Proterra Electric Buses, Podcast. Sometimes a 30 minute interview goes an hour, and it could go another 3 hours. That’s when you know you have the right conversation on track. This is what happened when I interviewed Ryan Popple, the former Kleiner Perkins partner and CEO of Proterra. Proterra makes electric buses, which if you think about it, has the potential of changing transportation. Buses are the most predictable vehicle in the Country, same routes every day. Engineer them to perfection and you have a golden ticket to removing idling diesel vehicles from this segment. Frank breaks down the conversation and I hope you enjoy this episode.
What’s New At Suniva? Filings are fun, sometimes tidbits are dropped about issues that impact our industry. SQN Capital gave a cryptic update that could give some hints as to what is next for the Suniva assets. Frank has the story and we’re keeping a close eye on for you.
Postcard From Down Under. When Audrey Zibelman left NYSERDA to head to Australia, I was hopeful that this day would come, and her point is spot on. She says it makes no sense that a grid built before the internet would have the right rules for the grid of tomorrow. In the 90’s it was okay to use a dial-up modem and have rolls of fax papers while using trunk mounted cell phones. Now is time to create rules that enable today’s technologies from using their full potential.
Come On AZ. If you ever think our industry is without really powerful adversaries, you are mistaken. Our adversaries are embedded all over the place, legislatures and Governor’s mansions. That’s why nuance matters and why legitimizing opposition is something I call out. When I see someone posting on LinkedIn that sitting on a panel with EEI’s Tom Kuhn is an honor since he’s an icon, I cringe. Especially when this person is supposed to look out for the best of the solar industry. It’s important to remember these aren’t peace times in policy, solar, storage and renewables are threatening an industry worth trillions of dollars and have been untouched for a century.
There Will Be Opposition. Why are EVs bad for unions? The Hyundai union head has some harsh words about the disaster they represent to the existing workforce. Labor that builds transmissions and engines are going to find themselves looking for new parts of the supply chain to work on. Good prospect is that we can see this coming and it won’t be abrupt from one year to another.
- SolarWakeup: Proterra CEO Predicts EV Adoption Timeline
- SolarWakeup: Could We Finally Be Rid Of Suniva?
- Renew Economy: Zibelman – Old energy market rules make no sense
- AZ Capitol Times: Utility writes its own renewable energy ballot measure
- Reuters: Hyundai union head fears GM-like crisis; says electric cars destroy jobs
- Rocky Mountain Institute: Why Local Is Better than Global in the World of Low-Carbon Finance
- Union Of Concerned Scientists: Solar and Wind Need a Larger Electric Grid—and California Might Just Create One
- Utility Dive: Proposed Texas rule highlights storage’s challenges in bridging competitive, regulated energy markets
Opinion
- San Jose Mercury News: Don’t have solar? You’re paying more because others do, UC Berkeley prof says
Have a great day!
Yann