Build, Repeat. (A Paces Podcast)

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.

Join Kyle Baranko, Head of Product at Paces, and Tyler Norris, a Ph.D. student at Duke University, as they tackle the surge in energy demands from AI data centers. They dive into solutions like off-grid solar-plus-storage microgrids and the need for flexible grid connections. The duo discusses the critical balance between reliability and sustainability, examining how current market frameworks affect scaling innovations. With insights into the barriers facing developers, this conversation is vital for anyone curious about the future of energy and infrastructure.

Nan Ransohoff works at Stripe Climate, focusing on carbon removal markets, while Duncan Campbell from Scale Microgrids specializes in optimal energy solutions. They dive into the pressing need for innovative energy solutions amidst climate challenges. Duncan predicts a future where disruptive ideas reshape the grid. The conversation highlights the role of AI in data centers, the urgency of faster adaptation in the electricity sector, and the potential of solar microgrids to meet rising industrial demands. Listeners are encouraged to think bigger in climate action.

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Aaronson, founder and CEO of Demeter Land Development, to explore his unexpected path from criminal defense attorney to renewable energy land origination expert.Scott recounts how his real estate ventures led him to community solar development, shedding light on the evolving challenges of securing land for distributed generation (DG) projects. He discusses the industry's transformation from old-school, door-knocking tactics to a highly strategic, data-driven approach.We cover:How his unique legal background can be applied to land originationThe biggest challenges in permitting, interconnection, and competitionHow personalized landowner outreach makes a differenceThe future of DG renewables and what trends to watchScott emphasizes the importance of local relationships, policy awareness, and strategic first-mover advantage in emerging markets. He also shares how Demeter’s partnership with Paces has helped streamline operations and accelerate growth.If you’re involved in solar development, land acquisition, or renewable energy policy, this episode is packed with valuable insights!Connect with Scott here!Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Hans Hirschboeck, founder and managing director of impactECI, to explore the rapidly evolving world of data centers and energy infrastructure. With a background in electrical engineering and years of experience leading energy projects at AWS, Peter shares invaluable insights on how the demand for AI computing power is reshaping the energy landscape.We discuss:The massive growth of data centers and its impact on energy gridsWhy grid bottlenecks and interconnection queues are delaying projectsHow hyperscalers and AI companies are securing power for large-scale deploymentsThe increasing role of nuclear, renewables, and behind-the-meter solutionsHow utilities, developers, and tech companies can better collaborate to solve infrastructure challengesPeter also breaks down the current trends in power procurement, the importance of speed to deployment, and why grid reform is essential to meet future energy demands.If you’re in energy, data centers, or AI infrastructure, this episode is packed with must-know insights!Connect with Peter & impactECI here!Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?