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.

Shreya Dave, co-founder and CEO of Via Separations, leads a company focused on innovative energy-efficient filtration systems. She discusses the challenges of rapidly scaling her groundbreaking graphene dioxide membrane technology at a Canadian paper mill. Shreya shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, finding the right customers, and navigating financial hurdles. She reflects on lessons learned from the journey and the urgency of making impactful climate technology viable for broader commercial use. Her bold decision to scale 100x could redefine industrial operations!

In 2009, John Woolard’s team flipped the switch on a first-of-a-kind concentrated solar power project. The pilot paved the way for BrightSource Energy, where John was CEO, to build its first commercial CSP plant, a 440-megawatt project in the Mojave Desert called Ivanpah. John and his team believed they were far ahead of the competition, including photovoltaics. And they were on the verge of building several large, concentrated solar plants.That was the plan. But in the middle of building the first commercial plant, the BrightSource team faced a series of unexpected challenges that forced them to ask: “if we stay the course, will we survive?”In the first episode of The Green Blueprint, host Lara Pierpoint talks to John Woolard, former CEO of BrightSource Energy and current CEO at Meridian Clean Energy, on lessons from the concentrated solar boom and bust. They dig into how John salvaged a financial deal that collapsed in the middle of a global financial crisis, the unexpected challenges of permitting and environmental regulations, the competitive threat of solar PV, and knowing when to pivot.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.On December 3 in Washington, DC, Latitude Media is bringing together a range of experts for Transition-AI 2024, a one-day, in-person event addressing both sides of the AI-energy nexus: the challenges AI poses to the grid, and the opportunities. Our podcast listeners get a 10% discount on this year’s conference using the code LMPODS10. Register today here!

We’ve already invented many of the solutions needed to decarbonize the global economy. But a big chunk of emission reductions will come from technologies that are not yet commercial.We don’t have decades to get these commercialized – we have years.So what can we learn from the people who are bringing new technologies from the lab to the market, constructing first-of-a-kind projects, building companies, challenging and transforming incumbents, and finding the right kind of investment to support their scaling?The Green Blueprint is a new show from Latitude Media and Trellis Climate about the architects of the clean energy economy. Hosted by Lara Pierpoint, managing director at Trellis, the show profiles the people who are doing the hero’s work of scaling clean technologies: founders, investors, engineers, policymakers, and organizational leaders who are solving a complex set of challenges in the quest to scale quickly.Every other week, we’ll hear stories about the complexity of building gigafactories, the mind-boggling logistics of mega-clean energy projects, and the risky choices on how fast to scale – plus boardroom disagreements, financial hardships, and moments of failure and redemption.The Green Blueprint is dropping this fall. You can find it on Latitude Media, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Since we stopped The Carbon Copy, some listeners had questions about what’s next. Here's a preview of our new podcast, the Transition-AI event in December, and a new newsletter called the AI-Energy Nexus. Stay tuned to the feed for our new show, dropping later this fall!

Scott Engstrom from GridX and economist Ahmad Faruqui delve into the critical role of dynamic pricing in the energy transition. They discuss how adaptive rate designs can effectively engage consumers and promote energy efficiency. The conversation highlights the need for transparent communication about pricing strategies to enhance customer participation. They also critique current pricing models and advocate for innovative approaches, exploring the transformative impact of technologies like virtual power plants and emphasizing the importance of a consumer-centric focus.

Jigar Shah, director of the DOE’s loan programs office, and Katherine Hamilton, chair of 38 North, explore pressing issues in clean energy policy. They analyze the impacts of AI on energy demand and debate the future of geothermal and nuclear energy. The duo highlights the challenges California faces in rooftop solar and the potential of America's Green Bank, which could mobilize billions for clean initiatives. Their insights on overrated and underrated trends provide a clear roadmap for the future of the energy sector.

Mike Phillips, CEO of Sense, discusses the potential of advanced meters for grid intelligence and bill savings. He highlights the need for a shift in mindset from data collection devices to distributed platforms. The podcast explores the shortcomings of past smart meter deployments and the importance of investing in the right architecture for AMI 2.0 to avoid similar outcomes. The conversation delves into leveraging high-resolution data from smart meters for grid efficiency and consumer energy management, emphasizing the role of machine learning in advancing energy transition.

Exploring the shift from Chinese aluminum to domestic recycled steel in the US solar industry and the benefits it brings, such as corrosion resistance and reduced weight. Discussing the vulnerabilities of China's dominance in solar manufacturing and the need to diversify supply sources. Highlighting the advantages of steel frames in solar products for enhanced supply chain resilience, technical performance, and environmental sustainability. Delving into the focus on low embodied emissions products in the solar supply chain and the policy implications of Europe's carbon border adjustment tax. Lastly, discussing the impacts of the Biden administration tariffs on the solar industry supply chains and the importance of transitioning to more resilient and diversified supply chains.