The Green Blueprint

In 2018, LineVision was a young company with revolutionary technology for electric transmission lines. Its dynamic line rating sensors and software could increase the capacity of existing power lines by up to 40% without building new infrastructure — a critical solution for integrating renewables and meeting growing electricity demand.But to prove its tech, it needed to win over notoriously cautious utilities. When a crucial project worth $750,000 went to a competitor, LineVision's leadership made a last-ditch appeal that changed the company's trajectory.In this episode, host Lara Pierpoint talks with LineVision’s vice president of customer success,  Karthik Rao, about navigating utility cybersecurity requirements, escaping “pilot hell,” and how LineVision became the partner behind the world's largest DLR project.Credits: Hosted by Lara Pierpoint. Produced by Erin Hardick. Edited by Anne Bailey and Stephen Lacey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive editor.The Green Blueprint is a co-production of Latitude Media and Trellis Climate. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get podcasts. For more reporting on the companies featured in this podcast, subscribe to Latitude Media's newsletter.

In this discussion, Dan Shugar, the innovative founder and CEO of Nextracker, shares his journey in solar tracking technology since the 1980s. He emphasizes customer-centric innovation and how strategic partnerships have propelled Nextracker's growth. The conversation dives into their cutting-edge HailPro system designed to protect solar panels and the impacts of COVID-19 on supply chains and manufacturing. Dan also reveals how AI and machine learning are shaping the future of solar while navigating challenges during Nextracker's transformation into a multi-billion dollar enterprise.

Raffi Garabedian, Co-founder and CEO of Electric Hydrogen, dives into the evolving landscape of green hydrogen technology. He shares insights on the shift from small electrolyzers to large-scale 100-megawatt systems aimed at drastically cutting costs. Raffi discusses the challenges of building a manufacturing plant during market volatility and highlights why startups are crucial for cost reductions. He also addresses the complexities of customer acquisition in a competitive energy market and the strategic balancing act required for financing innovative green hydrogen projects.

Leila Madrone, founder and former CTO of SunFolding, shares her journey of pioneering a solar tracker with innovative pneumatic technology. She discusses the challenges her startup faced, including a critical redesign after field tests and the pressures of the rapidly evolving solar market. Leila reflects on the difficult choices during the pandemic that impacted funding and operations. She emphasizes the lessons learned about navigating supply chain issues and the importance of fostering innovative funding strategies for climate-focused startups.

Join the trio of clean energy experts as they humorously kick off their reunion, diving into the latest in the rapidly changing clean energy landscape. They unpack the evolving U.S. energy policies and the challenges posed by recent funding freezes. With a keen focus on solar power and electric vehicles, they also discuss market dynamics and the implications of government leadership changes. Expect intriguing insights on the future of EV sales and battery storage while emphasizing the importance of advocacy and collaboration in this $2 trillion market.

Yanni Tsipis, Senior Vice President at WS Development, leads the charge on Boston’s largest net-zero office building using innovative low-carbon cement. He discusses the groundbreaking nature of this new material and its potential to revolutionize the construction industry, which traditionally accounts for significant emissions. Yanni shares insights on the logistical challenges, the importance of stakeholder buy-in, and the financial implications of adopting sustainable alternatives. His journey marks a pivotal moment in eco-friendly construction practices.

Chris Taylor, CEO of GridStor, is revolutionizing the clean energy sector with large-scale battery storage projects. He shares insights into how his team navigated the complexities of the Inflation Reduction Act to transfer tax credits without a playbook. Chris discusses his unconventional partnership with JP Morgan, showcasing how to break barriers in project financing. They also explore the crucial role of tax credits in making renewable energy projects financially viable and the need for adaptive strategies in an evolving climate policy landscape.

Doug Chan, Chief Operating Officer at Climeworks, discusses the monumental launch of the Mammoth, the world's largest direct air capture facility in Iceland. He dives into the challenges faced during its construction and the innovative solutions developed amidst harsh winter conditions. Chan shares insights on scaling technology, managing risks, and the crucial role of teamwork. The conversation highlights the rapid advancements in direct air capture and the strategic planning needed for future projects, including plans for an even larger facility in Louisiana.

John O’Donnell, co-founder and chief innovation officer at Rondo Energy, shares his journey in developing groundbreaking heat batteries for industrial use. He discusses the complexities of collaborating with Calgren Renewable Fuels and the unforeseen manufacturing challenges faced during construction. The conversation highlights innovative solutions in heat battery technology, strategic decision-making in engineering, and the thrilling moment of activating their first commercial unit. O’Donnell emphasizes learning from both failures and successes in their ambitious quest to revolutionize energy storage.

Join Tom Burton, chair of Mintz's energy & sustainability practice, Tanya Das from the Bipartisan Policy Center, Frank O’Sullivan of S2G Ventures, and Sayles Braga at Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners as they delve into clean energy's transformative phases. They discuss how we’re in the 'third inning' of the energy transition, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, and how to de-risk green technologies for investors. Innovations in managing energy demand in data centers during the AI era are also highlighted, offering optimism and insights for the future.