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Renewable Rides

Renewable Rides

Hosted by Gareth Evans & Dan Roberts

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Episodes

127

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

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
June 16, 2026Episode 11551 min

Ep 115: Joshua Rhodes on the ERCOT Data Center Bubble, Rate Pressure, and What Business Leaders Are Missing

If the data is this clear, why are so many business leaders still getting energy wrong? In this episode, Dr. Joshua Rhodes, research scientist at the University of Texas at Austin, nonresident fellow at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, and CTO of IdeaSmiths, brings the kind of clarity that only comes from building the most detailed independent models of the ERCOT grid in existence.Joshua called the data center interconnection queue a bubble in 2025, when it stood at 220 gigawatts. It's now at 435, and 90% of it is data centers trying to connect to a grid that has never delivered more than 85.5 gigawatts at one time.Listen in as Joshua explains why that bubble is already pushing transformer costs up 200% and wire costs up 180%, why those infrastructure bills will land on ratepayers for decades, and why renewables have quietly saved Texans tens of billions in electricity costs. He also breaks down the counterintuitive relationship between oil prices, natural gas supply, and your electricity bill, and makes the case for why transmission, not generation, is the piece of the energy puzzle that most executives aren't even asking about yet.What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:Why the ERCOT data center queue is a bubble.How infrastructure inflation is driving up energy rates.Why renewables act as a hedge against fuel price volatility.How oil prices can actually lower natural gas costs.The three parts of the grid and which one matters most.Why transmission is the hardest piece to build.How distributed batteries are reshaping grid dynamics.Why data centers need to become smarter energy consumers.The real cost of blocking renewables in Texas.What business leaders are missing about the energy transition.Resources in Today's Episode:Joshua Rhodes: LinkedInThe Energy Capital PodcastIdeaSmithsGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/rmwhk4p9

June 9, 202618 min

Top Moment from Linking Sustainability with Profitability and Impact - Our Conversation with Business Resilience Strategist Melanie Larkins

Is sustainability just a reporting requirement, or is it one of the most underused drivers of revenue and business value today? In this highlight episode, Melanie Larkins explores how organizations can move beyond viewing sustainability as a compliance exercise and instead unlock it as a tool for innovation, efficiency, and growth.Listen in as Melanie breaks down how companies are leaving value on the table by focusing too heavily on reporting, offsets, and box-ticking exercises rather than embedding sustainability into core decision-making. You'll learn how trapped value shows up in operations, capital allocation, and organizational structure, and why aligning sustainability with financial and operational goals is essential for real impact. The conversation also explores how leadership buy-in, internal communication, and reframing sustainability in ROI terms can transform stalled initiatives into real business drivers.What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:Why sustainability is often misunderstood as a compliance-only function.How businesses can identify “trapped value” in operations and spending.Why sustainability can drive both cost savings and revenue opportunities.How poor organizational structure can slow innovation and decision-making.Why embedding sustainability improves efficiency and resource use.How companies miss revenue by not offering sustainability as a service.Why carbon offsets can become a sunk cost instead of real value creation.How energy independence and operational control reduce long-term cost.Why data alone is not enough without action and implementation.How sustainability shifts when aligned with ROI, risk, and profitability.Resources in Today's Episode:Melanie Larkins: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yncz83fb

June 2, 2026Episode 11454 min

Ep 114: Greg Nemet on How Solar Got 10,000 Times Cheaper and Why Commercial Rooftops Are Next

What if the biggest energy transformation in history is only just getting started? In this episode, Greg Nemet explains how solar energy went from one of the most expensive technologies on earth to the cheapest source of electricity in history and why batteries, distributed energy systems, and commercial solar are following a similar path even faster.You’ll learn how global innovation, policy, manufacturing, and investment combined to accelerate the clean energy transition, why commercial and industrial properties are becoming the “sweet spot” for solar adoption, and what rising utility costs mean for business leaders over the next decade. Greg also shares insights from his work with the IPCC, the future of prosumer energy systems, and why the climate challenge is getting harder while the solutions are getting better. If you want a clearer understanding of where energy markets are headed and how businesses can position themselves now, this conversation is packed with practical insight and long-term perspective.What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:How Greg transitioned into clean energy research.The role global collaboration played in solar adoption.Why energy innovation lagged behind tech for decades.How China accelerated solar manufacturing scale.Why batteries are following a faster growth curve.The impact rising utility costs will have on businesses.Why commercial rooftops are a major solar opportunity.How prosumer energy systems are changing the grid.Why climate solutions are improving despite growing challenges.Resources in Today's Episode:Greg Nemet: WebsiteGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/2uh4u4wd

May 19, 2026Episode 11336 min

Ep 113: Gareth Evans on his Book and Why the Cost of Waiting on Onsite Energy Has Never Been Higher

What happens when energy stops being something businesses can take for granted? In this episode, we discuss the launch of Gareth’s new book, Powering Profits. Gareth explains why businesses are entering a completely new energy paradigm where rising costs, grid instability, and operational risk are forcing leaders to rethink how they power their companies. You’ll learn why onsite energy is no longer just about sustainability, but about profitability, resilience, competitive advantage, and long-term business survival.Listen in as Gareth shares the personal experiences that shaped his perspective on energy security, the biggest misconceptions holding businesses back, and practical strategies companies can use to reduce costs, protect operations, and gain greater control over their energy future. From financial models and real-world case studies to organizational resistance and leadership mindset shifts, this conversation breaks down how businesses of any size can start taking action today.What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:Why energy has become a major business risk.How rising energy costs impact profitability.The biggest myths businesses believe about energy.Why doing nothing can cost companies millions.How onsite energy improves operational resilience.The financial models behind renewable energy projects.How businesses can align internal stakeholders.Why mindset is the biggest barrier to action.Real examples of companies succeeding with renewables.How leaders can create a long-term competitive advantage.Resources in Today's Episode:Powering Profits by Gareth EvansGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/6wa9s8c5

May 12, 2026Episode 11244 min

Ep 112: Building an Energy Program that Scales with Carson Bristol of Lithia & Driveway

What does it actually take to move sustainability from strategy decks into real-world projects? In this episode, Carson Bristol from Lithia Motors shares how one of the world’s largest automotive retailers is approaching energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonisation in a practical, scalable way. From rolling out solar and EV infrastructure across hundreds of locations to balancing financial outcomes with sustainability goals, Carson explains why progress comes from getting projects in the ground, not endlessly planning for the perfect solution.Listen in to learn how Lithia supports its operators with site-specific energy strategies, why partnerships matter in renewable energy projects, and what businesses often misunderstand about EV infrastructure and grid capacity. Carson also shares valuable lessons from building sustainability programs, as well as his perspective on the future of battery storage, distributed energy, and why businesses need to start acting now instead of waiting for perfect conditions.What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:Why action matters more than endless planning.How Lithia approaches decarbonisation at scale.The realities of EV infrastructure deployment.Why partnerships are critical in energy projects.How operators influence sustainability success.The role of battery storage in the energy transition.Why energy projects must deliver financial value.Challenges around grid capacity and electrification.How businesses can customize energy strategies.Why incremental progress creates long-term impact.Resources in Today's Episode:Carson Bristol: LinkedInLithia & DrivewayGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yydfaev9

May 5, 202616 min

Top Moment from The Price of Power: Examining the Costs Behind Keeping the Lights On and What's Next with Mark Ellis

Why do your electricity bills keep rising—and who actually benefits from it? In this highlight episode, we unpack the complex (and often hidden) financial mechanics behind utility companies and how they make money. From cost-of-service regulation to the role of operating costs, capital investments, and returns, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how pricing is determined and why it doesn’t always feel fair.Listen in as we break down where utility companies generate profit, how return on equity (ROE) is set, and why this one factor can significantly impact what consumers pay. You'll learn the difference between how the system should work versus how it actually operates today, including the long-term financial implications for households and businesses. If you’ve ever wondered why energy costs seem to keep climbing, this conversation will give you the insight to make sense of it all.What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:How utilities are designed to make money.What cost-of-service regulation means.The difference between operating and capital costs.Why utilities spread costs over time.How depreciation and amortization work.The role of return on capital.Why profit comes from return on equity (ROE).How utilities finance investments with debt and equity.Why ROE is set by regulators—not the market.How inflated ROE impacts consumer energy bills.Resources in Today's Episode:Mark Ellis: LinkedInGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3vfb6c7e

April 28, 2026Episode 11153 min

Ep 111: How Onsite Energy Adds Real Estate Asset Value with Brian Rappaport, JLL

What happens when energy stops being just a cost and becomes a strategic advantage? In this episode, Brian Rappaport from JLL unpacks the evolving role of energy in today’s market, from grid constraints and rising demand to the growing impact of AI and distributed energy systems. You’ll learn how energy is becoming a critical factor in real estate decisions, why reliability is now front of mind for businesses, and how leaders can better navigate risk, cost, and opportunity in a rapidly changing landscape.Brian also shares practical insights on how organizations can rethink energy as a value driver—not just an expense—including how onsite solutions like solar and battery storage can create new revenue streams, improve resilience, and enhance asset value. If you want to understand where the energy market is heading and how it impacts your business, this episode is a must-listen.What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:Why energy is now a real estate issue.How grid constraints are impacting businesses.The rise of distributed energy systems.Why reliability is becoming critical.How AI is driving power demand.Turning energy from cost into revenue.The value of on-site energy solutions.How tenants and landlords are adapting.What energy risk means for asset value.Where the market is heading next.Resources in Today's Episode:Brian Rappaport: LinkedInPowering Profits NewsletterGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/2dhzdrwh

April 21, 202618 min

Top Moment from Lessons Learned in Deploying a Hybrid Microgrid System From Aerospace Manufacturer Kirkhill

What does it really take to reduce energy costs and future-proof a large-scale manufacturing operation? In this highlight episode, Charlie Marquez, Senior Manager of EHS and Facilities at Kirkhill, shares how his team tackled rising energy expenses by moving beyond quick wins and into a fully integrated energy strategy. You’ll learn how projects like LED retrofits and battery storage created immediate savings and how those early wins led to bigger, more complex decisions around infrastructure and long-term energy planning.Listen in to hear how Charlie approached large-scale investments like combined heat and power (CHP) and solar, how to bundle operational and financial benefits to make projects viable, and what it takes to navigate long planning cycles, supply chain challenges, and internal approvals. If you’re looking to reduce costs while improving performance, this episode offers a practical roadmap for building a smarter, more sustainable energy strategy.What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:How Kirkhill reduced energy costs at scale.The impact of LED retrofits and quick wins.How battery storage supports peak shaving.What CHP systems are and how they work.How to bundle savings for stronger ROI.Why infrastructure constraints matter.How to evaluate large energy projects.The role of solar in reducing costs.How to manage long planning cycles.Strategies for sustainable operations.Resources In Today's Episode:KirkhillGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/585huj6a

April 14, 2026Episode 11023 min

Ep 110: What Deploying an Onsite Energy System Actually Requires

Is installing an onsite energy system going to overwhelm your team? Or is that fear overblown? In this episode, we unpack one of the most common concerns businesses have when considering solar and energy systems: how much work is actually involved. You’ll learn what happens once a system is up and running, what your team is (and isn’t) responsible for, and why most companies don’t need to become energy experts to make this work.Listen in as we break down where the real effort lies. From aligning internal stakeholders to choosing the right commercial model, you’ll learn how to avoid costly mistakes and streamline the process from day one. Plus, we explore how outages, market volatility, and energy reliance are shaping smarter decisions, as well as why taking control of your energy strategy might be easier—and more valuable—than you think.What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:What’s required after an energy system is installed.Why most systems are low maintenance.How operations & maintenance contracts work.Why your team doesn’t need to be energy experts.The real effort required before installation.How to align stakeholders early.Common mistakes that slow projects down.Why energy reliability is becoming critical.How to simplify decision-making with the right process.Resources in Today's Episode:Gareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/22v7p2s3

April 7, 202619 min

Top Moment from One AI Platform for All 50 States - Making Sense of Energy Utility Filings with Halcyon Co-Founder Nat Bullard

What happens when energy demand grows faster than the system can handle? In this highlight episode, Nat Bullard breaks down the unique moment we’re in—where surging demand from data centers, industrial players, and electrification is colliding with infrastructure bottlenecks, policy uncertainty, and rising costs.Listen in to learn how different industries experience energy costs in completely different ways, why availability is becoming more critical than price for some players, and how innovation, new business models, and behind-the-meter solutions are emerging in response. Nat also explores the impact of policy instability, supply chain challenges, and global market dynamics, as well as what it all means for the future of renewable energy, grid reliability, and business decision-making.What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:Why energy demand is growing at historic levels.How data centers are reshaping electricity needs.The difference between energy cost vs availability.Why interconnection queues are slowing progress.How policy uncertainty impacts energy investment.The role of innovation during high-cost periods.Why renewable developers are highly resilient.How businesses are rethinking energy as a resource.The challenges of scaling domestic energy production.The biggest barrier to progress.Resources in Today's Episode:Nat Bullard: LinkedIn | X | WebsiteHalcyonGareth Evans: LinkedInDan Roberts: LinkedInVECKTA: NewsYou can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/4dvzhhuf

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