9 episodes

The Energy Crossroads podcast is hosted by the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), a Texas-based independent research hub and powered by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) and the Mitchell Foundation.

HARC, an independent research hub in The Woodlands, Texas, hosts a series of conversations with solution providers, finance experts, and end users to discuss clean energy investment best practices and financing tools. This podcast will explore some of the most challenging issues commercial, industrial and institutional property owners and managers face.

Energy Crossroads 21 Media

    • Science

The Energy Crossroads podcast is hosted by the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), a Texas-based independent research hub and powered by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) and the Mitchell Foundation.

HARC, an independent research hub in The Woodlands, Texas, hosts a series of conversations with solution providers, finance experts, and end users to discuss clean energy investment best practices and financing tools. This podcast will explore some of the most challenging issues commercial, industrial and institutional property owners and managers face.

    Texas Legislative Round Up with Michael Jewell

    Texas Legislative Round Up with Michael Jewell

    In this episode of Energy Crossroads, we are joined by Michael Jewell, the Managing Attorney of Jewell and Associates.  Michael is a government affairs professional with more than 30 years of experience in and with Texas Government. He helps national and international corporations and organizations shape public policy positions with state legislators, key executive officials, and state regulatory agencies, including testifying before state legislative committees.

    We discuss a subject that is still a ‘hot’ topic for many Texans: the Great Texas Black Out (aka Winter Storm Uri), that drastically impacted the state in February 2021.  What have we learned about what actually happened, what caused the problems with the power grid, and how can prepare for an event like this if it were to happen again?

    We also explore the concept of ‘energy burden’ as it relates to low-income communities, and the steps being taken to deliver affordable power to the people who need it the most.

    Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you consume your podcasts.  We want to hear from you.  Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more about what we are up to.

    Enjoy this episode of Energy Crossroads!

    • 41 min
    Bridging the Green Divide in Texas

    Bridging the Green Divide in Texas

    In this episode of Energy Crossroads, we are joined by Dana Harmon, the executive director of Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI).  Dana has spent over 15 years working in the energy and consumer products space, and TEPRI is dedicated to inspiring lasting energy solutions for low-income communities.

    Leveraging Dana’s expertise, we explore how affordable clean energy solutions can help bridge the green divide. In Texas, the impact of Winter Storm Uri (coupled with issues related to the COIVD-19 pandemic) are highlighting the continued need for conversations and sustainable practices that will address the growing energy-poverty nexus and renewable energy opportunities.

    As a resource boost, check out TEPRI's recent blog post on lived experiences of the winter storm.

    Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you consume your podcasts.  We want to hear from you.  Visit energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more about what we are up to.


    Enjoy this episode of Energy Crossroads!

    • 29 min
    Community Solar in the Lone Star State

    Community Solar in the Lone Star State

    In this episode of Energy Crossroads, we are joined by Ariane Beck PhD, a Research Fellow in the Energy Systems Transformation Research Group at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Ariane has nearly two decades of experience studying novel and innovative technologies ranging from devices to smart grids.

    Community solar programs are a relative newcomer to the clean energy stage.  Our discussion centers around the increasing presence of these programs, and the opportunities and challenges for expanding access to this cost-effective, safe, and reliable way to get energy.

    As a resource boost for this episode, check out the research paper Ariane and her colleagues recently published focusing on scaling community solar in Texas and the HARC solar + storage calculator.

    Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you consume your podcasts.  We want to hear from you.  Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more about what we are up to. Enjoy this episode of Energy Crossroads !

    • 39 min
    Solar + Storage Finance Opportunities

    Solar + Storage Finance Opportunities

    In this episode of Energy Crossroads, we are joined by Greg Rosen, Founder and Principal at High Noon Advisors, an advisory firm focused on the rapidly evolving space comprised of renewable energy, efficiency, storage, software, finance, policy, and energy access.  Greg is a renewables finance veteran and strategist who has developed or financed more than $400 million worth of residential, commercial, and utility solar projects.

    There is never a dull day in the energy markets!  This discussion explores the need to scale up renewable finance strategies to correspond to the increase in private financing for clean energy, such as wind and solar, and energy efficiency projects. We also gain Greg’s insights as to 2021 trends to look for, and we learn more about some of the interesting projects he is currently leading.

    As a resource boost for this episode, visit www.energywelltexas.com.

    Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you consume your podcasts.  We want to hear from you.  Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more about what we are up to. Enjoy this episode of Energy Crossroads!

    • 43 min
    Residential Solar Market Trends and Financing

    Residential Solar Market Trends and Financing

    Energy Crossroads – Residential Solar Market Trends and Financing

    Welcome to Energy Crossroads, where we talk Texas clean energy. This podcast is powered by HARC, a research hub providing independent analysis on energy, air, water issues to people seeking scientific answers, and is underwritten by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), and our new sponsor, the Mitchell Foundation.

    In this episode of Energy Crossroads, we are joined by Jordan Fruge’, a national leader in the renewable energy and solar industries and founder and President of Fastrac Energy Services, a residential solar installation provider.

    Leveraging Jordan’s expertise, we take a deep dive into the current state of residential solar, as the push to decarbonize reshapes energy markets. We explore solar financing options, trends in the Texas market, and how property owners can assess the choice that works best for them. We also unpack the dramatic changes in the energy markets and talk through the shift to distributed local energy.

    Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you consume your podcasts. We want to hear from you. Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more about what we’re up to.

    Enjoy this episode of Energy Crossroads

    • 35 min
    The Value of Financing Energy Efficiency

    The Value of Financing Energy Efficiency

    Facility managers are key drivers for a building’s operational efficiency, occupant well-being, and resource efficiency. Their work can help to decrease a facility’s carbon footprint and reduce costs.

    In this episode of Energy Crossroads, we discuss the benefits and value of financing energy efficiency, through the lens of facility and energy managers. Listen to our conversation with Dean Stanberry (Office of Facilities Management, USGSA; IFMA Board of Directors Second Vice Chair) and Rob Hamon (Director of Energy and Sustainability, Boxer Properties) as we explore ways to finance energy efficiency projects. We also talk about the future of financing energy projects, given the impact of COVID-19 and other trends affecting the industry.

    We encourage you to subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you consume your podcasts.  We want to hear from you.  Contact us at HARCPodcast@gmail.com to share your feedback about this episode and recommend topics that you want to hear more about.

    Enjoy this episode of Energy Crossroads

    • 36 min

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