Build, Repeat. (A Paces Podcast)

Tony Wagler, a power project developer at Paces, and researcher Alex Oort Alonso delve into a critical issue: the mismatch between projected data center growth and real grid planning. They reveal how speculative load growth influences costly transmission investments. Their analysis of 14 million Texas land parcels suggests a land-first, data-driven approach could better align development with infrastructure. The discussion highlights only 17% of viable land near substations has adequate capacity, stressing the need for smarter coordination in planning and decision-making.

Shanu Mathew, Senior Vice President at Lazard, merges finance and sustainability, spearheading U.S. sustainable equity strategies. He explores the evolution from traditional ESG investing to an alpha-first approach, driven by AI's transformative impact on energy demand. Shanu discusses the crucial 'chip-to-grid' value chain and the physical constraints affecting AI deployment. He also highlights the challenges public markets face against private innovations in the climate-tech landscape, offering insights into the complexities of modern investment in a rapidly changing environment.

In this episode, James talks with Gabe Messercola, Director of Data Center Solutions at EDF. Gabe shares his journey from studying environmental policy and working as a rock climbing instructor to building renewable energy projects at Nexamp and leading innovative data center strategies at EDF. With deep experience in asset management and power markets, Gabe now focuses on aligning renewable generation with high-demand loads like data centers and flexible industrial users.They discuss the evolving relationship between renewables, load growth, and AI-driven data center demand. Gabe explains how EDF is solving curtailment and congestion challenges by co-locating load at underutilized wind and solar sites. He highlights EDF's work with Soluna on a 166 MW behind-the-meter data center and dives into the regulatory, technical, and financial structures enabling this model. The conversation also tackles the critical role of market incentives, competitive retail, and grid flexibility to unlock fast deployment and sustainable scale.How co-located data centers are unlocking value from stranded renewable assetsThe ERCOT PUN model and its role in hybrid project designThe tension between AI uptime requirements and grid flexibilityWhy competitive retail markets like Texas are leading clean energy innovationThis episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of data centers, clean energy, and infrastructure innovation.Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

In this episode, James talks with Nat Sahlstrom, Chief Energy Officer at Tract, a data center developer enabling the next generation of digital infrastructure. Nat shares his unconventional journey from Seattle’s punk rock scene to leading energy strategy at Amazon and now Tract. With over two decades in energy, he brings deep insight into the intersection of data center growth, power planning, and sustainable infrastructure.They explore the critical challenges and opportunities facing the energy system in the age of hyperscale AI. Nat discusses his experience building one of the world’s largest corporate renewable portfolios at Amazon and how Tract is addressing the power, land, and social license hurdles confronting data center developers today. He advocates for master-planned campuses as the key to responsible, scalable digital infrastructure and unpacks why the U.S. needs a World War II-level mobilization to meet future load demand.How hyperscaler energy needs are reshaping utility planning and permitting.The shift from back-office energy functions to front-page headlines.Why social license and stakeholder alignment are critical to infrastructure success.The case for horizontal and vertical integration in data center development.This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about where power, policy, and AI converge.Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

In this episode, James talks with Hilary Clark, Senior Director of Social Licensing at the American Clean Power Association (ACP). With over two decades in permitting and regulatory affairs, Hilary brings deep expertise on how clean energy developers can effectively engage communities and navigate the complex siting landscape in the U.S.They discuss the evolving challenges in local and state-level permitting for wind, solar, and battery projects. Hilary explains the rise of moratoria and bans, the importance of community trust, and how ACP supports developers through advocacy, policy coordination, and digital tools. The conversation also covers the role of automation in feasibility analysis and the limits of technology in community engagement.The rise of permitting barriers like local moratoria and zoning bansThe importance of social license and long-term community relationshipsHow ACP leverages advocacy, policy expertise, and AI tools to support membersWhy the human element remains critical despite digital innovationThis episode offers an essential look at the on-the-ground work required to accelerate clean energy deployment across the country.Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

Brian Janous, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Cloverleaf Infrastructure and former Head of Energy at Microsoft, shares insights from his 25+ years in the utility sector. He discusses the shift from fiber-first to power-first infrastructure in data centers and unpacks the myth of exponential energy growth. Delving into the complexities of power supply, he highlights the growing tension between real estate and power developers, as well as the importance of grid integration. Brian also addresses common misconceptions and the need for collaboration in energy management.

In this episode, James talks with Michael Thomas, Founder of CleanView and creator of Distilled. Michael has built a career around impactful storytelling and actionable data, aiming to accelerate clean energy adoption. From tech marketing to climate entrepreneurship, he has channeled his curiosity into initiatives that demystify energy trends and empower decision-makers.They discuss the evolution and impact of CleanView, a real-time platform offering unmatched visibility into clean energy project development across the U.S. Michael shares the journey behind the product, why accessible, transparent data matters, and how policy, geography, and technology trends are shaping the renewable energy landscape. They also explore the political and economic implications of recent clean energy legislation and why active industry engagement is crucial.How CleanView reduces data friction for developers, EPCs, and investorsMarket trends: battery storage expansion, solar booms in the South, and wind project slowdownsThe impact of proposed ITC/PTC tax credit changes on project viabilityThe strategic importance of transparency, local engagement, and rural investmentThis episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about understanding the intersection of data, policy, and infrastructure in the clean energy sector.Paces helps developers accelerate clean energy infrastructure through comprehensive software and services. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

In this episode, James talks with Pat Lynch, Executive Managing Director and Global Head of Data Center Solutions at CBRE. With 30+ years in digital infrastructure, Pat shares his journey from early fiber builds in the 90s to leading CBRE’s global data center strategy.They discuss how CBRE’s data center business scaled from 3% to 10% of company revenue through strategic talent and investment, and how today's growth is shaped by shifting from “bringing power to the site” to “bringing the site to power.” Pat breaks down the unique power challenges developers face, the rise of behind-the-meter generation, and why delivery speed is everything in today’s market.You’ll also hear insights on:AI’s impact on siting and infrastructure designThe risk of stranded assets in power-constrained marketsNavigating utility slowdowns and regulatory uncertaintyGlobal growth opportunities and future talent needs in the sectorWhether you’re in energy, real estate, or tech, this episode delivers a front-row seat to the forces reshaping the future of data infrastructure.Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

Join Kyle Baranko, a product lead at Paces with a knack for energy data science, and Tony Wagler, a renewable energy expert specializing in solar and battery storage, as they explore innovative strategies for solar project development. They discuss using AI and Monte Carlo simulations to reduce soft costs and improve project outcomes. Discover the importance of early de-risking, the four archetypes affecting success, and how automation can save time and enhance decision-making. This compelling conversation is packed with insights for anyone curious about the future of clean energy!

Christine Larson, Head of Strategy & Operations at Modern Energy and interim COO at Industrial Sun, shares insights on how early-stage energy developers can navigate a complex landscape. She discusses the importance of tailored operational support like IT and accounting to help founders focus on scaling. Key topics include the rise of green hydrogen and EV charging, the impact of capital bottlenecks and utility coordination, and the necessity for partnerships to drive innovation in clean energy infrastructure.