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 proje...
Jun 24, 2025•34 min•Ep. 145
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...
Jun 10, 2025•36 min•Ep. 144
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—environmenta...
May 15, 2025•37 min•Ep. 143
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 di...
Apr 29, 2025•32 min•Ep. 142
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-t...
Apr 15, 2025•44 min•Ep. 141
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 projects Why the electricity sector needs faster adaptation to climate challenges The role of AI and next...
Apr 01, 2025•34 min•Ep. 140
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...
Mar 18, 2025•31 min•Ep. 139
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 grids Why grid bottlenecks and int...
Mar 04, 2025•34 min•Ep. 138
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 ...
Feb 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 138
In this episode, Erica Brinker, Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer at Chaberton Energy and board member of the Coalition for Community Solar Access, shares her unique career journey and insights into the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers: Erica’s early roles in the fashion and luxury goods industry, followed by her transition to healthcare technology, aerospace, and eventually renewable energy, reflecting her customer-centric approach throughout. Navigating the challenges...
Feb 04, 2025•38 min•Ep. 136
Sarah Moon, Co-Founder of FieldWorks Power, shares her career journey and expertise in the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers: Sarah’s path from studying geology to leading renewable energy initiatives at companies like Solstice Power Technologies and DSD Renewables. Strategies for community solar companies to enter and succeed in emerging markets, from policy advocacy to local community engagement. The role of lean teams and entrepreneurial spirit in driving innovation in distribu...
Jan 21, 2025•36 min•Ep. 135
Ty Baccile, Director of Solar Development at New Energy Equity and a Board Member of NYSEA, shares his career journey and insights from the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers: Ty’s career journey from his blue-collar roots in upstate New York to pioneering wind and solar projects. Scaling community solar and driving economic growth through local development. The role of innovation, collaboration, and data in tackling challenges. Navigating evolving policies and development timeline...
Jan 07, 2025•34 min•Ep. 135
In this episode, Martin Schichtel, Founder and CEO of Kraftblock, shares his career journey and insights into the thermal energy storage sector. The conversation covers: The pivotal moment in 2008 that sparked the idea for Kraftblock, leading to the development of a superior thermal energy storage material. Discussing the waste heat recovery market and the importance of decarbonizing heat in various industries. Kraftblock's approach to targeting direct industrial customers and collaborating with...
Dec 17, 2024•35 min•Ep. 133
In this episode, James McWalter interviews Ned Horneffer, Vice President of Development at Third Pillar Solar, to explore the exciting advancements and challenges in the floating solar industry. The conversation covers: Ned’s path in clean energy from venture capital to battery energy storage, culminating in his current role at Third Pillar Solar, where he leads innovative solar initiatives. The growth of the U.S. floating solar market and the benefits of utilizing underused water spaces, with e...
Dec 03, 2024•37 min•Ep. 132
In this episode, James McWalter interviews Paces's very own Solution Engineers, Gabby Stein and Tony Wagler, to discuss the latest developments in the renewable energy industry and their roles at Paces. The conversation covers: Gabby's and Tony's career paths before joining Paces, including their experiences in solar and battery storage development. The unique challenges they faced in their previous roles like navigating permitting and interconnection processes. Their motivations for joining Pac...
Nov 19, 2024•28 min•Ep. 131
Welcome to this episode of the Clean Energy Chronicles! Today, we have Dillan Wilson and Mitch May, co-founders of Land Acquisition LLC, sharing their journey in the renewable energy and land acquisition space. Starting with Mitch’s early career in construction and solar, and Dillan’s background in real estate and environmental compliance, they’ve come together to form a dynamic partnership. In this episode, we cover: Mitch and Dillan's backgrounds and how they came to start Land Acquisition LLC...
Nov 05, 2024•30 min•Ep. 130
In this episode, Riean Norman, Senior Director at Crow Holdings, shares his journey and insights into the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers: Riean's career path , starting as a land representative at Chevron and transitioning into renewable energy development at NextEra. His shift from subsurface oil and gas development to surface-based renewable projects. Navigating skepticism towards renewables in traditional oil and gas regions and balancing individual landowner rights with com...
Oct 23, 2024•31 min•Ep. 129
In this relaunch episode, James McWalter interviews Charles Bai , CTO & Co-Founder of Paces, to explore what’s changed over the past year in both the energy industry and at Paces. The conversation covers: Continued growth in renewable energy projects. New advancements in solar, EV charging infrastructure, and battery storage. Increasing competition for prime sites among developers. Rising competition between data centers and advanced manufacturing for the same sites. AI’s rapid rise driving ...
Oct 22, 2024•6 min•Ep. 128
Wonderful to speak to Lena and Kevin , the first two software engineers at Paces! We discussed: Their path to joining Paces What drove you towards climate change as an issue? How much of your company culture is a function of company size? Defining engineering culture The importance of engineers having a direct relationship with customers. We even iterated on how engineering at Paces can be improved on the call! Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable develo...
Jul 25, 2023•36 min
Great to chat with Carson Weinand , Senior Project Developer at CVE North America , about recent changes to solar development as well as the importance of GIS data. We discuss: How he became a product developer at CVE Falling in love with GIS What does perfect look like for project development data? The real market killer for community solar. New rules for the IRA And much more! Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with ...
Jul 11, 2023•23 min
We sit down for an insightful conversation with Corey Hindin , Director of Business Development at AC Power , to talk about transforming brownfields into productive solar farms. We delve into: How business development is structured at AC Power, which entails various steps ranging from market exploration to closing agreements with landowners for project due diligence. The unique characteristics of brownfield development, such as the need for intricate planning and careful navigation of regulatory...
Jun 06, 2023•22 min
We speak with Ryan Kelliher, VP of Renewable Solutions at Tradition Energy and Executive Director of the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) . We discuss why: Solar grazing is beneficial for farmers and rural communities Sheep grazing is helpful for the permitting of solar projects, as it aligns incentives for the developer and the farmer and reduces community opposition. The lack of sheep in the US is a challenge for solar grazing, but the potential opportunity for farmers is significant....
Jun 01, 2023•22 min
In this episode, James McWalter interviews Kyle Baranko , a data scientist at Paces, about the intersection of energy and data. They discuss: How renewable energy companies are using data to optimize projects and the challenges of working with legacy energy systems. The types of data that renewable energy project developers care about, including interconnection, geophysical and environmental constraints, permeability, and financial incentives. The challenges of data collection, data maturity, an...
May 15, 2023•24 min•Ep. 123
Carbotnic is now Act, Build, Repeat! Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?
May 02, 2023•5 min
Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable development. Interested in a call with James, CEO @ Paces?
Feb 07, 2023•32 min
Great to chat with Justin Scholz Ceo and founder of Phelas , Phelas develops the solution for the energy transition: A modular, mass-produced and cost-effective and safe electricity storage system for utilities, grid operators, industry, renewable energy developer & operators! We discussed liquid air energy storage, energy efficiency, supply chain disruptions, grid interconnection and more! https://carbotnic.com/phelas Download Podcast Here: https://plinkhq.com/i/1518148418 Remember, If you ...
Jan 31, 2023•36 min
Great to chat with Edward Chiang , Co-Founder & CEO at Moment Energy ! Moment Energy provides clean, affordable, and reliable energy storage by repurposing retired electric vehicle batteries! We discussed the founding team, customer discovery, electric vehicle waste, battery health and more! https://carbotnic.com/momentenergy Download Podcast Here: https://plinkhq.com/i/1518148418 Remember, If you want to support the podcast please rate and review 5 stars on Apple , Thanks so much! James Pac...
Dec 13, 2022•41 min
Great to chat with Cailey Patterson , Executive Director at Saints Performance Automotive Design , the University of St Andrews Formula Student E team! They are designing and building a performance electric car! We discussed the competition, the future of electric vehicles in competition, how to start a cleantech project and more! https://carbotnic.com/spad Download Podcast Here: https://plinkhq.com/i/1518148418 Remember, If you want to support the podcast please rate and review 5 stars on Apple...
Dec 06, 2022•30 min
Great to chat with Dimitry Gershenson , Co-founder and CEO at Enduring Planet , Enduring Planet offers rapid financing for Climate Entrepreneurs without dilution, personal guarantees, or collateral! We discussed revenue-based financing, the pros and cons of that compared to other forms of financing, how easy is the process like and more! https://carbotnic.com/enduringplanet Download Podcast Here: https://plinkhq.com/i/1518148418 Calculator: https://enduringplanet.com/resources/calculator Remembe...
Nov 29, 2022•38 min
Great to chat with Tim Montague , Solar Developer, NABCEP trainer and host of the Clean Power Hour podcast ! The Clean Power Hour is a weekly news roundup of the latest solar, wind, storage and energy transition news! We discussed how Tim become a solar project developer, the challenges in developing solar projects, community solar and more! Download Podcast Here: https://plinkhq.com/i/1518148418 www.cleanpowerhour.com https://carbotnic.com/cleanpowerhour Remember, If you want to support the pod...
Nov 15, 2022•37 min
