On episode 268 of  ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast, Craig Hulbert, Co-Founder and CEO of Local Bounti, and Mike Nemer our host discusses their extensive experience in the energy industry, engaged in a conversation about their shared background, experiences, and the growing movement within the indoor farming market.

This is a good summary of the conversation between Mike Nemer and Craig Hulbert. Here are some of the key takeaways:

This conversation provides valuable insights into the potential of indoor farming to revolutionize the food industry and address some of the pressing challenges facing our planet.

Bio – Craig Hurlbert

Craig Hurlbert has served as our Chief Executive Officer since December 2023 and as a member of our Board since November 2021. He previously served as our Senior Vice President of Strategy from June 2023 to December 2023 and our Co-Chief Executive Officer from November 2021 to June 2023. Mr. Hurlbert co-founded Local Bounti in August 2018.

Mr. Hurlbert also co-founded BrightMark Partners, LLC, a growth equity and management firm providing capital and resources to venture, growth phase and middle-market businesses, and served as a Managing Partner from January 2014 to March 2021. Previously, Mr. Hurlbert served in various leadership roles at TAS Energy, a leading provider of high efficiency and modular cooling and energy systems for the data center, commercial, industrial, and power generation markets, including President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hurlbert also held leadership roles at General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) and North American Energy Services.

Mr. Hurlbert is currently the Chairman of the Board at Clearas Water Recovery, a company utilizing patented, sustainable, and proprietary technology to solve high nutrient wastewater challenges in the municipal and industrial water markets. Mr. Hurlbert earned his B.S. in Finance from San Diego State University and his M.B.A. from California State University-Long Beach.

More about Local Bounti

At Local Bounti, we strive to deliver the freshest, locally grown produce to your neighborhood. We sustainably grow fresh, non-GMO greens 365 days a year in our greenhouses, using 90% less water and 90% less land than conventional agriculture. Perfect environmental greenhouse conditions ensure the highest possible nutritional value and taste. Our sustainable, root-on, living products result in less environmental impacts, carbon footprint, and less waste. It’s our goal to bring our farm to your kitchen.

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Tim Rathmann, geoscientist and environmental engineer shares his experience in renewable energy projects and offshore wind farms. On episode 266 of The Green Insider podcast, we discuss the potential of using depleted natural gas fields for hydrogen storage, the new regulations in Long Beach County regarding hydrogen trucks, and the use of drones for mapping emissions from cargo ships.

The conversation ended with a discussion on the growing space of offshore wind and hydrogen storage, with Tim mentioning companies exploring drilling for hydrogen in Nebraska and using Utah for storage.  Our discussion includes:

With 25 years of experience, Tim has worked in oil and gas, coal seam gas, and coal methane, and has recently transitioned to renewable energy projects, including offshore wind and hydrogen storage. He is currently based in California and has been working with utility companies such as Socal gas and Pacific gas and electric.

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James Cargas, a managing attorney for Green Energy Law, shared his career journey and experiences in energy law on episode 265 of The Green Insider Podcast. James’ experiences include his work in the Clinton administration and the city of Houston. 

Mike and James also discussed various strategies for cities to save money and manage energy supply risks, as well as the concept of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and its potential impact on renewable energy projects. Lastly, they expressed concerns about the current political climate and its potential impact on various issues, including the energy sector.

James’ career from Washington DC to Houston is not only interesting but educational, some of the highlights include:

More about James Cargas

As managing attorney for Green Energy Law, he initially worked for a congressman before attending law school and gaining experience in energy law through clerkships and jobs at regulatory agencies and a pipeline company. Cargas then worked at the President’s Council for Sustainable Development during the Clinton administration and on Al Gore’s presidential campaign. He was assigned to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the primary campaign.

James discussed his involvement in the Bill Bradley campaign, followed by his work in the Clinton Administration, and eventually joining the North American Energy Standards Board in Houston. He also shared his experience working for the city of Houston, where he was part of the city attorney’s office and contributed to the city’s sustainability and energy initiatives. Mike asked James about the biggest surprise he faced during his tenure in the city, to which James responded that it was the professional challenge of working with a large- scale energy budget.

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Scott Sklar is indeed a prominent figure in the renewable energy industry. He has a rich background and extensive experience, making significant contributions to the field. Sklar is the President of The Stella Group, Ltd., a strategic policy and clean technology optimization firm. He has also served as the Executive Director of both the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the National BioEnergy Industries Association.

Scott Sklar, an adjunct professor at The George Washington University and the sustainability director of the Environmental Institute and Management, discusses his background and experience in the renewable energy industry. Topics covered on episode 264 of ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider podcast included:

His journey in the energy sector began as an aide to Senator Jacob K. Javits, where he focused on energy and military matters. During his tenure in the Senate, he co-founded the Congressional Solar Caucus, which led to many innovative legislations promoting renewable energy in the 1970s.

Sklar’s interest in resiliency and non-traditional energy sources was sparked during the 1974 oil embargo, a pivotal moment that influenced his career path. Over the years, he has been a strong advocate for solar energy and has played a crucial role in its development and adoption.

If you’re interested in learning more about his insights and contributions, you can check out his profile on The Stella Group’s website.

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Today on ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider podcast, episode 263 Mike discusses Community Solar with the CEO of Catalyze, Mr. Jared Haines.

In this podcast Jared discussed the concept of community solar, a system that allows individuals to participate in local solar programs even if they cannot install solar panels on their own property.

He went on to explained that community solar connects to the utility’s distribution system, feeding electrons into the grid and providing power to nearby homes. This system offers a discount on green energy, making it more accessible to those who previously had to pay more. However, only a limited number of people can participate in these programs, making it essential to sign up early to secure a spot.

Community Solar Projects and Expansion

Jared explained that community solar projects are incentivized by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), offering a 10% discount on total utility rates. He also mentioned that community solar projects are expanding to other states, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, and California. Mike expressed interest in the system’s simplicity and its potential to benefit both the environment and the community.

Jared clarified that there are three ways to acquire subscribers for community solar projects: through community choice aggregators, utilities, or third-party companies that sign up subscribers on behalf of companies like his. The discussion concluded with Jared stating that his company is currently operating in five community solar states and is looking to expand to more states in the future.

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Swapan Kataria, CEO of Crown LNG, is our guest on episode 262 of The Green Insider.

We discuss the challenges and opportunities in the LNG industry, particularly in relation to weather conditions and geopolitical factors. Swapan highlighted the potential of Crown LNG’s innovative designs, including a concrete substructure for liquefaction facilities and integrated power plants for communities.

This podcast featured Crown LNG’s innovative projects in the energy industry, focusing on:

The discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the LNG industry, focusing on:

Swapan Kataria, Co-Founder and CEO, Crown LNG

Mr. Kataria co-founded Crown and has served as its Chief Executive Officer since January 2023.

Mr. Kataria also serves as a Director at LNG-9 PTE LTD, where he has served on the board of directors since January 2014, and as Charmain of the Board at GBTron Power Limited, where he has served on the board of directors since August 2013.

In the past, Mr. Kataria served as a Director at LNG Source from January 2011 to August 2023, and President at KatOil Limited from March 1998 to August 2023. Additionally, Mr. Kataria has lived and worked abroad in Singapore, Russia, Africa, and Canada.

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The odds are high that if you have eaten a fish filet sandwich, fish stick or California roll, you have eaten a fish that American Seafood has caught and process on one of their vessels.

This week on The Green Insider episode 261, our host Mike Nemer talks to Tim Fitzgerald, Chief Sustainability Officer discussed American Seafoods’ sustainability practices. In today’s podcast, the topics included:

Tim Fitzgerald – Chief Sustainability Officer

Tim Fitzgerald joined American Seafoods as its first Chief Sustainability Officer in 2021. In addition to continuing to drive the company’s sustainability goals, he also shapes its sustainability public affairs strategy.

Prior to joining American Seafoods, Tim worked for nearly two decades at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), where he led the organization’s work with investors and the seafood industry to improve the sustainability of global fisheries and aquaculture industries. While at EDF, he served on the boards of the California Fisheries Fund, Ecofish LLC and GulfWild® and was an advisor to Fair Trade USA, Seafood Watch and the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions. Before Tim’s tenure at EDF, he taught marine ecology at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk and also worked at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, where he received a master’s degree in zoology.

About American Seafoods

American Seafoods is a global leader in sustainable proteins and in the harvesting, processing, preparation and supply of frozen at sea, wild-caught seafood. Harvesting a variety of fish species from the rich, pristine waters of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, American Seafoods processes seafood into a wide array of finished products on board its state-of-the-art fleet of vessels. American Seafoods produces a diverse range of fillet, surimi, roe and block product offerings, made from Alaska pollock, Pacific hake, Pacific cod, and yellowfin sole that yielded 1.3 billion servings of sustainable seafood in 2023.

Finished products from our sustainable fisheries are sold worldwide through an extensive global distribution and customer support network. From the ocean to the plate, American Seafoods has established a global sourcing, selling, marketing and distribution network bringing sustainably harvested seafood to consumers worldwide.

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Episode 260 is coming to you from our podcast lounge at the Commodities People conference, Energy Trading Week Americas in The Woodlands, TX.

Stan Nabozny from Michaels Energy joined us again to tell us about the Department of Energy’s ITAC Program.  This grant can provide up to $300,000 for a project. 

Learn how Michaels Energy is only one of 12 providers in the US that can provide audits to satisfy the application for this grant.

More details about the ITAC

The Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITAC) Program, established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), offers in-depth energy assessments to small and medium-sized manufacturing and cold storage enterprises. These assessments aim to identify opportunities for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and improving productivity within facilities.

A special shout out

Thank you to Mark LaCour from the Oil and Gas Global Network (OGGN) for once again joining ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast at this conference.

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In today’s world, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a crucial aspect of business strategy. Companies that embrace green practices not only contribute positively to the environment but also see significant financial benefits. Let’s explore how incorporating the use of data into your business model can boost your bottom line.

In episode 259 of ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast, Dawn James, who shares her extensive experience at Microsoft and Deloitte, has valuable insights on how data can drive sustainable practices and profitability.

Dawn explains how data is a goldmine for driving profits. By leveraging data, businesses can make informed decisions, optimize operations, and identify new opportunities.  By effectively harnessing the power of data, businesses can unlock numerous opportunities to drive profits, stay competitive, and achieve long-term success.

Sustainability is not just good for the planet, it’s good for business. By integrating eco-friendly practices, companies can achieve significant cost savings, enhance their brand reputation, stay compliant with regulations, drive innovation, and improve employee morale. Embracing sustainability and data is a win-win strategy that ensures long-term profitability and a positive legacy for future generations.

More about Dawn James

She is a visionary leader in business strategy and transformation, she drove innovative solutions as Managing Director at Deloitte’s Sustainability Strategy & Business Transformation practice. With over 25 years of experience, she guides corporate and energy leaders in integrating technology, energy transition, and sustainability solutions, helping organizations navigate the energy transition and ESG compliance.

Formerly the Global Director of Industry Strategy for Energy & Sustainability at Microsoft, Dawn has deep expertise in digital cloud solutions and digital transformation sales strategy. Her career also includes serving as a Research Hydrogeologist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), adding scientific depth to her leadership.

Dawn holds an MSc in Geoscience from California State University and a certification in Big Data & Predictive Analytics from MIT. She serves as Chair of the Board for Greentown Labs, the largest clean tech incubator in the U.S., and has received multiple industry awards, including the 2022 Women in Smart Energy Award.

In addition to her corporate leadership, Dawn leads the Sustainability Leadership & Training Program LLC, empowering professionals to align sustainability with business goals. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the violin and spending time with her daughters

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Today on ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider is Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of the Global Network for Zero.  He has had quite a journey, transitioning from technology consulting to environmental advocacy. His insights on achieving net zero emissions by 2050 are crucial, especially given the commitments and investments being made globally.

The emphasis on understanding one’s carbon footprint and developing both immediate and long-term strategies is key to making meaningful progress. The discussion on energy efficiency strategies for commercial buildings and the importance of high-quality carbon credits also highlights the multifaceted approach needed to tackle climate change.

It’s clear that sustainability, ESG, and net zero strategies are becoming increasingly important on a global scale. Mahesh’s emphasis on measuring actions and their impact is spot on.

It’s crucial to have a clear pathway for improvement and to scale up efforts across all sectors. The example of New York City’s Local Law 97 is a great illustration of how local initiatives can be replicated elsewhere.

Customized solutions tailored to local economies are essential, as a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short. The idea that the United States should lead the global conversation on sustainability and net-zero leadership is inspiring. The discussion on environmental goals and their impact on future generations highlights the urgency of acting now.

Thank you for listening to episode 258 of this week’s Follower Friday of ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast.

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The post To Reach Net Zero, Everyone Needs to Just Get Started appeared first on eRENEWABLE.