“We’re giving [companies] the avenue to take something that historically has been an inconvenience and turn that into an opportunity to make them some money, whether that be selling energy to the grid, or putting energy back into the operations of their facilities. So, what could have cost them money in the past can now be a huge benefit. At the same time, you're doing something great for the world and our future.”

Autumn Huskins on Electric Ladies Podcast

Addressing climate change presents two big questions: How do we reduce waste and keep it out of landfills, and how can we power our electricity-dependent economy without exacerbating climate change? An innovative waste-to-energy technology in San Luis Obispo, California is diverting waste from landfills, creating exciting new revenue streams – and even helping make wine!

Listen to Autumn Hustins, Finance Director at Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), as she explores a renewable energy source that is providing clean power to ~600,000 homes and businesses in the local economy, with plans to grow.

You’ll hear about:

• How Hitachi Zosen Inova's waste-to-energy plant is converting agricultural and food waste into electricity for the local grid.
• New revenue streams that waste-to-energy innovations create for business and local communities.
• Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on the adoption of waste-to-energy projects.
• How the green energy transition is creating new jobs in places previously reliant on fossil fuels.
• Plus, the secret to a great career is surprisingly simple.

"You go to work every day in the job that you're in. You do your absolute best. You give your all to that particular position, and the positions will follow. I don't care what your role is. I don't care if you're the janitor or the CEO, I think you approach the job the same way and do the best that you can possibly do, and it'll work out.”

Autumn Huskins on Electric Ladies Podcast

Read Joan’s Forbes articles here.

You’ll also like:

• ICWS Webinar, Joan Michelson moderates an enlightening webinar with top leaders on The Future of the Energy Transition and the Grid.
• Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, on the deployment of clean energy around the world.
• Björk Kristjánsdóttir, COO/CFO of Carbon Recycling International, on turning CO2 into valuable products.
• Bethia Burke, President of The Fund For Our Economic Future, on the impact of green jobs on local economies.
• Vanessa Chan, former Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy, on funding the transition to clean energy.

More from Electric Ladies Podcast! 

Join us at The Earth Day Women’s Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women’s Summit and a special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance.

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