Smart Energy Voices Why Clean Energy's Future Still Shines
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil presents a special double header from the recent SED Forum Fall, examining how recent U.S. policy changes are reshaping the clean energy landscape. Stanley Reynolds, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Arizona, unpacks the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) and its reversal of key Inflation Reduction Act incentives. He outlines the bill’s potential economic impacts, including higher energy costs and reduced investment, while also pointing to reasons for optimism like competitiveness in the renewables space and continued innovation. Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Principal at NorthBridge Energy Partners, continues the discussion with insights on navigating this environment. He highlights the industry’s resilience, the growing role of breakthrough technologies like geothermal and modular nuclear, and strategies for energy buyers to adapt amid uncertainty and opportunity.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…
- Overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill and its economic impacts (03:16)
- Key provisions of the OBBB, including rescinded IRA funds (04:09)
- Forecasts for energy prices, investment, and jobs (10:45)
- Opportunities in renewables, innovation, and state-level policy (13:01)
- Arizona as a case study for policy impacts and opportunities (15:55)
- Status of major offshore and onshore projects post-OBBB (20:08)
- Emerging technologies like advanced geothermal (25:04)
- Rising electricity demand from data centers and electrification (30:14)
- On-site generation and geothermal systems as near-term solutions (34:38)
- Legal, ESG, and financial considerations for energy buyers (38:10)
For full episode show notes, click here.
Connect with Stanley Reynolds
Stanley Reynolds joined the University of Arizona after earning a doctorate in Economics from Northwestern University. He has served as Economics Department Head and Vice Dean of the Eller College of Management at U. of Arizona. His areas of expertise include energy economics, environmental economics, and industrial organization. His research has been published in leading economics journals such as Econometrica, Quarterly Journal of Economics, and the Rand Journal of Economics. His current research examines the economics of grid-scale energy storage, the impact of environmental policy on energy markets, and integration of renewable energy into the electric grid.
Connect with Peter Kelly-Detwiler
Peter Kelly-Detwiler has 30 years of experience in the electric energy industry, with much of his career in competitive power markets. He’s currently a leading consultant in the electric industry, providing strategic advice to clients and investors, helping them to navigate the rapid evolution of the electric power grid. Mr. Kelly-Detwiler offers numerous keynotes and workshops on a wide range of topics. He has also written widely on energy issues for Forbes.com and GE, with over 300 articles to his credit. His book on the transformation of electric power markets – “The Energy Switch” – was published by Prometheus Books in June of 2021.
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