Eight Minute Climate Fix | Clean Energy & Climate Policy Insights

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Not everyone owns a roof and is able to install the latest solar panel - so how do we create the opportunity for renters, small businesses, non-profits, or urban condo dwellers to participate in the low cost and sustainability advantage of solar power? The answer may be in community solar projects. In this episode, P...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content The next decade could be that of battery storage. Boosted by new tax credits in the IRA, batteries are poised to become one of the most powerful tools in our tool belt for shifting to cleaner electricity. But storage isn’t just about storing solar power for use at night. They represent security, resiliency, flexibili...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this episode, Paul sits down with Greg Stevenson of Consumers Energy to talk about the utility's challenges and opportunities when it comes to helping the small and medium sized business (SMB) market. SMBs are something of a forgotten middle in the energy transition - as so much focus has been on large compan...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Microgrids play an important role in advancing the energy transition, not only creating clean power, but enabling more resilient, secure systems that can be deployed easier and faster than multiple types of projects. In this episode, Paul digs into the types and technologies of microgrids and the impact that they hav...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content For the most part, filling up a gas tank is the same experience no matter where you go. But EV charging can be pretty different. From being able to charge at your local retail store or even at home to understanding the differences between Level 1, 2 or 3 chargers - Paul takes a moment to decipher how EV charging work...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this episode, Paul discusses recent research that suggests that all of those climate commitments that big corporations have been making may not be as strong as originally thought. Diving into some of the ways that corporations may be inadvertently misleading their stakeholders, Paul unpacks some of the reasons why...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content The IRA represents the largest ever commitment of federal dollars into climate technologies. In this episode, Paul dissects how the IRA is structured to support renewable energies, hydrogen, clean vehicles and other priorities of the Biden Administration.  Follow Paul on LinkedIn .

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content The response to our new podcast has been overwhelming! A tremendous "thank you" to all of our listeners and subscribers. Based on feedback from our listeners, we've decided to split out our long-form interviews from the shorter, eight-minute overviews that we've been enjoying. You can still find t...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content The boom of renewable energy resources has been an undisputed success story. But it's opened up new challenges in how to upgrade an aging power grid to handle these new power sources. 70% of our transmission network is 25 years or older - and we're going to need massive investment into the grid if we'r...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this condensed overview of Paul's interview with Lee Taylor, CEO of REsurety, the two of them discuss the importance of evaluating new renewable projects by the impact that they have on emissions reductions. REsurety is pioneering nodal analytics that enable investors, buyers and other energy transition profe...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content The energy transition isn't just a success story about new technologies. At it's heart, the transition is a customer-led journey. Electricity consumers, in particular, are demanding more control and flexibility in the types of electrons that they are purchasing. In this episode, Paul unwraps how innovations...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content The influx of VC money in the 2006-2011 timeframe ignited what is now known as Cleantech 1.0; a boom, and trough, that have some people worried that today's frothy investment cycle may be headed for another sharp correction. Paul interviews Jon Guerster of Activate Capital to understand how VC firms are thinking...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Paul provides a brief 8 minute overview of his interview with Joe Aamidor of Aamidor Consulting. The two discuss the benefits that Smart Building Management Systems bring to the energy transition and in decarbonizing our built environment. Follow Paul on LinkedIn .

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Paul tackles the somewhat controversial topic of carbon offsets, diving into why most offsets on the market today are almost worthless. What needs to happen to deliver high quality, resilient offsets and how should companies and individuals think about this important tool in our climate tool bag? Follow Paul on Linke...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Paul adds his voice to those taking a retrospective look back at 2022 and the headlines that changed the energy transition. From the passage of the IRA to the war in Ukraine, the year was ... memorable. 2023 is shaping up to be a pivotal year, itself, and Paul adds a few modest predictions on what to expect over the...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Are we at a tipping point for electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the US? Maybe, but there's still a lot of work to do to get it right. EV prices need to come down, charging infrastructure established and a distribution power grid upgraded to be able to handle the expected transition to electric mobility. Paul exp...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Heat Pumps are amazing technology that have the potential to significantly electrify space and water heating for buildings. In this episode, Paul digs into how these boxes work, why they are so important to the energy transition, and what consumers should consider as they think about installing this technology. Follo...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this podcast, Paul provides an overview of the Conference of Parties (COP), some of the global commitments that have historically come from these conferences, and discusses the outcomes from the latest meeting, COP 27 in Egypt. Follow Paul on LinkedIn .

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this episode, Paul explores the mechanics of the Power Purchase Agreement and its close cousin, the Virtual Power Purchase Agreement. These contracts underpin how many renewable power projects get financed, providing a stable source of revenue that banks can loan against. Follow Paul on LinkedIn .

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this episode, Paul dissects the hype around the hydrogen market. What's with all of the colors in the "hydrogen rainbow" and where is hydrogen likely to succeed as a clean fuel alternative to gas, oil or other fossil fuels? To help with that last question, Paul refers to Michael Liebreich's hyd...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this episode, Paul dives into tax credits and the byzantine structures used by the federal government to incentivize renewable energy projects. He also lays out how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) revises the tax equity market for the better, setting the stage for real growth over the next decade. Follow Paul on...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this episode, Paul explains how some large corporations are tackling the thorny issue of emissions in their supply chains. While many are still trying to grasp how to account for and report on these Scope 3 emissions, others are leading the way with innovative solutions to help suppliers reduce their greenhouse ga...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this podcast, our host, Paul Schuster, explores the challenges in decarbonizing commercial buildings, especially those that need to be retrofitted. He discusses how governments are using building performance standards to incentivize landlords toward net zero emissions and what some of the issues are in implementin...

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this new podcast, Paul Schuster breaks down the complexities of the clean energy transition in brief eight minute segments. The debut episode tackles the existing solar industry, the different ways customers are currently contracting for solar power, the impact of new federal incentives, and the challenges awaitin...