Renewable Rides

Gareth Evans & Dan Roberts
  • 5.0 (14)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Renewable Rides is the guide to the corporate energy transition. Featuring interviews with industry experts and business leaders, Renewable Rides aims to help companies tackle challenges and maximize opportunities in the pursuit of a resilient, profitable, and thriving energy future. Hosts Gareth Evans and Dan Roberts, founders of VECKTA, shed light on the energy transition and the benefits it presents for company brand, operations and resilience.

  1. DEC 16

    Top Moment from Our Talk with Ember’s Kingsmill Bond on Electrotech and Energy Security

    What if the biggest energy risk facing the world isn’t climate, but dependence? In this highlight episode, Kingsmill Bond joins the show to unpack why energy security has suddenly become one of the most urgent global issues. You’ll learn how decades of reliance on imported fossil fuels left much of the world exposed, why geopolitics has changed long-held assumptions about access to energy, and which regions are now most vulnerable to disruption. Listen in to hear why solar and wind fundamentally change the rules of energy dependence, how electrification can reduce fossil fuel imports, and why renewable technologies don’t create the same geopolitical risks as oil and gas. Kingsmill also explains why the global south may leapfrog traditional energy systems entirely and what this means for governments, industries, and long-term resilience. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How fossil fuel imports expose countries to geopolitical risk.Which regions are most vulnerable to energy disruption.Why renewables reduce dependence instead of shifting it.Why energy exporters hold disproportionate power.How energy independence affects national security.Resources in Today's Episode: Kingsmill Bond: Website | LinkedInEmber EnergyGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/j9yw7y3s

    17 min

  2. DEC 9

    Ep 102: Power Market Dynamics with Author and Analyst Meredith Angwin

    What if the electric grid you rely on every single day is far more fragile than you think? In this episode, energy expert and author Meredith Angwin breaks down how our grid actually works and why the system behind it is more complicated, interdependent, and vulnerable than most people realize. Through her deep experience across nuclear, geothermal, and renewable systems, Meredith reveals the hidden mechanics of grid governance, how power plants get paid, why markets behave strangely during emergencies, and the real-world consequences of poor oversight. You’ll learn how renewables, natural gas, and nuclear interact on the grid, what happens when winter demand spikes, why “just in time” gas delivery can fail, and how subsidies and pricing structures distort the market. Meredith also explains the “fatal trifecta,” why operators sometimes can’t rely on neighbouring grids, and the surprising incentives that encourage volatility. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How grid governance actually works behind the scenes.Why nuclear energy is essential for baseload reliability.How renewables and natural gas interact on modern grids.What causes natural gas shortages during winter.Why neighbouring grids can’t always help during crises.How power plants get paid — and why the system encourages volatility.The role subsidies play in distorting energy markets.What the “fatal trifecta” is and why it matters.Why energy oversight is complicated but necessary.Practical ways to think about long-term grid reliability.Resources in Today's Episode: Meredith Angwin: LinkedIn | SubstackGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3nfphfcv

    46 min

  3. DEC 2

    Top Moment from Amory Lovins on Powering a Resilient Future

    What if the energy systems your business relies on today aren’t as secure or efficient as you think? In this highlight episode, we sit down with Amory Lovins, cofounder of RMI and a pioneer in integrative design, to explore how business leaders can leverage local microgrids, second-life EV batteries, and advanced efficiency strategies to cut costs, improve reliability, and future-proof operations. Listen in as we break down how smarter design, flexible usage, and modular storage can turn energy from a liability into a competitive advantage. From filling stations running independently of the grid to semiconductor plants saving millions through integrative design, you’ll learn practical approaches to make energy a source of profit rather than risk. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Local microgrids can reduce energy costs and improve resilience.Second-life EV batteries offer modular, profitable energy solutions.Flexible energy usage can unlock unused grid capacity.Advanced efficiency in design often beats building more supply.Strategic upgrades save millions and boost sustainability.Practical examples from utilities, factories, and vehicles illustrate these concepts.Resources in Today's Episode: Amory Lovins: RMIGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3sn284t5

    11 min

  4. NOV 25

    Ep 101: Strategies to Influence Change in Energy Policy, Insights from Communications Leader Chris Moyer

    Have you ever wondered how business leaders in clean energy can actually influence policy? Today we're joined by Chris Moyer, who shares his whirlwind journey into the heart of clean energy policy. From standing next to President Obama to navigating major legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, Chris explains how businesses can use strategic communications to drive meaningful change in energy policy, shape public opinion, and support sustainable growth. Listen in to learn why policy cannot be ignored, how grassroots advocacy and employee engagement amplify influence, and how companies can build political muscle without matching oil and gas dollar-for-dollar. Chris also dives into state-level initiatives, navigating permitting challenges, and leveraging communications to benefit both businesses and communities. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How Chris Moyer started in clean energy policy.The role of strategic communications in shaping legislation.Why ignoring policy can hurt your business.How grassroots advocacy impacts decision-makers.Building political influence without matching big dollars.Navigating state and federal energy policies.Lessons from the Inflation Reduction Act.How energy security and reliability affect policy strategy.Examples of companies successfully influencing clean energy policy.Tools and approaches for communicating with elected officials.Resources in Today's Episode: Chris Moyer: LinkedInEcho Communications Advisors: Website | LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yc2au69d

    38 min

  5. NOV 18

    Top Moment from Insights into Commercial Real Estate Technology Trends with JLL’s Lee Jackson

    How is technology rewriting the definition of commercial real estate value? In this highlight episode, we sit down with Lee Jackson, Co-Founder at Bridgeline, to explore how some of the world’s largest property owners are reimagining their portfolios through innovation, energy transformation, and digital infrastructure.  You’ll learn how these shifts are changing the way owners think about revenue, resilience, and sustainability—and what that means for investors and tenants alike. From the evolution beyond traditional leasing models to the rise of onsite energy as a competitive advantage, Lee breaks down how real estate is becoming more connected, intelligent, and essential to community well-being.  What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: New revenue models beyond traditional leasing.ESG and sustainability as core value drivers.Smart buildings improving efficiency and experience.Onsite energy as a financial and community asset.Technology adoption driving modern real estate growth.Resources in Today's Episode: Lee Jackson: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/nhztpacp

    16 min

  6. NOV 11

    Ep 100: Amory Lovins on Integrative Design for Efficiency, Grid Reliability and Powering Datacenters

    What if the path to a clean energy future isn’t just about building more solar panels or wind turbines? In this episode, we sit down with physicist Amory Lovins, cofounder of RMI and a pioneer in integrative design, to explore revolutionary ways to optimize buildings, vehicles, and industrial processes for maximum efficiency and minimal cost. From passive solar farms in the Rocky Mountains to ultra-lightweight electric cars, you’ll discover how small design choices can save massive amounts of energy and transform how industries operate. We also dive into the rapidly evolving energy grid, renewable microgrids, and innovative strategies powering next-generation AI data centers. Learn how companies like Redwood Energy built North America’s largest solar microgrid in just four months, unifying hundreds of second-life EV batteries into a 63 MWh storage system producing cheaper, more reliable energy than the grid. This episode is packed with actionable insights, real-world examples, and resources to help you understand how efficiency and renewables together can decarbonize industries and power the future. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How integrative design maximizes energy efficiency in buildings and vehicles.Why second-life EV batteries can create profitable modular microgrids.The impact of flexible energy use for AI data centers.How small design choices yield massive energy savings.The role of local microgrids in reducing costs and improving reliability.Strategies for decarbonizing industrial processes.How modular containerized data centers operate off-grid.Advanced efficiency vs. simply building more power supply.Resources to explore renewable and efficiency solutions further.Resources in Today's Episode: Amory Lovins: RMIArtificial Intelligence Meets Natural Stupidity: Managing the RisksIntegrative Design for Radical Energy Efficiency Learning Hub“Managing Data Centers’ Financial Risk,” Public Utilities Fortnightly“Nuclear power is failing, and AI can’t rescue it,” Utility DiveGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3v9yrzrf

    1h 10m

  7. OCT 28

    Ep 99: Deep Dive on Onsite Energy Project Procurement, Risks and Cost Drivers

    What if the biggest risks to your solar investment aren’t the ones you can see? In this episode, we sit down with Calvin Fine, Head of Market Operations and VECKTA Co-Founder, to unpack the hidden pitfalls and proven strategies behind commercial energy projects. From tax credit compliance and workmanship guarantees to maintenance planning and supplier accountability, you’ll learn how businesses can confidently approach solar and battery installations while safeguarding long-term performance and ROI. Listen in as Calvin explains how small oversights can lead to major financial losses down the line. You’ll hear how to evaluate O&M contracts, ensure system reliability, and understand how U.S. tax credits and FIAC (Foreign Entity of Concern) regulations affect your project’s viability. Whether you’re managing a large-scale energy rollout or exploring your first installation, this conversation gives you the roadmap to make smart, resilient, and profitable energy investments. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How to plan and budget for solar operations and maintenance.Why O&M costs matter more than you think.What to include in workmanship guarantees.How to protect against tax credit recapture risk.The impact of FIAC compliance on project funding.How to verify supplier and equipment traceability.Managing construction timelines and avoiding costly delays.Why documentation is critical for long-term ROI.The financial risks of missing out on ITC incentives.How to future-proof your renewable energy investments.Resources in Today's Episode: Calvin Fine: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/54tex8ed

    1h 1m

  8. OCT 14

    Ep 98: Navigating the New Solar and Storage ITC Requirements

    What’s really changed in the solar market since the “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed? In this episode, Dan Roberts and Marc Palmer, Founder and CEO of Conductor Solar, break down how the act’s tax credits, FIAC compliance, and construction timelines are reshaping the landscape for solar developers and investors. You’ll learn how to navigate new ITC and depreciation rules, what’s required for “beginning of construction,” and how developers can position projects to avoid compliance pitfalls. Marc and Dan also discuss real-world implications for EPCs, manufacturers, and financiers, as well as what smart players are doing now to prepare for 2026 and beyond. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How the “One Big Beautiful Bill” affects solar project tax credits.Key deadlines and rules for ITC qualification.What “beginning of construction” really means under new guidance.How FIAC compliance impacts solar and storage projects.Strategies to safe harbor projects before 2026.How 100% bonus depreciation improves short-term project economics.The growing importance of domestic content requirements.Why smaller projects may face fewer compliance challenges.How to avoid legal and financial friction in project deals.Why now is the best time to start upcoming solar projects.Resources in Today's Episode: Marc Palmer: LinkedInNavigating the New Clean Energy Tax Credit RulesGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/mtcs9cs7

    36 min
See All (105)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Renewable Rides is the guide to the corporate energy transition. Featuring interviews with industry experts and business leaders, Renewable Rides aims to help companies tackle challenges and maximize opportunities in the pursuit of a resilient, profitable, and thriving energy future. Hosts Gareth Evans and Dan Roberts, founders of VECKTA, shed light on the energy transition and the benefits it presents for company brand, operations and resilience.

Information

  • Creator
    Gareth Evans & Dan Roberts
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Renewable Rides
  • Show Website
    Renewable Rides

You Might Also Like