Renewable Rides

Gareth Evans & Dan Roberts

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. 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

  2. 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

  3. SEP 30

    Ep 97: How Utilities are Dealing with the Storm of Surging Demand, an Aging Grid and Climate Risk

    What happens when rising demand, an aging grid, extreme weather, and the AI boom all collide? U.S. utilities are facing what some are calling the “perfect storm,” and the ripple effects are set to reshape electricity rates, reliability, and long-term energy strategies. In this episode, we break down why demand is skyrocketing after two decades of flat growth, how utilities are responding, and what it means for businesses and households alike. From data center-driven load surges and billion-dollar transmission upgrades to regional case studies and proven solutions like storage and demand response, you’ll learn what’s really driving rate hikes and how leaders can turn energy challenges into opportunities. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Why U.S. electricity demand is projected to nearly double by 2050.The impact of AI and data centers on grid stability.How transmission and distribution bottlenecks drive up costs.Why utilities are raising rates and how bills could double.The role of climate extremes in utility planning.Regional hotspots for explosive demand growth.Practical steps for businesses to hedge against rising rates.How energy can shift from a fixed cost to a value driver.Resources in Today's Episode: Gareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3h8eapsv

    33 min

  4. SEP 16

    Ep 96: The Price of Power: Examining the Costs Behind Keeping the Lights On and What's Next with Mark Ellis

    Why do your energy bills keep rising? And where is all that money really going? In this episode, economic and financial consultant Mark Ellis breaks down the inner workings of utility economics and regulation, sharing a unique insider’s view of how utilities make money, what drives their profits, and why regulatory models often leave consumers paying more than they should.  Listen in to hear why some seemingly cost-effective solutions—like behind-the-meter batteries—never gained traction, and how complexity often stalls innovation. You’ll learn why renewables like wind and solar are often unfairly blamed for rising rates, what the real cost drivers are, and how changes in utility finance could lower bills for households and businesses alike. If you’ve ever wanted clarity on why electricity rates keep climbing, what the future holds for utilities, and how reform could benefit everyone, this episode delivers a roadmap for understanding and change. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How utilities generate profit.Why rising rates aren’t mainly caused by renewables.The hidden role of transmission and distribution costs.How regulatory incentives drive consumer overcharges.The vicious cycle of deferred maintenance and higher rates.The difference between surface-level narratives and structural cost drivers.How competitive direct equity could cut bills significantly.Why simplification is key to broader energy solution adoption.What policymakers are exploring to reform utility finance.Resources in Today's Episode: Mark Ellis: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/4xd3hhh9

    1h 7m

  5. SEP 2

    Ep 95: The Utility of the Future and the Community Power Model with San Diego Community Power CEO, Karin Burns

    What if the biggest roadblocks to clean energy weren’t the technology itself, but the time it takes to connect that power to the grid? In this episode, San Diego Community Power CEO, Karin Burns, dives deep into the future of renewable energy, community choice aggregation (CCAs), and how innovative solutions like virtual power plants are transforming the way we generate, store, and use electricity.  You’ll learn how CCAs create cleaner, more affordable power while building local jobs, why AI will be critical to forecasting and managing growing energy loads from data centers and electric vehicles, and how behind-the-meter systems can help businesses and homes cut costs while improving grid reliability. We also explore how incentive programs can unlock stranded assets and why local generation will play a central role in meeting 100% renewable goals.  What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Why interconnection delays can derail clean energy projects.How CCAs procure renewable energy locally and affordably.The four main components of the energy system.How virtual power plants optimize battery storage.Why behind-the-meter systems reduce grid costs.How AI can improve load forecasting and energy efficiency.The role of reconductoring in boosting grid capacity.The importance of local generation for resilience.How incentive programs accelerate renewable adoption.Resources in Today's Episode: Karin Burns: LinkedInSan Diego Community PowerGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/mr2svjvv

    49 min

  6. AUG 19

    Ep 94: Linking Sustainability with Profitability and Impact - Our Conversation with Business Resilience Strategist Melanie Larkins

    What if sustainability wasn’t just about compliance but about unlocking hidden value in your business? In this conversation with Melanie Larkins, a global sustainability strategist with over 20 years of ESG leadership experience, you’ll learn how systems thinking, strategic decision-making, and ROI-focused approaches can transform sustainability from a cost center into a driver of innovation, efficiency, and growth.  You’ll discover the biggest barriers preventing businesses from fully leveraging sustainability, why leadership buy-in is critical, and how “uncomfortable transparency” can create real impact. Whether you’re a business leader, sustainability professional, or simply curious about building a better future, this episode will equip you with strategies to make a measurable, lasting impact. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How systems thinking strengthens sustainability strategies.Why ROI is essential for sustainability leadership.Ways to move from compliance to value creation.Common barriers to sustainability adoption.How to secure leadership buy-in and funding.The role of cross-company networking in driving impact.Why transparency must be complete, not selective.How to prevent burnout in sustainability teams.Preparing for geopolitical and resource challenges.Resources in Today's Episode: Melanie Larkins: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/33nzzrdb

    43 min

  7. JUL 29

    Ep 93: The Potential of Hydrogen and Business in Reversing Climate Change with Entrepreneur, Author and Expert Rinaldo Brutoco

    Can business innovation really reverse climate change? In this episode, entrepreneur and founder of the World Business Academy, Rinaldo Brutoco, shares why he believes traditional institutions have failed to address the scale of the environmental crisis and why it's up to business leaders to step up with bold, transformative solutions. You'll learn how Rinaldo’s early experiences shaped his belief in enterprise as a force for good and why a mindset shift to stewardship is essential for real climate action. We also dive into the future of hydrogen as a clean energy solution, including Rinaldo's groundbreaking venture. You’ll gain insights into the technical and logistical challenges of hydrogen adoption, why it’s essential for hard-to-abate industries, and how political, economic, and systemic barriers can be overcome through innovation and decentralized energy systems. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Why businesses must lead climate innovation.The origins of Rinaldo’s sustainability mission.How hydrogen can replace fossil fuels.Technical barriers to hydrogen adoption.Why decentralized microgrids are the future.How to align climate action with profit.Why pipelines limit hydrogen scalability.How politics and policy stall renewable progress.Resources in Today's Episode: Rinaldo Brutoco: LinkedInWorld Business AcademyH2 Clipper Inc.Freedom from Mid-East Oil by Rinaldo BrutocoGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/24kck656

    49 min

  8. JUL 15

    Ep 92: One AI Platform for All 50 States - Making Sense of Energy Utility Filings with Halcyon Co-Founder Nat Bullard

    What if the biggest bottleneck in America’s clean energy transition isn’t technology… but information? In this episode, we sit down with Nat Bullard, co-founder of Halcyon, to explore how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the way energy policy data is accessed and used. Nat explains how his lifelong passion for organizing complex systems has led to a career dedicated to decoding the regulatory chaos of U.S. energy markets. You’ll hear how his team tackles the “hairball” of unstructured data locked in outdated state-level systems and makes it useful for developers, utilities, and investors alike. We also dive into the real-world applications of Halcyon’s tools, from tracking the true cost of natural gas power plants to unlocking opportunities created by surging energy demand from data centers and hyperscalers. Nat shares how Halcyon’s data tools reduce “shoe leather costs,” speed up decision-making, and help navigate a dynamic market. Whether you’re curious about public utility commissions, fascinated by AI in infrastructure, or seeking clarity on energy economics, this episode is packed with insights into where the energy sector is headed. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How Halcyon uses AI to make energy regulation data useful.Why state-level systems create bottlenecks for developers.What it means to “harmonize” public regulatory data.How legacy systems slow down clean energy deployment.The true cost of natural gas plants vs. industry assumptions.What “shoe leather costs” are and how to reduce them.The rise of large-load electricity customers like data centers.Why some industries are cost-sensitive while others are not.How new demand is reshaping U.S. energy strategy. Resources in Today's Episode: Nat Bullard: LinkedIn | X | WebsiteHalcyonOur World in DataHugging FaceSteel for Fuel blogThe Worlds I See by Dr. Fei-Fei LiHow Solar Energy Became Cheap by Gregory F. Nemet The Box by Marc LevinsonGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/bdffvhc7

    52 min
See All (99)

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
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Renewable Rides
  • Show Website
    Renewable Rides

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