Renewable Rides

As industries increasingly seek reliable power sources independent of the grid, microgrids emerge as a viable alternative. Today we have Steve Pullins, the Chief Technology Officer and SVP of AlphaStruxure, joining the show to shed light on how cutting-edge technologies in the emergence of microgrids are transforming the energy landscape. This discussion explores diverse aspects of microgrids, as well as AlphaStruxure's distinctive strategy in revolutionizing energy consumption. 

Listen in as Steve highlights common misconceptions among business leaders about adopting microgrids and emphasizes the long-term cost-saving benefits for businesses considering this innovative energy solution. You'll learn what makes microgrids a strategic investment for a sustainable future, the evolution Steve has witnessed in the industry, and what excites him about the future of this technology.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• The evolution of microgrids.
• Why Steve is so passionate about microgrids.
• What he is excited about for the future of microgrids.
• The availability of electrical service.
• Common misconceptions about businesses adopting microgrids.
• How microgrids can benefit businesses.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “When you look at what we do working in the industrial, commercial space, there are gigawatts of opportunity on the customer side of the meter. It is perfect for the microgrids.” - Steve Pullins
• “The new objective that microgrids need to tackle is being an alternative to a major industry when that industry is no longer capable of relying on the grid for the availability of power.” - Steve Pullins
• “If you have desires for a long-term business you should be considering a microgrid because it is going to save you money in the long haul.” - Steve Pullins

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Steve Pullins: LinkedIn | Website
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/2cz3etsy 

As we shift towards electrification, where does that leave our current infrastructure? In this episode, we discuss the complexities of energy load growth, grid capacity, and the looming risks for businesses.

Listen in as we explain the implications of this explosive load growth, the environmental impact, and crucial considerations for businesses reliant on the grid. You will learn how businesses can navigate this evolving landscape and make informed decisions to secure their energy future.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• What utilities have to account for in terms of load growth and seasonal impacts.
• The effects of the extreme heating and cooling of the planet.
• How load growth affects the grid.
• Risks that business owners should consider when relying on the grid for energy.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “The electric load growth is expected to increase 81% more than what the grid planners had expected.” - Dan Roberts
• “Business leaders need to be thinking about how they can ensure their business continuity, manage their risks of outages, and ensure they have plans in place to do so.” - Gareth Evans
• “An average life expectancy for [large power transformers] is 20-30 years, yet the average age of those that we’re relying on, on the grid, is 40 years old.” - Dan Roberts

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/566xzexr 

Designing with utmost efficiency is probably one of the biggest goals out there, especially when it comes to homes, transportation, and industrial equipment. Today we are joined by one of the original drivers of the solar movement to talk about all things innovation and design. Steve Heckeroth is the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Solectrac, one of the leading providers of electric tractors for the agriculture industry.

Listen in as Steve discusses some of the biggest hurdles he has seen and dealt with in the solar and clean energy industry. You'll hear his best advice when it comes to dealing with setbacks, negative campaigns, and putting research to good use. He also talks about how he has tackled some of the industry’s biggest issues over the years, as well as how he sees efficiency solutions growing and developing across industries—and even in day-to-day life.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• Why Steve dedicated his life to finding alternatives to fossil fuels.
• Why we need to improve our connection to the earth.
• The importance of how we interact with plants and agriculture.
• How Steve stays connected and implements efficiency into his lifestyle.
• How he started to work in developing EVs.
• The battle between certain industries and interests in the agriculture and transportation spaces.
• The power of “energy plus” homes.
• Combatting the arguments against EVs.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “Fossil fuels have done nothing but make our lives less connected. And if I could do anything to improve our lives, it would be to improve our connection with the earth.” - Steve Heckeroth
• “There are 100x more fires from combustion engines than from electric batteries, and if you use lithium iron phosphate (LFPs), they don’t burn.” - Steve Heckeroth
• “If I had to say one thing about designing anything, it’s about making it as efficient as possible.” - Steve Heckeroth

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Steve Heckeroth: LinkedIn
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/zw6trbwn

Discover the latest buzz in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with our special guest, Patrick Baker, Sales Executive at VECKTA. In this episode, we will be discussing the landscape of EVs, including groundbreaking trends, game-changing announcements, and Hertz's significant move.

We're witnessing more than ever in the EV industry—from an influx of charging infrastructure to a surge in diverse vehicle models. Listen in to hear insights into why some hesitate to embrace EVs, the reality behind concerns about range anxiety, and essential knowledge before making your electric ride decision.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

• The state of the EV industry.
• Why so many people are unwilling to purchase an EV.
• The significant announcement made by Hertz recently.
• What you should know before purchasing an electric vehicle.
• Where Hertz can be more involved in the energy industry.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “2024 is set to be the year of more as it relates to EVs, more charging infrastructure, more vehicle models, and more interest in adopting them.” - Dan Roberts
• “It really is the combination of planet, people, and profit. You have to have that to be able to operate as a business.” - Patrick Baker
• “Where some see challenges, others see opportunities.” - Patrick Baker

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Patrick Baker: LinkedIn
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/2bwv92uy 

Will Wells, venture partner, investor, advisor, and cancer survivor, joins the show today to share his journey and the transformational experience that inspired the creation of his start-up, Hummingbird Technologies Ltd. In this episode, Will candidly talks about the challenges and lessons learned from his entrepreneurial endeavors, shedding light on the intricacies of raising funds, navigating existential crises, and the importance of wise financial management in the startup landscape. Listen in to hear his thoughts on overcoming challenges in the climate-smart industry, making sustainable solutions more accessible, and more.

What You’ll Learn In Today’s Episode:

• How Will became interested in science, healthcare, and the climate.
• How his battle with cancer changed his life.
• What inspired Hummingbird Technologies Ltd.
• What the business exit was like for Will.
• The importance of learning from your mistakes.
• The challenges of growing a start-up.
• How we can solve the issues the climate-smart industry is facing.
• How to make climate-smart solutions more accessible.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “Raising money is not always hard. Raising money with the right people is hard. Raising money at the right time and then spending it wisely is even harder.” – Will Wells
• “Every start-up goes through 2-3 existential crises in their life cycle.” – Will Wells
• “Climate companies need to provide solutions that are better than existing ones—and preferably cheaper, as well.” – Will Wells

Resources In Today’s Episode:

• Will Wells: LinkedIn
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/5n94xj88

Today, we continue our conversation about financing onsite energy solutions with James Coombes, Founder and Director of Painted Rock Capital Group. In this episode, James dives into the intriguing concept of 'earning the asset' while leveraging debt financing. Discover how debt structures differ from traditional mortgages, the nuances of capital leasing, and the most efficient ways to benefit from tax credits.

You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://bit.ly/3Sev0Oe

Unlock the keys to effective leadership and driving change in the energy industry with Tony Frencham, Chair and Member of CSIRO's Energy Business Unit Advisory Group. In this episode, Tony shares the power of authentic leadership and the impact of curiosity in navigating challenges. Discover the link between problem statements and purpose, and learn why it's crucial to embrace both successes and mistakes for continuous progress.

You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://bit.ly/3TKmSWQ

Today we're discussing the transformative energy landscape of 2024, exploring the pivotal shifts that unfolded in 2023 and the upcoming trends we expect to see. This year has been fascinating, especially concerning the Inflation Reduction Act, the role of Healthcare Microgrid Systems, and the misconceptions surrounding batteries. While 2024 is poised to be a breakout year for onsite and distributed energy systems, addressing the challenges that have hindered the industry's progress previously.

You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://bit.ly/48yq9ga

Today we continue our conversation about financing onsite energy solutions with James Coombes, Founder and Director of Painted Rock Capital Group. In this episode, James shares the possibilities within tax credit-based financing and the impact of power purchase agreements (PPAs). James delves into the intricacies of obtaining a PPA, shedding light on the benefits it brings and the importance of upfront planning and conversation.

You can find show notes, resources, and more here: http://tinyurl.com/mx2vremu 

Today we discuss the secrets of impactful investing with Craig Jonas, the CEO and Founder of CoPeace PBC. In a world where caring about the future is not just a moral stance but a sound business decision, Craig shares insights into the dual purpose of impact investing – to "do no harm" and, more importantly, to "do good."

You can find show notes, resources, and more here: http://tinyurl.com/yerm5xvx