Build, Repeat. (A Paces Podcast)

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

  1. Building Community Trust in Clean Energy with Hilary Clark

    JUL 22

    Building Community Trust in Clean Energy with Hilary Clark

    In this episode, James talks with Hilary Clark, Senior Director of Social Licensing at the American Clean Power Association (ACP). With over two decades in permitting and regulatory affairs, Hilary brings deep expertise on how clean energy developers can effectively engage communities and navigate the complex siting landscape in the U.S. They discuss the evolving challenges in local and state-level permitting for wind, solar, and battery projects. Hilary explains the rise of moratoria and bans, the importance of community trust, and how ACP supports developers through advocacy, policy coordination, and digital tools. The conversation also covers the role of automation in feasibility analysis and the limits of technology in community engagement. The rise of permitting barriers like local moratoria and zoning bansThe importance of social license and long-term community relationshipsHow ACP leverages advocacy, policy expertise, and AI tools to support membersWhy the human element remains critical despite digital innovationThis episode offers an essential look at the on-the-ground work required to accelerate clean energy deployment across the country. Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    33 min
  2. Orchestrating Power for Data Centers with Brian Janous of Cloverleaf

    JUL 8

    Orchestrating Power for Data Centers with Brian Janous of Cloverleaf

    In this episode, James talks with Brian Janous, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Cloverleaf Infrastructure and former Head of Energy at Microsoft. With 25+ years in the utility space — including a decade leading Microsoft’s cloud energy strategy — Brian shares what it was like to scale power procurement during the hyperscale boom and why he founded Cloverleaf to solve the next frontier: grid-aligned power delivery for data centers. They explore the transition from fiber-first to power-first infrastructure, the myth of exponential energy growth, and the real reason AI is accelerating demand at an unprecedented pace. Brian unpacks the growing tension between real estate and power developers, the limitations of behind-the-meter hype, and why grid integration remains king. You’ll also hear insights on: Why utilities are overwhelmed by “two chucks in a truck” proposalsWhat makes a site actually marketable to hyperscalersThe misunderstood economics of flexible load and data center reliabilityHow Cloverleaf partners to derisk power timelines and unlock investmentWhether you’re a power developer, hyperscaler, or real estate operator, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to deliver the electrons that fuel AI. Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces? Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    33 min
  3. Real-Time Clean Energy Insights

    JUN 24

    Real-Time Clean Energy Insights

    In this episode, James talks with Michael Thomas, Founder of CleanView and creator of Distilled. Michael has built a career around impactful storytelling and actionable data, aiming to accelerate clean energy adoption. From tech marketing to climate entrepreneurship, he has channeled his curiosity into initiatives that demystify energy trends and empower decision-makers. They discuss the evolution and impact of CleanView, a real-time platform offering unmatched visibility into clean energy project development across the U.S. Michael shares the journey behind the product, why accessible, transparent data matters, and how policy, geography, and technology trends are shaping the renewable energy landscape. They also explore the political and economic implications of recent clean energy legislation and why active industry engagement is crucial. How CleanView reduces data friction for developers, EPCs, and investorsMarket trends: battery storage expansion, solar booms in the South, and wind project slowdownsThe impact of proposed ITC/PTC tax credit changes on project viabilityThe strategic importance of transparency, local engagement, and rural investmentThis episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about understanding the intersection of data, policy, and infrastructure in the clean energy sector. Paces helps developers accelerate clean energy infrastructure through comprehensive software and services. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces? Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?

    34 min
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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Deep discussions with those who are helping us build our way out of climate change. 

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