Insider's Guide to Energy

In this episode of Insider’s Guide to Energy, we sit down with Amy Heart, Senior Vice President of Policy at Sunrun, the nation’s leading provider of home solar and battery solutions. Amy shares insights on the transformative role of distributed energy resources in reshaping our power grid. She discusses the critical importance of pairing solar energy with battery storage to enhance grid resilience and meet the growing demand for clean, reliable electricity. Whether you're curious about the rise of virtual power plants or the latest solar policy innovations, this episode is a must-listen.

Amy dives deep into the evolving landscape of solar adoption, addressing key challenges and opportunities. From navigating complex interconnection rules to implementing incentive programs like Massachusetts’ Connected Solutions, she highlights how policy can accelerate the clean energy transition. We also discuss the pressing need to expand solar adoption beyond the current 3-5% of rooftops in the U.S., making it a mainstream solution for homeowners looking to control their energy bills and reduce their environmental footprint.

This conversation also explores how solar technology is changing the energy game for consumers and utilities alike. Learn how cutting-edge programs are empowering homeowners to contribute to grid stability and earn economic rewards while enjoying greater energy independence. Whether you're a homeowner, policymaker, or energy enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of solar power, energy storage, and the drive toward a greener, more sustainable future.

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In this episode of the Insiders Guide to Energy podcast, hosts Chris Sass and Jeff McAulay welcome Joe Mastrangelo, CEO of EOS Energy Storage, to discuss the transformative potential of long-duration energy storage solutions. Focusing on EOS’s innovative zinc-based battery technology, Joe explains the advantages of a non-lithium battery system for applications that demand flexibility, scalability, and safety. He highlights how this eco-friendly, fire-resistant technology offers a promising alternative for sectors requiring durable, sustainable energy solutions, from utilities to industrial applications. 

Joe shares EOS’s journey to establishing a resilient and primarily U.S.-based supply chain—a move that has not only driven growth but also strengthened the company’s position amidst global supply chain disruptions. By building in Pennsylvania’s Mon Valley, EOS has brought jobs back to an area once defined by manufacturing while creating a streamlined, secure production process. Joe emphasizes the importance of using widely available raw materials, which allows EOS to lower production costs while contributing to the U.S. economy and reducing dependency on foreign supply chains. 

Listeners interested in renewable energy will appreciate Joe’s insights on the demand for long-duration storage, which he sees as essential for a sustainable energy grid. He discusses EOS’s growth strategy, including upcoming pilot projects and the critical role of customer trust, bankability, and partnerships in scaling new technologies. This episode offers a compelling look into how EOS Energy Storage is paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure by overcoming financial, logistical, and technological challenges. 

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Explore the latest insights in clean energy investment and policy with industry leader Mona Dajani. In this engaging podcast episode, Mona joins host Chris Sass to discuss pivotal topics in renewable energy, from market growth and the impact of global interest rate changes to ExxonMobil’s recent lithium discovery and its potential to reshape the electric vehicle landscape. Gain a deep understanding of the driving forces behind renewable energy deals and what the future holds for the clean energy market.

Learn how the upcoming U.S. elections and international policy shifts in regions like the EU and Asia could affect energy transition projects in North America. Mona shares her expertise on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), clean hydrogen, and the long-term growth of the EV sector, examining how these policies are driving investment despite economic uncertainties. Discover why multinational stakeholders are keeping a close eye on tariffs, supply chains, and market security as they make pivotal decisions in renewable investments. 

As nuclear and hydrogen technologies gain momentum, Mona addresses the global race for energy dominance, the resurgence of nuclear as a clean power source, and the critical role of hydrogen in the energy transition. This episode offers essential insights for anyone looking to stay ahead in the evolving world of sustainable energy and to understand the broader implications of policy, technology, and global competition on renewable markets.

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InRange Energy, led by CEO John Mushriqui, is pioneering a solution to a pervasive problem in the energy sector: the massive underutilization of warehouse rooftops. Currently, rooftops around the world, particularly in commercial warehouses, are mostly unused. With data centers increasingly demanding clean energy, Mushriqui and his team at InRange see a unique opportunity to meet this need by converting these rooftops into distributed solar farms. Their model enables commercial rooftops to serve as flexible energy assets, harnessing solar power to generate substantial energy and sell any surplus to nearby enterprises, transforming rooftops into productive, sustainable energy sources. 

The InRange model operates through a smart, data-driven approach that streamlines the complex process of grid integration and regulatory compliance. Initially focusing on the UK market, the company navigates local regulations to export surplus solar energy directly to the grid, often at more competitive rates than traditional sources. By partnering with landlords and large tenants, InRange’s innovative financing solutions make the transition to rooftop solar feasible and cost-effective. The company’s goal is to create a seamless energy-sharing model that benefits landlords through increased property value and attracts large energy buyers, such as data centers, seeking sustainable energy solutions. 

With its technology-driven approach, InRange has already seen success in partnerships with major clients, including prominent retailers and data centers in the UK. Their innovative model not only reduces energy costs for businesses but also supports the global shift toward sustainable energy. As InRange plans further expansion across Europe, and potentially into North America, they’re setting a strong example of how traditional real estate assets can evolve into integral parts of a cleaner, distributed energy grid.

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In this episode of the "Insider's Guide to Energy" EV Series, hosts Chris Sass and Niall Riddell engage in a deep conversation with Josh Green, CEO of Inspiration Mobility Group. Green shares his insights on fleet electrification, emphasizing that the slow adoption of electric vehicles by commercial fleets is not due to a lack of charging infrastructure, but rather misconceptions about it. He explains how Inspiration Mobility is making fleet electrification simple by providing integrated fleet management and charging solutions, designed to reduce costs, manage risks, and accelerate the transition to electric transportation. 

Josh Green discusses the unique challenges faced by legacy fleet management companies and why an Electric Fleet Management Company (EFMC) is essential for successful electrification. He highlights how traditional fleet management models are deeply tied to internal combustion engine vehicles, creating inefficiencies when transitioning to electric. His company, Inspiration Mobility, takes a different approach by integrating modern technology, financing options, and customized charging solutions to ensure a seamless and cost-effective switch to electric vehicles. 

The episode also explores key strategies for fleet managers looking to electrify their fleets. Green stresses the importance of understanding the total cost of ownership (TCO) and conducting detailed assessments to identify vehicles ready for electrification. He explains how fleets can start small, ensure success, and expand gradually. The conversation concludes with Green's vision for the future of fleet electrification, emphasizing the need for innovative charging solutions and customized approaches to meet the growing demand for electric commercial vehicles. 

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This episode of the Insider’s Guide to Energy podcast delves into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector. Hosts Chris Sass and Jeff McAulay are joined by Ray Rasmussen, Managing Partner at rGen Consulting, to explore how AI is revolutionizing energy companies, from streamlining operations to enhancing decision-making. Rasmussen shares his insights on how businesses can effectively harness AI, focusing on its ability to provide actionable intelligence and improve processes like grid management and compliance. 

Rasmussen emphasizes the importance of starting with no-regrets projects that allow companies to build internal AI capabilities while minimizing risk. He discusses practical applications, such as using AI to optimize document management, digitize unstructured data, and create predictive models for energy grid maintenance. These early steps, he argues, help companies build a foundation that positions them for future AI advancements. 

Looking ahead, the conversation touches on the potential of AI to drive significant innovation in areas like electric vehicle infrastructure planning, compliance, and disaster recovery. Rasmussen offers a clear roadmap for energy companies eager to embrace AI, stressing the importance of taking manageable, incremental steps to ensure long-term success in this evolving technological landscape.

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In this episode of the Insiders Guide to Energy podcast, Scott Mercer, CEO of Focused Energy Inc., provides a comprehensive overview of the future of fusion energy and its potential to revolutionize global power generation. With the rising demand for energy driven by technologies like AI, Mercer explains how fusion could decouple energy production from resource consumption, offering a cleaner, more efficient solution. He delves into the technological innovations behind laser fusion, which mimics how the universe itself generates energy, and highlights the global race to commercialize this groundbreaking power source. 

Mercer outlines the core differences between laser-based and magnet-based fusion approaches, explaining how Focused Energy is working on scalable laser fusion plants, modeled after successful experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). He discusses the company's ambitious goal to commercialize fusion by the 2030s, turning this scientific milestone into a real-world solution for global energy transition. By utilizing advanced laser systems and high-energy targets, Mercer envisions fusion energy plants generating gigawatts of power to meet the world’s growing needs. 

Listeners will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of commercializing fusion energy, including supply chain development, engineering hurdles, and the broader impact on the global energy market. With an emphasis on long-term sustainability and decarbonization, Mercer makes the case for why fusion is critical for achieving a cleaner, more reliable energy future. Whether you're an energy enthusiast or industry expert, this episode offers a fascinating look at the cutting-edge technology that could reshape the world's energy landscape. 

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Discover how generative AI is transforming the energy industry in this insightful episode of the Insider's Guide to Energy podcast. Hosts Chris Sass and Jeff McAulay sit down with Akash Sharma, Director of Product Innovation & Management at Enverus, to explore the impact of AI on energy data processing, decision-making, and operational efficiency. From accelerating analysis to improving business intelligence, learn how AI is driving innovation in oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. 

Sharma dives deep into the role of generative AI, data analysis, and multi-agent frameworks, explaining how companies like Enverus are leveraging these technologies to enhance productivity and streamline decision-making. From AI-driven chatbots to advanced retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, discover how enterprises can better utilize structured and unstructured data for faster, more accurate insights. 

Listen as the discussion unfolds around real-world AI applications, from predictive analytics in energy trading to geospatial analysis for infrastructure planning. Get an inside look at the future of AI in energy and how this groundbreaking technology is poised to change the landscape of energy operations and the energy transition itself.

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In this episode of Insider’s Guide to Energy EV, hosts Chris Sass and Niall Riddell dive into the world of electric vehicle leasing with special guests Nathan Wyeth and Chris George from Octopus Energy’s US team. They explore Octopus Energy’s innovative EV leasing program, which offers drivers in Texas the unique benefit of free home charging for the duration of their lease. By bundling electric vehicle leases with clean energy plans, Octopus is simplifying the switch to electric cars, helping consumers save money and reduce emissions. 

Nathan and Chris discuss the advantages of leasing pre-owned electric vehicles, which not only come with cost savings of up to $7,000 but also feature cutting-edge technology. They explain how Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Octopus platform optimizes charging times based on energy pricing, ensuring that drivers get the lowest rates while using renewable wind power. Whether you’re commuting in Houston or taking road trips across Texas, this leasing model makes EV adoption easier and more affordable than ever. 

Listeners will also hear about Octopus Energy’s future plans to expand its Electroverse public charging app into the U.S., and how their vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology could further reduce costs for EV owners. Tune in to discover how Octopus Energy is transforming the EV landscape and making clean, cost-effective transportation accessible to all. 

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In this episode of theInsider's Guide to Energy Podcast, host Chris Sass interviews Tabitha Stine from Nucor Corporation, the largest steel producer in the U.S. and a leader in steel recycling. Tabitha discusses Nucor's innovative approach to reducing carbon emissions by using electric arc furnaces and their position as one of the largest utility customers in the states where they operate. She emphasizes the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources like nuclear and fusion power to support Nucor’s massive energy needs while maintaining a sustainable steel production process. 

Tabitha highlights Nucor's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and the company's $50 million investment in new nuclear and fusion technologies. She explains how Nucor is partnering with tech giants like Google and Microsoft to accelerate the adoption of clean energy and contribute to the decarbonization of the steel industry. Additionally, Tabitha dives into the role of recycling in Nucor’s circular economy, showcasing how the company is already using one-third of the carbon intensity of traditional steelmaking methods. 

The conversation also touches on the growing demand for steel driven by infrastructure projects, the tech industry, and electric vehicles. Tabitha explores how Nucor is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also playing a key role in powering America’s clean energy future. With partnerships and technological innovations, Nucor is poised to remain a leader in sustainable steel production while addressing the challenges of energy consumption in the industrial sector.

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