First time is a charm, right?

For many climate technologies, building a first-of-a-kind (FOAK) project is a major barrier to widespread adoption and commercialization. The ecosystem of early-stage climate tech funding, such as venture capital and grants, is well-known and used to taking substantial risk for outsized impact. The pools of capital and expertise for turning those technologies into commercial-scale projects, however, is more challenging to navigate. Nevertheless, it is critical for companies to learn to navigate this gap to bring impactful technologies to scale.

Deanna Zhang, CEO of V1 Climate Solutions, joins us on the show to talk all things FOAK. With a background in investment banking, she has built an expertise in helping companies navigate the pitfalls of FOAK projects and works with startups, investors, and corporates to help them define strategies to successful scale-up climate technologies. Tune in to learn more about how we can best bridge the gap between FOAK and Nth-of-a-kind projects and what developments are needed to make that possible.

JThe US’s grid is expansive and complicated. To break it down we are featuring guest Tyler Norris, former VP of Development at Cypress Creek Renewables and current Duke PhD student in Energy Systems. He walks us through the nuances of the issues surrounding transmission and interconnection.

Join us as we discuss how important transmission and interconnection is to the growth of renewables, and what sort of policy work needs to be done to fix the current problems facing our grid. Also, hear about Tyler’s own career path, and why diversity of experiences is so beneficial to the energy transition.

Thank you to our sponsor, Energy Dialogues, for making content like this possible.

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Join us for an engaging discussion with Katie Kross, sustainability champion from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, as we uncover the secrets to building impactful careers in energy and climate. With over 15 years of experience in this space, Katie understands the importance of building business careers and outcomes that are sustainability forward. From defining positive-impact careers to navigating evolving trends, we explore how to drive change and overcome obstacles in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Learn more about Katie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekross/details/experience/

Check out Katie's ClimateCAP: https://www.climatecap.org/

Keynotes:

- How to weave success and impact into one rewarding career

- How to determine what passions drive you

- How to build the skills and background to achieve your career goals

In this episode, we are joined by Scott Martin, CTO of Net Power, an innovative company revolutionizing carbon capture technology. NetPower's technology focuses on capturing emissions while producing power from natural gas, addressing the challenge of decarbonization of fossil fuels. We explore Scott's journey in the energy industry, the genesis of Net Power's vision, the challenges and triumphs encountered in advancing carbon capture technology, and the implications of Net Power's breakthroughs for the future of sustainable energy production.

Thank you to Energy Dialogues for making content like this possible!

Keynotes:

The importance of mission-focus leadership, and how to develop a leadership skillset

Carbon capture's role in driving a future of reliable and sustainable energy

Challenges and opportunities surrounding Net Power's development and deployment journey

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Throughout her career in the oil & gas industry, Katie Mehnert became used to sometimes being the only woman in the room in a male-dominated industry. Unaccepting of the status quo, Katie Mehnert sought to create change in the energy industry that she loved by creating opportunities for women and diverse groups through founding ALLY Energy (formerly Pink Petro).

Joining us on the show today is Katie Mehnert, Founder and CEO of ALLY Energy, a workforce development company that works with both companies and individuals to advance careers in the energy industry. Over the last 10 years, Katie and her team have worked with top global energy companies and helped countless people.

In the episode, we talk about Katie’s career path in the energy industry, how she refined her vision for ALLY Energy, how she dealt with criticism as she built the company, how the energy transition is changing her approach to energy workforce development, and the most important steps energy professionals can take to grow in their careers.

Be sure to tune into this insightful discussion on the most important piece of the energy transition: people!

Keynotes:

-Why human capital is the most important investment a company can make

-How professionals can stay relevant in a quickly-changing energy industry

-How Hurricane Harvey influenced her perspective on climate change

-Why the energy industry isn’t just for engineers, but for everyone

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Over the last several years, climate tech has emerged into the spotlight as more than $120B in venture capital funding has poured into the sector and interest for decarbonization solutions have surged. Through it all, CTVC has tracked, analyzed, dissected, and reported on the biggest news and deals in the climate tech ecosystem.

CTVC (now Sightline Climate) founder and CEO Kim Zou joined us on the show to talk about the quickly changing climate tech sector and about her journey building CTVC from a popular newsletter into a market intelligence platform used by some of the top investors and companies in the industry.

In the episode, we talk about the state of climate tech VC, where it’s changing the most quickly, where the opportunities are, and where the industry is heading. We also discuss Kim’s hopes for Sightline to mitigate some of the mistakes made in Cleantech 1.0 and to direct investment to the most critical areas.

Keynotes:

-How Kim’s work building Energy Impact Partners’ Frontier Fund influenced the transition of CTVC into Sightline Climate

-Which sectors within climate tech are changing the most quickly

-How we can avoid the challenges faced in Cleantech 1.0

-Where the biggest opportunities in climate tech are

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Dive into the importance of energy education with Benjamin Abram, an energy innovator and venture capitalist.

Benjamin Abram, CEO of Modern Energy, started his career as a venture capital investor with the Westly Group during the gold rush of Cleantech 1.0. From there, he founded energy efficiency company American Efficient in 2013, then Modern Energy in 2016. As CEO, Ben leads Modern Energy’s strategy operating at the intersection of venture capital, private equity, and operating company to grow and manage a portfolio of energy transition businesses across solar, hydrogen, electric vehicles, and more.

The episode focuses on the evolving needs in energy education, which are essential for training future leaders who can impact our energy transition. Our conversation, which is wide-ranging, touches on several topics: how Ben's experience during Cleantech 1.0 shapes his approach at Modern Energy; his decision to teach an energy class at Duke University; the changes he hopes to see in energy curricula on college campuses; and the areas where he believes young people have the most opportunity to make a difference.

Thank you to our sponsor, Energy Dialogues, for making content like this possible!

John D. Rockefeller Biography

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On this episode we feature David Villagra, CTO of EverBright, a clean energy software and financing platform. David's been active in the energy space since 2013, when he co-founded Sighten, EverBright's predecessor. He's a big believer in the power of distributed energy, and walks us through the value of this form of energy in our energy mix.

In the wake of COP 28, we know how important energy and climate security are. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) have the power to make our grid more affordable, more reliable and much more sustainable. David, being on the technical side of DERs, understands the difficulty in implementing these energy solutions, but also the many technological solutions that are underway.

Also, David discusses the role each of us can play in getting this energy solution, and other important ones, off the ground. He makes it clear that we need all the help we can get in the energy transition. Listen to learn more about finding your place in the energy space!

Books David mentions:

The Grid

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster

Keynotes:

The importance of DERs in our energy mix

The value of DERs vs. other forms of energy

How DERs work on current energy grids

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Today, we are joined by the founder of the field of climate security, Sherri Goodman. In this episode, she explains what climate security is, why it's necessary, and how the establishment of climate security has changed U.S. and international military operations.

Climate security has changed a lot in recent years, and will now be a large focus of COP 28. Sherri dives into how she thinks climate security will affect the COP agenda, and her thoughts on the COP conference this year.

This episode gives an important understanding of the connection between energy, climate and national security. In light of the start of COP, Sherri's insights are valuable into understanding how global leaders will approach certain topics.

Learn more about Sherri here: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/person/sherri-goodman

Key Notes:

What is climate security and the term "threat multiplier"?

What is the difference between climate security and energy security?

How has the US military adapted to the changing climate?

In what way will climate security affect the agenda of COP 28?

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How do we ensure the energy transition we have is equitable? Why is this a piece of the transition that is so frequently left out of the conversation? In this episode, join Lauren Shum as she talks about the many different ways equity needs to be addressed.

Lauren --- who's recently published white paper on sustainable aviation has influenced the Biden Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- draws on many international examples when discussing the importance of equity, and gives us tools with which to learn and research industry organizations' practices on our own.

This is an incredibly important episode to listen to in order to ensure equity is always part of the conversation.

Keynotes:

- Tackling the energy transition starts with ensuring equitable practices

- Strategies to determine if a company is engaging in equitable practices or not

- The health impacts of lead-based aviation fuels

Check out the following links:

Resources about the DRC:

•https://resourcegovernance.org/sites/default/files/documents/no_time_to_waste_governing_cobalt_amid_the_energy_transition.pdf

•https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354092905_The_Real_Effects_of_Conflict_Minerals_Disclosures

•https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2018/mukwege/lecture/

•https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/06/i-cant-explain-how-i-am-still-alive-dr-denis-mukwege-on-risking-his-life-to-save-african-women

Lauren's policy paper:

• https://uploads.dayoneproject.org/2021/06/16112047/Support-Electrification-at-Regional-Airports-to-Preserve-American-Competitiveness-Improve-Health-Outcomes.pdf

The things that became of this paper include...

White House Sustainable Aviation Fact Sheet:

• https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/09/09/fact-sheet-biden-administration-advances-the-future-of-sustainable-fuels-in-american-aviation/

FAA's notice of proposed rule-making for engine efficiency mandates:

• https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-proposes-requiring-more-efficient-jets-and-turboprops-lower-climate-impacts

EPA's final endangerment finding:

• https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-determines-lead-emissions-aircraft-engines-cause-or-contribute-air-pollution

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How do we balance clean energy with energy that is secure, available, and affordable? One idea is the “Radical middle,” a concept pioneered by Dr. Scott Tinker to encourage people to find the middle ground in addressing energy challenges of today and of the future.

Dr. Tinker, better known by many of his students as “Doc T,” joins us on the show to discuss the hardest-hitting and most challenging issues of our energy world–and how we address those challenges with open mindedness and collaboration. In the show, we talk about energy access in developing countries, electric vehicles, energy education, the leapfrog model, and much more.

Listen in to learn why Dr. Tinker declined not one, but two offers to be Assistant Secretary of Energy; how to engage in productive conversations on tough energy topics; why he started his popular PBS talk show; and how we might actually solve the world’s most difficult energy issues.

Keynotes:

-The “Radical middle” of energy that is clean, secure, and available–and how we achieve it

-The balance between energy access and emissions in developing countries

-The importance of raising energy IQ in the general public rather than leaving it to the experts

-Strategies to get disagreeing groups to talk productively about challenging energy topics

Check out the following links:

Switch Energy Alliance:https://switchon.org/

Energy Switch on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/energy-switch/

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What is Energy Investment Banking? In this episode with Mark McDonald, Director at Marathon Capital, we learn why investment banking is different from other forms of finance, and how necessary it is in the energy transition. Mark walks us through a deal, describes how the current socio-economic climate is changing the market, and gives us insight on his own career in finance. A must listen if you are interested in investment banking, energy finance, or finance careers.

Resources to support listening:

https://www.wallstreetprep.com/knowledge/ultimate-guide-to-debt-leveraged-finance/

https://lev.co/blog/financing/preferred-equity-vs-mezzanine-debt/#:~:text=As%20the%20names%20imply%2C%20the,which%20we%27ll%20discuss%20later

Keynotes:

Investment Banking Deal Structure

Energy Financing Gaps

Investment Banking's Role in the Energy Transition

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Imagine a world where microgrids rule and businesses and communities generate their own energy onsite–that’s the world that our guest on this episode envisions for the future of energy.

Joining us on the show is Bill Nussey: serial entrepreneur, fellow energy podcaster, author of Freeing Energy and founder of the Freeing Energy Project, and partner at Engage and Tech Square Ventures. Following a successful career as a tech entrepreneur with four exits, Bill found his new passion in promoting local energy: distributed energy generation and consumption, primarily with solar and batteries. Over the last seven years, he’s built the Freeing Energy Project into a best-selling book, a podcast with 100 episodes, and a platform to showcase the value of distributed energy to increase energy reliability while expanding energy access globally.

Bill joins us on the show to talk about the value of local energy, the key obstacles to implementation of local energy, how we’ll navigate regulatory red tape, and where the biggest opportunities in the energy transition are. Be sure to tune into this episode to learn more.

Keynotes:

-The value of local energy generation and consumption to reduce emissions and increase reliability

-Why battery and solar cell supply chains might not be as big of an issue as they seem

-Why the energy transition is the biggest opportunity for impact that the world has seen in the last 50 years

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For the last 70 years, Jones Power has been a leader primarily for midstream oil & gas projects, but now, they’re diving headfirst into renewable development and emerging as a top company for renewable project construction.

John Clark, CEO of Jones Power, joins us on the show to talk about the concept of energy transition vs. emissions transition and how we consider the balance of clean energy with energy that is reliable, secure, and affordable as we seek to both decarbonize and end energy poverty. We also discuss how to navigate such a bold transition with company culture, how to have productive conversations with people who don’t agree with you, and the changes John hopes other traditional energy companies make to promote sustainability.

Tune in for an insightful discussion with a pro-energy, anti-emissions leader with a big vision for our energy future. To learn more about Jones Power, check out their website here: https://jonespower.com/about-us/.

Keynotes:

-The difference between emissions transition and energy transition

-Balancing clean energy with energy security, reliability, and affordability

-How the shift toward working in clean energy affected company culture, and tips for managing such a transition within a company

-How to have productive conversations with energy dissidents

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“The energy transition is by far the largest mobilization of capital and the largest use of capital the world has ever seen.”

Wil Vanloh, Founder and CEO of Quantum Energy Partners joins us on the show to tell us not just why the energy transition is revolutionizing energy finance, but how to take advantage of the emerging opportunities.

Having founded his own investment bank at age 24 and Quantum at age 28, Wil has been at the forefront of major transitions in the industry from the shale revolution to the clean energy transition. In the conversation, we talk about how Quantum’s strategy has changed amid major energy events, how they think about impact alongside financial returns, and where the industry is heading. We also discuss the gaps in the market, the opportunities for young people to get involved, and why a career in energy can be more impactful than any other industry.

This is a special episode released in collaboration with Energy Dialogues Perspectives Series.

Keynotes:

-The biggest changes in the energy industry in the past 25 years

-The opportunities for global impact working in the energy industry

-Why we need diverse and flexible funding solutions for different energy companies

-How the energy transition is changing the way we think about investing

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When you think of energy poverty, you probably think of rural areas far off the grid or halfway across the world. However, the often unseen reality is that there are people right here in the U.S., in our own communities, who struggle to keep the lights on in the face of surging energy prices.

In this episode, we engage in a panel-style discussion with returning guest Scott Tomlinon, CEO and Founder of Choir Power; Jade Davis, board member of Choir and Senior Vice President of Energy Policy at the Port of Cleveland; and David J. Neff, serial entrepreneur and partner at venture capital firm Ecliptic capital. Our guests bring together a unique mix of perspectives and experiences to tackle energy poverty from three main lenses: technology, policy, and investment.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on the causes of energy poverty and the solutions that will solve it.

Keynotes:

-The prevalence of energy poverty both domestically and abroad

-The side effects of energy poverty on health, education, and the economy

-How technology, policy, and investment can merge to end energy poverty for good

-The most impactful avenues to reduce energy poverty

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To create an energy transition that is not just clean, but also lasting and sustainable, justice and equity must be at the forefront of conversations.

Our guest Raya Salter, Founder of the Energy Justice Law and Policy Center and “Climate Auntie,” shines a light on the world of energy justice and how communities are a central part of a successful transition. Throughout her career as an activist, lawyer, and storyteller, Raya has worked to address harms caused by energy systems while promoting a transition to clean energy. In the episode, we discuss the origins of energy justice, how communities and individuals can have their voice heard, the role of policy in shaping equitable solutions, and much more.

Keynotes:

-The intersection between energy justice and environmental justice

-The importance of objective analysis and the trap of “good” vs. “bad”

-The role of fossil fuels and their complicated history relating to energy justice

-Opportunities for youth involvement and activism

Brendan Duval, CEO and Founder of the Glenfarne Group, walks us through the importance of equitable investment, especially in the context of the energy transition. The Glenfarne Group LLC, an asset management firm, invests its assets into global energy infrastructure, looking to help decarbonize energy systems throughout the globe. But, investing in the energy transition does not mean just investing in renewables, it means taking a “fully engaged approach”, i.e. investing in coal plants for the purpose of decommissioning them, and looking at other traditional fuel sources more holistically to see how existing infrastructure can be appropriately altered. Brendan is a firm believer that appropriate investment is key in speeding the transition forward, and his insights on this are ones you don’t want to miss!

Keynotes:

Investment’s role in the energy transition

What is conscious capital allocation + why is it important

The importance of supporting and engaging local communities when working globally

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The electric vehicle is an icon of cleantech and the sustainable technology shaping our future. But how do we build the national charging network we need to support EVs across the country?

Joining us on the show is Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo, the company building one of the largest fast charging networks in the country. Cathy has worked across government and the private sector as the CEO of both public and private companies, an advisor to the White House, and the Assistant Secretary of Energy. Across her career, she’s worked to reduce emissions and enable sustainable energy technology deployment across the globe.

In the episode, we discuss the most pressing challenges to EVs and EV charging. How is EV charging economical? Are EVs actually sustainable? How do we address supply chain constraints? We then explore solutions to each of these challenges, drawing on a mix of technology, policy, and economic developments needed to address the growing EV market.

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How do many renewable technologies get off the ground? Is public capital really important to the success of the energy transition?

In this episode we talk with Jonah Wagner, Chief Strategist at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office. We learn how the Loan Programs Office has successfully jumpstarted many renewable technologies (i.e. utility scale solar), and what current technologies it is looking at. Public funding and support is crucial to the success of emerging technologies, and in this episode we learn exactly why. Finally, Jonah shares his excitement about the energy transition, and shows us that this new energy future is possible if everyone starts working towards it.

Referenced in the episode:

Monthly Application Activity Report

Pathways to Commercial Liftoff

DOE LPO Careers