Julia Hamm, Partner at The Ad Hoc Group and former CEO of the Smart Electric Power Alliance, joins the show today to share insights from her extensive career and her passion for connecting people in the energy sector. In this episode, Julia discusses the challenges utilities face in a growing market, the importance of affordable energy and investment in the system, and how businesses can start small on their sustainability journey.Listen in as Julia talks about the power of utilities as orchestrators and connectors in this evolving landscape. You'll learn about the need for businesses to transition into prosumers, interacting with utilities and the grid, and participating in demand management programs. With natural disasters becoming more frequent and severe, understanding the impact of power loss on business operations and ensuring resiliency is crucial for the future of energy, so don't miss this important episode!What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:Julia’s career trajectory.What intrigued her about The Ad Hoc Group.The value and importance of partnership.Why the energy transition will take time.How organizations can take the first step.How to make your business more resilient.The best way to prepare your business for climate change.Ideas Worth Sharing:“For decarbonization and energy transition efforts, you need a cross-functional senior-level team involved from the beginning. They need to A, be brought into the roadmap at first, but then B, be responsible for ensuring that the execution is moving forward. People from all of those teams across the entire company are going to need to be involved in order to execute successfully.” - Julia Hamm“Thinking about resiliency is a huge piece of it because no matter where you are in the country, whether it's hurricanes or floods or ice storms or wildfires … just keep listing the natural disasters, they're getting more frequent. They're getting more severe. When a business loses power for any amount of time, it has a huge impact on its bottom line.” - Julia Hamm“The main relationship businesses have traditionally had with utilities is one where they just consume the power and don't need much support. But now there's a need to transition into a prosumer where businesses interact with the utility and the grid. The utility feeds energy to users and users with their own generation feed it back to the grid. Then you add on demand management programs that are impacting load and supply.” - Dan RobertsResources In Today's Episode:Julia Hamm: LinkedInThe Ad Hoc GroupSmart Electric Power AllianceThe GistGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/2svj5eua

Are you prepared for the evolving landscape of the electricity sector? John Cooper, an energy entrepreneur and recognized innovator in the electricity sector, joins the show to discuss the shifting dynamics of the grid and utilities. With his extensive experience in integrating decarbonization, resilience, energy self-sufficiency, transportation, building electrification and data/digitalization, John sheds light on why the traditional way of operating the grid is becoming less reliable.Listen in to hear about the future of grid management, as well as the transition from manned operations to smart systems and data-driven decisions. You’ll learn the importance of software systems like ADMS in control rooms and the value of data processing in modernizing operations. John also explains what large business leaders can do to optimize their operations in the face of climate change. It’s time to step up and take on more responsibility to make a difference!What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:How John became involved with energy.How AI can help the energy transition.The importance of leaning on data.What large business leaders can do to optimize their operations.How every single person can help the energy transition.Why business leaders are going to have to take on more responsibility.Ideas Worth Sharing:“The future of running something as complex as the grid is not controlling it ever tighter and having old, experienced hands in the control room to make decisions. It’s moving to software systems like ADMS in the control room, so that we can lean on the value of data, data processing and smart systems and shift a lot of our operations from man operations to machine operations.” – John Cooper“For business leaders thinking they can just pay their utility bills and then leave that up to the utilities to take care of is to cede a lot of the control of your business to a third party. And I think it represents an unacceptable risk.” – John Cooper“Changes are afoot, and the old way of operating the grid and utilities are on the way to not being seen as stable and reliable as they used to be.” – John CooperResources In Today's Episode:John Cooper: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/3z47svd4

Today we are joined by two guests from the Loan Programs Office (LPO): Arpita Bhattacharyya, Senior Advisor and Chief Climate Officer, and Jigar Shah, Director. They discuss how the LPO helps businesses overcome barriers to accelerate energy opportunities and share a bit about the financing of the Lithium Americas Corp processing plant in Nevada. You'll also hear about their early inspirations for pursuing energy solutions, as well as the story behind the Viejas Microgrid and how more businesses and communities can access funding like this.Listen in as we talk about how to balance supply and demand sustainably, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, and why businesses must now take a more proactive role in managing their energy needs. You will learn the role of industrial strategy in the U.S. and the importance of coordination and enabling technologies to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. From the benefits of solar rooftops to the necessity of battery storage, this episode offers practical insights for navigating the evolving energy landscape.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:How the LPO helps to remove the barriers to businesses to accelerate energy opportunities.The story behind Viejas Microgrid.How more businesses and communities can access funding.The financing of the Lithium Americas Corp processing plant in Nevada.How we can balance supply and demand more sustainably.Ideas Worth Sharing:“We’re ready for this growth moment. But I do think folks have to just take a deep breath, recognize that we have the solutions, and then go out every day to push them forward.” – Jigar Shah“I think in the 1970s, we somehow decided that these infrastructure things would be done by other people and we don’t have to worry about it. The electric utility was going to handle it, the water utility was going to handle it. Whatever it is, they were going to do it. And I just run my business, and I don’t need to be concerned. And now we’re realizing that you kind of do.” – Jigar Shah“The Inflation Reduction Act did a great job of creating levers for both demand and for supply. For creating demand, we have all the tax incentives to figure out how to ensure the affordability of solar panels, wind, hydrogen, geothermal, etc. The LPO is on the supply side, making sure we have the supply to meet all of that.” – Arpita BhattacharyyaResources In Today's Episode:Arpita Bhattacharyya: LinkedInJigar Shah: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInFY 2023 Annual Portfolio Status Report: Accelerating Portfolio Growth | Department of EnergyLPO Announces Conditional Commitment to Viejas Microgrid to Build Renewable, Utility-Scale Generation and Storage on Tribal Lands | Department of EnergyLPO Announces Conditional Commitment to Lithium Americas Corp. to Help Finance the Construction of a Lithium Processing Plant in Nevada | Department of EnergyVECKTA: NewsYou can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/se2uc2hv

Our season 2 premiere addresses the recurring question: What does VECKTA do? Join us as we share the background of our company and demystify the concept of onsite energy systems. Discover how onsite energy transforms businesses into prosumers, enhancing grid reliability and generating revenue. We explore the critical need for data-driven decision-making in energy management and how the VECKTA platform simplifies this process.You will learn why onsite energy presents a lucrative opportunity for companies to drive profitability and sustainability, leaving a lasting impact on both their bottom line and community. Listen in as we explain the reasons behind the slow adoption of sustainable energy systems, the pivotal questions every business leader should be asking, and the challenges faced in scaling onsite energy deployment.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:What VECKTA does.What an onsite energy system is.The cost of delivering the electricity demand.Why more companies aren’t deploying these sustainable systems.The three questions that business leaders need to be asking.A major challenge in deploying onsite energy at scale.How we came up with the name VECKTA.Our core values within our business.Ideas Worth Sharing:“Onsite energy allows businesses to become prosumers and interact with the grid and improve grid reliability with things like demand response programs while generating revenue along the way.” – Dan Roberts“Business leaders are good at running their businesses, but they’ve never really had to think about energy before. Being able to provide all the stakeholder groups in a company with the data and intelligence they need to make accurate, informed, and confident decisions is critical.”  – Gareth Evans“With onsite energy, there is an opportunity for companies to drive greater profitability, greater sustainability, and distinguish themselves. In the process, business leaders will elevate their careers and have a major and positive, lasting impact on their community.” – Gareth EvansResources In Today's Episode:Gareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/3yevznh5

As Season 1 draws to a close, we reflect on the lessons learned from our journey through the previous 35 episodes. One crucial lesson stands out throughout the uncertainty: the power of community and shared experiences. Our podcast venture has highlighted the importance of taking action, learning from others, and embracing the dynamic nature of progress. This sentiment echoes into the energy transition, where resistance yields to innovation. In this episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of onsite energy, the pivotal role of profitability alongside sustainability, and how to navigate the complexities of energy management while fostering growth and resilience.Listen in as we explore energy sovereignty, encouraging businesses to take control of their energy costs and future-proof their operations. As energy expenses soar unpredictably, businesses grapple with the need for strategic energy solutions to sustain growth. Education is the cornerstone in this transition, paving the way for informed decisions and sustainable practices.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:The power of community.Why you must take action sooner rather than later.The benefit of deploying onsite energy.The global impact of the energy transition.Why businesses need to take control of their energy.How tracking your energy costs can help your business.Ideas Worth Sharing:“When everyone is moving into the unknown, the important thing to do is build community and share stories and learn from others' mistakes or the things that went well.” - Dan Roberts“It’s critical that businesses start looking closely at their energy costs because they will be blown away by how much they consistently go up and will continue to go up in a very unpredictable way. It is very hard to run our businesses when one of the biggest cost inputs may be going up 3% this year, 20% next year, and 50% the year after that.” - Gareth Evans“Energy sovereignty is going to be something that is stifling growth in some cases, let alone impacting some business's ability to operate.” - Dan RobertsResources In Today's Episode:Gareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/4crhabxt

In a world where the urgency for sustainable energy solutions grows by the day, Ned Baxter, VP of Green Hydrogen at Worley, brings a fresh perspective to the table. With an unwavering commitment to maximizing impact and embracing innovation, Ned shares his thoughts on the transformative potential of green hydrogen. Join us as he shares his vision for delivering productized solutions that not only address current energy challenges, but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.Discover how Worley is spearheading efforts to decarbonize large-scale assets, leveraging green hydrogen as a pivotal component of the energy mix. Through collaboration and standardization, Ned sheds light on the path toward scalable and competitive green hydrogen solutions, offering a glimpse into the applications of this technology both today and in the years to come.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:What gets Ned excited about green hydrogen.How Ned thinks we can start solving the energy issue.The applications for green hydrogen today and in the future.How we can make green hydrogen commercially attractive.The importance of collaboration to make this a viable option.Ideas Worth Sharing:“We're collaborating across the broad industrial and power ecosystem to come up with green hydrogen solutions that are standardized, competitive and leverage our partner's expertise. We need solutions that can scale.” - Ned Baxter, VP of Green Hydrogen at Worley“We're are at a point with green hydrogen where we need to start putting buzz and theory to practice at scale. It needs to start making an impact on the total energy mix for us to learn from current applications of the technology.” - Ned Baxter, VP of Green Hydrogen at Worley“At Worley, we are working on decarbonizing large or industrial scale assets by using green hydrogen as part of the power source. We're seeing a lot of potential for integrating green hydrogen as part of a large scale energy hub where other low-carbon technologies don't make sense.” - Ned Baxter, VP of Green Hydrogen at WorleyResources In Today's Episode:Ned Baxter: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/5peksjwk

Today we are discussing electric vehicles and broader electrification initiatives with Cory Hewett, Director of Electrification at Stealth Mode. As passionate as he is about emerging technologies, Cory sheds light on the critical intersection between community, technology, and sustainability. Surprisingly, the challenges surrounding EVs aren't solely engineering-related but are heavily influenced by perceptions, emotions, and political dynamics, making timing a crucial factor. Cory shares insights drawn from his own journey, emphasizing the importance of knowing your personal values and aligning them with your actions.Listen in to hear Cory's advice for identifying and living by your core values, as well as his perspectives on the obstacles facing electric vehicle adoption. From debunking misconceptions to emphasizing the role of education in driving change, this episode offers a compelling exploration of electrification's potential and the path forward for those curious about getting involved.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:The importance of knowing your personal values.Cory’s advice for finding your own personal values.How Cory lives by his core values every day.The biggest challenges electric vehicles are facing.The importance of education when it comes to electric vehicles.What Cory listens to and reads to stay up to date.How to get involved in electrification.Ideas Worth Sharing:"Right now, the major challenges with EVs seem less related to engineering and are instead now more about perception, more emotional, more political and more timing based." - Cory Hewett"We're firm believers that within any transition, energy, transportation or otherwise, there are going to be winners and losers. There are going to be those who embrace the change and there will be those who resist it." - Dan Roberts"I owe my success to having listened to the best advice and gone away to do the exact opposite. I don't have the answers. If you listen to this episode and you're like, 'Oh, I'll do what he did'...you're screwed. I want to have as little advice as possible, but I'm happy to share my experience of trying, doing, failing, and occasionally being met with some success." - Cory HewettResources In Today's Episode:Cory Hewett: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj2acb4

Today we’re joined by Isaac Vanderburg, President & CEO, and Matt Nejati, Principal – Deployment, of Launch Alaska, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating climate tech deployment. In this episode, they will be discussing the EnergyShed project, Launch Alaska’s mission, inspired origins, and the transformative Tech Deployment Track Program (TDT). Explore the power of community and the EnergyShed Program’s goals, aimed at alleviating energy challenges faced by Alaskan communities.Listen in to hear how Launch Alaska and VECKTA's collaboration addresses energy affordability and reliability issues. You'll learn about the strategies for effective integration and benefit of energy projects within local populations, as well as the scalability potential of the EnergyShed program's model beyond Alaska.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:What Launch Alaska is and how it was inspired.What the Tech Deployment Track Program is.The power of community.The origins and primary goals of the EnergyShed Program.How EnergyShed will impact Alaskan communities.Who their partners are in helping this come to fruition.How VECKTA’s platform addresses the needs of the EnergyShed program.How EnergyShed is going to be collaborating with local communities.Whether they plan on replicating this framework in other regions.Ideas Worth Sharing:“By aggregating energy projects and having a platform that enables visibility and transparency, we can start to bring in investment funds to places that are not otherwise seeing those dollars. And that's what we're really excited about. That's the impact we're aiming to have." - Launch Alaska"VECKTA has built the critical tool we needed to look at a large variety of project options that are all clean and energy-focused. We can then layer on optimization and feasibility study results—to give insight and help stakeholders make informed decisions about what is worth doing. And then having a pathway through the marketplace to not just source the equipment, but also services and financing really captures the entire focus of the energy shed project. It was really a perfect technology fit for us." - Launch Alaska“We're seeing more and more communities all around the world realizing that if we continue to rely on utilities and be passive consumers of energy, and not actually take direct control over our own destiny, then there are challenges with that. There is an opportunity to prove this concept and create massive value for communities." - Launch AlaskaResources In Today's Episode:Isaac Vanderburg: LinkedIn | Launch AlaskaMatt Nejati: LinkedIn | Launch AlaskaGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/36t4f75v

How do we meet the escalating global energy demands while curbing carbon emissions? Tucker Perkins, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), is an advocate for cleaner energy solutions to combat environmental challenges, and in this episode, he shares the role of propane in achieving zero emissions. Emphasizing propane's versatility and efficiency in various sectors, Tucker sheds light on its potential as a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels.Listen in as Tucker describes what goes into propane production, its environmental benefits, and its seamless integration into existing energy infrastructures. He challenges conventional perceptions, urging listeners to rethink propane's role in the broader energy landscape. You will come away with a deeper understanding of propane's potential to drive decarbonization and propel us toward a sustainable future.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:How Tucker became so passionate about the propane and energy industry.The different use cases for propane today.How people should think about propane in the energy transition.The advantages of using propane.How propane is produced.If there is enough supply for businesses.What Tucker is most excited about in the space.Ideas Worth Sharing:"Propane is clearly a part of the energy transition going forward. We are in an energy transformation.” - Tucker Perkins“Propane is cleaner to store, cleaner to burn, and we can do it simpler.” - Tucker Perkins“We don’t ever want to fear failure. We want to be on the edge of innovation, so failure is clearly an option. And when we do fail, we want to fail fast.” - Tucker PerkinsResources In Today's Episode:Tucker Perkins: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/45jzkdde

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability, one chain giant has achieved a remarkable feat: Walmart has slashed its emissions to a mere fraction of the USA's annual CO2 output from its supply chains. Today, we delve into the strategy behind this monumental accomplishment and uncover the concept known as Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Discover how Walmart transformed its sustainability efforts into a profitable venture without compromising its bottom line.What's truly exciting is that Walmart serves as a beacon, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Through innovative initiatives like deploying onsite energy systems at hundreds of facilities worldwide, Walmart not only reduced emissions but also bolstered its revenue. As other businesses are urged to follow suit, those leading the charge stand to gain a competitive edge, attracting top contracts by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. Listen in as we explore the shifting dynamics of corporate responsibility and the immense opportunities that lie ahead for businesses willing to embrace sustainability as a cornerstone of their operations.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:How much Walmart was able to reduce its emissions.What Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions are.How Walmart was able to achieve such a huge milestone.The value in aligning with science-based targets.Why sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of profitability.The opportunity this provides for other businesses to follow suit.Ideas Worth Sharing:"The best businesses in the world will be the ones initiating action on emissions instead of getting pushed by buyers. As a result, they're going to attract and retain the best contracts in the world by being the most sustainable, the most reliable and the most profitable businesses that they can possibly be." - Gareth Evans"A part of Walmart's success has come from deploying onsite energy systems at over 600 of their facilities globally to efficiently reduce Scope 2 emissions. They're also able to lower their operating costs and increase their operational resilience." - Dan Roberts"For companies, Scope 3 emissions are typically the largest portion - in some cases representing 99% of their overall emissions. And so businesses can work really hard to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2, but they’re left with this huge chunk under Scope 3. In the last few years, we've seen more and more VECKTA customers and businesses doing a really good job at starting to reduce the first two buckets, but primarily because they're being driven to do that by the people that they want to sell to." - Gareth EvansResources In Today's Episode:Gareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/47tub9n7

Howard Thomas, Principal at Thomas & McKinlay Consulting, brings a fresh perspective to the table as he discusses simplifying our approach to the energy transition. With candid insights that challenge traditional norms, Howard emphasizes the necessity of authenticity and critical thinking in driving impactful change. By addressing the tendency to prioritize easy tasks over crucial ones, Howard highlights the urgency of focusing on initiatives that yield the most significant impact. Through constructive dialogue and a commitment to challenging the status quo, he demonstrates how embracing simplicity can lead to both profitability and sustainability in the energy sector.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:How doing the right thing can translate to being the profitable thing.The value in being open to critical thinking.Why it is important to challenge the status quo.How we can simplify the energy transition.The opportunity to be more efficient in the energy transition.Ideas Worth Sharing:“They say life is a mirror, what you give out is what you get back. So, you’ll get a long way by smiling.” - Howard Thomas“The more we can electrify on the demand side, the more we can create the vehicle for using that renewable electricity directly. That must be a self-evident efficiency gain.” - Howard Thomas“You have to open up people to the benefits of critical thinking.” - Howard ThomasResources In Today's Episode:Howard Thomas: LinkedInSimplicity from Complexity by Howard ThomasThomas & McKinlay ConsultingThe Stupidity Paradox by Mats AlvessonGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/yhnntc6z

Today we are talking about how rising supply chain costs are impacting businesses and consumers alike. Inspired by recent revelations from a major restaurant chain, we take a look at the escalating menu prices and their impact on consumer behavior. From California's landmark labor deal to the surge in food and energy prices, we dissect the intricate web of factors driving these cost increases and explore their far-reaching implications.Listen in as we explore innovative commercial models and hedging strategies, shedding light on the interconnectedness of supply chain costs and the pivotal role of energy management in shaping the business landscape of tomorrow. You'll learn how businesses can proactively manage their energy consumption to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions and more.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:How food prices are closely tied to the cost of energy.What causes increased food prices.The importance of taking control of your energy.The interconnections of supply chain costs.Commercial models in onsite energy.Ideas Worth Sharing:“Research shows that food prices are very closely tied to the cost of energy.” - Gareth Evans“As we look across how businesses are being impacted by labor, raw materials, food increases, they can do something about energy increases, so there is hope on the horizon.” - Dan Roberts“They say control the controllables and energy is a controllable part of your business.” - Gareth EvansResources In Today's Episode:Gareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/2s4f8d2e

As industries increasingly seek reliable power sources independent of the grid, microgrids emerge as a viable alternative. Today we have Steve Pullins, the Chief Technology Officer and SVP of AlphaStruxure, joining the show to shed light on how cutting-edge technologies in the emergence of microgrids are transforming the energy landscape. This discussion explores diverse aspects of microgrids, as well as AlphaStruxure's distinctive strategy in revolutionizing energy consumption. Listen in as Steve highlights common misconceptions among business leaders about adopting microgrids and emphasizes the long-term cost-saving benefits for businesses considering this innovative energy solution. You'll learn what makes microgrids a strategic investment for a sustainable future, the evolution Steve has witnessed in the industry, and what excites him about the future of this technology.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:The evolution of microgrids.Why Steve is so passionate about microgrids.What he is excited about for the future of microgrids.The availability of electrical service.Common misconceptions about businesses adopting microgrids.How microgrids can benefit businesses.Ideas Worth Sharing:“When you look at what we do working in the industrial, commercial space, there are gigawatts of opportunity on the customer side of the meter. It is perfect for the microgrids.” - Steve Pullins“The new objective that microgrids need to tackle is being an alternative to a major industry when that industry is no longer capable of relying on the grid for the availability of power.” - Steve Pullins“If you have desires for a long-term business you should be considering a microgrid because it is going to save you money in the long haul.” - Steve PullinsResources In Today's Episode:Steve Pullins: LinkedIn | WebsiteGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/2cz3etsy

As we shift towards electrification, where does that leave our current infrastructure? In this episode, we discuss the complexities of energy load growth, grid capacity, and the looming risks for businesses.Listen in as we explain the implications of this explosive load growth, the environmental impact, and crucial considerations for businesses reliant on the grid. You will learn how businesses can navigate this evolving landscape and make informed decisions to secure their energy future.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:What utilities have to account for in terms of load growth and seasonal impacts.The effects of the extreme heating and cooling of the planet.How load growth affects the grid.Risks that business owners should consider when relying on the grid for energy.Ideas Worth Sharing:“The electric load growth is expected to increase 81% more than what the grid planners had expected.” - Dan Roberts“Business leaders need to be thinking about how they can ensure their business continuity, manage their risks of outages, and ensure they have plans in place to do so.” - Gareth Evans“An average life expectancy for [large power transformers] is 20-30 years, yet the average age of those that we’re relying on, on the grid, is 40 years old.” - Dan RobertsResources In Today's Episode:Gareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/566xzexr

Designing with utmost efficiency is probably one of the biggest goals out there, especially when it comes to homes, transportation, and industrial equipment. Today we are joined by one of the original drivers of the solar movement to talk about all things innovation and design. Steve Heckeroth is the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Solectrac, one of the leading providers of electric tractors for the agriculture industry.Listen in as Steve discusses some of the biggest hurdles he has seen and dealt with in the solar and clean energy industry. You'll hear his best advice when it comes to dealing with setbacks, negative campaigns, and putting research to good use. He also talks about how he has tackled some of the industry’s biggest issues over the years, as well as how he sees efficiency solutions growing and developing across industries—and even in day-to-day life.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:Why Steve dedicated his life to finding alternatives to fossil fuels.Why we need to improve our connection to the earth.The importance of how we interact with plants and agriculture.How Steve stays connected and implements efficiency into his lifestyle.How he started to work in developing EVs.The battle between certain industries and interests in the agriculture and transportation spaces.The power of “energy plus” homes.Combatting the arguments against EVs.Ideas Worth Sharing:“Fossil fuels have done nothing but make our lives less connected. And if I could do anything to improve our lives, it would be to improve our connection with the earth.” - Steve Heckeroth“There are 100x more fires from combustion engines than from electric batteries, and if you use lithium iron phosphate (LFPs), they don’t burn.” - Steve Heckeroth“If I had to say one thing about designing anything, it’s about making it as efficient as possible.” - Steve HeckerothResources In Today's Episode:Steve Heckeroth: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/zw6trbwn

Discover the latest buzz in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with our special guest, Patrick Baker, Sales Executive at VECKTA. In this episode, we will be discussing the landscape of EVs, including groundbreaking trends, game-changing announcements, and Hertz's significant move.We're witnessing more than ever in the EV industry—from an influx of charging infrastructure to a surge in diverse vehicle models. Listen in to hear insights into why some hesitate to embrace EVs, the reality behind concerns about range anxiety, and essential knowledge before making your electric ride decision.What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:The state of the EV industry.Why so many people are unwilling to purchase an EV.The significant announcement made by Hertz recently.What you should know before purchasing an electric vehicle.Where Hertz can be more involved in the energy industry.Ideas Worth Sharing:“2024 is set to be the year of more as it relates to EVs, more charging infrastructure, more vehicle models, and more interest in adopting them.” - Dan Roberts“It really is the combination of planet, people, and profit. You have to have that to be able to operate as a business.” - Patrick Baker“Where some see challenges, others see opportunities.” - Patrick BakerResources In Today's Episode:Patrick Baker: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/2bwv92uy

Will Wells, venture partner, investor, advisor, and cancer survivor, joins the show today to share his journey and the transformational experience that inspired the creation of his start-up, Hummingbird Technologies Ltd. In this episode, Will candidly talks about the challenges and lessons learned from his entrepreneurial endeavors, shedding light on the intricacies of raising funds, navigating existential crises, and the importance of wise financial management in the startup landscape. Listen in to hear his thoughts on overcoming challenges in the climate-smart industry, making sustainable solutions more accessible, and more.What You’ll Learn In Today’s Episode:How Will became interested in science, healthcare, and the climate.How his battle with cancer changed his life.What inspired Hummingbird Technologies Ltd.What the business exit was like for Will.The importance of learning from your mistakes.The challenges of growing a start-up.How we can solve the issues the climate-smart industry is facing.How to make climate-smart solutions more accessible.Ideas Worth Sharing:“Raising money is not always hard. Raising money with the right people is hard. Raising money at the right time and then spending it wisely is even harder.” – Will Wells“Every start-up goes through 2-3 existential crises in their life cycle.” – Will Wells“Climate companies need to provide solutions that are better than existing ones—and preferably cheaper, as well.” – Will WellsResources In Today’s Episode:Will Wells: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: http://tinyurl.com/5n94xj88

Today, we continue our conversation about financing onsite energy solutions with James Coombes, Founder and Director of Painted Rock Capital Group. In this episode, James dives into the intriguing concept of 'earning the asset' while leveraging debt financing. Discover how debt structures differ from traditional mortgages, the nuances of capital leasing, and the most efficient ways to benefit from tax credits.You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://bit.ly/3Sev0Oe

Unlock the keys to effective leadership and driving change in the energy industry with Tony Frencham, Chair and Member of CSIRO's Energy Business Unit Advisory Group. In this episode, Tony shares the power of authentic leadership and the impact of curiosity in navigating challenges. Discover the link between problem statements and purpose, and learn why it's crucial to embrace both successes and mistakes for continuous progress. You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://bit.ly/3TKmSWQ

Today we're discussing the transformative energy landscape of 2024, exploring the pivotal shifts that unfolded in 2023 and the upcoming trends we expect to see. This year has been fascinating, especially concerning the Inflation Reduction Act, the role of Healthcare Microgrid Systems, and the misconceptions surrounding batteries. While 2024 is poised to be a breakout year for onsite and distributed energy systems, addressing the challenges that have hindered the industry's progress previously. You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://bit.ly/48yq9ga