Experts Only

#139: How Distributed Energy Can Power a More Reliable, Affordable Grid

CleanCapital — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:41:00 GMT

In this episode of Experts Only, host Jon Powers sits down with Laura Lightbody of The Pew Charitable Trusts to discuss how distributed energy resources can help shape a cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable power system.

Laura shares her unexpected path into climate and energy advocacy — from growing up in Michigan’s auto culture to working on fuel efficiency campaigns and now leading work through Pew’s Energy Modernization Initiative.

Jon and Laura explore Pew’s new distributed energy policy playbook, the role of DER in meeting rising electricity demand, and why state policymakers have a critical opportunity to modernize the grid. They also discuss affordability, reliability, resilience, microgrids, virtual power plants, and how clean energy solutions can move forward across red, blue, and purple states.

Tune in for a timely conversation on the future of distributed energy and what it will take to scale practical clean power solutions across the country.

Episode 70: John Chaimanis

CleanCapital — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:17:16 GMT

This week’s guest is John Chaimanis, co-founder and managing director of Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure. At Kendall, John works on all aspects of business, including deal sourcing, financial structuring, and asset management. Prior to Kendall, Mr. Chaimanis worked for Edison International, where he developed over $500M of energy projects, installing 250MW of renewable assets. Host Jon Powers digs into John’s past and present experiences in the finance and renewable sectors as well as where the industry has been, and where it is headed in the next few years.

Podcast #111 with New Energy Economy Expert Governor Bill Ritter Jr.

CleanCapital — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:03:07 GMT

Experts Only Podcast is back for Season 2! Welcome Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., the 41st Governor of Colorado, who served from 2007 to 2011. He founded and now leads the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University. Governor Ritter and our host Jon Powers discuss the way policy and markets emerge, and the work they're doing to help create the environment for the clean energy industry to thrive. Thanks for tuning in!

Kate Brandt, Lead for Sustainability at Google

CleanCapital — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:59:36 GMT

This week we sit down with Kate Brandt, Lead for Sustainability at Google. We discuss how technology can be an enabler for sustainability. We also talk through some of the challenges and opportunities Kate sees working for the largest corporate procurer of renewable energy in the world. It’s a fascinating look at how sustainability touches all aspects of work at Google from data centers, real estate, supply chain, to product teams to ensure the company is capitalizing on opportunities to strategically advance sustainability and circular economy. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about Google’s sustainability initiatives via https://environment.google/ as they head towards their 100% renewable energy goals.

Live from Solar Power International - The Economics of Microgrids

CleanCapital — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 20:51:27 GMT

Missed Solar Power International and Energy Storage International in Anaheim this year? Experts Only hosted our podcast in front of a live audience to discuss the Economics of Microgrids with Miranda Ballentine (Constant Power), Sachu Constantine (Vote Solar), David Rubin (PG&E) and Mike Wu (Converge Strategies). Today’s episode is a bit longer than our typical podcast as we discuss the evolving microgrid business models from third-party projects to utility-initiated projects. In between, a hybrid, “unbundled” model based on public-private partnerships is emerging which could offer more flexibility and opportunities for collaboration. This episode examines the state of microgrids, using the discrete business models that are supporting build-out and specific use cases to highlight how microgrids best contribute to the electric grid’s steady evolution toward aggregating and integrating distributed energy resources (DERs), flexible loads, and increased resilience and security. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Details about SPI: https://www.solarpowerinternational.com/

Episode 82: The State of Solar in 2021 with Adam Browning

CleanCapital — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 16:52:37 GMT

This week on Experts Only podcast, host Jon Powers welcomes back Vote Solar CEO Adam Browning for an important discussion including their predictions for the upcoming year with the incoming Biden-Harris Administration and how we can work toward clean energy access for all. Also, hear how you can be more engaged with Vote Solar to help push solar energy policies forward at the state level.

Hans Kobler, CEO and Managing Partner of Energy Impact Partners

CleanCapital — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:56:59 GMT

This week we sit down with Hans Kobler, CEO and Managing Partner of Energy Impact Partners. It’s an interesting conversation on how Energy Impact Partners is working with sixteen global energy companies, including major utility companies like Southern Company, National Grid and Exel Energy. This represents a cumulative $263 billion in market value. We discuss the culture change happening in those utilities leading to investments and pursuit of energy innovation. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about Energy Impact Partners via https://www.energyimpactpartners.com/

#126: The 2024 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook with Lisa Jacobson and Tara Narayanan

CleanCapital — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:43:07 GMT

Welcome back to Experts Only for our annual interview about the 2024 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook! Our host Jon Powers welcomes Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), back to the show for her 7th appearance! He also welcomed Tara Narayanan, Lead Analyst, US Regional Trends at BloombergNEF, for her inaugural interview! They discuss the Factbook, which is published by the BCSE, in partnership with BloombergNEF. This Factbook is the best compilation of data in our industry in terms of investment, manufacturing, production, mobility, and more. You can download the Factbook at https://bcse.org/market-trends/. Thanks for listening!

Podcast #110: Understanding the Department of Commerce Tariff with Abby Hopper

CleanCapital — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:02:17 GMT

The US Department of Commerce recently opened an investigation into whether solar cell and module manufacturers are circumventing US import tariffs on Chinese solar products. The potential impact of these tariffs can significantly affect solar and storage developers pipelines. Thanks for tuning in for a conversation with Solar Energy Industry Associations President & CEO Abby Hopper to understand the Department of Commerce Auxin Solar Tariff situation and what actions we should all be taking to create a positive outcome.

Episode 83: Andy Klump

CleanCapital — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 19:17:35 GMT

Welcome Andy Klump, CEO & Founder of Clean Energy Associates (CEA), to Experts Only Podcast. With 20+ years of experience in solar and storage, both in the #US and #China, hear what Andy has to say about the supply chain both today and changes he's seen over the past two decades. Host Jon Powers digs into how the supply chain has become more efficient, as well as how it's been challenged due to #Covid19. What does the future of solar and storage look like here in the US and overseas? Tune in!

Kiran Bhatraju, Founder and CEO Arcadia Power

CleanCapital — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 13:56:59 GMT

Join us as we speak with Kiran Bhatraju, Founder and CEO of Arcadia Power and hear about his journey growing up in Kentucky 'coal country,' working on Capitol Hill as a Legislative Director, and how Arcadia Power is disrupting the utility energy markets.

Brook Porter, Partner G2VP

CleanCapital — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 16:07:18 GMT

Join us this week as we speak with Brook Porter, Partner with G2VP and discuss his career working for some of Silicon Valley’s most iconic funds at Kleiner Perkins before launching his own fund, and what he sees on the horizon for energy markets.

Episode 69: Bill Weihl

CleanCapital — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 16:02:31 GMT

This week’s guest is Bill Weihl, Executive Director of ClimateVoice. At ClimateVoice, Bill focuses on mobilizing the influence of the corporate world to aid in addressing the climate crisis we are facing today. ClimateVoice works to use the power of companies to prioritize climate change, by vocalizing and mobilizing the corporate sphere to go #AllinOnClimate. Prior to ClimateVoice, Bill worked as Google’s Green Energy Czar, and as the Director of Sustainability at Facebook. Host Jon Powers discusses Bill's past experiences and his current role in working to assemble the corporate sphere to help decarbonize our country. They discuss what is needed to reach our climate goal of keeping warming below 1.5℃, and how the corporate sector is a key player in achieving those goals.

Episode 72: Navigate Webinar #2 - Opportunities for the Next Decade

CleanCapital — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 16:01:29 GMT

This week’s episode was produced in collaboration with the New England Clean Energy Council (NECEC). The second Navigate program webinar of 2020, "Opportunities for the Next Decade", was made possible with support from NYSERDA. Navigate is a program under the Northeast Clean Energy Council that leverages its power to provide resources and support for clean energy startups. Host Jon Powers leads a discussion with four panelists: Jason Kaplan of PowerMarket, Noah C. Shaw of Hodgson Russ LLP, Doran Hole of Ameresco, and Zoe Berkery of CleanCapital. Listen to hear expert opinions on the future of the renewable energy industry and what experts see on the horizon for the next decade.

#129: The State of the Inflation Reduction Act, 2 Years In, with Abby Hopper

CleanCapital — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:54:08 GMT

Welcome back Abby Hopper, President & CEO at Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), to the show! Abby and our host Jon Powers reflect now that we're two years into the Inflation Reduction Act. They discuss what it was like to see it pass, the opportunities and challenges of the past two years, and how it's going. We're looking forward to joining SEIA at RE+ in Anaheim, CA this September! Make sure you register for this conference. It's the go-to event to engage with the solar and storage industry. See you there!

#123: Exploring the Current State of the Inflation Reduction Act with Expert Rob Diamond

CleanCapital — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 21:50:17 GMT

Welcome back, Rob Diamond, Partner, Capitol Counsel! Rob and our host Jon Powers worked together in the Obama Administration. Rob is focused on building an infrastructure practice to help people understand the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the IRA, and how to access those dollars and get them moving into your community. Rob and Jon discuss where we are today in terms of the implementation of these generational pieces of legislation. Thank you for listening!

Experts Only Podcast #109: with Christian Møller-Holst, Expert in Net Zero Travel

CleanCapital — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 20:33:18 GMT

Hear an expert’s outlook on the new frontier of sustainable travel. Host Jon Powers welcomes Christian Møller-Holst , CEO & Founder of Goodwings, to the show to discuss how businesses can book and manage a net zero travel strategy. Thank you for listening!

Podcast #93: With Energy Storage Expert John Carrington, CEO of Stem, Inc.

CleanCapital — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 14:41:52 GMT

Podcast #93: With Energy Storage Expert John Carrington, CEO of Stem, Inc. by CleanCapital

Jessica Bailey,Co-Founder and CEO of Greenworks Lending

CleanCapital — Tue, 15 May 2018 16:20:11 GMT

This week, Thomas speaks with Jessica Bailey, the Co-Founder and CEO of Greenworks Lending, a leading PACE lending platform. Jessica is a pioneer and advocate of PACE lending, and Greenworks has done some groundbreaking deals in the past year. Jessica discusses her career to date, Greenworks, the PACE market, and the future of the industry. It’s fascinating conversation about how to set up market signals for clean energy to scale through private capital sources. We hope you enjoy the conversation. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_

Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of SEIA

CleanCapital — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 17:49:31 GMT

Explore the growing solar industry and take a deep dive Into the Suniva Trade Case that poses risks to the growing market. We speak with Abby Ross Hopper, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

#132: with Lynn Abramson, Expert in Bipartisan Engagement on Clean Energy Policy

CleanCapital — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In our first episode of 2025, Experts Only host Jon Powers speaks with Lynn Abramson, President of the Clean Energy Business Network (CEBN), about effective advocacy strategies for engaging the 119th Congress and Trump Administration. CEBN is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves as a bridge to federal energy policies and programs for more than 8,200 small business and community leaders across the nation. In this conversation, Lynn particularly focuses on combatting divisive narratives around clean energy tax incentives. She highlights the decades of bipartisan support that have led to these credits, and the fact that the majority of these investments have gone to Republican districts. She also discusses the transformational impact they have had on small businesses—and the need for business and community leaders to express their priorities to their elected officials. Learn more about these topics in this accompanying post from CEBN. Tune into the conversation and learn more about CEBN’s strategy and impact in their 2024 Annual Report. (Note: This episode was recorded a week prior to the inauguration so does not touch upon any developments in the early days of the Trump Administration.)

#128: Unpacking Colorado's 2024 Legislative Session

CleanCapital — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 18:04:14 GMT

Our guest host, ScottySolar, is back by popular demand! This week, he welcomes COSSA's Mike Kruger, President & CEO, and Ellen Kutzer, General Counsel, to the show. This year, Colorado passed several bills and a suite of policy changes that will expedite the deployment of distributed energy resources and help the state meet its ambitious decarbonization targets. You'll hear from the dynamic duo at the front lines of Colorado's march toward a carbon-free energy future. Mike and Ellen unpack what happened during the 2024 legislative session and explore the emerging opportunities in Colorado's clean energy economy. Thanks for tuning in!

#130: Solar in Alaska? Understanding Growing Opportunity

CleanCapital — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:27:18 GMT

Host Jon Powers sits down with Jenn Miller, CEO of Renewable IPP, an Alaska-based renewable energy developer that we partner with at CleanCapital. Under Jenn's leadership, RIPP is creating the next frontier of opportunities in Alaska. They discuss the challenges Jenn and her team are facing in Alaska, the opportunities that solar presents, and how to grow and scale a company like RIPP in the current market. Both Jon and Jenn will be at RE+ in September. To set up a meeting, please visit cleancapital.com/re-plus-2024.

#121: with Greg Ridderbusch, Expert in Utilities

CleanCapital — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:54:12 GMT

We are back with new Experts Only episodes after taking a break after RE+. In this episode, our host Jon Powers interviews Greg Ridderbusch, CEO of Connexus Energy. He just announced his retirement after leading one of the most interesting utilities in Minnesota, helping to drive the energy transition. Utilities play a significant role in: - moving forward, driving, and scaling renewable energy - bringing more to the grid - helping to manage the grid in a way that's reliable and affordable Hear Greg's vision of where we're headed, and the opportunities and challenges ahead. We are ramping back up for 2024, and we thank you for tuning in!

with Zoe Berkery, CleanCapital's Chief Operating Officer

CleanCapital — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:58:49 GMT

Welcome Zoe Berkery, CleanCapital's very first employee, to the show! Zoe and host Jon Powers go way back to their days working at The White House together when she was an intern. Zoe is now an emerging leader in the clean energy space. They discuss her career, the growth of CleanCapital, and how she navigates the challenges of managing hundreds of megawatts of distributed generation for the company. How does asset management need to change to help CleanCapital scale? Tune in to learn!

Podcast #108 with Kara Mangone, Global Head of Climate Strategy at Goldman Sachs

CleanCapital — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 16:27:21 GMT

Did you know that ESG approaches are being utilized by companies representing 80% of the world's GDP? Tune in to hear from Kara Mangone, Global Head of Climate Strategy at Goldman Sachs. Kara joins host Jon Powers to discuss the roadmap for #ESG through 2030 along with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's new rules and the effect they'll have on the industry. We hope you enjoy this deep dive on the state of ESG and its future. Thanks for listening!

Experts Only Podcast #105 with Taite McDonald, Expert in Commercializing Energy Technology

CleanCapital — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 16:08:27 GMT

Host Jon Powers welcomes Taite McDonald, Partner at Holland & Knight for an expert discussion on commercializing energy technology.

Experts Only Podcast #94: with Climate Finance Expert Stacy Swann

CleanCapital — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 18:07:59 GMT

Welcome to the show, climate finance expert Stacy A. Swann, CEO of Climate Finance Advisors. Stacy joins host Jon Powers to discuss how her consultancy helps firms measure, manage, and prepare to disclose climate risk. She also provides her expert insight on how federal and state governments are moving on climate risk policies. Thanks for listening!

Experts Only Podcast #99: with Climate Investment Expert Ted Roosevelt V

CleanCapital — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 18:50:20 GMT

Experts Only Podcast #99: with Climate Investment Expert Ted Roosevelt V by CleanCapital

Podcast #90: How the Department of Defense is Approaching Clean Energy with Michael Wu

CleanCapital — Tue, 18 May 2021 16:31:46 GMT

Podcast #90: How the Department of Defense is Approaching Clean Energy with Michael Wu by CleanCapital

Podcast #89: Carbon Pricing 101 with Derek Walker

CleanCapital — Tue, 04 May 2021 13:00:14 GMT

Host Jon Powers welcomed Derek Walker, Vice President, U.S. Climate at Environmental Defense Fund, to the show to explain carbon pricing. Hear from an expert on #CarbonPricing: its history, implementation, and influence on the #cleanenergy industry.

Episode 82: Adam Browning

CleanCapital — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 16:35:59 GMT

Episode 81: Climate Change is Water Change with Gia Schneider

CleanCapital — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 21:27:22 GMT

We're thrilled to kick off a new year of Experts Only podcast episodes with Gia Schneider, CEO & Co-Founder of Natel Energy, as she discusses the connection between water and climate change with host Jon Powers. Hear how her upbringing in Texas led her to a career devoted to protecting the climate, and the market opportunity that hydroelectricty has today.

Episode 78: Understanding FERC Order 2222 with Nat Kreamer and Jeff Dennis

CleanCapital — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 20:40:32 GMT

Welcome back to our listeners! We’re thrilled to share a special Experts Only episode with you. Host Jon Powers had the pleasure of speaking with Nat Kreamer, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) and Jeff Dennis, Managing Director and General Counsel of AEE, to discuss Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 2222. - Do you want to know more about what FERC does as an organization? - Do you want a better understanding of what Order No. 2222, which came out in September, will do for the industry and what the market opportunity will be? - Do you want to know how you can get involved with FERC and take action? Then, tune in!

Episode 77: Colin le Duc

CleanCapital — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 16:31:00 GMT

This week on the Experts Only podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the passionate Colin le Duc, Partner, Generation Investment Management. In this episode, host Jon Powers discusses sustainability, sustainable investing, and Generation Investment Management with le Duc. Hear from someone who’s been on the frontlines of ESG investing as he and Powers discuss the end of incrementalism and the exciting future of sustainable investing. Expert or not, all listeners are welcome to tune in! We hope you enjoy.

Episode 67: Chris Archer

CleanCapital — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:55:32 GMT

This week's guest is Chris Archer, Senior Managing Director and Head of Americas at Macquarie’s Green Investment Group. Under Chris' leadership the Green Investment Group has commercialized over 1 gigawatt of renewable energy projects in North America, playing a key role as an investor, advisor and project manager and furthering our transition to a clean energy economy. Host Jon Powers digs into Chris's deep experience in infrastructure & renewable energy investing and explores his thoughts on the opportunities for the continued growth of clean energy as well some of the complex challenges that remain barriers for investors in the sector.

Episode 66: Joe Bonfiglio

CleanCapital — Tue, 12 May 2020 17:18:42 GMT

This week's guest is Joe Bonfiglio, President of EDF Action. EDF Action is the Environmental Defense Fund’s 501(c)4 sister organization, advocating to protect the environment and the health of American families. Under Bonfiglio’s leadership, EDF Action has successfully fought against budget cuts for the EPA and other agencies, lobbied against unqualified nominees for important protective roles, and launched a new campaign training program for political candidates. Host Jon Powers explores the role climate and the environment will play in the upcoming presidential election, both before and after the Covid-19 outbreak.

Episode 61: David Sandalow

CleanCapital — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 16:45:22 GMT

This week we speak with David Sandalow, Inaugural Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy and co-Director of the Energy and Environment Concentration at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. He founded and directs the Center’s U.S.-China Program. David has served in multiple senior positions in the government at the White House, State Department, and most recently the U.S. Department of Energy. Prior to his role at the Department of Energy, he was a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. This conversation centers around David’s 2019 Guide to Chinese Climate Policy and the pivotal role China plays in the solution to climate change.

Episode 62: Mona Dajani

CleanCapital — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 16:59:03 GMT

This week's guest is Mona Dajani, partner and global leader of the Energy, Infrastructure & Water team at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. As an international known deal maker in the renewable energy industry for over 20 years, Mona has advised on multiple acquisitions, dispositions, financing, tax equity, leasing and project development transactions involving energy and infrastructure facilities. In this engaging episode, host Jon Powers explores Mona's two decades of experience in the renewable energy space along with market trends and investor appetite for energy storage.

Episode 56: Jamie Redford

CleanCapital — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 17:24:23 GMT

This week, host Jon Powers sits down with Jamie Redford, Chairman and Co-Founder of The Redford Center. A nonprofit media entity, The Redford Center engages people using film, video and new media to inspire environmental action. Jamie discusses his film “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution” and the dawn of the clean energy era. Prior to creating “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution,” Jamie has written, produced and directed a number of HBO films including “Toxic Hot Seat,” “Mann v. Ford” and “The Kindness of Strangers.” In addition, he has traveled the world as an American Film Showcase ambassador with his two award-winning documentaries: “Resilience: the Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope” and “Paper Tigers.”

Episode 53: Mike Casey

CleanCapital — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 19:50:22 GMT

This week on the pod we speak with Mike Casey, president and founder of the cleantech public relations firm Tigercomm. Tigercomm has been involved in some of the most significant political and public affairs battles in the energy sector. Mike has a background in politics, having worked on the Dukakis (1988) and Clinton (1992) campaigns and later as Communications Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). Our conversation centers on the critical -- but often overlooked -- role that communications play in America's transition to a clean energy economy.

Dr. Jennifer Gerbi, Associate Director for Technology, Program Director at ARPA-E

CleanCapital — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 14:08:03 GMT

This week, we're talking to Dr. Jennifer Gerbi, Associate Director for Technology and a Program Director at the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). In addition to supporting program development, recruitment, and coordinating project management across the Agency, her programmatic focus at ARPA-E includes improving energy efficiency and management of buildings via advanced sensing systems and storage, novel insulating materials for windows, as well as renewable energy generation via photovoltaics. Dr. Gerbi talks with us about how the agency's unique culture encourages innovation and current efforts to bring these exciting projects to market. ARPA-E's 10th annual Energy Innovation Summit brings together leaders in industry, academia, and government to think about America’s energy challenges in new and innovative ways. This year’s Summit will take place from July 8-10 at the Gaylord Rockies. To learn more about the Summit and to register, visit www.arpae-summit.com. For more information on the Pilot Request for Information, visit bit.ly/PILOTRFI for more information.

Rob Davis, Director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy

CleanCapital — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 17:33:36 GMT

This week on the pod, Jon Powers speaks with Rob Davis of Fresh Energy to discuss the link between pollinator insects and solar energy. In their discussion, Davis and Powers explore bees’ impact on the environment and human agriculture, and how solar farm designs can help a pollinator population in crisis. Rob Davis began his career working with technology start-ups and created the international crowdsourced campaign that launched the Firefox web browser. He now works as Director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy where he helps accelerate the nation’s transition to the use of clean and renewable energy. Davis’ work on pollinator-friendly solar has been featured in trainings by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Conservation Training Center, U.S. Department of Energy, the Electric Power Resource Institute, and the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center. Experts Only is hosted by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com/experts-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about pollinators and solar: https://fresh-energy.org/ Watch Rob’s TED talk: https://fresh-energy.org/beeslovesolar/ Catch Rob at the following upcoming events: Agrivoltaics: Harvesting Multiple Benefits from Solar Sites on April 1: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/agrivoltaics-harvesting-multiple-benefits-from-solar-sites-tickets-56923291096 Read his latest Blog on why #BeesLoveSolar: https://www.organicvalley.coop/blog/bee-friendly-solar-is-win-win-win-for-people-planet-pollinators/

Piper Foster Wilder, CEO of 60 Hertz

CleanCapital — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 18:26:59 GMT

This week on the pod, Jon Powers sits down with Piper Foster Wild, CEO of 60 Hertz, to discuss how microgrids can reduce diesel dependence in rural Alaskan communities. It’s a fascinating discussion on how new technology is empowering these communities who have been plagued by operation and maintenance failures, living with the uncertainty their energy needs will be met. Prior to moving to Alaska, Piper was Vice President of Amatis Controls, an Internet of Things manufacturing start-up based in Aspen, Colorado. There, she also served as Board Chair of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association. Additionally, she is a German Chancellor fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com/expert-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about 60 Hertz: https://www.60hertzenergy.com/

Ilan Gur, Executive Director, Cyclotron Road

CleanCapital — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 20:51:29 GMT

Today we are speaking with Ilan Gur, the Founder and Executive Director of Cyclotron Road, a fellowship program that supports hard science and technology innovators as they advance a project with the potential for global impact. Ilan founded Cyclotron Road in order to provide entrepreneurial scientists and engineers with access to support and infrastructure that he noticed was lacking during his time directing research and technology projects in academia, startups, and corporate labs. The program is based at Berkeley Lab and fellows collaborate with scientists from the lab and from UC Berkeley. Cyclotron Road’s initial focus has been on advanced energy and materials technologies, and they have supported 41 innovators coming from some the world's top research institutions since their launch in 2014. Prior to founding Cyclotron Road, Ilan served as program director at the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), where he managed a $50 million portfolio spanning energy storage, solar energy, and advanced materials. Prior to ARPA-E, he launched two energy startups based on materials and manufacturing innovations, including Seeo, an advanced lithium battery company that was acquired by Bosch in 2015.

Nancy Pfund, Founder, Managing Partner, DBL Partners

CleanCapital — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:40:53 GMT

This week, we are speaking with Nancy Pfund, Founder and Managing Partner of DBL Partners, a venture capital firm whose goal is to combine top-tier financial returns with meaningful social, environmental and economic returns in the regions and sectors in which it invests. As a leading player in the growing field of impact investing, helping to reveal the power of venture capital to promote social change and environmental improvement. Nancy currently sponsors or sits on the board of directors of several clean tech companies, including; Advanced Microgrid Solutions, Off-Grid Electric, Primus Power, and prior to their public offering, Tesla Motors. Previously, Nancy was a Managing Director in Venture Capital at JPMorgan, having started her investment career at Hambrecht & Quist in 1984. Nancy has garnered many accolades for her forward looking approach to investing, including being named to Fortune’s Inaugural World’s Top 25 Eco-Innovators and appearing in Fast Company’s 2016 List of Most Creative People in Business. I hope you enjoy today’s conversation. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_

Dawn Lippert, CEO of Elemental Excelerator

CleanCapital — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 20:21:56 GMT

Today we sit down with the CEO of Elemental Excelerator , Dawn Lippert. Elemental Excelerator is a startup accelerator, supporting companies who seek to improve communities through technology, innovation, economic opportunity, and sustainable modernization. They've awarded over $22 million to over 60 companies working in energy, transportation, water and agriculture. Dawn has had an incredible career that's taken her from Washington State to Yale to India, Africa, Latin America, and of course, ending up living in Hawaii where she’s help set Hawaii's goal of 100% renewable by 2045. We hope you enjoy today's conversation. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about Elemental Excelerator here: https://elementalexcelerator.com/, follow on Twitter: @elementalexcel

Erin Robert, Head of Capital Strategies/Exec Director, Sustainable Finance, JP Morgan Chase and Co

CleanCapital — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:14:20 GMT

Join CEO Thomas Byrne and VP Zoe Berkery as they sit down with Erin Robert. Erin is Head of Capital Strategies at J.P. Morgan Chase Sustainable Finance. We cover a number of topics, including green bonds, corporate sustainability, and J.P. Morgan's effort to transform into a clean energy advisor and financier. She's a great guest with tons of insights we're sure you will enjoy as much as we did. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_

Live from PACENation Summit - Bipartisan Discussion on PACE

CleanCapital — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 20:53:23 GMT

For our 20th episode of Experts Only, we are bringing you an Experts Only first. Join us for our first ever live taping of the podcast at the PACENation Summit in Denver last month. Our bi-partisan panel discusses the different perspectives on PACE, how it relates to policy goals, and the wavering support from the federal government. The panel was a lively discussion of PACE administrators who are well versed in federal policy, as well as leaders in both Residential and Commercial PACE, and affinity groups. Tune in to learn why they’re interested in PACE financing. Panelists: Genevieve Sherman Head of New Markets and Partnerships, Greenworks Lending Keith den Hollander National Field Director, The Christian Coalition Michele Combs Chairman and Founding Partner, Young conservatives for energy reform Cisco Devries Founder and CEO, Renew Financial Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about PACENation: http://pacenation.us/

Brandon Hurlbut, Co-founder and Partner of Boundary Stone Partners

CleanCapital — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 03:28:05 GMT

We talk with Brandon Hurlbut, co-founder and partner of Boundary Stone Partners on the role of government in driving clean energy innovation through efforts like ARPA-E and the DOE's $38 billion investment fund in clean energy. Brandon previously served as Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary Steven Chu at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council of Sustainable Energy

CleanCapital — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 23:14:20 GMT

Join us as we speak with Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council of Sustainable Energy, and discuss the 2017 Sustainable Energy Factbook published with Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Podcast #107: The 2022 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook with Lisa Jacobson & Ethan Zindler

CleanCapital — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 20:44:27 GMT

Host Jon Powers was thrilled to welcome back Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), and Ethan Zindler, Head of Americas for BloombergNEF, for their fourth annual conversation about the Sustainability in America 2022 Factbook. Learn from the experts about the Sustainable Energy in America 2022 Factbook, which chronicles the progress of clean energy in 2021, as well as the latest market & policy trends of the US energy economy. The Factbook is available to download here: www.bcse.org/factbook. Thanks for listening!

The State of Solar with Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of SEIA

CleanCapital — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 20:32:28 GMT

Happy Birthday Experts Only! Thanks to all our listeners so far, it’s been a big year for our podcast, we’ve released 30 episodes with leading experts ranging from investors, industry visionaries, and innovators across the cleantech space and financial markets focusing on the intersection of energy, innovation and finance. We’ve invited back our first Experts Only guest, Abby Ross Hopper, President and CEO of Solar Energy Industries Association. It’s been quite the year for the solar industry and we’ve invited Abby back to discuss the state of solar, how the industry has responded to a challenging political climate from the international trade case to international climate agreement withdrawals and federal regulations intended to favor fossil fuels. It’s been a busy year. As many of our listeners will be headed to Solar Power International in Anaheim, we hope today’s conversation will help give you a sense of where the industry is and where it’s headed before you head out to this year’s show. For those headed to Anaheim, we’ll be doing a live recording of Experts Only focused on Business Opportunity of Microgrids on Wednesday from 2:30-4, you can find more details below. I hope you enjoy today’s conversation as we discuss that the state of solar is strong. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Details about Experts Only Live at SPI on Wed, Sept 26 from 2:30-4pm: https://www.eventscribe.com/2018/SPI/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=403418 Details about SPI: https://www.solarpowerinternational.com/ Details about SEIA: https://seia.org ICYMI Abby’s first interview 1 year ago: https://cleancapital.com/2017/09/understanding-the-solar-trade-case-my-conversation-with-seia-ceo-abigail-ross-hopper/

Episode 65: Marilyn Waite

CleanCapital — Tue, 05 May 2020 17:23:59 GMT

This week's guest is Marilyn Waite, Program Officer in Environment at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and author of the book 'Sustainability at Work: careers that make a difference'. Marilyn manages the foundation’s grantmaking on climate and clean energy finance with the ambitious goal of addressing climate change by accelerating the transition to a climate-friendly economy. Her book, now used in higher education curricula in the United States and China, is a compelling guide for everyone who wants to have both a successful career and a career that makes a positive difference in society. Host Jon Powers explores Marilyn's innovative work on clean energy finance and sustainability in the U.S. and on the international stage.

Live From NY Green Innovation Showcase - A Convo with Alicia Barton of NYSERDA

CleanCapital — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 17:18:15 GMT

This week’s episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the NY Green Innovation Showcase, hosted by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Jon Powers sits down with Alicia Barton, President and CEO of NYSERDA, to talk about New York’s current and future roadmap in the energy transition. This conversation features insights from Alicia on the state of clean energy technology, storage and innovation; the US and global energy systems transition and market growth; and the role of companies, regulators, investors, governments, and utilities in building a clean energy economy. Alicia brings a wealth of experience and knowledge on the industry to share with you. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Find more episodes: http://www.cleancapital.com/expert-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ The NY Green Innovation Showcase attracted leading cleantech investors and strategic partners from around the globe to help drive deal flows and help improve the environment for co-investment and syndication. For those who don’t know NYSERDA, they are leading the way in the US energy transition and setting the standard for many other states to follow. NYSERDA, promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. Since 1975, NYSERDA has worked with stakeholders throughout New York including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, university researchers, utility representatives, investors, and entrepreneurs to develop, invest, and foster the conditions that expand the state’s clean energy economy. Learn more about NYSERDA: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About

Episode 50: Amy Francetic of Energize Ventures

CleanCapital — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 18:47:09 GMT

This week on the pod, we're speaking with Amy Francetic, Managing Director of Energize Ventures. Amy is a business executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in the energy and technology. She is a successful entrepreneur, fundraiser, and investor, who just last year founded Energize Ventures: a $165 million venture fund, one of the largest first-time venture funds raised in Chicago in recent years.

Gretchen Bakke, Author of The Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future

CleanCapital — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 18:59:43 GMT

This week, Thomas Byrne sits down with Gretchen Bakke, cultural anthropology professor at McGill University, to discuss her most recent book “The Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future.” In the last century, America’s electrical supply has evolved from a series of smaller, distributed energy sources to mostly monopolized large utility companies. And still the energy systems of America and other countries continue to evolve. On this week’s episode of Experts Only, our guest, Gretchen Bakke, shares insights from her book on the electrification of America, the development of the modern grid, and her thoughts on the future of utilities. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com/expert-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ About Gretchen: Gretchen Bakke is a cultural anthropologist and author of The Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future. She is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at McGill University and currently holds a position as a Guest Professor at the Integrative Research Institute on Transformations of Human-Environment Systems, Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. Learn more about Gretchen Bakke and her work: http://bakkeconsolidated.org/Welcome.html

Episode 79: Michael Eyman

CleanCapital — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 19:40:03 GMT

Welcome back to Experts Only! This week, host Jon Powers welcomes Michael Eyman, Managing Director at Origis Services. Eyman discusses his military background and career in the O&M side of the energy industry. Whether you’re experienced in the operating side of the industry, or want to learn more about augmenting the value of clean energy assets, we hope you find this discussion informative. Thank you for tuning in.

Experts Only Podcast #96: with Energy Efficiency Expert Cullen Kasunic

CleanCapital — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 20:33:29 GMT

Welcome Cullen Kasunic, Chief Financial Officer & Head of Project Finance at BlocPower to Experts Only. Cullen joins host Jon Powers to address energy efficiency in climate change and climate justice. Tune in to hear from a renewable energy finance leader!

#117 with Roger Ballentine, President of Green Strategies, Inc.

CleanCapital — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 20:40:25 GMT

Welcome back Roger Ballentine, energy and sustainability strategist, to the show. Roger first appeared on Experts Only five years ago. Listeners got to know Roger as he discussed his experience in the clean energy space, helping to form the conversation around climate the last few decades. 106 podcast episodes have passed since then, and we're grateful to have him back on the show! During this episode, Roger and host Jon Powers discuss the Clean Air Task Force's report: "Modernizing How Electricity Buyers Account and are Recognized for Decarbonization Impact and Climate Leadership." Tune in to hear more about the work this report is trying to affect, and Roger's work at Green Strategies, Inc. Thank you for listening!

Welcome to Experts Only!

CleanCapital — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 17:45:56 GMT

Join our host Jon Powers for the introductory episode of our 'Experts Only' podcast where we speak with leaders at the forefront of energy, finance and innovation.

Episode 80: Building an Equitable Energy Future with Devin Hampton

CleanCapital — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 19:09:51 GMT

Host Jon Powers recently moderated a fireside chat with Devin Hampton, CEO of Utility API, as part of the Navigate Webinar Series from the Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC) in collaboration with CleanCapital. Jon and Devin talked about building an equitable energy future and hiring a diverse workforce as we continue the transition to a clean energy economy. They discussed not only the topic of diversity, but also what action listeners can take to drive change within their companies. Though this chat was previously recorded and participants who listened live were able to submit questions, we hope you come away with a better understanding of diversity in the cleantech sector. If you have any questions after listening to the chat, please tweet @NECEC and @CleanCapital_ to keep the conversation going. Thank you to all of the Navigateseries sponsors, including New York State Energy Research & Development (NYSERDA), for supporting this chat, and thank you for listening!

Alicia Seiger, Deputy Director of the Stanford Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance

CleanCapital — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 20:25:42 GMT

We are joined this week by Alicia Seiger Deputy Director, Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance and Managing Director, Precourt Institute Clean Energy Finance Initiative. Alicia leads the center’s work to develop and deploy financial innovations for philanthropic and long-term sources of capital to catalyze a rapid decarbonization of the global economy. This week’s conversations focuses on the evolution of the academic thinking on climate and finance and what’s driving the business case for investing in clean energy. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Connect with Alicia via twitter @aaseiger and Steyer Taylor Center @StandfordSTC Alicia’s latest articles mentioned in the pod: Businesses and Investors Need to Act on Climate Now https://ssir.org/articles/entry/businesses_and_investors_need_to_act_on_climate_now Connecting Climate Resilience to the Bottom Line https://ssir.org/articles/entry/businesses_and_investors_need_to_act_on_climate_now

#119: IRA Anniversary: Reviewing One Year of Clean Energy Policy, Finance, and Technology

CleanCapital — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:25:00 GMT

In 2023, the world experienced extreme weather events from rising ocean temperatures to detrimental wildfire smoke to the hottest consecutive days the Earth has ever seen. However, renewable energy is at a historical moment in time where policy, technology, and finance have aligned in a way to make a generational impact against the climate crisis. Thanks to the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) over the last year, the industry has built significant momentum. We are witnessing a generational opportunity to drive both public and private sector investment into clean energy solutions. Tune in as Jon Powers, President of CleanCapital, is joined by Thomas Byrne, CEO of CleanCapital; Alex McDonough, Partner at Pioneer Public Affairs; and Marta Stoepker, Director of Public Relations at Qcells discuss the following: - Why the clean energy transition is at an historic inflection point as policy, technology, and finance align. - How the IRA has reshaped climate policy, and navigating those real-time policy changes. - How U.S. manufacturing of clean energy technology is increasing and what more to expect based on the IRA incentivizes for Domestic Products. - Understanding how climate legislation is unleashing billions of dollars in private capital to build assets like solar and energy storage.

Experts Only Podcast #101 with Sustainable Capital Expert Trenton Allen

CleanCapital — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:38:51 GMT

Welcome Trenton Allen, Managing Director and CEO of Sustainable Capital Advisors, and Member of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board, to Experts Only Podcast. Tune in to hear host Jon Powers' discussion with Allen, an expert in sustainable capital. Thanks for listening!

Adam Gardner, lead singer of Guster and Co-Founder and Co-Director of REVERB

CleanCapital — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 18:49:59 GMT

Join us as we catch up with Adam Gardner, lead singer of Guster, as well as, the Co-Founder and Co-Director of REVERB. We have an interesting conversation about how innovation and clean energy intersect in the music industry. Learn how Adam took up the charge to disrupt the status quo of energy consumption in the music festival industry and in the process empowered fans to become clean energy advocates. Learn more about REVERB: http://reverb.org/ Follow on Twitter: @reverbrocks Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_

Chris Buddin, Goldman Sachs

CleanCapital — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:15:21 GMT

We are joined this week by Chris Buddin (@cbuddin), Global Head of Clean Technology Renewables Group and the Internet of Things in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs. This week’s conversations focuses on technology, where clean energy has come and where it’s going. We also talk about how the evolution of technology development is affecting the market, specifically as it relates to the Internet of Things. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_

Experts Only Podcast #97: Learn About Flow Battery Technology with Eric Dresselhuys, CEO, ESS Inc.

CleanCapital — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 13:46:13 GMT

Host Jon Powers welcomes Eric Dresselhuys, ESS Inc. CEO, to Experts Only for an important conversation about flow battery technology. Tune in to hear more from an energy storage expert.

Episode 82: Adam Browning

CleanCapital — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 16:29:31 GMT

Bill Bush, Chief Financial Officer of Stem

CleanCapital — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 17:11:09 GMT

This week, Jon Powers speaks with, Bill Bush, the Chief Financial Officer of Stem, a leading energy storage company, where he manages the company’s corporate and project financing efforts, guiding Stem from a startup to a $200 million-invested leader in the industry. Prior to joining Stem, Bill was CFO at multiple companies within the solar space, including Borrego Solar Systems, and Solar Semiconductor Inc., leading them to high-growth and profitability. Bill brings a wealth of accounting and financial experience to the clean tech world, previously serving as CFO and Corporate Controller numerous software, and online media companies. Additionally, Bill worked for seven years in public accounting with Ernst & Young (EY) and PricewaterhouseCoopers. We discuss energy storage, and the potentially transformational impact it will have on the energy sector, and what Stem is doing to drive this change. We hope you enjoy our conversation today with Bill as much as we did. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about Stem here: http://www.stem.com/, follow on Twitter: @stempowered

Episode 84: The Big Picture of Sustainability in the Film Industry

CleanCapital — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 20:10:19 GMT

Tune in as host Jon Powers discusses the big picture of sustainability in the film industry with Julie Christeas and Jonny Blitstein of Tandem Pictures. Did you know the film industry is both a massive consumer of energy and a large carbon emitter? How can we decrease the amount of waste that the film industry produces? Hear from two industry experts about their latest film, sustainability efforts behind the camera, and the innovative changes they're making to lead the industry toward a greener future.

Episode 51: Lisa Jacobson & Ethan Zindler

CleanCapital — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 18:24:05 GMT

On this episode of Experts Only, host Jon Powers talks with Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE)and Ethan Zindler, head of Americas at Bloomberg NEF. Bloomberg NEF produces and BCSE underwrites the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook, which provides up-to-date, accurate market intelligence about the broad range of industries that are contributing to the country’s move towards cleaner energy production and more efficient energy usage. The discussion highlights some of the insights in the 2019 Factbook and how businesses, advocacy organizations, and governments are making that research actionable as we drive toward a clean energy economy.

Greg Wetstone, President and CEO of the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE)

CleanCapital — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:00:51 GMT

Today we're speaking with Greg Wetstone, the President and CEO of the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE). ACORE is a national nonprofit focused on how finance, policy, and technology accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. Throughout his career, Greg's demonstrated leadership in this sector both in the private and public sector. Prior to joining ACORE, he served as the Vice President of Terraform Power, a renewable energy company as well as working at the American Wind Energy Association and with the National Resources Defense Council. In our conversation, we discuss what's happening in the federal policy space to help drive generation We also examine what's happening with commercial customers that's helping to drive demand for renewable energy in a way that we've never seen before. You should definitely check out ACORE's Renewable Energy Finance Forum Wall Street, which is June 19th-20th in New York City. You can find more information at ACORE.org. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_

The 2023 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook with Lisa Jacobson & Ethan Zindler

CleanCapital — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 20:12:44 GMT

Host Jon Powers welcomed Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), and Ethan Zindler, Head of Americas for BloombergNEF, back for their sixth annual conversation about the Sustainable Energy in America 2023 Factbook. This conversation is an annual tradition that covers the data in the Factbook, highlighting where the industry is today. The Factbook has been published every year for over a decade, so now you can track the growth in the market over the last 10 years. Tune in as Jon, Lisa and Ethan look both backwards and out of where the market is. The Factbook is available to download here: https://bcse.org/market-trends/. Thanks for listening!

Podcast #88: Thomas Byrne

CleanCapital — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 13:00:21 GMT

On a very special episode of the Experts Only podcast, host Jon Powers interviews his friend and co-founder of CleanCapital, CEO Thomas Byrne. CleanCapital recently secured a $300 million commitment from Manulife Investment Management, a landmark investment that marks a new phase in CleanCapital's six-year history. Jon and Thomas discuss that history, the learnings that led them to seek this arrangement, and the future of CleanCapital with the backing of a blue-chip investment partner like Manulife / John Hancock. Listen now!

Podcast #112: with Tax Expert Elizabeth Crouse and IRA Expert Elizabeth Gore

CleanCapital — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:28:59 GMT

In August Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark climate and clean energy bill. Six months later, we're asking: where are we now? We recently hosted a webinar titled "How is the Inflation Reduction Act Affecting Clean Energy Developers" for listeners to better understand how the rollout of IRA policies will impact clean energy developers. - What are the steps to full implementation? - What progress has been made on tax and other key policy levels within the administration? CleanCapital's Jon Powers was joined by Tax Expert Elizabeth Crouse and IRA Expert Elizabeth Gore to recap recent & upcoming announcements and the exciting potential outcomes for solar and storage developers. Hosted by: - Jon Powers President, CleanCapital Panelists: - Elizabeth Crouse Tax Partner & Co-Lead of Power, K&L Gates - Elizabeth Gore Senior Vice President, Political Affairs at Environmental Defense Fund

Varun Sivaram, Author of "Taming the Sun"

CleanCapital — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 19:17:49 GMT

This week, Thomas Byrne, CEO of CleanCapital, sits down with Varun Sivaram, a thought leader in the clean energy space. He’s We discuss his exceptional new book, Taming the Sun, which outlines the current clean energy landscape, and the advances that we need to make to unleash it. It's a thought-provoking book, and we encourage all listeners to grab a copy. I hope you enjoy the conversation. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about Varun (@VSIV): Science & Technology Fellow @CFR_org; Prof @GeorgetownSFS; Fellow @ColumbiaUEnergy. Order the @MITPress book, #TamingTheSun via http://amzn.to/2Aaal2E

Episode 54: Melanie Nakagawa

CleanCapital — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 18:38:01 GMT

This week on the pod we speak with Melanie Nakagawa, Head of Climate Initiative at Princeville Capital. Melanie previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Transformation at the U.S. State Department (2015 - 2017) where she helped countries implement clean energy commitments and led engagements in high growth markets such as India and Morocco. Additionally, she served as a strategic adviser to Secretary of State John Kerry, where she spearheaded engagements with the private sector that focused on climate investment and addressing climate change. Host Jon Powers speaks with Melanie about Princeville Climate, Princeville Capital’s fund which invests in growth-stage technology companies with a primary goal of having a positive impact on climate change in sectors such as Smart Grid, Advanced Mobility, Smart Cities, Industrial, Smart Agriculture and Resilient Health.

PACE 101: David Gabrielson, Executive Director PACEnation

CleanCapital — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 20:03:59 GMT

We have a unique episode this week. There is a lot of industry interest in PACE financing but not a lot of people know how it works. So we're joined this week by PACEnation's, David Gabrielson. David serves as the Executive Director and founded PACEnation in 2010. David and I will talk about PACE, which is property assessed clean energy, which is a financing mechanism that enables low cost, long term funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation projects for both residential and commercial. The PACE financing is repaid as an assessment on the properties, regular tax bill in his process, the same way that other local public benefits assessments are like sidewalks and sewers and those programs have been in place for decades. But a lot depends on the local legislation. PACE can be used for commercial, nonprofit and residential properties. Today’s episode is a great introduction to this innovative and complex PACE financing for #CleanEnergy. Listeners can learn even more at the PACEnation Summit, which will be out in Denver in March. Learn more at PACENation.us. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_

Episode 57: Ryan Popple

CleanCapital — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 15:07:53 GMT

This week, Jon sits down with Ryan Popple, president and CEO of Proterra. Proterra is the leading innovator of zero-emission, battery-electric buses. This conversation centers on Ryan’s journey into the clean energy space and the role Proterra plays in leading the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Prior to Proterra, Ryan was a partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and the senior director of finance at Tesla Motors, focusing on strategic planning, technology cost reduction and corporate finance. Ryan served in the U.S. Army, received a bachelor’s in business administration from the College of William & Mary and a master’s in business administration from Harvard University.

Podcast #103: Direct Pay: What it Means for Solar & Storage Developers

CleanCapital — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 14:11:05 GMT

During this important webinar, hear from the experts: - Jon Powers (President & Co-founder, CleanCapital) - Melinda Baglio (Chief Investment Officer & General Counsel, CleanCapital) - Shannon Maher Bañaga (Spokesperson, The Partnership for Clean Energy Investment) - Christopher Mathey (Federal Policy & Business Development, Stem, Inc.) - Joshua R Baribeau, CFA (VP of Finance & Corporate Treasury, Ameresco) Learn what direct pay is, how we expect it to move the clean energy industry forward, its status in Congress, and what you can do to help during this critical time in the Solar+ Decade. Tune in to hear more.

#133: How Corporate Procurement Could Be Blindsided by Scope 2 Changes

CleanCapital — Wed, 28 May 2025 13:21:01 GMT

Welcome back to the show, Roger Ballentine, President, Green Strategies, Inc. Our show has been on a bit of a hiatus but we are coming back with a vengeance, driven by the conversation you're about to listen to. We are following what's happening in Washington constantly, as the tax bill and the Trump Administration are trying to drive change to our industry. But there's a secondary fight that we're tracking now - major changes are coming to green house gas emission accounting. This is critical in terms of how companies buy and measure their renewable energy. If these changes go forward, they can be as detrimental to our market as losing the investment tax credit or some of the anti-IRA efforts that are being pushed in Washington today. Please also read our blog on how to take action as soon as you can. The timing is really important, and it has to happen now. Thank you for tuning in! We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Ron Suber, President Emeritus of Prosper Marketplace

CleanCapital — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 20:15:33 GMT

This week, Thomas Byrne, CleanCapital CEO, guest hosts for an exciting conversation with Ron Suber, a FinTech leader and pioneer as the President Emeritus of Prosper Marketplace. It’s a great discussion on the history of FinTech and how marketplace lending is transforming finance. Ron has been at the forefront of the advancements taking place in the financial marketplace and the growing interest to interact with the next generation of consumers. Learn what’s in store as we head into the “Golden Age of FinTech” and how we can finance online in a more efficient way. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_

Podcast #102 with J.C. Kibbey, an Illinois Clean Energy Advocate for NRDC

CleanCapital — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 15:06:37 GMT

Welcome JC Kibbey, Illinois Clean Energy Advocate at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), to Experts Only Podcast. Illinois recently passed a monumental piece of legislation, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, signed by Governor J. B. Pritzker. This Act presents a binding 100% carbon-free energy standard by 2045 and establishes Illinois as a national leader in clean energy policy. JC Kibbey has been monumental in pushing this legislation forward. Tune in to hear host Jon Powers' discussion with Kibbey, a clean energy advocate, as they discuss the opportunities the Act presents for investing and developing clean energy in Illinois. Thanks for listening!

Episode 87: Solar Risk Management Jason Kaminsky

CleanCapital — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:01:23 GMT

Welcome Jason Kaminsky, Chief Operating Officer for kWh Analytics. Hear from an industry expert on the next phase of solar and best practices to use data to better manage assets and ensure predictable revenue. Jason and Jon spoke about the next phase of solar and the cutting edge advancements they're making in data management. Our team enjoys working closely with kWh, as they're a market leader in solar risk management, and we're thrilled to welcome Jason to the show.

Episode 55: Live at Solar Power International 2019

CleanCapital — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 16:39:28 GMT

In this very special live episode of Experts Only, Jon Powers of CleanCapital hosts a panel of guests at the Solar Power International convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Guests include: Bill Bush | CFO, STEM Bill drives project financing efforts and corporate funding initiatives at Stem, which builds and operates the largest digitally connected energy storage network. Adam Browning | Executive Director, Vote Solar Vote Solar’s mission is to make solar a mainstream energy resource across the U.S. Adam co-founded the organization in 2002 and leads Vote Solar's team of advocates, experts and staff working to bring solar to the mainstream across the U.S. Emily Fritze | Director of Strategy & Business Development, Powerhouse Emily manages strategic partnerships, programming, and business development at Powerhouse, a network-driven venture fund that backs entrepreneurs building the future of energy and mobility. Jon and the panel discuss some of the exciting milestones the clean energy industry reached in 2019 and what's on the horizon in 2020. Appreciation to Nico Johnson of Suncast for hosting us at the North America Smart Energy Week Podcast Lounge.

#131: Live from RE+: Thinking Outside of the Box: Envisioning Our Clean Energy Future

CleanCapital — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 20:44:14 GMT

The maturation of clean energy policy, technology, and finance has paved the way for a sustainable future. Now, in the face of escalating weather events that are placing our energy infrastructure at risk, we all have an important role to play in advancing decarbonization efforts. By leveraging investments and policy frameworks, there's an opportunity to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster the growth of clean energy sources. This interactive session will highlight case studies demonstrating both feasibility and economic viability in transitioning to renewables, even in the most unconventional of cases. Moderator: - Jon Powers, President, CleanCapital Panelists: - Jaime Carlson, Head of Commercialization and Market Risk, SB Energy - Sean Gallagher, Senior Vice President, Policy, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) - Peter Muhoro, PhD, SEPA Board Member & Chief Strategy, Technology and Innovation Officer, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative - Marta Stoepker, Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Qcells

Tom Matzzie, CEO and President of CleanChoice Energy

CleanCapital — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:56:10 GMT

This week we sit down with Tom Matzzie, CEO and President of CleanChoice Energy. It’s an informative conversation as we discuss wholesale energy markets. Tom does a great job of breaking down how these complex markets work and how CleanChoice is making it faster and easier to participate in the space.Tom’s journey is also an interesting one as he navigated from political advocacy to clean energy. Join us we learn how technology and innovation is simplifying and driving broader adoption of clean energy through wholesale energy markets. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about CleanChoice Energy and how you can get involved: https://cleanchoiceenergy.com/

Adam Browning, Executive Director at Vote Solar

CleanCapital — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 13:59:35 GMT

This week we sit down with Adam Browning, Executive Director of Vote Solar. We explore Vote Solar’s unique role in the marketplace. This conversation is especially timely given the political climate surrounding renewables at the federal level, pending tax reform, and the tariff case before the International Trade Commission.

Experts Only Podcast #104 with Commercial Financing Expert Jigar Shah

CleanCapital — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 15:49:57 GMT

Welcome Jigar Shah, Director, Loans Program, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to Experts Only Podcast. Jigar joins host Jon Powers for an expert conversation on the unique American approach to commercial financing. Tune in to learn how Shah's team will support the commercialization of technology that has been developed and demonstrated in the U.S. and scale it up to meet ambitious global decarbonization goals.

Experts Only Podcast #106 with Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Expert Rob Diamond

CleanCapital — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 17:58:03 GMT

Welcome Robert Diamond, Partner, Capitol Counsel, LLC, to Experts Only Podcast. Rob joined his longtime friend and our host, Jon Powers, for an in-depth conversation on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which was signed into law last year. During this episode, Rob, who leads the agency's infrastructure practice, explains the opportunities clean energy and climate companies have to access the $1.2 Trillion, and how they can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thanks for listening!

#124: with Kelly Worden, Expert in Investing in Healthy Sustainable Buildings

CleanCapital — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:18:08 GMT

Thank you for being on the show, Kelly Worden, VP, ESG and Investing for Health at IWBI! Kelly and our host Jon Powers dive into the world of ESG and healthy buildings, a space in which Kelly is an expert. Tune into have a better understanding of the connection between public health and our buildings, as well as the emergence of ESG, and how we measure those things -- both at the portfolio level for investors and the building level so people can demand better buildings to work in. The progress that we are making in this space is important for all of us. Thank you for tuning in!

#120: LIVE from RE+ 2023 with Jigar Shah

CleanCapital — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:22:17 GMT

Welcome back to the show, Jigar Shah, Director, DOE Loan Programs Office. You've heard from Jigar, a commercial financing expert, before in Experts Only Podcast #104. Now, hear from him LIVE at RE+ with Experts Only host Jon Powers. "This recording took place at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage at RE+ Las Vegas in 2023. PowerUp Live is where attendees can top-up on all things energy, featuring interviews with clean energy experts and conversations with podcasters around the industry. - SunCast Media" Thank you for tuning in!

Roger Ballentine, President Green Strategies, Inc.

CleanCapital — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 21:39:33 GMT

Join us as we speak with Roger Ballentine, President of Green Strategies and former Chairman of the White House Climate Change Task Force and Deputy Assistant to the President for Environmental Initiatives in the Clinton Administration. We discuss how the private sector can help solve the problem of climate change by driving economic innovation and economic growth. Roger is a seasoned energy expert, working in various capacities including sustainability, energy markets, and finance. Join us this week to learn from Roger’s work at the forefront of the climate change and sustainability movement. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Connect with Roger on twitter via @RBallentine and http://www.greenstrategies.com/

# 135: Understand The Battle over Energy Affordability with the former Secretary of Energy

CleanCapital — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:09:18 GMT

On the podcast Experts Only, host Jon Powers interviews Jennifer Granholm, former Michigan Governor and U.S. Secretary of Energy, about her journey from civil rights law to political leadership focused on job creation and clean energy innovation. She discusses her efforts to transition Michigan’s automotive sector toward clean energy and her later work in the federal government to strengthen U.S. clean energy manufacturing. Granholm emphasizes the importance of federal policy in competing globally—especially with China—and highlights the Inflation Reduction Act’s role in spurring a wave of new clean energy factories across the U.S. She also addresses challenges around electricity pricing, rising demand from data centers, and the need for regulatory reforms that incentivize utilities to prioritize efficiency. Closing the conversation, Granholm reflects on leadership and the importance of fighting for policies that advance affordability, innovation, and long-term clean energy progress.

Podcast #100 with Decarbonization Expert Jan Vrins

CleanCapital — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 13:47:20 GMT

Host Jon Powers welcomes Jan Vrins, Global Energy, Sustainability and Infrastructure Segment Leader, Guidehouse, to the show for our 100th episode. Tune in to learn more from an expert on decarbonization.

Andrea Luecke, President & Executive Director, The Solar Foundation

CleanCapital — Wed, 22 May 2019 14:05:05 GMT

This week we're speaking with Andrea Luecke, President and Executive Director of the Solar Foundation. Andrea started out as the sole employee for The Solar Foundation in 2010 and has since expanded the organization from a shoe-string budget to a multi-million dollar set of programs dedicated to advancing solar energy growth. Prior to The Solar Foundation, Andrea ran the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Energy Solar America Cities program, “Milwaukee Shines,” implementing policies aimed at increasing solar energy capacity. For more about The Solar Foundation, visit https://www.thesolarfoundation.org/.

Experts Only Podcast #95: Understanding Cyber Threats with Cyber Security Expert Richard Hummel

CleanCapital — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:25:15 GMT

Welcome Richard Hummel, Manager, Threat Research at Arbor Networks, the security division of NETSCOUT, to Experts Only Podcast. Hear from a #cybersecurity expert as he joins host Jon Powers to discuss #cyberthreats and #cyberattack prevention in the #energy industry. Tune in for this alarming–but important–discussion.

Episode 60: Dr. Michael E. Mann

CleanCapital — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 21:51:42 GMT

In the first Experts Only episode of the new decade, Jon sits down with renowned climate scientist Dr. Michael E. Mann. Dr. Mann is Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State and director of the Penn State Earth System Science Center. His research involves the use of theoretical models and observational data to better understand Earth's climate system, and his conclusions have put him at the epicenter of the climate movement. Dr. Mann is the author of more than 200 peer-reviewed and edited publications, numerous op-eds and commentaries, and four books, including: 'The Hockey Stick', 'Climate Wars: Dispatches from the Front Lines', 'The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial is Threatening our Planet', and the children’s book 'The Tantrum that Saved the World'. He is also the co-founder of the award winning science website RealClimate.org. For more on Dr. Mann, visit michaelmann.net.

Amory Lovins, Co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)

CleanCapital — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 19:20:13 GMT

In today’s episode, Jon Powers sits down with Amory Lovins, the co-founder, Chief Scientist, as well as the Chairman Emeritus, of the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). Amory is a leading innovator on energy and environmental issues. Time has named him one of the world’s 100 most influential people, and Foreign Policy named one of the 100 top global thinkers. His current work explores how to make integrative design the new normal, so investments to energy efficiency can yield expanding rather than diminishing returns. If you’re unfamiliar with RMI, it is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization that engages businesses, communities and institutions, as well as entrepreneurs to accelerate the adoption of market based solutions to help us shift from fossil fuels to energy efficiency and renewables. Today’s fascinating conversation covers a variety of topics from the start of Amory’s career, the founding of RMI and what's currently happening internationally India and China. It’s a little bit longer than our normal episode, but we hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about Rocky Mountain Institute here: https://rmi.org/, follow on Twitter: @RockyMtnInst @AmoryLovins

Episode 73: Greg Wetstone

CleanCapital — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 15:57:55 GMT

This week’s guest is Greg Wetstone, President and CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). ACORE is a national non-profit organization that unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. Previous to ACORE, Greg served as Vice President for Terra-Gen Power LLC; Senior Director for Government and Public Affairs at AWEA; and Director of Programs at the Natural Resources Defense Council. This episode focuses on ACORE’s annual report: ‘Expectations for Renewable Energy Finance in 2020-2023’. ACORE surveyed prominent renewable energy investors and developers to hear their thoughts on the future for renewable finance, as we are experiencing the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The episode also discusses progress toward ACORE’s goal of $1 trillion in private sector investment in renewable technologies by 2030.

Episode 52: Miranda Ballentine

CleanCapital — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 19:08:29 GMT

This week on the pod, we speak with Miranda Ballentine, CEO of the Renewable Energy Buyers’ Alliance (REBA). REBA works with businesses and organizations—Google, Facebook, and GM among them—seeking to procure renewable energy across the US. Our conversation centers on how the buying power of these large energy consumers is changing energy markets and driving America’s shift to clean energy economy.

Tom Kiernan, CEO American Wind and Energy Association (AWEA)

CleanCapital — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 18:13:48 GMT

We have an exciting conversation lined up this week with Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Learn how Tom’s passion for wind power turned into a career representing largest renewable energy source in America. Wind power is expected to be 10% of the grid by 2020 and many are calling it the “new base load.” Not only is wind power helping to keep the lights on but it’s also creating careers all along the supply chain. Wind is putting people to work building, transporting and maintaining wind turbines all across the country. Learn more about AWEA: http://awea.org or follow AWEA on twitter @AWEA. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_

Talking Clean Energy Investing with Rob Day of Spring Lane Capital

CleanCapital — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:38:49 GMT

Thomas Byrne joins us this week with an interesting conversation with Rob Day, Founder and Partner at Spring Lane Capital. Rob has been a sustainable resources private equity investor since 2004, and acts or has served as a Director, Observer and advisory board member to multiple companies in the energy tech and related sectors. Rob also serves on the Board at the New England Clean Energy Council. Today’s conversation features lessons learned from Rob’s 15 years of experience in clean energy investing. He's witnessed the growth and challenges of the clean energy space and has a wealth of experience to share with you. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about Spring Lane Capital: https://www.springlanecapital.com/ Spring Lane Capital partners with strong management teams who are selling or using distributed assets with compelling customer economics in the energy, water, food and waste sectors. Learn more about Spring Lane Capital: https://www.springlanecapital.com/

Episode #113 w/ Joe Bryan, Chief Sustainability Officer & Senior Advisor to the Secretary, U.S. DOD

CleanCapital — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 18:00:38 GMT

Host Jon Powers welcomes Joe Bryan, Chief Sustainability Officer & First Senior Advisor to the Secretary, United States Department of Defense. Joe is an expert in creating change and doing interesting, innovating things both internally and externally, and he brings out the Department as a leader in both the markets and internationally. This conversation brings our host back to his days of working at the Pentagon with Joe. He was excited to dive back in and see the work Joe is doing to bring change on the issues they care about. Welcome to the show, Joe!

Terry Tamminen, CEO, Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

CleanCapital — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 19:59:37 GMT

Thomas Byrne sits down with Terry Tamminen, CEO of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, to discuss climate change solutions, updates on progress from #California, and Terry’s journey to CEO of Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (and of course what it’s like working with Leo). Terry has an impressive and expansive history working on environmental causes for more than 20 years in state government, universities, and the private sector. He founded the Santa Monica BayKeeper, served as the Executive Director of the Environment Now Foundation, and co-founded the Frank G. Wells Environmental Law Clinic at the School of Law, University of California Los Angeles. After helping Arnold Schwarzenegger win the historic recall election and become Governor of California in 2003, Terry was appointed to a position as Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, and later as Cabinet Secretary, the Chief Policy Advisor to the Governor. During his time in government, Terry was the architect of many groundbreaking sustainability policies, including California's landmark Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, the Hydrogen Highway Network, and the Million Solar Roofs initiative. Terry joined the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation as CEO in 2016. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com/expert-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about Terry Tamminen and his work: https://www.leonardodicaprio.org/team/ or on his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-tamminen-b8523ab3/

Michael Terrell, Head of Energy Market Development at Google

CleanCapital — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 19:13:40 GMT

This week on the pod, Jon Powers speaks to Michael Terrell, Head of Energy Market Development at Google. Michael leads energy market strategy at Google, where he is part of the business team responsible for the company’s data centers and global energy portfolio. In this role, Michael has advanced new approaches to Google’s procurement of 3 gigawatts of renewable power, pioneered innovative renewable energy purchase programs in the U.S. and overseas, and delivered landmark projects such as converting a coal plant to a data center. In their discussion, Terrell and Powers talk about the market forces driving—or, in some cases, being shaped by—innovative corporate sustainability strategies. Michael Terrell holds a B.S. in Natural Resources from Sewanee, the University of the South; an M.E.M. in Environmental Management from Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies; and a J.D. cum laude from the University of Michigan School of Law. Prior to his work at Google, he held positions as Special Assistant for Outreach and Strategic Planning for the White House Council on Environmental Quality; Policy Aide for the U.S. Department of State; and law clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice environmental enforcement division. He also served as Deputy Chair for the Energy and Climate Change Working Group of the Clinton Global Initiative. Experts Only is hosted by CleanCapital. Learn more: www.cleancapital.com/experts-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ To learn more about Google’s sustainability initiatives, visit: https://sustainability.google/ Resources mentioned include the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance; learn more at: https://rebuyers.org/

#125: with Lynn Abramson, Expert in Understanding the State of Clean Energy

CleanCapital — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 21:10:27 GMT

Happy Women's History Month! Welcome to the show Lynn Abramson, President of the Clean Energy Business Network. Lynn and her organization annually release a report on the state of clean energy, which dives into the numbers of how we are impacting states at the local level for jobs, investment, and deployment. Tune in to hear Lynn and Jon's conversation around advocacy, the industry's impact, and challenges we're facing. Check out the report at cebn.org. Thank you Lynn for being on the show, and thank you for listening!

Episode 58: Live at Solar & Storage Finance 2019

CleanCapital — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 19:17:03 GMT

On this special episode of the Experts Only podcast, Jon Powers moderates the keynote panel at Solar Storage & Finance 2019 (New York City, 10/29/19). "Terawatts & Trillions" explores the need for trillions of dollars in investment if we are to hit our climate change mitigation goals. At the same time, the power sector is undergoing a fundamental shift as generation becomes more decentralized, storage matures and comes down in cost and more technologies hit the sector. These factors create a huge opportunity for investors but the industry needs to provide comfort that the risks are low to attract more institutional funds. The panel discussion features: - Mona E. Dajani, Global Head of Energy and Infrastructure, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP - Rael McNally, Director of Real Assets, Infrastructure, & Renewable Power, BlackRock Alternative Investments - Simms Duncan, Senior Director of Project Finance and M&A, Lightsource BP

#122: Watts Next? Solar & Storage Dynamics in 2024

CleanCapital — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:16:40 GMT

2023 brought successes and surprises for the clean energy industry. From major impacts on the economy by adding over 20,000 jobs since last year to navigating the challenges deals face due to rising interest rates, the capital and debt markets – renewable energy has been battling to keep the ground gained. Despite these challenges, the clean energy transition continues to progress and our industry remains resilient. As we look to welcome 2024, the CleanCapital executive team shared what they believe should be prioritized, elevated, and executed to level up the efforts in clean energy and achieve industry-wide goals. In this webinar Jon Powers, President, Melinda Baglio, General Counsel & Chief Investment Officer, Paul Curran, Chief Development Officer, and Zoe Berkery, Chief Operating Officer, discussed: - How future of deals will be determined by markets - Why diversifying energy projects will create success - How the market needs to be prepared to meet demands (both in jobs and power) - Share stories that matter to the industry, not just marketing (Please note that this webinar was filmed on December 13th just before the Fed announcement regarding rate cuts in 2024).

Dr. Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs

CleanCapital — Mon, 07 May 2018 19:53:02 GMT

This week, Jon, sits down with Dr Emily Reichert, Emily is the CEO of Greentown Labs, the largest cleantech incubator in the United States. She helped grow the company from it’s four co-founders into a global leader in cleantech. Emily is chemist by training, who went to MIT Sloan Management. Listen in and learn how she leverages her technical experience and enhanced her skillset with the management work to lead this incredible lab. We dive into what’s the future for the cleantech space, how these incubators are emerging and what VCs should look for in the space. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_

#127: Unpacking the Proposed Decision on Community Solar in CA

CleanCapital — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 20:02:15 GMT

Welcome back to Experts Only Podcast! There’s been a lot of excitement about unleashing a community solar market in California, and the potential to make it one of the most equitable community solar programs in the country. However, a March 4th proposed decision by the California Public Utilities Commission has put a community-solar plan backed by lawmakers, pro-solar groups, environmental-justice advocates, unions and homebuilders in jeopardy. This episode, our guest host, Scott Elias, better known as "ScottySolar," welcomes Derek Chernow from the Coalition for Community Solar Access, Matthew Freedman from The Utility Reform Network, and Alexis Sutterman from the California Environmental Justice Alliance to unpack the effort to revamp California's community solar market amidst the CPUC's proposed decision. Thank you for listening! For more information: - Comments of the Coalition for Community Solar Access on Proposed Decision Modifying Green Access Program Tariffs and Adopting a Community Renewable Energy Program: https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M527/K884/527884666.PDF - Former FERC Chair and CCSA challenge Proposed Decision on California community solar in opening comments: https://communitysolaraccess.org/news/former-ferc-chair-and-ccsa-challenge-proposed-decision-on-california-community-solar-in-opening-comments - Our Sun. Our Power. California: https://oursunourpower.com/state/california/

Experts Only Podcast #91: A Preview of the Virtual ACORE Finance Forum with Greg Wetstone

CleanCapital — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 15:30:31 GMT

Welcome Greg Wetstone, President and Chief Executive Officer at American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), to Experts Only Podcast #91 for a preview of the virtual ACORE Finance Forum. Hear from the expert on the state of the renewable energy industry and where it's headed. Tune in!

Episode 75: Sarah Shanley Hope

CleanCapital — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:11:37 GMT

This week on the Experts Only podcast our guest is Sarah Shanley Hope, Executive Director of The Solutions Project. The Solutions Project is a national organization with a vision of 100% clean energy for 100% of people that invests in community-driven solutions, inspires people with stories about everyday heroes, and builds strategic relationships between unlikely allies. Host Jon Powers explores Sarah's background of fighting for social justice and human rights and how it led her to pursue equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

Episode 74: Nicole Systrom

CleanCapital — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 19:55:27 GMT

This week on the Experts Only podcast our guest is Nicole Systrom, founder of Sutro Energy Group. Sutro Energy Group partners with philanthropists, investors and entrepreneurs to accelerate high-impact climate and clean technology solutions. Nicole serves on the board of directors for Activate, a non-profit supporting entrepreneurial scientists and engineers tackling the world's biggest challenges; Prime Coalition, a non-profit providing funding to companies combating climate change; and the Energy Foundation. Together with host Jon Powers, Nicole discusses the urgency surrounding the climate crisis and the 'scientific and investment revolution' needed to tackle it.

Episode 71: Chad Farrell

CleanCapital — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 13:36:45 GMT

This week’s guest is Chad Farrell, founder and CEO of Encore Renewable Energy. He is a developer, project manager, and engineer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. At Encore, Chad works towards the development of alternative energy and the redevelopment of contaminated sites. Host Jon Powers dives into Chad’s past experiences, how he started Encore, and the company’s role in the energy transition. They discuss some interesting topics such as brownfield development and pollinators.

Episode 68: Navigate Webinar #1 - Clean Energy Start Ups

CleanCapital — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 19:02:14 GMT

This week's episode is in collaboration with NECEC or the Northeast Clean Energy Council's first Navigate Program webinar. Navigate is a program that leverages the connections and power of NECEC to provide resources and support to clean energy startups. Host, Jon Powers discusses with three panelists; Matthew Nordan, Managing Director of Prime Impact Fund, Marnie LaVigne, CEO of Launch NY, and Hudson Gilmer, CEO of LineVision. These leaders in the industry discuss venture capital, fundraising, and entrepreneurship within the clean energy sector, and answer a series of questions.

Episode 63: Lisa Jacobson & Ethan Zindler

CleanCapital — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 14:43:28 GMT

On this special episode of Experts Only, host Jon Powers talks with Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE)and Ethan Zindler, head of Americas at Bloomberg NEF. Bloomberg NEF produces and BCSE underwrites the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook, which provides up-to-date, accurate market intelligence about the broad range of industries that are contributing to the country’s move towards cleaner energy production and more efficient energy usage. Hear why they call 2010-2019 "a decade of profound transformation" for renewable energy in America and highlight some of the insights contained in the 2020 Factbook.

Episode 64: Live at Energy Storage Summit USA

CleanCapital — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 17:19:55 GMT

On this episode of Experts Only, host Jon Powers moderates a special live recording at the Energy Storage Summit USA conference in March 2020. Entitled "Accelerating US Storage: Unlocking Hybrid Projects", the panel discussion features Ken-Ichi Hino, Director of Energy Storage at Geronimo Energy; Holly Christie, General Counsel for Hecate Energy; and Gary Dorris, CEO & Co-Founder of Ascend Analytics. Their discussion explores the unique dynamics of standalone storage and solar + storage projects.

Episode 59: Live at the NYSERDA Green Innovation Showcase

CleanCapital — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 16:04:13 GMT

On this special episode of the Experts Only podcast, CleanCapital CEO Thomas Byrne hosts a conversation at the 2019 NYSERDA Green Innovation Showcase (New York City, 11/6/19). Our guest is John Santoleri, partner and board member at Clean Energy Venture Group and Innovation Advisor for the NYSERDA Investor Advisory Board. Hear John's insights on the state of cleantech investing and why NYSERDA is “the largest cleantech investor you never heard of”.

Daniel Oros, Co-Founder, G2VP

CleanCapital — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 17:57:34 GMT

This week on the pod, Thom Byrne speaks to Daniel Oros, co-founder of G2VP. Byrne and Oros discuss the state of venture capital and the sustainable companies G2VP invests in. In 2009, Daniel joined Kleiner Perkins and led investments for the Green Growth Fund before co-founding G2VP. Daniel’s primary focus has been on rapidly growing technology companies in the industrial, consumer, and financial services sectors. Dan is a Board member at Fictiv, an observer at Turvo, and led G2VP’s investment in Carbon. He also serves as a Board member at Optoro, a Green Growth Fund portfolio company. Prior to this, Mr. Oros was a Vice President of the Goldman Sachs Special Situations Group and a founding member of its Alternative Energy Investing team. Mr. Oros holds a B.S. degree, with distinction, in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford, with a concentration in Financial and Decision Engineering. Experts Only is hosted by CleanCapital. Learn more: www.cleancapital.com/experts-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ To learn more about G2VP’s investment Portfolio check out: https://www.g2vp.com/

Charlie Isaacs, Chief Technology Officer, Salesforce

CleanCapital — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 19:34:28 GMT

This week on the pod, guest host Marc Garrett, Chief Technology Officer speaks with Charlie Isaacs, the Chief Technology Officer for Customer Connection at Salesforce who has a successful track record of R&D leadership at companies like Verizon, Answer Systems, Broad Daylight and Kana. He’s been an early adopter and leader in the ever evolving customer relations management(CRM) and Internet of Things(IOT) software space, where he holds several patents. Charlie has been a long time supporter of solar energy and I’m excited for today’s conversation about the growing integration of data, customer relations and the internet of things in the solar industry and how an industry leader like Salesforce is helping to pave the way. We hope you enjoy today’s conversation as much as we did. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com/experts-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about the Orange Button Initiative: https://orangebuttondata.org/

Live From CELI emPOWER - The Next Generation of Clean Energy Leaders

CleanCapital — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 19:12:13 GMT

This week’s episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Clean Energy Leadership Institute’s (CELI) EMPOWER conference in DC. EMPOWER is the first conference dedicated to young professionals driving change in the clean energy sector, which says a lot about CELI’s mission as an organization. For those who don’t know CELI - the organization dedicated to developing and connecting the next generation of diverse clean energy leaders. Jon Powers sits down with Liz Dalton (new Executive Director) and Thomas Biddinger (New Board Member and VP at Bay4Energy) about the organization and its future. This conversation features insights from Liz and Thomas on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the clean energy workforce, and technology trends in energy and climate change. They both bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from multiple dimensions of the industry to share with you. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com/expert-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about CELI: https://www.cleanenergyleaders.org/ With programs operating in Washington, DC and San Francisco, CA, the Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI) is dedicated to developing the next generation of diverse, pragmatic clean energy leaders. Over the last five years, CELI has trained nearly 400 young professionals across 200+ organizations in clean energy policy, finance and technology. Learn more about CELI: https://www.cleanenergyleaders.org/ Applications for CELI's 2019 Fellowship will open on November 30th. More information can be found here: www.cleanenergyleaders.org/fellowship CELI is hosting a Clean Energy Advocacy + Deep Decarbonization event in SF on December 8th. A great opportunity for folks in the Bay who are thinking about applying to the Fellowship. RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clean-energy-advocacy-101-workshop-achieving-deep-decarbonization-tickets-51568186835

Experts Only Podcast #92: LIVE from the RISE Consortium with Dawn Lippert

CleanCapital — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:17:23 GMT

Welcome Dawn Lippert, CEO, Elemental Excelerator & Innovation, Emerson Collective, to Experts Only. Dawn, a.k.a. the Bruno Mars of clean energy, spoke with host Jon Powers live during the RISE Consortium. Hear from an expert on funding the improvement of systems that impact the planet and people's lives through energy, water, agriculture, transportation, and beyond.

#134: Ten Years of CleanCapital with Thomas Byrne

CleanCapital — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:26:06 GMT

We are back with a new episode of Experts Only, a podcast exploring innovative climate change solutions through conversations with industry leaders, hosted by Jon Powers, co-founder of CleanCapital and former chief sustainability officer under President Obama. We’re excited to relaunch the podcast with a compelling discussion with Thomas Byrne, co-founder and CEO of CleanCapital. They'll reflect on CleanCapital’s ten-year journey, highlighting our strategy of organic growth and operational efficiency that has led to over 500 megawatts of operating assets, with a projection of 700-800 megawatts by year-end. Key achievements include early financing from John Hancock, partnerships with major investors like BlackRock, and a recapitalization of our corporate debt facility from $300 million in 2021 to $800 million in 2023. Our credibility is built on transparent collaboration with developers and partners. With advancements in battery storage and community solar, CleanCapital is poised to raise billions in corporate capital by 2030, reinforcing our leadership in the clean energy sector. Thank you for joining us! Enjoy the conversation.

Understanding Direct Pay with Shannon Maher Bañaga and Frank DeRosa

CleanCapital — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 17:15:02 GMT

Host Jon Powers welcomes Shannon Maher Bañaga, Managing Director, Public Affairs, Energy & Natural Resources at FTI Consulting Strategic Communications and Frank DeRosa, Senior Policy Advisor at 8minute Solar Energy, for an expert conversation on Direct Pay for clean energy investment and the advocacy efforts of the Partnership for Clean Energy Investment.

Katherine Hamilton, Founder and Chair, 38 North Solutions

CleanCapital — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 18:54:16 GMT

This week on the pod, Jon Powers sits down with Katherine Hamilton, co-founder and chair of 38 North Solutions, to discuss current climate culture and the challenges political leaders face with clean energy innovation. It’s a fascinating discussion on how policy makers influence new technologies, resilience and clean energy, and the role of innovation as a marketforce. Katherine has had a dynamic career advancing federal clean energy policy. She has served in advisory roles for the Energy Storage Association and Good Energies, Inc.; advocated for the development of renewable portfolio standards in New Jersey and Maryland as Co-Director for the American Bioenergy Association; and worked in buildings research and government relations at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In addition to her policy experience, Katherine spent a decade at a utility, designing electrical systems for commercial and residential developments. Katherine is also a co-host of The Energy Gang podcast through Greentech Media. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com/expert-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about 38 North Solutions: https://38northsolutions.com/

Episode 76: Heather Reams

CleanCapital — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:17:55 GMT

This week on the Experts Only podcast our guest is Heather Reams, Executive Director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. CRES is a right-of center non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that engages policymakers and the public about responsible, conservative solutions to address our nation’s energy, economic, and environmental security while increasing America’s competitive edge. Host Jon Powers dives into the conservative case for clean energy and how each of us can become better climate communicators.

Dr. Lucas Joppa, Chief Environmental Officer, Microsoft

CleanCapital — Fri, 03 May 2019 14:51:24 GMT

This week on the pod, Jon Powers sits down with Dr. Lucas Joppa, Chief Environmental Officer at Microsoft. They discuss Joppa's background studying ecology and biodiversity, how that led him to a career at Microsoft. He currently leads the company’s environmental sustainability efforts as well as the AI for Earth project, a 5 year, $50 million cross-company program dedicated to AI research and technology in agriculture, water, biodiversity, and climate change. Before becoming the Chief Environmental Officer, he worked as a researcher for Microsoft at the intersection of environmental and computer science. He has a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Ecology and Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a PhD in Ecology from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, and volunteered with the PeaceCorps in Malawi.

# 118 with Barney Schauble, Expert in Understanding Climate Risk

CleanCapital — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 20:28:39 GMT

Welcome Barney Schauble, Chairman of Nephila Climate, to Experts Only! During this episode, Barney and host Jon Powers discuss the exciting future for the clean energy industry. Barney and Jon dive into insurance -- not just insurance on our assets, but also how we're insuring the broader risk of climate. Barney is also Chair of the Board of Ceres (a non-profit devoted to sustainable capitalism). He has been working in this space, both on the risk side and the capital markets side, for his entire career. They explore how he ended up working in climate, and the importance of thinking about risk and how we can better do it across the market. Tune in to hear more about the the work that needs to be done to ensure that we can address these issues overall in the climate crisis.

Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication

CleanCapital — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 15:32:29 GMT

This week on the pod, Jon Powers and Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, dive into how social, economic and behavioural norms affect the way humans view climate change. In their discussion, we learn about the 6 different views Americans hold regarding climate change, the types of questions scientists ask when studying human behaviour and climate, and how the clean energy revolution will be the biggest economic revolution in human history. Upon graduating university, Anthony moved to Aspen, Colorado and joined the Aspen Global Change institute. Since then he has become an expert on public opinion and public engagement with the issues of climate change and the environment. His research investigates the psychological, cultural, and political factors that influence environmental beliefs, attitudes, policy support, and behavior. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com/experts-only Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about Six Americas: http://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/americans-are-increasingly-alarmed-about-global-warming/

Storage is Here - Our Conversation with Kelly Speakes-Backman, Energy Storage Association

CleanCapital — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 19:55:24 GMT

On the pod this week, Jon sits down with Kelly Speakes-Backman, the CEO of the Energy Storage Association, the national trade association dedicated to energy storage, working toward a more resilient, efficient, sustainable and affordable electricity grid. The organization represents a diverse group of companies, including independent power producers, electric utilities, energy service companies, financiers, manufacturers, and more involved in deploying energy storage systems. Kelly joined ESA with more than 20 years working in energy and energy efficiency, sustainability, renewables, and environmental business strategies. Her direct technology experience includes power generation from solar, wind, biogas and biomass, distributed generation, natural gas, smart grid and fuel cells. She joined the public sector in 2010 as the Clean Energy Director at the Maryland Energy Administration, where she led a team to implement programs aimed at meeting the Administration’s goal of increasing Maryland’s renewable energy portfolio to 20 percent by 2022. With her rich experience across sectors, and throughout the energy industry, we are excited to hear Kelly’s insight on the growth of storage and the transformative potential of this emerging technology. We hope you enjoy the conversation today as much as we did. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about the Energy Storage Association: http://energystorage.org/ 2025 Report for Energy Storage: http://energystorage.org/vision2025 McKinsey on the declining costs of storage: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/electric-power-and-natural-gas/our-insights/the-new-rules-of-competition-in-energy-storage

Experts Only Podcast #115 with Paul Curran, Expert in Turning Brownfields into Brightfields

CleanCapital — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 20:46:37 GMT

Host Jon Powers welcomes his longtime industry colleague Paul Curran, CEO of BQ Energy, to the show. BQ Energy is brownfield and landfill developer. They've developed hundreds of megawatts of wind and solar. CleanCapital acquired BQ Energy in June 2022 to scale up what they were already doing. Hear more about the unique work of turning brownfields to brightfields. Paul explains that you have to know what you're doing -- but the potential to solve the climate crisis and utilize the under-utilized, or impossible, land that are brownfields and landfills could be a critical piece of the climate crisis solution. Paul was doing renewables well before renewables were cool. Tune in to hear more from him! Thanks for listening!

#137: Abigail Ross Hopper on the Solar Decade and What Comes Next

CleanCapital — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:19:26 GMT

Abigail Ross Hopper joins Experts Only for her final interview as CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. In this conversation with Jon Powers, she reflects on nearly a decade leading SEIA through extraordinary growth, political turbulence, and the transformation of solar from a fast-rising technology into a central force in America’s energy future. Jon and Abby discuss the industry’s evolution over the past 10 years, from trade fights and policy uncertainty to the rise of domestic manufacturing, storage, and stronger political engagement across the clean energy sector. They also talk candidly about what the industry still needs to do to compete, communicate its value, and build lasting influence in Washington and beyond. It’s a thoughtful look back at one of the most consequential eras in solar—and a forward-looking conversation about what comes next.

#138: The Electricity Affordability Challenge with Allison Clements

CleanCapital — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:05:57 GMT

How do we keep electricity affordable while meeting rising demand? In this episode of Experts Only, Jon Powers sits down with Allison Clements, former Commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, for a timely conversation on the growing electricity affordability challenge. They discuss what is driving higher power costs, how aging grid infrastructure and extreme weather are straining the system, and why the rapid growth of data centers is accelerating the need for solutions. Allison also shares insights from her time at FERC, including the importance of transmission planning, interconnection reform, and creating rules that allow new technologies to compete. The conversation also explores what states, regulators, and industry leaders can do now to improve reliability, expand capacity, and build a more efficient and affordable grid. This episode covers: - the root causes of the electricity affordability crisis - how data centers are changing grid planning and power demand - the role of transmission, storage, and distributed energy resources - where federal and state policy can move faster - what it will take to build a more reliable, affordable energy system Listen now to hear Allison’s perspective on one of the most important energy issues facing the country today.

# 136: Underwriting the Energy Transition: Why Insurance Matters for Clean Energy with Sara Kane

CleanCapital — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:38:00 GMT

In this episode of Experts Only, host Jon Powers sits down with Sara Kane, Executive Vice President, Power & Renewables Practice Leader at CAC Group, part of The Baldwin Group. While insurance may not be the first thing people associate with climate solutions, it plays a critical role in enabling the growth of renewable energy. Sara shares how the insurance industry evaluates risk for solar, wind, and energy storage projects—and why that risk management is essential for financing and scaling clean energy infrastructure. Jon and Sara discuss the evolution of renewable energy insurance, how natural disasters and extreme weather are reshaping risk models, and why closer collaboration between insurers and developers is key to building more resilient energy systems. The conversation also explores Sara’s career path from studying environmental science at Duke and Yale to becoming one of the early underwriters in the renewable energy insurance market. Finally, Sara shares powerful stories from her volunteer work with GivePower, including recent projects bringing solar power and clean water to communities in Nepal, Kenya, and the Philippines. Topics covered include: - Why insurance is essential to financing renewable energy projects - How climate risk is reshaping the insurance industry - Lessons from underwriting early solar and wind projects - Building more resilient clean energy infrastructure - Expanding energy access through solar microgrids Thank you for listening!

Episode 85: Understanding the Texas Grid with Jonathon Monken

CleanCapital — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 20:27:25 GMT

We're back with a timely Experts Only podcast episode. Host Jon Powers recently interviewed Jonathon Monken, Principal of Converge Strategies, about the devastation taking place in Texas. Hear from an industry expert on how a polar vortex could cause this chain of disasters impacting power, water, and other major infrastructure. Learn about the failures that took place within the grid, and most importantly, how experts are planning for this to never happen again.

Arun Majumdar, former Director of Department of Energy’s ARPA-E & Stanford University

CleanCapital — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 21:01:24 GMT

Jon is back this week for a deep dive on energy with Dr. Arun Majumdar, former Director of Department of Energy’s ARPA-E and now at Stanford University. This conversation takes us through the amazing transformations that are happening in the energy space. We talk about how we are in a “tipping period” where we are seeing fundamental change in the energy markets, technology and the future of the space. Enjoy the conversation. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Additional Resources: Dr Arun Majumbar’s talk “Navigating the Turbulence of the Global Energy System” https://engineering.cmu.edu/news-events/events/2017/11/29-majumdar-global-energy.html Learn more about ARPA-E at the ARPA-E Innovations Summit March 13-15, 2019 in Washington, DC - http://www.arpae-summit.com/

Episode 86: The 2021 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook with Lisa Jacobson & Ethan Zindler

CleanCapital — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 17:14:44 GMT

Host Jon Powers was thrilled to welcome back Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), and Ethan Zindler, Head of Americas for BloombergNEF, for their third annual conversation about the Sustainability in America 2021 Factbook. Learn from the experts about the revolution in US clean energy production as described in the ninth version of this important resource. Hear about their research into the trends they're seeing in the industry in production, transportation, decarbonization, energy efficiency, and jobs. The trends are showing we have a fundamentally strong industry and marketplace.

Graham Smith, CEO and Founder Open Energy Group

CleanCapital — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:47:56 GMT

This week, Thomas Byrne, CEO of CleanCapital, sits down with Graham Smith, CEO and Founder of Open Energy Group. We discuss the challenges of financing small scale solar as well as the opportunities presented by technology to simplify the process. Graham was drawn to clean energy from a very early age and seized the opportunity to combine his background in finance with his early passion as a career in renewable energy finance. He has also had a front row seat to evolution of the global clean energy landscape and offers a unique perspective on where the industry is headed. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_ Learn more about Open Energy Group: https://www.openenergygroup.com/

Ethan Zindler, Bloomberg New Energy Finance

CleanCapital — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 17:22:04 GMT

Join us this week for a great conversation with Ethan Zindler, Head of Americas at Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Ethan’s career has taken him from baggage checker on the Clinton campaign to the White House to MTV to the early days of clean energy covering Cape Wind. For the last 12 years, as Head of Americas for Bloomberg NEF, he’s been at the helm when it comes to clean energy research, with industry leading data on deals and market reports, trends and forecasting. Today we have a great discussion about the market trends and the progress of the industry over the last 10 years. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Experts Only is made possible by CleanCapital. Learn more: http://www.cleancapital.com Follow on Twitter: @CleanCapital_