Currents

Robbie Orvis of Energy Innovation discusses how shifting federal policies, tax credit changes and rising electricity demand shaped renewable energy deployment in 2025 and what those trends may mean for 2026. He also explores expected growth in solar and storage, potential headwinds for wind and the broader implications for power prices and grid planning.

Rubiao Song, Managing Director at J.P. Morgan, and Ralph Cho, Co-CEO of Apterra Infrastructure Capital, dive into the evolving landscape of tax equity and project financing. They share insights on the expected surge in tax equity and credit volumes for 2025, highlighting the emerging trends in solar-plus-storage. The conversation also covers the impact of new tax credits on financing structures, residential solar risks, and innovative developments in the tax equity market, while projecting a busy pipeline for 2026 amidst ongoing policy challenges.

John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna Holdings, discusses how the company develops data centers co‑located with renewable power plants to use curtailed energy, the role of “renewable computing” and how flexible data center operations can help manage growing AI‑driven electricity demand.

David Lillefloren and Tyler Hall of SunRaycer discuss launching and scaling a renewable energy development platform, from team-building and capital strategy to executing projects amid changing federal policy, supply‑chain constraints and rising power demand.

Barrett Bilotta, CEO of Agilitas Energy, discusses the company's integrated approach to renewable energy development and recent trends in distributed generation and energy storage.

Dan Berger, managing director at Lockton Companies, discusses recent trends, challenges and developments in the tax credit insurance market.

Shannon Miller, the CEO of Mainspring Energy, dives into the fascinating world of modular linear generator technology. He explains how these generators offer low emissions and fuel flexibility, making them ideal for various applications like EV charging and data centers. Shannon also highlights the cost advantages over traditional energy solutions and discusses the importance of dispatch integration with existing systems. With a focus on scaling and efficiency, he outlines the potential impact on energy customers looking for reliable and sustainable power solutions.

Raquel Bierzwinsky, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright specializing in the Mexican power sector, shares her insights on new reforms transforming Mexico's electricity market. She discusses the 2014 reforms that opened the market, the impact of the AMLO administration, and how nearshoring demands are reshaping power needs. Raquel highlights key regulations allowing private investment, including the 54% government interest rule and mixed development opportunities. With a bullish outlook on investment potential, she emphasizes attractive industrial power solutions and battery storage prospects.

Stefano Ratti, CEO of Chaberton Energy, is a community solar developer pioneering the integration of battery storage into renewable projects. He discusses the impact of market shifts and policy changes on solar development. Ratti highlights the pros and cons of project ownership versus development and elaborates on how community solar economics adapt to tariff changes. He shares insights on the comfort of financiers with community solar and the importance of state-level support. Finally, Ratti predicts a bright future for solar plus storage as the market evolves.

Four industry experts discuss about the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in data center financings. The four are Claus Hertel, managing director, Rabobank, Melih Ileri, chief investment officer, DC BLOX, Mike Johnson, director, Société Générale, and Tim McGuire, vice president, capital markets, Rowan Digital Infrastructure. The moderators are Christine Brozynski and Christy Rivera in New York.