A Team You Can Count On, Ep #6

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 Europe’s impact on the U.S. energy market [17:56]
• Collaboration for net-zero [21:46]
• NRG’s customer philosophy [25:06]

 

Sustainability is a business imperative

The last few years have seen a significant acceleration in the emissions reduction space. NRG used to solicit and market its capabilities, but now organizations are seeking them out. NRG is heavily invested in managing emissions, setting goals, and finding solutions. The key drivers for companies are customers and stakeholders demanding that companies step up to mitigate their environmental impact.

Employees also expect companies to be aware and take action toward emission reduction. People see real risk and opportunity. Now a company’s reputation can be at risk if it doesn’t have quantifiable, scientifically based objectives and demonstrate action toward reducing emissions. Companies no longer see emission reduction as an incremental cost or burden. They’re using it as an opportunity to differentiate themselves from the competition.

 

Increased complexity

Organizations need insight and guidance to manage complex transactions, lower their carbon emissions, and deal with a more complicated and dynamic grid. It’s possible to combine these into one strategy with comprehensive data and organizational and stakeholder alignment.  Historically, NRG communicates with the sustainability group as well as the operational and finance departments within a company to ensure a unified approach.

Over the past few years, NRG has demonstrated how to integrate emissions and business objectives. Together with an organization, they develop strategies that start with a comprehensive Scope 1, 2, and 3 analysis and present emissions reducing options. If a company has data and alignment, it can begin to implement plans.

 

Energy transition

The world is in a massive transition akin to the industrial era of the twentieth century. Although manufacturing and processing of electricity haven’t changed significantly, the energy industry is introducing renewables to the grid and taking on the complex task of integrating them along with aging fossil fuel resources. The industrials are going through a transition as they face emission reductions challenges, whether voluntary or regulatory.

Western economies have absorbed the vast majority of electricity, and emerging economies are creating further demand. The general transition from fossil fuels to electricity, specifically in electric vehicles, is driving demand and complicating how enough electricity is produced and delivered. While the situation is complex, the one sure thing is the exponentially increasing demand for electricity. The energy industry will have to find new ways to meet those needs.

 

Resources & people mentioned

• State of Decarbonization Study

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