Build, Repeat. (A Paces Podcast)

Paces
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Build, Repeat. (A Paces Podcast)

Deep discussions with those who are helping us build our way out of climate change. 

  1. Inside the Rapid Rise of Data Centers with Pat Lynch

    JUN 10

    Inside the Rapid Rise of Data Centers with Pat Lynch

    In this episode, James talks with Pat Lynch, Executive Managing Director and Global Head of Data Center Solutions at CBRE. With 30+ years in digital infrastructure, Pat shares his journey from early fiber builds in the 90s to leading CBRE’s global data center strategy. They discuss how CBRE’s data center business scaled from 3% to 10% of company revenue through strategic talent and investment, and how today's growth is shaped by shifting from “bringing power to the site” to “bringing the site to power.” Pat breaks down the unique power challenges developers face, the rise of behind-the-meter generation, and why delivery speed is everything in today’s market. You’ll also hear insights on: AI’s impact on siting and infrastructure designThe risk of stranded assets in power-constrained marketsNavigating utility slowdowns and regulatory uncertaintyGlobal growth opportunities and future talent needs in the sectorWhether you’re in energy, real estate, or tech, this episode delivers a front-row seat to the forces reshaping the future of data infrastructure. Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    36 min
  2. Al and Early De-Risking: The Future of Solar Development

    MAY 15

    Al and Early De-Risking: The Future of Solar Development

    In this episode, James sits down with Paces colleagues Kyle Baranko and Tony Wagler to discuss their new white paper, “Pre-Development at Scale: Modeling Risk in Early-Stage Solar Development”. They dive into how AI, probabilistic methods, and standardized development workflows can dramatically reduce soft costs and increase project success rates. Kyle shares how Monte Carlo simulations were used to model development risks and timelines, while Tony outlines the four key archetypes—environmental, permitting, design, and interconnection—that shape project outcomes. They explain how early de-risking leads to faster decisions, improved IRRs, and better positioning in incentive programs. Other topics include: Why 70–90% of post-site control projects failThe power of failing fast and cutting development timelines by up to 50%How automation preserves data integrity while saving timeReal-world feedback from developers and IPPsA new interactive tool to explore portfolio-level risksWhether you’re a solar developer, investor, or curious about energy infrastructure, this conversation offers practical insights into the future of clean energy project planning. Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    37 min
  3. Investing in Early-Stage Energy Developers with Christine Larson

    APR 29

    Investing in Early-Stage Energy Developers with Christine Larson

    In this episode, we sit down with Christine Larson, Head of Strategy & Operations at Modern Energy and interim COO at Industrial Sun, to explore how early-stage developers can thrive in a landscape defined by high complexity, capital intensity, and shifting market signals. Christine shares how Modern’s model goes beyond funding—providing hands-on operational support like IT and accounting—so founders can focus on what really matters: building and scaling transformative energy projects. We dive into: Why Modern invests in niche, high-complexity infrastructure like green hydrogen and EV fleet chargingHow capital bottlenecks and tariff uncertainty are shaping developer riskWhy utility coordination and contract innovation are now mission-criticalHow partnerships, not just tech, will drive the future of energyChristine and James explore how strategic collaboration—between developers, capital partners, and load customers—is key to unlocking the next generation of clean energy infrastructure. Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    32 min
  4. The AI Power Puzzle: Grid Flexibility vs. Off Grid Microgrids

    APR 15

    The AI Power Puzzle: Grid Flexibility vs. Off Grid Microgrids

    The power demands of AI data centers are skyrocketing—but how will we meet them? In this episode, James sits down with Tyler Norris (Duke University) and Kyle Baranko (Paces) to dig into two influential white papers offering different solutions. One explores off-grid, solar-plus-storage microgrids as a fast, clean option. The other highlights how we can better utilize existing grid capacity by embracing flexible interconnections and load curtailment. Together, they explore: The case for behind-the-meter energy systemsHow hyperscaler reliability demands shape power strategiesWhat ERCOT is getting right—and where other markets are laggingThe regulatory, financial, and technical barriers to scaling solutions fastIf you're working on energy, data infrastructure, or just curious about how AI’s growth will reshape the grid—this one’s for you. Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    44 min
  5. Beyond the Grid: The Race to Reimagine Energy with Nan Ransohoff & Duncan Campbell - E140

    APR 1

    Beyond the Grid: The Race to Reimagine Energy with Nan Ransohoff & Duncan Campbell - E140

    In this episode, we sit down with Nan Ransohoff and Duncan Campbell to discuss the evolving landscape of solar microgrids, AI data centers, and the urgent need for climate-driven innovation. Duncan reflects on how today’s energy solutions are just the beginning, predicting a future where bold, disruptive action reshapes the grid. We dive into: How Stripe and Paces are driving groundbreaking projectsWhy the electricity sector needs faster adaptation to climate challengesThe role of AI and next-gen energy solutionsWhy ambitious ideas that seem “too crazy” might not be crazy enoughJames McWalter urges innovators to push harder and move faster—the fight against climate change isn’t slowing down, it’s speeding up. If you’re working on bold ideas in energy, reach out! To learn more about the white paper visit www.offgridai.us/. Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    34 min
  6. Unlocking Land for Solar with Scott Aaronson - E139

    MAR 18

    Unlocking Land for Solar with Scott Aaronson - E139

    In this episode, we sit down with Scott Aaronson, founder and CEO of Demeter Land Development, to explore his unexpected path from criminal defense attorney to renewable energy land origination expert. Scott recounts how his real estate ventures led him to community solar development, shedding light on the evolving challenges of securing land for distributed generation (DG) projects. He discusses the industry's transformation from old-school, door-knocking tactics to a highly strategic, data-driven approach. We cover: How his unique legal background can be applied to land originationThe biggest challenges in permitting, interconnection, and competitionHow personalized landowner outreach makes a differenceThe future of DG renewables and what trends to watchScott emphasizes the importance of local relationships, policy awareness, and strategic first-mover advantage in emerging markets. He also shares how Demeter’s partnership with Paces has helped streamline operations and accelerate growth. If you’re involved in solar development, land acquisition, or renewable energy policy, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Connect with Scott here! Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    31 min
  7. Powering the Future: Data Centers, AI, and Energy with Peter Hans Hirschboeck - E138

    MAR 4

    Powering the Future: Data Centers, AI, and Energy with Peter Hans Hirschboeck - E138

    In this episode, we sit down with Peter Hans Hirschboeck, founder and managing director of impactECI, to explore the rapidly evolving world of data centers and energy infrastructure. With a background in electrical engineering and years of experience leading energy projects at AWS, Peter shares invaluable insights on how the demand for AI computing power is reshaping the energy landscape. We discuss: The massive growth of data centers and its impact on energy gridsWhy grid bottlenecks and interconnection queues are delaying projectsHow hyperscalers and AI companies are securing power for large-scale deploymentsThe increasing role of nuclear, renewables, and behind-the-meter solutionsHow utilities, developers, and tech companies can better collaborate to solve infrastructure challengesPeter also breaks down the current trends in power procurement, the importance of speed to deployment, and why grid reform is essential to meet future energy demands. If you’re in energy, data centers, or AI infrastructure, this episode is packed with must-know insights! Connect with Peter & impactECI here! Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    34 min
  8. Navigating the Future of Energy Storage with Paul Reed - E137

    FEB 18

    Navigating the Future of Energy Storage with Paul Reed - E137

    In this episode, Paul Reed, Founder and CEO of RSunrise Energy, joins host James McWalter to discuss his journey in energy storage and the evolving landscape of renewable power. The conversation explores: Paul's background in chemical engineering and his transition into the energy storage sector, spanning nearly 15 years.The early days of demand response, behind-the-meter storage, and the technological advancements shaping grid-scale energy solutions.Challenges and opportunities in deploying energy storage, from market dynamics to policy shifts that influence large-scale adoption.How R Sunrise Energy innovates in space, bridging the gap between renewables and grid resilience.Tune in for an insightful discussion on the past, present, and future of energy storage! Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    34 min
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Deep discussions with those who are helping us build our way out of climate change. 

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