#164: How the Grid Could Survive the AI Boom with Solid State Transformers With DG Matrix

#164: How the Grid Could Survive the AI Boom with Solid State Transformers With DG Matrix

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Michael Wood III, Director of Commercial Development at DG Matrix, about one of the biggest challenges behind the AI boom: aging electrical infrastructure. As AI, data centers, manufacturing and electrification drive unprecedented demand for electricity, utilities and developers are increasingly constrained by a grid architecture built around technologies that have changed little in more than a century. Michael explains how DG Matrix is developing the world's first commercially available multi-port solid-state transformer, a power electronics platform designed to simplify energy systems, accelerate access to power, integrate multiple energy sources, and support the growing energy needs of AI data centers and electrified industries. The conversation explores grid modernization, data center energy demand, power system flexibility, and why the future of electricity infrastructure may require a fundamental rethinking of how energy moves through the grid. Key Points: * AI data centers are creating unprecedented demand for electricity – The rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure is placing new pressure on an electrical grid originally designed for predictable demand patterns. * Solid-state transformers could modernize power delivery – DG Matrix's multi-port solid-state transformer replaces complex power conversion chains with a flexible platform that integrates AC, DC, batteries, renewables, generators, and data center loads. * Grid flexibility is becoming as important as grid capacity – As electrification accelerates across transportation, manufacturing, buildings, and computing, future energy systems will need to be smarter, faster, and more adaptable to changing power requirements. * Michael Wood III, Director of Commercial Development at DG Matrix [https://www.dgmatrix.com/], LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/michael-wood-iii] * Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications [https://technica.inc/] 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website [https://earthlingspodcast.com/] for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter [https://theearthlingspodcast.substack.com/] for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures!  We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QjZGBcv41Kgl4TbKEP2US-SiooH_R9812UBapuqudFs/edit] Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode [https://earthlingspodcast.com/episodes/life-at-3-c/] on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page [http://patreon.com/TheEarthlingsPodcast]. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news:  * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthlings-podcast] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/earthlingspod/]  * Follow us on our Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086533328643] * Follow us on X [https://mobile.twitter.com/earthlingspod?lang=de]  Thanks to Resource Labs [https://resourcelabs.co/] for having us on the network!

#163: Can Renewable Energy Replace Combustion? This Company Thinks It Can With FeX Energy

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Hayden Smith, CEO of FeX Energy, about the growing challenge of decarbonizing industrial heat and why long-duration energy storage may become essential to the future of clean manufacturing and grid reliability. While renewable electricity adoption continues to grow, many industrial sectors still rely on fossil fuel combustion to generate the high-temperature heat needed for cement, steel, chemicals, plastics, mining, and food processing. Hayden explains how FeX Energy is developing an iron-based thermal energy storage system capable of storing renewable electricity for long durations and releasing it later as high-temperature industrial heat approaching 900°C. The conversation explores how thermal energy storage could help stabilize renewable-heavy grids, reduce dependence on natural gas, support industrial electrification, and help industries decarbonize without requiring massive transmission infrastructure upgrades. Key Points: * Industrial heat remains one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize – Heavy industry still depends heavily on fossil fuel combustion for high-temperature manufacturing processes. * FeX Energy uses iron as a long-duration thermal battery – The company’s Iron Arc Reactor stores renewable electricity and releases it later as high-temperature industrial heat. * Long-duration energy storage could improve grid flexibility and industrial electrification – Thermal storage systems may help manage renewable intermittency, reduce grid strain, and lower infrastructure upgrade costs. * Hayden Smith, CEO of FeX Energy [https://www.fexenergy.com/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-c-smith?originalSubdomain=ca] * Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications [https://technica.inc/] 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website [https://earthlingspodcast.com/] for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter [https://theearthlingspodcast.substack.com/] for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures!  We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QjZGBcv41Kgl4TbKEP2US-SiooH_R9812UBapuqudFs/edit] Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode [https://earthlingspodcast.com/episodes/life-at-3-c/] on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page [http://patreon.com/TheEarthlingsPodcast]. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news:  * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthlings-podcast] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/earthlingspod/]  * Follow us on our Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086533328643] * Follow us on X [https://mobile.twitter.com/earthlingspod?lang=de]  Thanks to Resource Labs [https://resourcelabs.co/] for having us on the network!

#162: Whales, Wolves, and Wild Comebacks: The Power of Rewilding with Alister Scott

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Alister Scott, Executive Director of the Global Rewilding Alliance, about the growing global rewilding movement and how ecosystem restoration could play a major role in addressing biodiversity loss, climate resilience, flooding, wildfire risk, and human well-being. The conversation explores what rewilding actually means: restoring ecosystems by reducing destructive human activity, reconnecting habitats through wildlife corridors, and reintroducing keystone species like wolves, beavers, bison, jaguars, and whales that help ecosystems regulate themselves naturally. Links to other topics discussed in the interview: * The list of the Global Rewilding Alliance’s partner projects on every continent can be found here [https://globalrewilding.earth/alliance-partner-directory/] * Ben Goldfarb’s book, Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter [https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/eager-paperback/?srsltid=AfmBOorzxQjoaPjZ__vLENLhWcwTiH81v8W2I3tta9xtTcDopnnKiMP5], by Ben Goldfarb * Vanuatu’s Protected Area Status with the Protected Planet Initiative [https://www.protectedplanet.net/country/VUT]'s protected area * Videos that showcase the rewilding spirit * Principles of rewilding [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGu_N95KJYR/?igsh=Zmhma3Ayb2xvNm0y] * Imagining a rewilded Earth [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI0_z6yqbrY/?igsh=MmV0ejRpbXQ4azY3] * A rewilded language [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHoG1JiKOZb/?igsh=bWxrOTloMHc2NGht] * Wild heroes: * Hippos [https://www.instagram.com/p/DMQAHQMqZim/?igsh=MTcyajRqNGdsa3lkOQ==] * Otters [https://www.instagram.com/p/DEKjOdKKM7P/?igsh=bnNyeTM2cTZpM2Zr] * Beavers [https://www.instagram.com/p/DMFs_XoKRdf/?igsh=MXBzYTJqeGZ1eXN2ZA==] Key Points: * Rewilding focuses on restoring ecosystem function – Rather than tightly controlling landscapes, rewilding creates the conditions for nature to recover and self-regulate over time. * Nature recovery creates economic opportunities – Protected ecosystems can support local economies through tourism, sustainable land management, and long-term climate resilience. * Rewilding can happen anywhere – From marine protected areas to urban gardens and backyard pollinator habitats, biodiversity recovery can begin at every scale. * Alister Scott, Executive Director of the Global Rewilding Alliance [https://globalrewilding.earth/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralisterscott] * Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications [https://technica.inc/], Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability [https://www.womenincleantechsustainability.org/], and CEO of PRVIEW [https://prview.ai/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannpinkerton/] 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website [https://earthlingspodcast.com/] for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter [https://theearthlingspodcast.substack.com/] for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures!  We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QjZGBcv41Kgl4TbKEP2US-SiooH_R9812UBapuqudFs/edit] Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode [https://earthlingspodcast.com/episodes/life-at-3-c/] on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page [http://patreon.com/TheEarthlingsPodcast]. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news:  * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthlings-podcast] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/earthlingspod/]  * Follow us on our Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086533328643] * Follow us on X [https://mobile.twitter.com/earthlingspod?lang=de]  Thanks to Resource Labs [https://resourcelabs.co/] for having us on the network!

#161: Dry, Pulverize, Sanitize: Turning Industrial Waste Into New Resources with ADAR Technologies

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Dan Kelly, CEO of ADAR Technologies, about how the company is rethinking industrial waste management through acoustic dehydration technology. By removing moisture from high-volume waste streams, like agricultural byproducts, sludge, and food waste, ADAR reduces disposal costs, eliminates contaminants, and preserves nutrient value for reuse. The conversation centers on a simple but powerful shift: when sustainability improves the bottom line, adoption follows. Instead of relying on policy or incentives, this approach turns waste into a profitability lever, unlocking new opportunities in resource recovery, circular economy systems, and industrial efficiency. Key Points: * Waste streams can become revenue streams – ADAR focuses on high-moisture industrial waste, reducing disposal costs while creating new value from materials that were previously discarded. * Acoustic dehydration replaces thermal drying – Using shock waves instead of heat, the system removes water at a molecular level while preserving nutrients and reducing energy use. * Economics are driving adoption – Companies are engaging not for compliance, but to improve margins by turning waste management into a profit center. * Dan Kelly, CEO of ADAR Technologies [https://www.adartech.com/], LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/dankelly1] * Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications [https://technica.inc/] 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website [https://earthlingspodcast.com/] for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter [https://theearthlingspodcast.substack.com/] for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures!  We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QjZGBcv41Kgl4TbKEP2US-SiooH_R9812UBapuqudFs/edit] Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode [https://earthlingspodcast.com/episodes/life-at-3-c/] on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page [http://patreon.com/TheEarthlingsPodcast]. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news:  * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthlings-podcast] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/earthlingspod/]  * Follow us on our Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086533328643] * Follow us on X [https://mobile.twitter.com/earthlingspod?lang=de]  Thanks to Resource Labs [https://resourcelabs.co/] for having us on the network!

#160: Throwing Shade at the Heat Crisis with Passive Cooling With ThermoShade

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Emily Dinino, Founder and CEO of ThermoShade, about how extreme heat is reshaping cities, infrastructure, and daily life, and what it will take to adapt. As the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., rising temperatures are exposing gaps in how we design public spaces, especially in underserved communities. Emily shares how ThermoShade is developing passive-cooling panels that reduce surface temperatures without relying on energy-intensive systems, and how the technology is being piloted in urban transit, agriculture, and temporary off-grid shelters. The conversation explores the science behind radiative cooling, the realities of deploying climate tech in public infrastructure, and why resilience, not just mitigation, needs to be a bigger part of the climate conversation. Key Points: * Extreme heat is a design problem as much as a climate problem – Urban heat islands, driven by materials like concrete and metal, disproportionately impact underserved communities and require rethinking how public spaces are built and shaded. * Passive cooling can reduce heat without adding strain to the grid – ThermoShade’s panels use radiative cooling and phase change materials to maintain lower surface temperatures, creating environments that can feel significantly cooler without relying on fans, misters, or air conditioning. * Deploying climate tech depends on working within existing systems – Rather than replacing infrastructure, ThermoShade is integrating into existing contracts and designs, such as retrofitting bus shelters through established partners. * Emily Dinino, CEO and Founder of ThermoShade [https://www.getthermoshade.com/], LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/emilydinino] * Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications [https://technica.inc/]