Per Suneby

FERC has approved interconnection reform - and this is *generally* good for the energy transition. That said the devil in in the details of how states and utilities implement these changes. Some improvements like penalties assessed against utilities for tardy studies, trying to clean out queue squatters, and expressly identifying certain technical flexibility into interconnection design are good. However, we have specifically seen "Cluster Studies" and higher financial security requirements stymie development and create very costly and endless loops of re-studies in many markets (utility and DG). Calling on American Clean Power Association (ACP) Solar Energy Industries Association and importantly state level advocacy and watch dog groups to closely watch and actively participate as the implementation of these changes occur at the state level PUCs and DPUs - ensuring proper accountability and fair play. https://lnkd.in/ewehaH52 NYSERDA New York Solar Energy Industries Association MID-ATLANTIC RENEWABLE ENERGY COALITION Renewable Energy Vermont American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Smart Electric Power Alliance NECEC Cleantech Leaders Roundtable

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#Massachusetts is at the forefront of geothermal energy innovation! Exciting developments in geothermal projects are underway, promising to revolutionize heating and cooling systems in alignment with the state's decarbonization goals. We are honored to have our sponsors Subterra Renewables and Celsius Energy and their leaders Kareem Mirza and Johnny Fry educate our members at Decarb Boston on June 18th! Subterra Renewables' GeoExchange system utilizes ground heat exchange to provide an eco-friendly heating and cooling solution for buildings, tapping into the earth's energy for efficient climate control. Subterra is leading the way in the U.S., bringing experience from many projects in Canada and lessons learned in planning, financing, and seeing projects completed. Eversource Energy's and Celsius Energy system has been pivotal with geothermal borefields and a 1-mile geothermal loop connecting over 30 buildings, including a school, fire station, shops, and residential homes in Framingham MA. These initiatives underscore Massachusetts' dedication to transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources. Geothermal technology is paving the way for sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient heating and cooling solutions, marking a significant step towards a greener future. 🌿 #GeothermalEnergy #CleanEnergy #Sustainability

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Yesterday, the DOE released its latest lift-off report on advanced grid technologies – it’s a fascinating and compelling read with some surprising and powerful take-aways. I’m summarizing the highlights here, but I would definitely recommend at least checking out the executive summary for its clarity and conviction. You can access the report here: https://lnkd.in/gMuFwx3c Highlights and key take aways: We all know the grid is experiencing an unprecedented increase in demand: data centers, AI, electric cars and the broader shift to electrify everything is expected to drive 91GW of peak demand growth in the next decade. This risks reversing so many recent decarbonization gains if the default response is to build new gas peaker plants and defer shuttering of existing coal generation. As laid out by the DOE, multiple grid solutions that are commercially available TODAY could increase effective transmission & distribution capacity by 20-100 GW, in other words, potentially allowing us to fully meet the coming surge in demand without the need for new generation capacity These solutions can be deployed in UNDER 3-5 YEARS and at LOWER COST and GREATER VALUE than conventional approaches. The types of technologies being described here fall into four categories: 1) Advanced transmission (e.g., high voltage direct current); 2) Situational awareness and system automation (e.g., advanced distribution management systems); 3.) Grid enhancing technologies (e.g., virtual power plants); and 4) Foundational systems (e.g., system digitization). Sadly, though not surprising, the report also finds “adoption at scale and associated industry know how is lagging largely due to a lack of industry incentives and prioritization” In other words, even though investing in these available technologies is cheaper and more effective than sticking with the status quo, its not happening. The report powerfully reminds us: “ The mandate of the United States electric grid and of its operators is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power to customers.” And "The U.S. transmission and distribution grid requires significant investment to address these accelerating trends and pressures." In this moment of disruption, utilities, regulators and grid operators have such incredible power to support and accelerate the green transition; not just in the fight against climate change, but simply to move us toward a more dynamic, resilient and cost effective grid. In the past, when demand was flat, incremental, risk averse, business-as-usual approaches to infrastructure and capacity investment maybe could work; but in a moment where the future looks nothing like the past, actual long term, system-level strategic planning and innovation is needed. From interconnection fees to cost-plus payor rates, its time for us to cast off the vestiges of last century's model of centralized generation and distribution, and embrace a new identity for utilities in the 21st century.

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✨An enlightening session on Hydrogen: Fuel of the Future organized by S&P Global and Young Professionals in Energy NYC (YPE NYC). 🔸 Hydrogen to Ammonia: Did you know that hydrogen can be converted to ammonia? 🔸 Ammonia: The Future Energy Carrier: * Benefits: Carbon-free, powerful, and portable. * Applications: Fueling drones, trucks, and maritime vessels. * Conversion: Ammonia-to-electricity via cracking or combustion. * Cost Reduction: Efficiency improvements, tax credits, and policy support. * Decarbonization: Green shipping, steelmaking, and EV chargers. In summary, ammonia holds immense promise as a clean, portable, and powerful energy carrier. As technology advances and costs decrease, we may witness a significant shift toward ammonia-based solutions in our energy landscape. The future looks optimistic! 🚀 #EnergyInnovation #Ammonia #Hydrogen #greentech

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Going #electric at home may appear daunting and costly. However, with state and federal incentives, this shift becomes more feasible. DSIRE's (screenshot below) platform simplifies identifying available state incentives for renewable energy and efficiency initiatives. Companies like Rock Rabbit, EnergySage, Encentiv Energy, Opower, Rebate Bus, Sense, Enervee, Powerley, and others are demystifying these incentives, making them more accessible to homeowners. Learn more in Climate People's latest #1MinuteClimateSnippet: https://buff.ly/3KyG3Nz .

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Agrivoltaics: "not just dual-use, dual-value." Thrilled that Nick de Vries and his team are not only out there just doing it, but sharing what they learn. Solar development can be (and often is) done poorly, but doesn't have to be an either/or any more than your rooftop. It's all just about looking for synergies in harvesting highly abundant sunshine. https://lnkd.in/g54g6yDY

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Nuclear needed in the energy mix! With an ever increasing energy need, new forms of nuclear power need to be part of the equation. While we wait for the next fusion breakthrough, let’s make sure that regulations keep up with innovations in the area. So called SMRs need a new form of regulatory approval process, good to hear that the IAEA agree: “For this business model to succeed, we need regulatory approaches to adapt to a new circumstance,” said Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “We cannot afford the luxury of these regulatory marathons lasting five, six, seven years.” Looking forward to see this in action! #energy #nuclear #sustainability #SMR #fusion #deeptech

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For anyone who will be at IEEE Power & Energy Society T&D Conference feel free to stop by our panel session on #EVs and #gridreliability. Will be an interesting cross-sector discussion including technology provider, independent system operator, and utility perspectives among others. E-mobility is driving the blending of Transmission and Distribution system planning, design, and operations. Particularly with the growing prevalence of distributed energy resources, IoT and grid-edge technologies, and virtual power plants (#VPPs).

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#unavoidableopportunity #climateresilience investment now. "Separately, the Department of Energy is trying to help utilities squeeze more capacity out of the existing grid. That includes “grid-enhancing technologies” such as sensors that allow energy companies to send more power through existing lines without overloading them and advanced controls that allow operators to ease congestion on the grid. It also includes replacing existing lines with advanced conductors, which can potentially double capacity along existing routes. The Energy Department is currently offering $3.9 billion in funding that could go toward these and other solutions."

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KB Energy’s Tundra model remote power supply is designed with over 10 years of field deployment experience. ❄️Dependable 24VDC power to lidar units across variable climate conditions throughout the US. ❄️Transport your Lidar securely inside the spacious trailer, which has also been used as a clean environment for in-the-field repairs. ❄️Remote monitoring is available to view battery voltage, backup power status, Lidar wiper condition & washer fluid level. ❄️Tie your lidar and RPS deployment together! KB Energy is certified and trained in lidar deployment. ❄️Lidar mounted on the side platform of the trailer doubles as a deep snow platform and additional security, larger than stock internal washer fluid tank and LP level can be remotely monitored via interior camera and the exterior camera monitors the wiper condition and lidar. ❄️Customizable to fit your sites specific needs. Learn more at https://loom.ly/YN_mBwQ

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Congrats to our portfolio companies — Heirloom, Charm Industrial, Vycarb, and Vaulted Deep who all made the DOE's short list of Phase 1 semifinalists! Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Pilot Prize allows companies to compete for the opportunity to deliver carbon dioxide removal credits directly to DOE. This is such an important initiative to ensure carbon credits are of a high quality, and will ultimately help restore trust in carbon markets. https://lnkd.in/drEkPd4p

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Hot off the presses! A new paper with Nick Laws and Maggie Chen -- "Valuing Distributed Energy Resources for Non-Wires Alternatives" Main takeaway: Distributed energy resources (DER) such as batteries -- regardless of whether it's the utility or homeowner who owns the system -- can reduce system operating costs and delay system upgrades for distribution systems. For example, using DER might help reduce how often local transformers might need to be upgraded. "We show that when valuing DER the operating costs over 20 years can be reduced by over 40%." Let's deploy some batteries, y'all! #batteries #futureofenergy #distributedenergyresources #DER Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin Webber Energy Group

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At Clean Energy Ventures, we believe decarbonization of industry is one of the most critical investment areas in order to reduce GHGs on a global basis. Thermal energy is an essential part of so many industries such as steel, cement, chemicals and just about everything in between. That's our thesis for investing in Electrified Thermal Solutions which differentiates itself by achieving the highest temperatures of any thermal energy storage solution, and doing so at a cost entitlement competitive with existing solutions while using zero-carbon electricity supplies. And, it doubles as a long duration grid-scale storage solutions too. It's not surprising that Fast Company profiled the company given its game-changing proprietary technology, extraordinary team, and major industry players leaning into partnerships. The future looks brighter! #climatecrisis #decarbonizeindustry #climatetech #electrifiedthermalsolutions #cleanenergyventures https://lnkd.in/e62WrvhQ

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Investment bankers around the world are starting to pay attention to the growth potential of nuclear energy as part of the ongoing clean energy transition. A May 15 article in International Banker titled "SMALL MODULAR REACTORS ARE PAVING THE WAY FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY’S RENAISSANCE" highlights the reasons why customers want nuclear power as part of their energy supply. https://lnkd.in/eqhAvaZt A careful read provides a new perspective on the ongoing discussion about reactor sizes within the community of nuclear advocates. At a high level, the existence of a vibrant new sector of small and advanced reactors broadens the base of nuclear energy interest and support. If extra large reactors are the only product available, a large fraction of the world tunes out. Only the largest countries, companies and banks believe they can participate. But with near term availability of nuclear projects in a wide range of sizes, a substantially larger portion of the world's decision makers can begin to see nuclear energy expansion as something they should care about. Aside: "Decision makers" as a broad term that encompasses the smallest customers up to the world's most powerful politicians and everyone in between. End Aside. Broader interest in nuclear stimulated by new designs does not eliminate or even reduce interest in large reactors when those are the appropriate answer. SMRs and AMRs merely provide a welcome mat and a wide entry gate. #Uranium fission plays a key role in energy security, energy abundance and energy cleanliness. Its characteristics make it attractive for business, financial and political leaders from across a spectrum of priorities. Almost by accident, the International Banker article makes a compelling case for Japan to invest to regain its status as one of the world's most competent nuclear power plant suppliers, both domestically and for export. While Japan already has almost two dozen completed reactors that can be put back into operation in the next few years, their combined output is described as woefully insufficient to meet the nation's CO2 emission targets and energy supply needs. "If [reactor restarts are] successful, they can provide about 14 percent of Japan’s electricity mix by 2030, far from the government’s goals." The obvious answer would be "start building more now." In its prime, the Japanese nuclear plant construction industry was beginning to complete large modular reactors in less than 4 years. Money is the most important fuel for nuclear power development. When international bankers start paying attention, we're making real progress. Disclosure: At https://lnkd.in/e8GsSmTK we're professionally engaged in gathering monetary fuel and adding it to the nascent, high growth-potential advanced nuclear sector. Please visit to learn more about adding nuclear energy to your investment portfolio.

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Lazard released estimates that the cost of utility-scale battery storage has fallen to $124 / MWh with IRA benefits. Battery storage is now competitive with Gas Peaker Plants, especially meaningful for 24x7 power consumers like data centers and industrial processes. Defining the value proposition vs. natural gas for these end users is about to get much more nuanced. Investors that understand how to navigate that will see opportunities others miss. #ClimateTech #CleanTech #BatteryStorage #BESS #DataCenters

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Great to see this comprehensive plan to ensure America’s leadership in Nuclear and making it an important pillar for both decarbonisation as well as economic leadership by ensuring the AI revolution happens with clean and reliable power! Switzerland please take note on how this is done!

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While green hydrogen is by no means a new concept, investors’ stepped-up interest in the space indicates they see the requisite combination of government incentives, tech-enabled cost reductions, and market receptiveness in place now to produce compelling outcomes. #greenhydrogen #climatetech #climateVC

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