As AI data centers multiply electricity needs and grid transmission challenges linger, how will the United States produce enough affordable, reliable, and clean power? Can we continue to grow the economy without forsaking critical climate objectives? In this episode, Barbara spotlights a key solution: the opportunity to innovate at the "grid edge," where technologies can be applied to rapidly scale renewables. Barbara not only makes the case for how to transform the power grid; she presents an example in Chicago's South Side neighborhood Bronzeville, which recently switched on a powerful grid edge project in the form of America's first neighborhood-scale microgrid. Get ready to hear expert commentary on how microgrids supercharge utility services. This opens up new possibilities to accelerate the energy transition while also making grids more resilient to shocks and disruption in the face of more severe weather.

Show Notes:

News coverage of microgrid launch: https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2024/05/24/comed-bronzeville-microgrid-electric-power-energy-housing-authority

ComEd press release: https://www.comed.com/news/news-releases/2024-05-24

Accelerate Carbon Reduction: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/sustainability.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aDgrEeye3t9H7I8CDD-Al8KysZS8NrUdjc5uY9SVTePmEkG4exRpqRoCwhIQAvD_BwE&acz=1&gad_source=1

When Susan Nickey started her career in banking, few people saw a future in financing renewables. It wasn’t even a sector yet! Today, as EVP & Chief Client Officer for climate positive investment firm HASI and the Board Chair of the American Clean Power Association, Susan is working to advance clean energy from a stronger position: with renewables now mainstream, low cost, and competitive. Barbara opens this conversation by delving into Susan's career as they explore clean power's past and future. Key questions answered include: What needs to be done to get the clean energy transition moving faster? And what’s the role of renewables as electricity demand surges to support a data center boom driven by generative AI? This episode will get you up to speed on the last energy trends impacting the energy transition and energy security. Get ready to learn why innovation with financing is as important as technology development and R&D. You’ll also learn how permitting reform and workforce development can further catalyze the massive private sector investment in clean energy spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Why would an optimist try to inspire an audience by sharing the story of the worst day in her career? In this episode, Barbara shares her commencement address at George Mason University, bringing graduates inside a tough setback that ultimately opened up new possibilities in her career journey. Listen for inspiration on why staying true to your authentic self is a superpower as the definition of what it means to lead broadens to include many different styles.

Show notes:

Remarks as prepared for delivery: https://www.gmu.edu/news/2024-05/commencement-speaker-barbara-humptons-remarks-george-masons-spring-2024-graduates#:~:text=Throughout%20your%20career%20journey%2C%20remember,enough%20to%20make%20your%20mark.