Making your move: The evolution of renewable energy, with Chris Pennington and Tracy Ross, Ep #3
Release Date: 10/11/2022
A Team You Can Count On, Ep #6
Race to Net Zero
The Race to Net-Zero podcast is a six-episode series featuring conversations with energy industry experts and businesses committed to net-zero carbon emissions. In this season’s final episode, host John Failla introduces Scott Hart, Head of Sales for NRG Business. They discuss the state of net-zero, the future of the journey, and the importance of collaboration for net-zero success. In today’s episode, we cover: What is driving the change in the industry? [03:34] The difference between data and alignment [06:56] Sectors making the biggest moves toward net-zero [10:49] Eastern...
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Choosing action: NRG's journey to net zero, Ep #5
Race to Net Zero
The Race to Net-Zero podcast is a six-episode series featuring conversations with energy experts and businesses who have committed to net-zero carbon emissions. In this episode, host John Failla introduces Jeanne-Mey Sun, Vice President of Sustainability at NRG Energy. They discuss the depth of NRG’s work in sustainability, as evidenced by NRG’s comprehensive 2021 sustainability report published this summer. In today’s episode, we cover: NRG’s sustainability foundation [03:34] Challenges and lessons [08:29] SBTi and customers [13:06] Advisory services [20:34] Working...
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It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon: Challenges to net-zero, Ep #4
Race to Net Zero
The Race to Net Zero podcast is a six-episode series featuring conversations with energy experts and businesses who have committed to net-zero carbon emissions. In this episode, host John Failla introduces Kevin Arritt, Director of Renewable Strategy and Advisory for NRG, and Greg Kandankulam, Director of Sustainability Advisory for NRG. They discuss their perspectives concerning current hurdles on the path to net-zero and what tools are available for large energy customers to build a customized approach. In today’s episode, we cover: How to start on the road to net-zero...
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Making your move: The evolution of renewable energy, with Chris Pennington and Tracy Ross, Ep #3
Race to Net Zero
The Race to Net Zero podcast is a special, six-episode series centered around your net-zero journey. Host John Failla introduces Chris Pennington, Director of Energy and Sustainability at Iron Mountain Data Centers, and Tracy Ross, Vice President of Sales, West Region at NRG Energy as they share how the renewable energy market is shifting with the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, new solutions, and a more customized approach to reaching net-zero emissions. In Today’s Episode, we cover: [04:56] What’s happening in the world of renewable energy? [11:20] Changes in the...
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Outlining your journey: Houston's landmark Climate Action Plan, with Priya Zachariah, Ep #2
Race to Net Zero
The Race to Net-Zero podcast is a six-episode series featuring conversations with energy experts and representatives from businesses that have committed to net-zero carbon emissions. In this episode, host John Failla sits down with Priya Zachariah, Chief Resilience and Sustainability Officer for the City of Houston, and Greg Kandankulam, Director of Sustainability Advisory at NRG. They discuss the importance of the sustainability goal-setting process and programs the city of Houston has implemented to achieve its ambitious public commitments. In today’s episode, we cover: Elements of goal...
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The starting point: Key drivers of the net-zero movement with Lynda Clemmons, Ep #1
Race to Net Zero
NRG Energy and Smart Energy Decisions are pleased to bring you a new educational project, The Race to Net Zero podcast, a six-episode series centered around the journey to net-zero for businesses like yours. This premiere episode features host John Failla from Smart Energy Decision and Lynda Clemmons, Vice President of Sustainable Solutions at NRG Energy. In today’s episode, we cover: Lynda’s current role at NRG [01:20] Trends in emission reduction strategies [03:12] International influences [09:25] Formalizing reporting [15:19] Setting measurable goals [20:44] The future of net-zero...
info_outlineThe Race to Net Zero podcast is a special, six-episode series centered around your net-zero journey. Host John Failla introduces Chris Pennington, Director of Energy and Sustainability at Iron Mountain Data Centers, and Tracy Ross, Vice President of Sales, West Region at NRG Energy as they share how the renewable energy market is shifting with the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, new solutions, and a more customized approach to reaching net-zero emissions.
In Today’s Episode, we cover:
- [04:56] What’s happening in the world of renewable energy?
- [11:20] Changes in the renewable energy market
- [19:55] The direction of the renewable energy market
- [25:09] Iron Mountain’s data center
- [30:16] Forming successful partnerships
What is a sustainable business?
The definition of a sustainable business has expanded to include the pursuit of net-zero goals, even as net-zero itself is still being defined. Initially, net-zero was viewed through Scope 1 and Scope 2 lenses. As the science-based targets initiative broadened net-zero to include Scope 3, companies started recognizing the significant impact of supply chains.
The only way for an organization to achieve a net-zero goal is to focus on new technologies and solutions that will drive the results needed. The concept of net-zero is becoming more mature and defined. Even within the narrow scope of renewable energy, the idea of true-zero is emerging. Many changes are happening, and technology will likely be the key enabler in achieving progress.
Changes in the data center industry
The landscape for the data center industry is evolving. With their footprint expanding into new markets, resource management and power availability continue to be a priority. As energy price concerns rise in Europe, organizations and industries are considering how to best navigate these challenges. Meanwhile, there is a real risk around reliance on fossil fuels or energy supplies from singular countries.
One advantage of the data center industry is its ability to invest in technology and solutions that drive results. The top of the list of the largest clean energy buyers today is dominated by data center operators. If the industry can continue to move quickly, it can bring solutions that will help alleviate the need for regulation in the future.
Next steps in technology
Energy storage is critically needed today. Luckily, exciting new battery chemistries and designs are coming to the market and geothermal technologies are improving. As such, organizations are investing in energy storage options and geothermal generation with less risk.
Advances in geothermal technology can transform data centers like Iron Mountain from energy consumers to prosumers. Not only will this change bring jobs and data access, but it will also bring social benefits like helping the local utility achieve greater grid resiliency. Ultimately, new energy solutions like battery storage and geothermal technologies will create a valuable path forward for more sustainable business.
Resources & People Mentioned
Connect with Chris Pennington
Connect With Tracy Ross
Connect with NRG Energy
- https://www.nrg.com/
- Follow them on Facebook
- Follow them on Twitter
- Follow them on LinkedIn
Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
- www.smartenergydecisions.com
- Follow them on Facebook
- Follow them on Twitter
- Follow them on LinkedIn