Renewable Rides

Hosted by Gareth Evans & Dan Roberts

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Episodes

147

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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.

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60 recent

November 3, 2026Episode 12550 min

Ep 125: Why Every Alaskan Already Runs on a Microgrid, with Peter Asmus

What can some of the most remote communities in the world teach us about the future of energy? In Alaska, high diesel costs, challenging geography, and unreliable fuel supply have driven remarkable innovation in renewable energy. Peter Asmus returns to the show to share what he discovered while documenting these stories, exploring how communities are using microgrids, wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage to build more resilient and cost-effective energy systems. Listen in as Peter discusses standout projects in Kodiak and Cordova, including a microgrid generating more than 99% of its energy from renewables and an innovative data center powered by excess hydroelectricity. You'll learn why remote communities are often leading the way in energy innovation, how businesses are beginning to put a value on resilience, and what Alaska needs to move beyond grant-funded projects and toward greater private investment. Peter also explores the opportunities for distributed data centers, energy storage, dynamic pricing, and stronger energy policy, with lessons that extend well beyond Alaska. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How Alaska's remote communities are leading renewable energy innovation. Why high diesel costs have driven the adoption of renewable microgrids. How Kodiak Island built a microgrid powered by more than 99% renewable energy. How batteries, flywheels, and hydro work together to manage changing energy demands. How Cordova is using excess hydroelectricity to power a small data center. Why commercial and industrial businesses are increasingly investing in energy resilience. What Alaska's Railbelt grid needs to accelerate its energy transition. Why renewable energy projects need to move beyond grant funding. How private capital and fleets of microgrids could support future energy development. Resources in Today's Episode: Peter Asmus: Website | LinkedIn Introduction to Energy in California by Peter Asmus Reaping the Wind by Peter Asmus Reinventing Electric Utilities by Peter Asmus Gareth Evans: LinkedIn VECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/va9xayav

October 27, 202616 min

Top Moment from Pain Point Series: How to Effectively Engage Stakeholders

A strong business case doesn’t guarantee an energy project will get approved. Without early alignment across finance, operations, procurement, sustainability, legal, and executive leadership, even the most promising project can face unexpected objections, costly delays, and missed opportunities. In this episode, we explain how to engage the right stakeholders before going to market, communicate the commercial value of energy projects, and establish clear requirements so suppliers can deliver comparable proposals. You’ll learn how to align financial assumptions, operational needs, sustainability commitments, and contractual requirements before they become roadblocks. The conversation also explores how a central source of truth can help teams manage project information, improve collaboration, and streamline procurement across multiple sites. Through real-world examples, we reveal how overlooked requirements, such as union labor agreements or misalignment between senior leaders, can delay projects by months and leave significant value on the table. Discover how a more coordinated approach can reduce procurement costs, improve decision-making, mitigate risk, and help more energy projects move from planning to implementation. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Why energy projects stall without stakeholder buy-in. How early alignment reduces costs and delays. Why a central source of truth matters. How finance influences project approvals. How operations can prevent costly rework. How sustainability goals affect project economics. Why procurement and legal must be involved early. How to secure executive and board support. How overlooked requirements create costly delays. How collaboration helps get more projects built. Resources in Today's Episode: Gareth Evans: LinkedIn Dan Roberts: LinkedIn VECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/r9xts548

October 20, 2026Episode 12455 min

Ep 124: VECKTA’s $11M Series A and What It Means for Onsite Energy Buyers

What if businesses could stop being price takers in the energy market and start taking control of their energy future? In this episode, the entire VECKTA founding team celebrates its $11 million Series A funding round and explores why on-site energy is becoming an increasingly important business investment. Gareth, Dan, Felipe and Calvin discuss rising electricity prices, growing demand from data centres and electrification, and the challenges businesses face when deciding whether to invest in solar, batteries and other energy infrastructure. You’ll learn how to compare supplier bids on an apples-to-apples basis, avoid overpaying or building systems that are larger than they need to be, and understand the financial case for on-site energy. The founding team also explains how VECKTA uses optimisation, local energy data and competitive procurement to help businesses move from analysis to execution, with the potential to deploy projects at scale. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How rising energy demand is changing the business investment landscape. Why businesses are rethinking solar, batteries and on-site energy. How falling hardware costs and changing grid incentives affect project economics. Why businesses need to become price makers rather than price takers. How data and optimisation build reliable, CFO-ready business cases. How competitive procurement helps businesses secure better supplier bids. Why monitoring and re-underwriting are essential to long-term system performance. Resources in Today's Episode: Calvin Fine: LinkedIn Felipe Sarrubi: LinkedIn Gareth Evans: LinkedIn Dan Roberts: LinkedIn VECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/2zbeyr3d

October 13, 202621 min

Top Moment from Energy Innovation’s Robbie Orvis on What Is Actually Driving Up Electricity Rates

Why are electricity prices continuing to rise and what does government policy have to do with it? In this episode, Robbie Orvis, Senior Director of Modeling and Analysis at Energy Innovation, breaks down the real-world impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the rollback of clean energy tax credits, and the growing demand from AI data centres. Learn why these policy changes are reshaping renewable energy investment, how energy modelling helps predict market outcomes, and what businesses should expect as electricity prices become increasingly volatile over the coming decade. Robbie also explains why rising energy costs aren't just about power generation. Discover how transmission and distribution infrastructure, supply chain constraints, and rapidly growing electricity demand are influencing prices across the US. Whether you're a CFO, business owner, policymaker or sustainability leader, this episode offers practical insights into managing energy uncertainty and making smarter long-term investment decisions. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How the One Big Beautiful Bill changes clean energy. Why electricity prices are rising. The future of renewable energy incentives. AI data centres' impact on the grid. What drives wholesale electricity prices. Why transmission costs are increasing. How policy influences energy markets. The importance of long-term energy planning. What businesses should prepare for. Why predictability matters more than ever. Resources in Today's Episode: Robbie Orvis: LinkedIn Gareth Evans: LinkedIn Dan Roberts: LinkedIn VECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/tksbx8

October 6, 2026Episode 12322 min

Ep 123: Getting Paid for Grid Flexibility with Grid Rails CEO Michael Grasso

The energy grid is becoming more dynamic, but the way we interact with it hasn’t always kept pace. Michael Grasso, Founder & CEO of Grid Rails, is working to change that by making it easier for utilities, businesses, and consumers to connect, control, and transact with the energy devices already around them. In this episode, Michael explains how Grid Rails enables real-time measurement, control, and payments across devices such as EVs, batteries, solar systems, and smart thermostats, as well as why he believes greater flexibility can help utilities get more from existing grid infrastructure. Listen in as Michael explores what’s holding virtual power plant programs back, why real-time incentives could encourage greater participation, and how businesses can turn energy assets from a cost-saving tool into a potential source of revenue. He also discusses the growing role of large commercial and industrial customers, what data centers are looking for, and why companies need to think more strategically about energy resilience and exposure. You'll hear how emerging technologies could reshape the way we generate and consume power and get Michael's thoughts on the future of distributed energy, from batteries and EVs to more unexpected sources of generation. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: What Grid Rails is building and how it works. How metered devices can support grid flexibility. Why real-time payments could increase participation. How utilities can use flexible energy programs. Where commercial and industrial customers fit in. Why real-time energy signals could change behavior. How businesses can turn energy assets into revenue. What data centers are looking for from the grid. Why energy resilience is becoming a business priority. How emerging technologies could reshape energy generation. Resources in Today's Episode: Michael Grasso: LinkedIn Grid Rails Gareth Evans: LinkedIn Dan Roberts: LinkedIn VECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/evv9wn2c

September 29, 202616 min

Top Moment from Utility Data as a Sustainability Planning Tool With Sagiliti’s DeVynne Farquharson

In this highlight episode, DeVynne Farquharson explains how organizations can use utility data to uncover cost savings, improve operational efficiency, and build practical sustainability strategies that deliver measurable results. You'll learn how utility bill management, rebate programs, and data analysis can help businesses reduce unnecessary spending while creating a stronger foundation for long-term environmental goals. DeVynne also shares how his team works with organizations to identify opportunities they may never have spotted on their own, from reducing water consumption and improving energy efficiency to evaluating new technologies and infrastructure upgrades. He discusses the importance of trust, data-driven decision-making, and ROI, while highlighting how businesses can turn utility savings into meaningful investments that support sustainability initiatives across their portfolios. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How utility bill management reduces costs. Why accurate utility data matters. Common barriers to sustainability projects. How rebates improve project economics. The role of ROI in decision-making. How data reveals hidden opportunities. Strategies for reducing water consumption. The value of trusted sustainability partners. How businesses prioritize energy projects. Ways to accelerate sustainability goals. Resources in Today's Episode: DeVynne Farquharson: LinkedIn Gareth Evans: LinkedIn Dan Roberts: LinkedIn VECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3dmekfe9

September 22, 2026Episode 1221 hr 0 min

Ep 122: Building an Onsite Energy Strategy That Works With, Not Against, Policy Shifts

What happens to the business case for onsite energy when the incentives that helped drive it start to disappear? In this episode, we explore how changing U.S. energy policy, rising electricity costs, and growing grid investment are reshaping the economics of solar, batteries, and other onsite energy systems. You’ll learn why incentives should be treated as one part of a broader strategy, how to identify the highest-value opportunities across a portfolio, and what businesses should understand before deciding where and when to invest. The conversation also breaks down the factors that determine whether a project makes financial sense, from electricity usage and demand charges to installation costs, additional value streams, and supplier margins. Listen in to hear why competitive procurement can materially change project economics, how to compare proposals effectively, why a portfolio-wide approach can uncover opportunities that individual sites might miss, and how businesses can build a strategy that remains useful even as the policy environment continues to shift. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How energy policy is changing the market. Why rising electricity costs matter. How to evaluate opportunities across a portfolio. Why incentives shouldn't drive strategy. How to prioritize projects economically. What goes into an onsite energy business case. How demand charges affect project economics. Where onsite energy costs come from. Why competitive procurement matters. How to evaluate competing project proposals. Resources in Today's Episode: Calvin Fine: LinkedIn Gareth Evans: LinkedIn Dan Roberts: LinkedIn VECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/4ykjw53r

September 15, 202619 min

Top Moment from Knocking Down Barriers to Onsite Energy Adoption at Scale - Feedback from Fortune 500 Leaders

What if businesses could take greater control of their energy costs, resilience, and sustainability without relying entirely on the traditional grid? In this highlight episode, we explore the growing opportunity for onsite energy systems and why more business leaders are looking at generating, storing, and managing energy directly where it is needed. You’ll learn what onsite energy can include, how microgrids can help businesses continue operating during grid disruptions, and why understanding your energy consumption is the essential first step towards becoming more energy independent. We also unpack the key benefits driving the adoption of onsite energy, from improving operational resilience and gaining greater certainty over long-term energy costs to creating new value from existing real estate assets. Plus, we talk about the major barriers businesses face when implementing these systems, including complex planning processes, financial decision-making, technology choices, and the challenge of coordinating multiple stakeholders across large organizations. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How the traditional utility model is changing. What onsite energy systems can include. How microgrids provide greater energy independence. Why energy monitoring is the essential first step. How businesses can benefit from demand response programs. Why operational resilience is becoming increasingly important. How onsite energy can create greater cost certainty. How rising electricity costs are changing business priorities. How businesses can unlock more value from their real estate. The biggest barriers to implementing onsite energy systems. Resources in Today's Episode: Gareth Evans: LinkedIn Dan Roberts: LinkedIn VECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yc3d43tu

September 8, 2026Episode 12146 min

Ep 121: How AI Data Centers and Electric Grid Strain Create Challenges and Opportunities for CRE - Gareth Evans on ICSC's From Where I Sit, hosted by Tom McGee

What if your rooftop, car park, or unused land could become not just part of your property, but also a source of revenue? In this episode, Gareth joins Tom McGee on the From Where I Sit podcast to explain how commercial real estate owners can take greater control of their energy through onsite generation, storage, and other distributed energy solutions. You’ll learn why aging grid infrastructure, rising energy demand, and falling technology costs are making energy strategy increasingly important for property owners, as well as how solar, batteries, microgrids, and other technologies can help reduce costs, improve resilience, and lower emissions. Listen in to hear how real estate owners can move beyond simply consuming energy to actively generating, selling, and monetizing it. You'll hear different approaches to energy investment, from leasing rooftop and car park space to developing onsite energy assets and selling power to tenants, the grid, or emerging energy users. Gareth also explains how VECKTA analyzes thousands of data points across a property portfolio to identify the right opportunities, structure projects, and connect owners with suppliers. Beyond the technology, he shares lessons from his journey from energy consulting and working in Iraq to founding a technology company—and why adaptability, trust, and resilience are essential when building a business in a rapidly changing industry. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: How commercial properties can use energy to improve tenant retention. How leasing rooftops and car parks can create additional revenue. Why commercial businesses are taking greater control of their energy. How onsite generation and storage can reduce costs and improve resilience. Why aging grid infrastructure is making energy strategy more important. How different energy technologies can be matched to specific property needs. How real estate owners can generate and sell energy for additional revenue. How Veckta analyses property portfolios to identify energy opportunities. How technology can simplify energy procurement and supplier selection. Why adaptability and resilience are essential when building a business. Resources in Today's Episode: S2E13: How AI Data Centers and Electric Grid Strain Create Challenges and Opportunities for CRE. Gareth Evans, CEO & Co-Founder, VECKTA Gareth Evans: LinkedIn Dan Roberts: LinkedIn VECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3ppbje2e

September 1, 202620 min

Top Moment from Quantifying the Human and Ecological Impact of Clean Energy with Quantum Energy

What if clean energy investments could be measured not just in dollars and emissions, but in lives saved, species protected and economic value created? In this highlight episode, you’ll learn how Andrew DeMille and Quantum Energy are bringing impact analytics into energy decision-making, helping businesses quantify the broader human, environmental and economic outcomes of clean energy projects. Andrew explains how sophisticated grid modelling, AI and machine learning can reveal what happens when new renewable energy projects come online, from the fossil fuel generation they displace to the resulting changes in emissions, health outcomes and ecosystem impacts. You’ll also discover why these metrics are becoming increasingly important for project approvals, access to capital, corporate reporting and investment decisions. Listen in to hear lessons from major renewable energy projects and how businesses can move beyond a narrow ROI mindset, use impact analytics to de-risk clean energy investments and communicate the value of energy projects in a way that resonates with executives, investors, customers and communities. What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode: Why energy decisions need impact analytics. How grid modelling measures project impacts. How renewable energy displaces fossil fuels. Why health impacts matter in energy decisions. How clean energy can create economic value. Why sustainability metrics are becoming financial metrics. How impact data can de-risk energy projects. Why AI is increasing demand for clean power. How businesses can quantify clean energy ROI. How to make energy investments more compelling. Resources in Today's Episode: Andrew DeMille: LinkedIn Quantum Energy Vista Sands Solar Farm Gareth Evans: LinkedIn Dan Roberts: LinkedIn VECKTA: News You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yjcbpb69