Tuck Energy Currents

In Season 4 Episode 5 of Tuck Energy Currents, Tobe Okpala and James Random interviews Ani Janukashvilli who is Deputy Director at Georgia Energy Development Fund (GEDF).We begin this episode exploring Ani’s career journey from the banking sector to the public sector working at GEDF. Ani discusses various energy projects within the fund as well as the energy landscape in Georgia and complexities with its neighbors. Lastly, Ani offers insights into how mentorship is valuable for young professionals looking to build a career in climate investing.

In Season 4 Episode 3 of Tuck Energy Currents, host Tobe Okpala interviews Andrew Beebe, Managing Director at Obvious Ventures. We begin this episode exploring Andrew’s career journey and thought behind his decision before diving into his area of focus at Obvious. Andrew gives us the lay of the land on climate investing while exploring some interesting innovations. Finally, Andrew offers valuable advice for young professionals looking to build a career in climate tech and investing.

In Season 4 Episode 2 of Tuck Energy Currents, guest host Jon Bakken interviews Daniel Flanigan, Chief Marketing and Product Officer for Erthos. The episode explores Daniel's early career in the solar industry in California during its nascent days, his involvement with building two previous innovative solar racking/mounting companies (Ojjo and Zep Solar), and his current role at Erthos. Daniel shares insights on the exciting business roadmap and innovative potential of Erthos' Earth Mount Solar product, which lays panels directly on the ground. The discussion also covers the future of solar, the competitiveness of earth mount solar against traditional racking for utility-scale projects, especially as module prices continue to decline rapidly, and how the industry may evolve over time. Finally, Daniel offers valuable advice for young professionals looking to build a career in the renewable energy sector.

In Season 4 Episode 1 of Tuck Energy Currents, host James Randon interviews Daniel Hochman, Head of Sustainability Research at Bridgewater Associates and Dartmouth College Class of 2011. The episode delves into Daniel and Bridgewater’s research on the primary factors driving the transition to a low carbon economy. Topics covered include the policy, technology, corporate, and capital drivers for a net zero carbon future. Daniel also shares perspectives on his path at Bridgewater, his recently awarded Atlantic Council Millennium Fellowship, along with advice for young professionals looking to enter the sustainability space.See important disclosures and other information here.

Season 4 of Tuck Energy Currents, presented by the Revers Center for Energy, Sustainability and Innovation at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, dives deeper into the transformative world of energy.This season, Tuck Energy Currents covers topics ranging from the energy markets to deep dives in the solar tech and venture landscapes along with policy discussions around energy independence in developing economies.

In Season 3 Episode 6, Pádraig chats with Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Abby, who has navigated SEIA through critical industry milestones, shares her transition from a legal background to becoming a solar energy advocate. Her tenure includes significant roles in both the public and private sectors, laying a robust foundation for her leadership at SEIA. The conversation delves into how SEIA champions solar companies, the impact of key legislation like the IRA on solar energy proliferation, and the persistent challenges solar firms encounter amidst policy uncertainties. Additionally, the episode explores strategies to foster diversity within the energy sector and imparts valuable advice for young professionals about the merits of risk-taking. Abby's comprehensive expertise and visionary outlook highlight the episode's emphasis on shaping a sustainable solar energy future in America, marking a pivotal conversation for anyone interested in the intersection of energy, policy, and innovation.

In Season 3, Episode 5, Michael Proudfoot engages with Ryan Nielson, Vice President of Investment Banking at CITI. Ryan began his professional journey with a mechanical engineering degree from Brigham Young University, followed by a pivotal role in the energy sector, focusing on nuclear energy. Ryan's career was profoundly influenced by his involvement in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program at a department called Naval Reactors in Washington, D.C. Naval Reactors is a unique organization dual-headed by the Navy and the Department of Energy. Ryan complemented his industry knowledge with a master's in nuclear engineering from Penn State. In this episode, Ryan discusses his deliberate move through Tuck as a step to broaden his understanding of the energy sector, particularly the financial aspects critical for technology adoption. He recounts his strategic career moves, from gaining foundational experience in Oil and Gas at Credit Suisse to his current focus on clean technology and the energy transition at CITI's clean energy platform. This episode not only traces Ryan's professional evolution but also offers insights into the dynamic interplay of engineering, policy, and finance in advancing new energy technologies.

In Season 3 Episode 4 of Tuck Energy Currents, host Michael Proudfoot interviews James Coan, a Principal Consultant at S&P Global and Princeton University alumnus. The episode, produced by Tuck's Revers Center for Energy, Sustainability, and Innovation, delves into James's journey from energy and environmental consulting to focusing on the low-carbon energy transition. Key topics include the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on electric vehicles and battery storage, ethical challenges in sourcing battery materials, the future of EV adoption, and innovations in fast-charging technologies. Additionally, James shares insights into the geopolitical dimensions of energy transition and offers advice for young professionals entering the energy sector.

In Season 3 Episode 3, Pádraig interviews Robert Gardner, a Public Policy Advisor at the law firm Baker Donalson. With a focus on advising executives on emerging policy issues, Robert's expertise spans health, clean energy incentives, supply chain, trade, and tax issues. His background includes serving on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's legislative staff, covering tax and trade, and being a part of the Tuck class of 2021. The episode delves into Robert's journey into energy policy, the Inflation Reduction Act and related tax credits, strategies for clients to leverage IRA policies, challenges in policy uncertainty, future trends in tax policy affecting energy transition, and the significance of public policy for young professionals in corporations.