Cup, the Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs and ... yes ... Taylor Swift.More resources from EDF RenewablesWho we serveMore resources from Burns & McDonnellHow to Drive Predictable Results With an Integrated EPC TeamSign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

This episode is sponsored by KPMGMore resources from KPMG:Transferable Tax CreditsEnergy & ChemicalsIt's tax season, so it's time to once again hear from Lauren Collins, a partner at the law firm of Vinson & Elkins.  Lauren has become a regular guest on this podcast as she stops by about once a year to share her insights on all the tax issues related to the Inflation Reduction Act. During our conversation, Lauren touches on an array of specific topics, including:Domestic manufacturing credits Direct payTransferable tax creditsEnergy community creditsCredits related to hydrogen productionAnd much more...If you want to learn more about which tax aspects of the IRA are off to a great ... and which aspects might be stumbling out of the starting block, give this episode a listen.Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBriefFollow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod

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