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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Angelo Campus, the CEO and co-founder of BoxPower, to explore the transformative potential of microgrids in building resilient and sustainable energy systems.

Angelo shares his journey from growing up at the edge of the grid in rural Northern California to founding a company that develops microgrids powered by solar, batteries, and backup generators. These systems are delivering power to underserved communities, disaster-stricken regions, and rural areas where traditional grid infrastructure is too costly or unreliable.

We delve into the surprising shift that brought BoxPower’s solutions back to the US, where ageing grid infrastructure and rising wildfire risks have utilities rethinking their approach to energy delivery. Angelo explains how microgrids can replace end-of-line infrastructure, reduce wildfire risks, and cut costs for utilities—all while increasing renewable energy use.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

• The economic tipping point where microgrids become more cost-effective than traditional distribution systems.
• The role of microgrids in improving energy access for tribal communities and disaster relief efforts.
• Why current battery technologies, though promising, still require complementary solutions like backup generators in certain climates.
• How utility collaboration and regulatory reform are essential to scaling distributed energy solutions.

Angelo also provides a frank critique of clean tech investment trends, calling for more focus on infrastructure innovation over pure software solutions. His pragmatism about integrating existing technologies to combat climate change is refreshing.

Tune in to hear how microgrids could redefine our approach to energy in a rapidly warming world.

Links and Resources:

• Visit BoxPower for more on their microgrid solutions.
• Connect with Angelo on LinkedIn or follow BoxPower on social media.
• Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review!

Let me know what you think of this episode—get in touch via LinkedIn or email at tomraftery@outlook.com.

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Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper