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Dean Akey, Executive Vice President/Partner from Clone Capital highlights a market transformation in energy demand, driven by rapid load growth from AI and data centers, which have different power needs compared to traditional industries. On episode 311 of The Green Insider, Dean covers: AI facilities require flexible power solutions due to fluctuating demands, similar to steel mills, while data centers have more stable energy needs. Innovative approaches, such as using garbage data to maintain high processing levels during low-demand periods, are being explored to manage AI facility energy needs. Data centers (e.g., for stock trading) need high-speed processing and real-time responses, whereas AI projects (e.g., in pharmaceuticals) process complex computations but do not require real-time results. Strategic location of data centers, and AI projects can enable energy arbitrage; Bitcoin miners are an example of mobile operations that relocate to areas with lower energy costs. Connecting power projects to the transmission grid is increasingly expensive and not always necessary, especially for projects serving local loads; developers should carefully weigh the pros and cons of grid connection. The energy interconnection process is lengthy and costly, which can deter undercapitalized developers. An “all-of-the-above” approach to energy generation is recommended, combining traditional gas plants with renewables (wind, solar) and storage to meet growing power demand, especially in the context of the AI race against China. Creativity and innovation are emerging in the industry, including smaller-scale and mobile generation solutions, with collaboration across sectors being crucial for energy security and competitiveness To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Grid Connection and Energy Innovation in the Age of AI appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Mike Nemer interviewed Kevin Carriere, the CEO of Powertron Global, who explained that he entered the HVAC industry after meeting engineers developing solutions for heat exchanger efficiency restoration. On episode 310 of The Green Insider podcast, Kevin described how Powertron Global was founded to address HVAC efficiency issues, expanding beyond initial heat exchanger solutions to tackle other efficiency-robbing factors in climate control systems. Todays podcast includes: Sustainable HVAC Efficiency Restoration Sustainable HVAC practices can lead to cost savings, not just environmental benefits. HVAC systems lose efficiency over time, mainly due to heat exchanger capacity loss, which increases energy use and maintenance. Powertron engineers developed a heat exchanger restoration technology to restore lost efficiency, filling a gap in the industry. Craftsmanship and education on efficiency restoration are crucial, especially for city and government agencies. HVAC Efficiency Diagnostics Platform Most HVAC systems, especially in taxpayer-funded facilities, operate 30–40% below their intended design capacity. Powertron created a proprietary forensic measurement and verification platform, collecting data from over 400 studies in 38 countries. The company focuses on restoring system capacity and providing diagnostic data to manufacturers and researchers, serving clients like cell tower huts, convenience stores, and government facilities. HVAC Efficiency Loss Over Time New HVAC systems lose 5–7% efficiency in the first year (with proper maintenance), then 3–4% annually, reaching a 25–30% reduction over time. Systems in regions with long cooling seasons (eastern/western US) can lose significant efficiency in 3.5–5 years; in the Midwest, it takes about twice as long. Rooftop units expected to last 15 years are often replaced in 10 due to efficiency loss and increased runtime. Type System ROI and Sustainability The ROI for Powertron’s type system is typically 12–18 months, but as short as 3 months for mission-critical sites (e.g., data centers, hospitals). The goal is to restore systems to their design capacity, improving efficiency and generating further savings. Certified reports are provided to quantify emissions reductions and energy savings, which can be used in customers’ sustainability reports. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Maximizing HVAC Efficiency: Sustainable Restoration, Diagnostics, and ROI appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Tom Sego, founder and CEO of BlastWave, discussed his background in chemical engineering and his journey through various industries, including roles at Caterpillar, Eli Lilly, Emerson Electric, Alta Vista, and Apple. He explained that BlastWave was founded to combine Apple’s ease of use with cybersecurity, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure as it becomes increasingly digitized. Tom emphasized that human error is a significant security risk, citing an example from the San Jacinto Water District. This Follower Friday podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. Tom’s podcast includes: Critical infrastructure sectors (like oil and gas, transportation, and manufacturing) face higher cyber risks than traditional IT systems due to the severe consequences of attacks and the challenge of securing legacy devices. Integrating old and new technologies is achieved by using a translation mechanism that enables secure communication between legacy systems and modern infrastructure. Artificial intelligence (AI) has a dual impact: it can enhance attackers’ ability to automate cyberattacks, but it also offers opportunities to improve security, such as by eliminating vulnerabilities like passwords. Technology solutions are essential for reducing the human burden in security, especially for defending against phishing and reconnaissance attacks. Eliminating attack vectors (e.g., usernames and passwords) can significantly reduce security risks, regardless of how effective or frequent attacks become. Focusing on the safety of critical infrastructure allows people to prioritize what matters most in life, such as family, relationships, and health. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Securing Critical Infrastructure: Insights from Tom Sego appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Craig Merrigan, Co-founder & CEO of Spotlight Solar, discussed his background in the solar industry and his decision to co-found Spotlight Solar, which creates aesthetic solar structures such as shade structures and solar trees. He explained that the company’s goal is to make solar technology more engaging and visible to foster its greater adoption. Craig highlighted that while solar had a positive image, its limited visibility, particularly in residential and commercial settings, hindered its wider adoption. Today on episode 309 of The Green Insider, Spotlight Solar offers two main products: The Haven Solar Shelter: a picnic table with a solar-powered shade canopy that charges devices and provides backup power. Solar Trees: large, sculptural solar installations for public spaces to promote renewable energy. Solar Trees are engineered for durability, able to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and flooding. Examples include 26 installations in Miami and a Haven Solar Shelter that survived major storm surges on Sanibel Island. Solar Trees use deep, reinforced concrete foundations, while Haven shelters require no underground work and can be set up quickly with minimal skills. These products are designed for public engagement and visibility, not just cost optimization. Solar Trees generate significant public awareness, with over 60 million annual impressions, and are often installed to showcase environmental stewardship. Both Solar Trees and Haven shelters generate 4–10 kilowatts of power, with some models including battery storage for power during outages. Installations are found in universities, public spaces, and military bases. Eight Haven shelters will soon be installed at a major international airport, with design considerations to minimize reflectivity. Future improvements to the Haven line are expected, including enhanced resilience and more outdoor furniture options. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Enhancing Solar Visibility Through Design on The Green Insider appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Today’s guest is Ralph Bianculli, Founder/CEO of Emerald Ecovations. On episode 308 of The Green Insider, we discussed a number of items ranging from the journey to the finished product. Ralph described Ecovations’ journey in developing alternative materials for disposables, now producing over 370 finished goods. They control raw materials, convert them into products, and provide ESG reporting analytics to clients. Ralph noted that Scope 3 ESG reporting is challenging but valuable for sustainability goals, and Mike praised their impact on sustainable supply chains. Emerald Ecovations’ takes a circular economic approach: commissioning farmers to grow fibers like Miscanthus and using byproducts (e.g., bagasse) to create sustainable materials. Their licensing program allows manufacturers to use these materials for private labeling, supporting middle-market manufacturers and rural economies. They offer both raw materials and technology licensing. Their products are used in 370 finished goods across industries, organized into five product groupings following the 80-20 consumption rule. The broadline product is designed for high-velocity B2B consumption, aiding efficient inventory turns. The Miscanthus product, which retains four times its weight in water, is expanding into new markets like pet bedding and landscaping. Ralph highlighted Miscanthus as a versatile crop: grows 7-8 feet tall, harvested twice a year, replenishes soil nutrients, and thrives in a wide temperature range. It’s the first such material launched in the U.S., with potential as a main material alongside bagasse and hemp. Learn about the launching of a tree-free packaging division for retail brands next year, emphasizing non-toxic and compostable features. They are in discussions with the EPA and Department of Agriculture about carbon credits, which could become valuable assets. Plans include expanding into packaging, landscaping, pet bedding, and attracting more talent. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Ecovations’ Sustainable Materials Evolution appeared first on eRENEWABLE.