Matt Krayton Reveals the Hidden Power of Clean Energy Communication
06/06/24 • 42 min
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/
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/
Previous Episode
Resilience and Innovation: Leading Renewable Energy's Future with Cagen Williams
Welcome to another insightful episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy. In this episode, host Wes Ashworth sits down with Cagen Williams, President and CEO of Panhandle Power Solutions (PPS), to discuss his remarkable journey in the renewable energy sector. From leading a small family-run business to overseeing significant growth after the acquisition by Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC), Cagen shares his insights on strategic leadership, workforce development, and the future of renewable energy.
Key Topics Discussed
- Cagen Williams' Leadership Journey: Cagen's progression from director of operations to President and CEO of PPS.
- Acquisition by Bristol Bay Native Corporation: The impact of BBNC's acquisition on PPS's growth and operations.
- Transition from Federal Contracts to Renewable Energy: How PPS adapted to changing market demands and pivoted towards renewable energy projects.
- Workforce Development during COVID-19: Innovative strategies employed by PPS to leverage skilled industrial electricians for renewable projects.
- Legislative Advocacy: Cagen's recent discussions with congressional members and the importance of legislative changes for advancing the renewable energy sector.
- DOE's Tribal Loan Program: Opportunities for tribal entities to leverage $20 billion set aside for renewable energy projects.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Growth through Acquisition: Learn how the acquisition by BBNC helped PPS expand its footprint in the renewable energy sector.
- Workforce Innovation: Discover how PPS capitalized on the COVID-19 pandemic to recruit skilled industrial electricians, aiding their transition to renewable projects.
- Legislative Insights: Understand the critical legislative changes needed to support the renewable energy transition.
- Tribal Energy Opportunities: Explore the Department of Energy's Tribal Loan Program and how it can benefit tribal entities.
Resource Links
- Panhandle Power Solutions (PPS): Panhandle Power Solutions
- Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC): Bristol Bay Native Corporation
- Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC): IEC
- Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Program Office: DOE Loan Program Office
- Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy: Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
- Cagen Williams: LinkedIn Profile
Transcript Highlights
Cagen Williams (01:54): "Yeah. So it was, it was a very small company and that's putting it lightly. Effectively, it was two families who worked together in the Northwest Florida area. Predominantly, we worked on Eglin Air Force Base..."
Cagen Williams (09:15): "Yeah, we, you know, COVID -19 obviously was tragic for a lot of folks. And we, at the time, it was 2020, right? Had an unbelievable need, specifically in Texas and in New York as well, for a lot of very qualified electricians..."
Cagen Williams (19:01): "I'll tell you, you know, when we went, there was, you know, all the big names you can think of, right? and the topic that keeps coming up is, is the interconnection queue and the uncertainty..."
Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/
Next Episode
Community Solar 101: Unlocking Renewable Energy for Everyone with Jason Kaplan of PowerMarket
In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth welcomes Jason Kaplan, the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at PowerMarket. Jason shares his incredible journey from studying geology and environmental law to becoming a pivotal leader in the renewable energy sector. Under his guidance, PowerMarket has transformed into a leading force in community solar, supporting nearly 400 projects across 11 states and servicing over 85,000 subscribers. Discover how PowerMarket combines cutting-edge software with deep energy policy expertise to deliver affordable, clean power to communities, especially low and moderate-income households. Join us as we delve into the transformative potential of community solar and learn how you can make a tangible difference in the fight against climate change.
Show Notes:
Introduction
- [00:00] Wes Ashworth introduces Jason Kaplan, COO and General Counsel at PowerMarket.
- [01:21] Jason Kaplan shares his excitement about being on the show.
Jason Kaplan’s Background
- [01:24] Jason discusses his transition from environmental law to clean tech.
- [01:46] His academic journey: from a geology major at Colgate to environmental law at Vermont Law School.
- [02:42] Early career experiences at General Electric and law firms.
Entering the Clean Tech World
- [03:53] Jason’s realization that hard environmental law wasn't his passion.
- [05:06] The pivotal moment at a New York City clean tech incubator event.
- [06:02] Joining United Wind and finding his niche in clean tech startups.
PowerMarket’s Growth and Impact
- [07:03] Jason talks about his role in PowerMarket’s expansion and community solar.
- [07:38] Explanation of community solar and its benefits.
- [09:37] Challenges and benefits of including low-income households in community solar.
Practical Insights on Community Solar
- [13:05] Case study: PowerMarket’s partnership with Redwood Family Care Network.
- [14:23] Overcoming skepticism and barriers to community solar adoption.
- [18:20] Steps individuals and organizations can take to get involved.
Policy and Regulation
- [22:35] Treasury IRS guidance on low-income households and its impact on community solar.
- [25:04] Addressing frictions and practical solutions for low-income customer inclusion.
Future of Community Solar
- [30:37] PowerMarket’s vision and future goals for expanding community solar.
- [32:29] Importance of strong relationships with utilities and policy expertise.
Closing Remarks
- [34:38] Jason’s passion for renewable energy and making a positive impact.
- [35:15] How listeners can get involved with community solar through PowerMarket.
Call to Action
- [35:53] Visit PowerMarket to explore community solar projects.
- [35:53] Contact Jason Kaplan at [email protected] for more information.
- [36:23] Subscribe to the podcast on all major platforms and share this episode with your network.
Keywords:
Community Solar, Renewable Energy, Clean Energy Solutions, Jason Kaplan, PowerMarket, Solar Projects, Clean Tech, Environmental Law, Low-Income Households, Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy Podcast, Energy Policy, Solar Energy, Climate Change Solutions, Green Energy
Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/
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