Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy Podcast

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Green Giants, host Wes Ashworth talks with Doug Smith, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance, about how Hampton Roads, Virginia, is emerging as a renewable energy hub. Doug shares pivotal moments in the region’s shift from traditional energy to offshore wind and other renewable sectors, reshaping Hampton Roads' economy and workforce.

Key Topics:

• Offshore Wind Development: Hampton Roads is poised to become a leader in offshore wind with projects like Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW), aiming to install 176 turbines. Doug discusses the region’s coastal advantages, skilled workforce, and logistics readiness for large-scale wind projects.
• The Regional Energy Roadmap: Doug explains the creation of a regional energy roadmap to provide independent data for energy planning. This roadmap empowers local decision-makers and aligns community efforts towards sustainable energy goals.
• Reshoring and Green Manufacturing: Hampton Roads is drawing green manufacturers like LS GreenLink, creating jobs and securing local production of essential components for renewables. Doug shares insights on building a regional green supply chain and attracting investment under the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Community Engagement and Education: Doug highlights the importance of educating local leaders and residents on the benefits of renewable projects, helping to overcome resistance and build regional support.
• Exploring Nuclear Energy: With its history in naval nuclear energy, Hampton Roads is also considering small modular reactors (SMRs) as a stable complement to renewables. Doug explains how nuclear can meet growing energy demands and enhance resilience.
• Military and Federal Investments: As one of the top U.S. regions for Department of Defense spending, Hampton Roads is leveraging federal investments to strengthen green infrastructure and align with national priorities.

Why Listen?
This episode offers a unique look at Hampton Roads’ transformation and provides practical insights into creating a resilient green economy. Doug’s strategies around regional energy planning, community engagement, and public-private partnerships highlight how any region can transition to renewable energy.

About Doug Smith:
Doug Smith, CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance, leads the region’s economic shift towards renewable energy and green manufacturing. His experience in regional economic development has positioned Hampton Roads as a leader in offshore wind, green supply chains, and sustainable job creation.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 - Introduction to Doug Smith and Hampton Roads Alliance
• 2:30 - Shifting from pipelines to renewables
• 6:15 - Regional energy roadmap and community buy-in
• 10:45 - Offshore wind projects and job creation
• 18:00 - Reshoring green manufacturing
• 23:15 - Nuclear energy and military collaboration
• 28:45 - Public-private partnerships for economic resilience

Links:
Doug Smith on LinkedIn
Hampton Roads Alliance

Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/

• Email: [email protected]
• https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/
• https://leegroupsearch.com/

In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth speaks with Aviv Shalgi, CEO and Cofounder of Solar Simplified, about his journey from tech entrepreneur to renewable energy innovator. With a focus on simplifying the complex world of community solar, Aviv explains how his company is making solar energy more accessible and affordable for both consumers and developers.

Aviv highlights key challenges faced by community solar developers, such as high customer acquisition costs and regulatory complexities. He offers insights into how Solar Simplified's platform addresses these pain points by reducing upfront costs, managing customer churn, and guaranteeing full collections—making it easier for developers to focus on building projects. Aviv also discusses regulatory hurdles in various states and how collaboration within the industry is driving policy changes that will help community solar scale more effectively.

Tune in to learn how Solar Simplified is not only transforming the customer experience but also empowering developers by reducing risks, simplifying project management, and improving financial performance.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Aviv Shalgi’s Journey: From tech entrepreneurr to launching Solar Simplified.
2. Empowering Developers: How Solar Simplified minimizes risks for developers by eliminating upfront acquisition fees, providing full collection guarantees, and simplifying customer churn management.
3. Reducing Complexity: Strategies to make community solar simpler for both developers and consumers.
4. Regulatory Challenges: Overcoming inconsistent state regulations and advocating for policies that benefit the industry.
5. Improving Subscriber Experience: Automating customer sign-ups and cutting down unnecessary steps to increase conversion rates and trust.
6. Scaling Community Solar: The future of community solar in the U.S. and the importance of expanding into more states with supportive regulatory environments.
7. Advice for Developers: How developers can push for better service and lower costs in their community solar projects.

Notable Quotes:

• “We’re simplifying solar for developers by removing upfront customer acquisition costs and taking on the risk of churn and collections.” – Aviv Shalgi
• “This industry will grow when we simplify the process for everyone involved—developers, subscribers, and even the utilities.” – Aviv Shalgi

Resources Mentioned:

• Solar Simplified: https://www.solarsimplified.com/
• Related Episodes: https://leegroupsearch.com/podcast/green-giants-episode-10/

Connect with Aviv Shalgi:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avivshalgi/

Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/

• Email: [email protected]
• https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/
• https://leegroupsearch.com/

In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, we dive deep into the energy transition with Lynn Lyon, a thought leader whose career spans traditional energy and clean technologies. With over 250,000 followers and a history of impactful projects in hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and clean fuel technologies, Lynn shares her remarkable journey from growing up as a coal miner’s daughter in West Virginia to driving innovative solutions for hard-to-decarbonize sectors.

Lynn’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration, and a pragmatic approach to solving global energy challenges. From leading groundbreaking projects at companies like Pioneer Natural Resources, Hexagon Agility, and US Energy to championing clean energy adoption regionally and globally, her insights offer a masterclass in bridging the gap between traditional energy and sustainability.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Lynn's Unique Journey: How growing up in Appalachia shaped her perspective on energy and inspired her transition into clean technologies.
• Practical Innovations: The pivotal projects that introduced renewable natural gas and hydrogen into heavy-duty transportation and industrial applications.
• Collaboration at Its Core: Why shared risks and regional partnerships are essential to accelerating the energy transition.
• Navigating Challenges: Strategies for overcoming barriers like regulatory hurdles, technological constraints, and scaling clean energy pilot projects.
• Hydrogen Hubs Demystified: A concise breakdown of what hydrogen hubs are, their importance, and how they’re reshaping regional energy landscapes.
• Lessons from Traditional Energy: How safety, process optimization, and real-world pragmatism from traditional energy sectors apply to clean energy innovation.
• Future Predictions: Lynn’s outlook on the renewable energy sector, the evolution of hydrogen and renewable natural gas, and the rise of hybrid solutions.

Actionable Insights:

This episode offers valuable takeaways for:

• Clean Energy Innovators: Tips for finding the right collaborators and taking an incremental approach to adoption.
• Policymakers: Perspectives on aligning incentives with carbon intensity and supporting a technology-agnostic energy future.
• Energy Professionals: Lessons on adapting traditional energy strategies for the clean energy transition.
• Sustainability Advocates: Fresh insights into how hydrogen hubs, renewable natural gas, and hybrid solutions can drive meaningful change.

Tune in to hear Lynn Lyon’s compelling stories, hard-earned wisdom, and bold vision for a sustainable energy future.
Links:
Lynn on LinkedIn
Episode 30 with Bernard Brown

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy!

Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/

• Email: [email protected]
• https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/
• https://leegroupsearch.com/

In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth sits down with John Berger, Chairman, President, and CEO of Sunnova Energy, to explore how Sunnova is revolutionizing the power industry with its visionary approach to energy independence. With over two decades of experience, John shares his insights on the future of renewable energy, the critical role of consumer choice, and how decentralizing power systems can reshape the energy landscape.

John Berger discusses Sunnova’s mission to empower homeowners with reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. He delves into the challenges of competing against entrenched utility monopolies and explains why the traditional power grid model is outdated. As Sunnova continues to innovate with solar and storage technologies, John reveals how the company is driving a shift towards a more resilient and decentralized energy system—one that mirrors the transformative impact of the internet.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the current energy crisis, the importance of consumer choice in the energy market, and how Sunnova is positioned to meet the growing demand for clean energy. Whether you’re an energy professional, a homeowner, or simply curious about the future of renewable energy, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the industry’s leading voices.

Show Notes:

• Introduction: Wes Ashworth introduces John Berger, highlighting his extensive experience in the power industry and his role as a pioneer in renewable energy.
• John Berger's Journey: A look at John’s career path, from his early days in power trading to founding Sunnova, and his inspiration for starting the company.
• Decentralizing Power: John explains how Sunnova is working to decentralize the power grid, making energy more like the internet—flexible, resilient, and consumer-driven.
• The Role of Consumer Choice: An exploration of why consumer choice is critical in today’s energy market and how Sunnova empowers customers to control their energy future.
• Energy Independence: John discusses Sunnova’s dedication to providing energy independence through solar, storage, and load management solutions.
• Overcoming Challenges: Insights into the challenges Sunnova faces in competing with utility monopolies and how the company continues to innovate in a competitive environment.
• Predictions for the Future: John’s predictions for the energy industry over the next decade, including the rise of solar and storage technologies and the growing importance of microgrids.
• Call to Action: Encouragement for listeners to explore Sunnova’s offerings and take control of their energy future.

Key Quotes:

• "The future of power looks more like the internet—decentralized, resilient, and driven by consumer choice."
• "We are here to empower consumers, offering them the freedom to choose a better, more reliable energy service."
• "As the demand for power increases, solar and storage will play a critical role in meeting energy challenges and reducing emissions."

Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/

• Email: [email protected]
• https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/
• https://leegroupsearch.com/

Welcome to Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy! In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Matt Krayton, Founder and Principal of Publitics, a leading consultancy in public affairs, political strategy, and public relations for the digital era. Matt shares his journey from aspiring history teacher to prominent climate advocate, providing insights into the intersection of media, public opinion, and strategic communication.

As the communications lead at the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH-2), Matt delves into the nuances of hydrogen energy, detailing the importance of green, pink, and orange hydrogen. He shares how MACH-2 aims to revolutionize energy storage and decarbonize sectors like heavy industry, long-haul shipping, and aviation.

Matt also debunks common misconceptions about clean energy and highlights the pivotal role of proactive communication in promoting climate initiatives. He shares actionable steps individuals can take to support climate solutions, from enhancing home energy efficiency to backing large-scale renewable projects.

Join us for a compelling discussion on leveraging strategic communication to advance the renewable energy sector. Don’t miss Matt Krayton’s invaluable insights on fostering a sustainable future through effective messaging and public engagement.

Key Topics Covered:

• Matt Krayton’s Professional Journey and Founding of Publitics
• The Role of MACH-2 in the Hydrogen Energy Landscape
• Differences Between Green, Pink, and Orange Hydrogen
• Practical Steps Individuals Can Take to Combat Climate Change
• The Importance of Proactive Communication in Renewable Energy Advocacy
• Overcoming Common Misconceptions About Clean Energy
• How Public Opinion Shapes Climate Initiatives and the Energy Transition

Show Notes:

0:01 - Introduction to Matt Krayton and Publitics: Overview of Matt’s background and the mission of Publitics.

1:15 - Matt's Journey from Teaching to Public Affairs: Insights into Matt’s career shift and motivations.

3:18 - Why Focus on Communications Within the Renewable Energy Sector?: The significance of strategic communication in renewable energy.

5:25 - Overview of MACH-2 and Its Goals: Detailed look at MACH-2’s objectives and initiatives.

9:42 - Explanation of Hydrogen Colors: Green, Pink, and Orange: Breakdown of different hydrogen types and their roles.

14:54 - Common Misconceptions About Clean Energy and Hydrogen: Addressing and correcting myths about renewable energy.

19:32 - Challenges in Communicating Complex Climate Initiatives: Discussing the obstacles in climate communication and how to overcome them.

24:15 - Practical Steps for Individuals to Contribute to Climate Solutions: Simple yet effective actions individuals can take to help the environment.

28:09 - The Importance of Public Support for Renewable Projects: The impact of public engagement on the success of renewable projects.

33:54 - The Evolving Role of Communications in Achieving Environmental Goals: How communication strategies are adapting to meet environmental challenges.

38:50 - Final Thoughts: Optimism for the Future of Clean Energy: Matt’s hopeful outlook on the advancements in renewable energy.

Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/

• Email: [email protected]
• https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/
• https://leegroupsearch.com/