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About the Episode:
What will the energy industry look like under the Trump administration?
Join us for an in-depth discussion with three different perspectives on the future of energy. We'll explore the potential impacts of Trump's policies on renewable energy, fossil fuels, and the environment. With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) driving historic clean energy investments, we're at a critical juncture as Trump begins his second term. Tune in as we navigate the complex landscape of the energy industry's future.
The solar industry has proven its resilience time and again. During Trump’s first term, solar capacity in the U.S. surged by 128%, exceeding 100 GW despite a federal focus on fossil fuels, according to SEIA. That same spirit of adaptation is palpable today, as the clean energy sector braces for a second term marked by deregulation, energy “trade-offs,” and a growing corporate appetite for renewables.
David Roberts, respected journalist and progenitor of Volts.wtf, explores the unpredictability of the Trump’s energy policies and how coalitions have become a vital counterbalance to federal uncertainty.
Travis Kavulla, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at NRG Energy, provides a detailed look at regulatory developments, including the potential impact of Chris Wright’s leadership at DOE and how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) evolving role could shape market dynamics.
Aaron Nichols, Marketing and Advocacy Specialist at Exact Solar, scoured dozens of articles on the subject and reflects on how Trump’s initial term unexpectedly mobilized the solar industry, sparking collaboration that continues to fuel growth.
Despite the challenges, there are significant opportunities. Corporate renewable investments, driven by the AI boom and energy-hungry data centers, are reshaping market demand. Industry coalitions are demonstrating the power of collective advocacy in influencing policy and preserving growth. Federal agencies like FERC and DOE are at the forefront of decisions that could redefine the balance between fossil fuels and clean energy. The solar sector is once again proving its resilience, channeling innovation and determination to meet the moment.
With Inauguration Day just around the corner, the direction of U.S. energy policy hangs in the balance. Will deregulation spur clean energy growth, or will shifting priorities pose new challenges? Tune in to find out more.
Helpful RESOURCES:
Connect with Aaron Nichols:
Connect with Travis Kavulla:
Connect with David Roberts:
Check out Exact Solar:
Check out NRG Energy:
Check out Volts.wtf
Resources:
NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:
“If you work for a solar company, especially if you work for a solar company in a Republican lawmakers district, just show them what’s going on. Set up a time to talk to their office. Show them how your company has created jobs in their district. How your company has revitalized certain economic centers, show them the really cool benefits of, like, just the greatest, most interesting project you’ve done.”
“I think most Republican members of Congress probably would be happy to just say, let’s get rid of those subsidies and let’s repeal the IRA. That being said, because of the margins that exist in the coming Congress, any handful of Republican Congressmen can choose to put their foot down, and if they stick to it, get kind of what they want out of the tax package negotiations, and based on correspondence that a number of Republican congressmen have already sent up to the speaker, I would bet against a wholesale repeal of the clean energy tax provisions.”
“The energy transition is big, and being driven by very big, broad forces. The statements and executive actions of the US president are a relatively small signal relative to those other things, which just means that like the development of climate and energy over the next four years is mostly going to be driven by events like it has been, it’s mostly going to be driven by stuff outside of US politics. There’s only so much Trump can do.”
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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 16-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 15 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.