Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy Podcast

In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth takes a deep dive with Todd Crescenzo, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Clear Creek Investments. Todd unpacks his 25+ years of experience in sustainable investing, highlighting how his firm is reshaping the renewable energy landscape through a multi-stage, evergreen fund structure. Clear Creek Investments stands out by bridging the "valley of death" for cleantech companies, supporting their commercial inflection points, and scaling breakthrough innovations in energy, food, and water sectors. Todd shares invaluable insights on: * Key investment criteria for renewable energy and clean tech companies. * The critical role of commercial inflection points in scaling technologies. * Lessons from challenges in early-stage investments and risk mitigation strategies. * Clear Creek’s approach to building ecosystems that go beyond capital, including strategic partnerships and operational guidance. * Emerging trends in energy storage, data centers, and material sciences, poised to shape the clean tech future. Todd also offers practical advice for founders, including when to seek investment, how to prioritize execution, and ways to stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re a renewable energy entrepreneur, investor, or industry leader, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways. Episode Highlights: * 2:30 – What sets Clear Creek Investments apart from other sustainability-focused firms. * 9:15 – How to assess a company’s ability to scale in the fast-evolving renewable energy market. * 14:10 – Mitigating risks in a volatile renewable energy landscape. * 28:00 – Case studies: Ion Storage Systems and innovations in wind blade manufacturing. * 36:45 – Top clean tech trends, including electrification, grid-scale energy storage, and data center technologies. * 42:15 – The importance of focus, flexibility, and discipline in building and scaling renewable energy companies. Why You Should Listen: Gain a front-row seat to how investment leaders like Todd Crescenzo are accelerating clean energy innovations and navigating the complexities of scaling companies in a highly competitive sector. Todd’s mix of strategic insights and real-world examples offers a blueprint for success in clean tech. Links: Todd on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-crescenzo-cfa-86a8481/] Clear Creek Investments [https://www.clearcreekinv.com/] Ion Storage Systems [https://ionstoragesystems.com/] 🎧 Subscribe and never miss an episode of Green Giants! Share this episode with your network to inspire more innovation in renewable energy and sustainability. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/] * Email: wes@leegroupsearch.com * https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/ [https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/] * https://leegroupsearch.com/ [https://leegroupsearch.com/]

In this episode of Green Giants, we sit down with Bernard Brown, COO of Empire Diversified Energy and a trailblazer in sustainable innovation. With a career spanning over two decades in both public and private sectors, Bernard shares his vision for transforming the energy landscape through groundbreaking waste-to-energy projects, hydrogen production, and sustainable solutions. Key Highlights: * A Veteran’s Perspective: Bernard recounts his early inspiration for focusing on energy, stemming from his time in the military and his work with emergency operations. * Sustainable vs. Renewable: Bernard unpacks the critical distinction between renewable and sustainable energy, advocating for a broader definition that includes waste-to-energy solutions and hydro. * The Hard Truth About Energy: Why trade-offs are inevitable in every energy solution and how we can better educate stakeholders without alienating them. * Hydrogen's Role in the Energy Mix: Learn why Bernard sees hydrogen as a transformative piece of the sustainable energy puzzle and how Empire Diversified Energy is betting big on its potential. * A "Rockefeller Moment" for Energy: Drawing parallels to the oil boom era, Bernard explains why now is the time for bold investments and innovations in the hydrogen sector. * Waste-to-Energy Innovation: Discover Empire's pioneering approach to turning food waste and sludge into clean hydrogen, achieving negative carbon intensity scores. * Energy Politics and Behavior Change: Bernard shares his thoughts on depoliticizing energy and how individual actions can collectively drive the transition to sustainability. * Future Energy Vision: From advanced solar panels to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Bernard paints a picture of a diverse, robust energy future. About Bernard Brown: Bernard Brown is a recognized leader in the energy sector, combining technical expertise with a passion for decarbonization. At Empire Diversified Energy, he drives innovative solutions that address climate challenges while maximizing efficiency and economic viability. Mentioned in This Episode: * Empire Diversified Energy [https://empirediversifiedenergy.com/] * Follow Bernard Brown on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardrbrown/] * Vivakor [https://vivakor.com/] Call to Action: If you’re inspired by Bernard’s insights, don’t forget to subscribe to Green Giants for more conversations with the changemakers driving the clean energy revolution. Share this episode, leave a review, and help us spread the word about innovations shaping a sustainable future. Tags: #HydrogenEnergy #SustainableEnergy #WasteToEnergy #CleanTech #GreenInnovation #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #HydrogenFuelCells #CircularEconomy #ClimateSolutions Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/] * Email: wes@leegroupsearch.com * https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/ [https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/] * https://leegroupsearch.com/ [https://leegroupsearch.com/]

In this episode of the Green Giants Podcast, host Wes Ashworth welcomes George Hershman, CEO of SOLV Energy, to discuss the economic forces driving the solar industry’s explosive growth. This conversation reveals why solar energy is thriving, regardless of political shifts. SOLV Energy has built over 15 gigawatts of solar projects, making it the top solar contractor in the U.S. Hershman shares his unmatched industry insights, explaining how technological demands, such as AI and widespread electrification, are making solar the most cost-effective and scalable energy solution today. He also discusses the industry’s transition from being policy-dependent to being driven by pure economics. Key Takeaways: * Solar’s Unstoppable Growth: Hershman details the massive demand surge and how AI and electrification are changing the game. * Economic Resilience: Learn how SOLV Energy thrived through different political administrations by focusing on market fundamentals. * Community and Job Impact: The episode covers solar’s role in job creation, especially in underserved areas, and the broader community benefits. * Innovation at Scale: Discover how SOLV Energy embraces new technologies to accelerate project timelines and enhance efficiency. * Overcoming Challenges: Hershman addresses supply chain and workforce hurdles, and how the industry is meeting these head-on. Show Notes: 1. Introduction (0:00 - 1:25): Wes introduces George Hershman and SOLV Energy’s achievements. 2. Hershman’s Solar Journey (1:28 - 6:58): From starting with a small team during the 2008 crisis to becoming a solar titan. 3. Scaling Up (7:00 - 13:12): How SOLV Energy’s growth philosophy drives opportunities and innovation. 4. Current Market Overview (13:14 - 19:33): Why George is bullish on solar and the tech-driven trends fueling demand. 5. Economic Stability (19:35 - 22:09): Navigating political climates and why solar’s future is secure. 6. Workforce and Supply Chain (22:11 - 24:19): Challenges in scaling labor and logistics, and strategies to overcome them. 7. Regional Expansion (24:21 - 30:34): Insights into SOLV Energy’s strategic moves into new markets. 8. Diversifying Services (30:36 - 35:15): Why SOLV Energy is more than just an EPC provider, offering SCADA and repowering solutions. 9. Innovation Highlights (35:17 - 45:27): How robotics and AI are optimizing solar construction and the vision for future growth. 10. Closing Remarks (45:29 - End): Wes wraps up the episode, emphasizing the transformative impact of solar energy. Links: George on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgehershman/] SOLV Energy [https://www.solvenergy.com/] Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/] * Email: wes@leegroupsearch.com * https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/ [https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/] * https://leegroupsearch.com/ [https://leegroupsearch.com/]

In this engaging episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth sits down with Commissioner Tim Echols, Vice Chair of the Georgia Public Service Commission. Known for his pivotal role in Georgia's energy landscape, Tim shares the strategic moves that have turned the state into a renewable energy powerhouse. From pioneering solar projects to advancing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and leveraging nuclear power, Tim has been at the forefront of innovation while keeping economic responsibility in focus. Episode Highlights: * Tim’s Unexpected Journey into Renewable Energy: Tim reveals the origins of his passion for clean energy, starting with his early work on solar thermal technology and his personal experiences that fueled his advocacy. * Building a Reliable EV Infrastructure: Dive deep into the complexities of EV charger networks and why Tim believes Elon Musk’s approach set a standard that others struggle to match. Discover Tim’s insights on "charging deserts" and how strategic policies are filling these gaps in Georgia. * Georgia’s Solar Boom: With solar power growing from just 3 megawatts to over 7,800 megawatts, Tim discusses the policies that made this possible. Learn how Georgia has leveraged federal incentives to boost solar energy while balancing economic impacts. * Overcoming Energy Challenges with Innovation: Tim explores the pressing need for energy solutions that accommodate the demands of AI-driven data centers and the tech sector's expansion. Hear about future-proofing energy infrastructure with commitments from businesses and innovative policies. * The Case for Nuclear Power: Addressing the controversy surrounding nuclear energy, Tim breaks down the financial and political barriers to expanding nuclear capacity and how the federal government can play a crucial role. * Navigating Natural Gas Volatility: Tim explains the ripple effects of natural gas price fluctuations on Georgia residents and outlines potential measures to shield consumers from future shocks. * Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology: Tim passionately advocates for vehicle-to-grid integration, detailing pilot programs that could revolutionize how electric school buses and personal EVs contribute to grid resilience. * Making Renewable Energy Bipartisan: As a Republican who champions renewable energy, Tim discusses how to make sustainability appealing across party lines, focusing on economic benefits and practical solutions. Why Listen? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving energy landscape, particularly in how state-level policies can drive large-scale renewable adoption. Tim’s firsthand experiences and deep insights offer a unique perspective on balancing innovation with economic reality. Links: Tim Echols LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/commishtim/] Tim's Energy Matters Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/energy-matters-with-commissioner-echols/id1545002804] Clean Energy Roadshow [https://cleanenergyroadshow.com/alternative-fuel-about-us/] Teenpact [https://teenpact.com/] Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/] * Email: wes@leegroupsearch.com * https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/ [https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/] * https://leegroupsearch.com/ [https://leegroupsearch.com/]

Episode Summary: In this episode of Green Giants, host Wes Ashworth talks with Doug Smith, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance, about how Hampton Roads, Virginia, is emerging as a renewable energy hub. Doug shares pivotal moments in the region’s shift from traditional energy to offshore wind and other renewable sectors, reshaping Hampton Roads' economy and workforce. Key Topics: * Offshore Wind Development: Hampton Roads is poised to become a leader in offshore wind with projects like Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW), aiming to install 176 turbines. Doug discusses the region’s coastal advantages, skilled workforce, and logistics readiness for large-scale wind projects. * The Regional Energy Roadmap: Doug explains the creation of a regional energy roadmap to provide independent data for energy planning. This roadmap empowers local decision-makers and aligns community efforts towards sustainable energy goals. * Reshoring and Green Manufacturing: Hampton Roads is drawing green manufacturers like LS GreenLink, creating jobs and securing local production of essential components for renewables. Doug shares insights on building a regional green supply chain and attracting investment under the Inflation Reduction Act. * Community Engagement and Education: Doug highlights the importance of educating local leaders and residents on the benefits of renewable projects, helping to overcome resistance and build regional support. * Exploring Nuclear Energy: With its history in naval nuclear energy, Hampton Roads is also considering small modular reactors (SMRs) as a stable complement to renewables. Doug explains how nuclear can meet growing energy demands and enhance resilience. * Military and Federal Investments: As one of the top U.S. regions for Department of Defense spending, Hampton Roads is leveraging federal investments to strengthen green infrastructure and align with national priorities. Why Listen? This episode offers a unique look at Hampton Roads’ transformation and provides practical insights into creating a resilient green economy. Doug’s strategies around regional energy planning, community engagement, and public-private partnerships highlight how any region can transition to renewable energy. About Doug Smith: Doug Smith, CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance, leads the region’s economic shift towards renewable energy and green manufacturing. His experience in regional economic development has positioned Hampton Roads as a leader in offshore wind, green supply chains, and sustainable job creation. Timestamps: * 0:00 - Introduction to Doug Smith and Hampton Roads Alliance * 2:30 - Shifting from pipelines to renewables * 6:15 - Regional energy roadmap and community buy-in * 10:45 - Offshore wind projects and job creation * 18:00 - Reshoring green manufacturing * 23:15 - Nuclear energy and military collaboration * 28:45 - Public-private partnerships for economic resilience Links: Doug Smith on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-l-smith-7a70315/] Hampton Roads Alliance [https://hamptonroadsalliance.com/] Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/] * Email: wes@leegroupsearch.com * https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/ [https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/] * https://leegroupsearch.com/ [https://leegroupsearch.com/]