Hear the full interview on episode 421.
And if you've only got time for the highlights, check out the short episode (422) we created with clips from the full episode.
“A passionate, valuable, and detailed blueprint for remaking the shape of everyday energy production... [Nussey] is passionate in advocating for change, but he’s also unfailingly realistic. Skeptics ... will find Nussey a doggedly clear-eyed guide to what he rightly calls “the treacherous divide between wild-goose-chases and billion-dollar opportunities.” — Kirkus Reviews
Impressed? Intrigued? You should be...I didn’t know it, but Kirkus Reviews are considered the gold standard and hardest to get [positive] review for a book these days. So, yeah, I guess you could say this book is something to look forward to!
“The transition to clean energy is moving far too slowly,” according to today’s podcast guest, Bill Nussey. “Trapped by a century of fossil fuel investments and politicians that struggle to plan beyond the next election, the “Big Grid” that powers our modern world is outdated and in dire need of an upgrade.” Bill Nussey is on a mission to understand how this transition will benefit us all, especially with regard to what he refers to as “Local Energy”. In his brilliant book, “Freeing Energy”, Nussey explores the history and future of the Grid, why the coming infrastructure and investment wave is the biggest we’ve ever seen, and goes VERY deep into how you can play your part!
I’m lucky that Bill has been a friend and mentor since he started this journey 4 yrs ago, and he asked me (Nico) to interview him for this in-depth backstory on how & why the Freeing Energy book came to life, why you need to read it, and even where we think you’ll find the most nuggets if you’re a longtime #SolarWarrior!
As described to me by Bill, “Freeing Energy offers a new and faster path towards a clean energy future— one that is more reliable, more equitable, and cheaper. Just like personal computers eclipsed mainframes, millions of solar rooftops and small battery systems are challenging every assumption about our century-old, centralized electric grid. These small-scale “local energy” systems are deeply disruptive because they are based on fast-moving technologies, not fuels. Bill Nussey takes readers to mud huts in Africa, an off-grid farm in California, and a rural school in the mountains of Puerto Rico to uncover the underlying patterns of technology and the business model innovations of the local energy revolution.”
This book is a treasure trove of well-researched, actionable insights for anyone that cares about the future of energy—from startups, policymakers, investors, and utility leaders to the families and communities that want cleaner, cheaper energy today. It’s the guidebook you’ve been looking for, and from someone who over the last four years has certainly earned his stripes to accurately say he understands the industry from the inside-out, not just from interviews and anecdotes.
Freeing Energy hits shelves on Tuesday, December 7th, but you can pre-order today!
BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Energy Toolbase’s cohesive suite of project modeling, storage control, and asset monitoring software products enables developers to confidently deploy solar and energy storage projects.
ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:
Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.
Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 15-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.
You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.
If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20min on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.