DER Task Force

Drew Baglino, the innovative CEO of Heron Power with a rich Tesla background, joins Sam D'Amico of Impulse, electric tech expert Tristan Doherty from LG, and Daan Walter from Ember Energy. They dive into how electricity is reshaping global power dynamics, with China leading as the first 'electrostate.' The panel debates the U.S.'s industrial capabilities, the electric tech stack, and the importance of onshoring expertise. They also explore geopolitics tied to energy dominance and foresee a world increasingly dominated by electrostates over the next half-century.

Seth Frader-Thompson, co-founder of EnergyHub, Dana Guernsey of Voltus, Ryan Long from Xcel Energy, and Chris Rauscher of Sunrun dive into the future of distributed energy systems. They discuss the critical year of 2025, the challenges of California's policies, and the need for effective metering solutions. The panel emphasizes the urgency to deploy virtual power plants to address capacity gaps, while exploring data access and customer adoption strategies. Get insights into the complexities of integrating diverse energy resources effectively.

Kevin Chou, founder of BrightSaver, discusses Utah's pioneering legislation for permissionless DERs. Bala Ramamurthy, CEO of Critical Loop, shares insights on rapid-access power for industrial users. Cole Ashman, of Pila Energy, links rising consumer demand and outages to the urgency for plug-in solutions. Stephan Scherer emphasizes the importance of regulatory frameworks for safety in this new tech category. The panel debates the transition of plug-in solar to commonplace appliances, aiming to simplify access and installation for consumers.

In this discussion, Hallie Carrao from Google emphasizes the urgency of speed-to-power in energy solutions for data centers. Sean Jones of Tesla shares insights on the critical role of batteries in managing load volatility. Tyler Norris, a PhD researcher, debates the plausibility of AI-driven load growth, while Vic Shao, CEO of DC Grid, champions direct current architectures to enhance efficiency. Together, they explore innovative approaches to regulatory challenges, the need for bespoke utility arrangements, and the future of demand flexibility.

Jesse Peltan, a passionate advocate for solar energy and technological advancement, delivers a compelling keynote on the vital role of solar in transitioning to a Type I civilization. He explains how all energy sources ultimately derive from the sun, arguing that solar's abundance far surpasses other options. Peltan addresses common misconceptions about solar's efficiency and storage capabilities while highlighting China's rapid solar deployment. His powerful presentation makes a persuasive case for why embracing solar is essential for the future of humanity.

Seth Frader-Thompson, CEO and co-founder of EnergyHub, shares his journey from aerospace engineering to leading a major virtual power plant platform. He discusses EnergyHub's innovative VPP capabilities, including their unique Huels Test. The conversation dives into the benefits of VPPs versus traditional power plants and the intricacies of starting a clean tech company. Seth emphasizes the importance of data in managing distributed energy resources and the evolving dynamics within the utility industry, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs in energy.

Isabelle Boemeke, creator of Isodope and founder of Save Clean Energy, dives into the future of nuclear energy and clean technology. She reframes perceptions around nuclear power and discusses its potential to combat climate change. The conversation touches on the balance between nuclear and renewable sources, the cultural stigmas that have shaped public opinion, and the challenges faced in regulatory frameworks. Isabelle also highlights the importance of innovation in energy solutions and shares her ambitions for the nuclear sector's future.

Cole Ashman, Founder and CEO of Pila Energy, discusses the revolutionary concept of permissionless distributed energy resources (DERs), aiming to simplify energy installations. He shares his journey from Hurricane Katrina to working at Tesla, highlighting the push for resilience in energy solutions. The conversation dives into the benefits of permissionless battery systems, innovative energy management ideas, and the transformation of home energy use, including user-friendly designs and the significance of energy storage during outages.

Jigar Shah, former head of the DOE LPO, and Tim Hade, co-founder of Scale Microgrids, dive into the exciting world of distributed energy. They share humorous parenting stories intertwined with the challenges of integrating renewable tech at home. From the evolving landscape of clean energy and the importance of mentorship to the dynamics between utilities and the solar industry, their insights spark inspiration. They also tackle supply chain challenges in solar and storage, all while radiating optimism for the future of DERs.

Jesse Peltan, the founder of Type 1 and an expert in solar energy, discusses the future of energy infrastructure alongside Lisan Al Gaib. They explore the burgeoning field of solar technology and its advantages over nuclear power, emphasizing sustainability and cost efficiency. The conversation touches on breakthroughs in energy storage, the importance of DC power for modern applications, and the geopolitical landscape shaped by solar energy advancements. Peltan's insights reveal opportunities for innovation in agriculture and transportation, making a case for a solar-powered future.