

Renewable Rides
Gareth Evans & Dan Roberts
Renewable Rides is the guide to the corporate energy transition. Featuring interviews with industry experts and business leaders, Renewable Rides aims to help companies tackle challenges and maximize opportunities in the pursuit of a resilient, profitable, and thriving energy future. Hosts Gareth Evans and Dan Roberts, founders of VECKTA, shed light on the energy transition and the benefits it presents for company brand, operations and resilience.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 5, 2023 • 48min
Ep 17: Cultivating Success: Andy Klump's Blueprint for Building a Thriving Team in Clean Energy
Andy Klump, the visionary CEO & Founder of Clean Energy Associates, joins the show to share the incredible journey of how he ventured into the clean energy space and propelled his business into a global force, serving clients in over 75 countries. In this episode, Andy shares the pivotal role of talent acquisition, understanding the importance of hiring the right people to drive innovation and success in the rapidly evolving clean energy industry. You will learn the nuances of building a thriving company culture, discovering the significance of a solid framework, and embedding core values that shape business strategy and guide team behavior. You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/mnbacc7h

Nov 28, 2023 • 22min
Ep 16: Financing Energy Systems with James Coombes
Today James Coombes, Founder and Director of Painted Rock Capital Group, joins the show to discuss all things finance. James has a wealth of experience in the realm of financing solar and storage applications for commercial and industrial businesses, and in this episode, he will be sharing how energy systems are financed, the options available, and where to begin.You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/yckd9k9t

Nov 21, 2023 • 37min
Ep 15: Energizing the Future: A Sustainability Conversation with Brad Andrews
In sustainability and the urgent energy transition, Brad Andrews, CEO of SLR Consulting, is a beacon of inspiration. He believes that making a meaningful impact requires understanding where we've been and leveraging the knowledge and skills we've acquired. In this episode, Brad shares his unwavering passion for sustainability, emphasizing the critical role of the sustainable energy industry in addressing the pressing challenges of the climate. You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/yckjzeuh

Nov 14, 2023 • 26min
Ep 14: Grid Hardening Goldrush - Necessary Expense or Financial Folly?
Today Dan is joined by Patrick Baker, Director of Business Development, and Paul Ziessler, Lead Energy Development Analyst, to dive into the intricate world of grid hardening. A term often used internally, grid hardening is essentially the process of fixing our grid infrastructure, which is currently plagued with vulnerabilities. The episode explains the pressing need for this initiative, especially considering the rising concerns related to wildfires and the cost associated with grid hardening.You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/74pbsbx8

Nov 7, 2023 • 40min
Ep 13: Exploring the Hydrogen Horizon with Jetson Juopperi
Jetson Juopperi, Director of Strategy & Market Intelligence at FuelCell Energy, joins the show today to explore the hydrogen horizon and its pivotal role in the evolving energy landscape. Sharing his personal journey from Florida to New York, Jetson opens up about his transition from working with combustion turbines at General Electric to fuel cells at FuelCell Energy. Listen in to learn why fuel cells offer a versatile solution for harnessing renewable energy, as well as the considerations that make fuel cells a compelling choice—especially when addressing the potential limitations of solar power and battery storage. You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/4tcemtex

Oct 31, 2023 • 18min
Ep 12: Demystifying Your Business’s Electricity Bill
Electricity bills can be perplexing, with costs seemingly rising without explanation. In this episode, we demystify the intricacies of electricity billing, explaining what drives these costs and how you can regain control. Learn the fundamental aspects of electricity measurement, the significance of rate schedules, and how choosing the right rate for your energy use can yield substantial savings. You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/57xc2ub3

Oct 24, 2023 • 46min
Ep 11: Education and Sustainability in the Energy Transition With Uma Gopaldass
Today we are joined by Uma Gopaldass, an energy transition expert and Board of Directors member for VECKTA, who also runs her own company, Leading Lotus LLC. In this episode, we dive into Uma's unique journey, exploring how her background and growing up in Singapore influenced her passion for the energy transition. With a critical eye on education, Uma shares her insights on why she believes education is the cornerstone for building a highly productive nation.You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/3b52t3f6

Oct 17, 2023 • 18min
Ep 10: Demystifying Solar Energy: Separating Fact from Fiction
Many people believe that solar panels can serve as a backup power source during grid outages, but the reality is quite different. Today we'll explore common misconceptions surrounding solar energy systems, as well as the safety concerns associated with feeding excess solar energy back into the grid. Our discussion highlights the need for advanced controllers that can disconnect from the grid and enable energy independence, allowing solar-generated power to be stored efficiently in batteries and used to its full potential.You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/4sr4dbuj

Oct 10, 2023 • 44min
Ep 9: Scaling Through Education in the Renewable Energy Sector
Today we have Calvin Fine, Head of Market Operations at Veckta, and Zac Dobbin, Project Director for Cleantech San Diego, joining the show to share their thoughts on the energy transition. Zac reflects on his personal journey and upbringing, emphasizing the power of networking and stepping out of one's comfort zone. From industry regulations to the role of AI and customer education, this episode offers a comprehensive view of the renewable energy landscape.You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/ycyxe796

Oct 3, 2023 • 21min
Ep 8: The Four Levers of Energy Transition for Enterprise Success
How can businesses effectively balance sustainability with profitability? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of energy transition, exploring the four key levers that can drive enterprise value and sustainable energy objectives. We dissect the top lever, onsite energy, maximizing generation and storage while optimizing grid interaction. Next, we explore the realm of energy efficiency, from electrification to behavior change, highlighting its often underestimated potential. Moving down the inverted triangle, we explain the significance of offsite energy through virtual power purchase agreements, and finally, delve into carbon accounting, a crucial component in reducing emissions and differentiating businesses in today's evolving landscape.You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/yc4ud3cj