Power Players by Origis: Recent Episodes
Origis
The transition to clean energy is moving fast. Leading voices in the industry, and sectors impacting solar and energy storage, explore the growth and maintenance of solar and energy storage in Power Players by Origis®, critical thinking to deliver the clean energy promise.
Hosted by Michael Eyman, Managing Director of Origis Services, the program explores C Suite strategy, and the true cost and system specific aspects of solar and energy storage operations and maintenance (O&M) and asset management (AM).
Topic: Storing the Energy Transition – Episode 20 of Power Players by Origis®
Moderator: Christine Grey, Senior Director of Business Development for Origis Energy
Guest: Jordan Cole, Chief Commercial Officer at Hydrostor
In Episode 20 of Power Players by Origis®, host Christine Grey, Senior Director of Business Development for Origis Energy and Jordan Cole, Chief Commercial Officer at Hydrostor discuss developing the long duration storage market.
Three key takeaways:
- Long duration storage is key to the energy transition.
- Different storage solutions are necessary for a variety of use cases to meet energy transition goals.
- The United States needs clear goals and incentives that are not technology specific for the industry to mature to meet the storage capacity needs of the future.
Topic: Creating the Future of Renewables – Episode 19 of Power Players by Origis®
Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director Origis Services
Guest: Dean Solon, Founder, CEO, and President of Create Energy
In Episode 19 of Power Players by Origis®, host Michael Eyman discusses the future of renewable energy and how to build it with Dean Solon, the founder, CEO, and President of Create Energy.
During their conversation, Solon and Eyman discussed the future of renewable energy and how to build it. Three key takeaways:
- A labor shortage has created an opportunity for innovation in the renewable energy sector.
- The commitment to build back the American manufacturing sector has created an opportunity for innovation.
- Innovation and automation will bring more opportunities, quality and investment to the renewable energy sector.
Topic: Merging Pathways to Net Zero – Episode 18 of Power Players by Origis®
Moderator: Janice Loppe, Director of Sustainability for Origis Energy
Guest: Dr. Charles Sims, Director for the Center for Energy, Transportation and Environmental Policy at the University of Tennessee Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs
In Episode 18 of Power Players by Origis®, host Janice Loppe, Director of Sustainability for Origis Energy, discusses the recently released “Valley Pathways Study” with Dr. Charles Sims, Director for the Center for Energy, Transportation and Environmental Policy at the University of Tennessee Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs.
Three key takeaways:
- Consistent with national data, the transportation sector is the largest source of emissions in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) seven state region.
- Electrifying the transportation sector will get the biggest reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
- Consensus and transparency are the keys to adoption of any new policies, technologies or behaviors.
Topic: Scaling Big Solar – Episode 17 of Power Players by Origis®
Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services
Guest: Alex Au, Chief Technology Officer and a co-founder at Nextracker
In Episode 17 of Power Players by Origis®, host Mchael Eyman discusses ways to scale big solar, with Alex Au, Chief Technology Officer and a co-founder at Nextracker.
Three key takeaways:
- Installations that adapt to the terrain through technology, rather than adapting the terrain to the installation, are more efficient.
- Many of the varied weather patterns around the country can be addressed with both hardware engineering and software learnings.
- Finding the best solution to the demand curve created by renewable energy creates exciting possibilities for future growth.
Topic: Right Sizing Solar Risk – Episode 16 of Power Players by Origis®
Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services
Guest: Jason Kaminsky, co-founder and CEO of kWh Analytics
In Episode 16 of Power Players by Origis®, host Michael Eyman discusses the history and future trends of risk assessment and allocation for solar assets with Jason Kaminsky, co-founder and CEO of kWh Analytics.
During their conversation, Kaminsky and Eyman discussed right sizing risk allocation. Three key takeaways:
- Risk for solar assets is being spread to more parties. It’s no longer just origination bankers and developers, but also insurance companies, O&M operators and tax equity buyers.
- Historically, solar projects have needed protection from physical damage and underperformance, leading to financial losses. New provisions in the IRA create a blending of these risks that have buyers demanding better models for production forecasts.
- More data on weather risk mitigation and asset production are improving those forecast models and creating an overall more reliable and resilient solar asset.
Topic: Energy Triangle: Pressure and Possibility – Episode 15 of Power Players by Origis®
Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services
Guest: Cristin Lyons, partner and head of ScottMadden’s energy practice
The energy market faces both new pressure and possibility as the U.S. integrates more renewables into the grid. In Episode 15 of Power Players by Origis®, host Mchael Eyman discusses the pressures on the generation and demand side of the equation with Cristin Lyons, a partner and head of ScottMadden’s energy practice.
During their conversation, Lyons and Eyman discussed the pressures on generation and transmission during this transition. Three key takeaways:
- It’s no longer enough for utilities to provide reliable and affordable electricity. Customers are increasingly demanding clean energy.
- Customers have a bigger voice in generation and policy than they historically have.
- To meet the rapidly increasing demand for electricity, all stakeholders must find ways to work together, meaning current regulatory models may need to change.
Topic: Trends in Solar O&M: It’s not what you may think.
Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services
Guest: Leila Garcia da Fonseca, Director, Renewables Research for Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie recently issued a report on the status of Global solar PV operations and maintenance (O&M) service provider dynamics. In Episode 14 of Power Players by Origis®, host Michael Eyman discusses the latest Solar O&M report with Director of Renewables Research, Leila Garcia da Fonseca.
During their conversation, the power players discussed trends from 2022 and how those could play out in the coming year in O&M services for solar plants. There were two trends that were surprising:
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Fragmentation of the market, rather than consolidation.
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Price of O&M going down, rather than up.
Topic: Supply Chain Woes in an IRA World
Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services
Guest: Chris Gauldin, Vice President Supply Chain, Origis Energy
A year ago, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act or IRA. Among other things, the IRA offers tax incentives for building solar power plants or renewable energy plants with a high level of domestic content. In Episode 13 of Power Players by Origis®, host Michael Eyman discusses strategies and best practices to ensure the proper domestic content in a project, the benefits to industries beyond solar and renewables and potential barriers to success.
During their conversation, the power players discussed how the Inflation Reduction Act is affecting the supply chain for solar developers and operators:
- Broke down what the tax credits are in the IRA and how to achieve them for solar projects.
- Discussed best practices for deciding how and where to source materials for solar projects.
- Teased out benefits of IRA tax credits that have not been as widely discussed as new construction in renewable energy.
Topic: Strategies for Company Value Creation
Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services
Guest: David Vence, Partner, Antin Infrastructure Partners
Delivering clean electrons and molecules in the race to decarbonize wields immense pressure. Opportunity demands are felt by all companies in the supply chain including those in funding roles. Financial market leaders must identify the right investments and then boost value. In this episode of Power Players by Origis®, David Vence, a partner with Antin Infrastructure Partners, joins Michael Eyman of Origis Services to discuss Antin’s assessment model, its view of value creation and the specific tools leaders can implement to build company value.
The power players discussed:
- The Antin Approach
- Unlocking Value Creation
- The Data Roadmap Toolkit
For an article summary go to: https://origisservices.com/power-players-by-origis-episodes-insights/
Topic: How AI and Data Science is Shaping Solar O&M Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services Guest: David Kenny, Co-Founder and COO of Omnidian The solar operations and maintenance space is ripe for technological advancement. Moving past drones and satellite captured performance information, the industry is adapting a host of applications to ensure the nation’s clean energy assets perform as expected despite unpredictable climates and within more complex policy structures. In Episode 11 of Power Players by Origis, host Michael Eyman discusses machine learning, AI, remote analytic tools, and other advances with one of the industry’s long-standing leaders, David Kenny, Co-Founder and COO of Omnidian. During their conversation, the power players discussed three contributions that AI and data science is making to solar O&M: · Aligning Stakeholders Across the Solar Value Chain · Detecting and Diagnosing Solar Asset Issues · Streamlining Operational Workflows and Compliance
Topic: Addressing Solar Underperformance: RE+ 2022 Special Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services Guest: Sarath Srinivasan, Vice President, Head of Product at kWh Analytics As the solar industry matures, the tools to measure solar performance modeling against real results have sharpened. Analytical tools and comparative studies now give us a clearer lens on asset performance. In episode 10 of Power Players by Origis, Sarath Srinivasan, Vice President, Head of Product for kWh Analytics, joins Michael Eyman of Origis Services to discuss solar underperformance, the 2022 Solar Risk Assessment Report from kWh Analytics, and how Origis Services will address underperformance at RE+ 2022 later this month. Three Takeaways on Solar Asset Underperformance: Better P50 Estimates Will Protect Equity Cash Flows Insurance Products Are Replacing Blanket Performance Guarantees Production Tax Credits Can Better Align the Industry
For an article summary go to: https://origisservices.com/insights/ (www.OrigisServices.com/Insights)
Topic: What the Hail? Mitigating Hail Damage on Large Scale Solar Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services Guest: Kevin Christy, Head of Innovation & Operational Excellence–Americas, Lightsource bp In October 2021, solar industry veteran Kevin Christy put out a challenge for the industry to increase collaboration in solar hail damage mitigation: “It’s become increasingly clear that extreme weather, such as severe hailstorms, has the potential to drag down both clean energy generation at solar farms and stakeholder returns.” In this segment, Power Players by Origis talks with Kevin Christy, Head of Innovation & Operational Excellence in the Americas for global project Lightsource bp. He joins Michael Eyman to talk about his journey to rally the industry around more effective gale and hail risk mitigation measures for large scale solar and the technologies that will help protect our clean energy assets. Three Takeaways on Utility-Scale Hail Mitigation: Insurance Costs Have Risen, But Could Decrease with the Right Data A Three-Level Mitigation Strategy Partners Humans and Technology Resources Anyone Can Use to Better Anticipate the Weather
For an article summary go to: https://origisservices.com/insights/ (www.OrigisServices.com/Insights)
Topic: The True Cost of Solar O&M—Is Increasing – Episode 8 of Power Players by Origis Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services Guest: Leila Garcia da Fonseca, Principal Analyst at Wood Mackenzie The clean energy industry finds itself once again in a curious position: needing to build and maintain rapidly expanding solar capacity while also reacting to a potential economic recession, significant inflation in the costs of goods and services, and global supply chain issues. Where is O&M pricing heading in reaction to all this, and what technology trends may improve the future? Wood Mackenzie principal analyst Leila Garcia da Fonseca joins Michael Eyman of Origis Services to discuss the future of solar O&M and how asset owners can best allocate operational expenses. Three Takeaways on Solar O&M Costs: O&M Costs Will Track Rising Labor Costs When Price Shopping, Compare Apples to Apples O&M Automations Are Still Unproven Financially
For an article summary go to: https://origisservices.com/insights/ (www.OrigisServices.com/Insights)
Topic: Mission Clean Energy: Transitioning Military Talent into the Solar Workforce – Episode 7 of Power Players by Origis® Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services Guest: Rear Admiral Ted LeClair, Cofounder of 994 Group The transition race to clean energy is on. With this marathon is an urgent call to train and hire unprecedented numbers of new recruits. At the same time, thousands of military personnel transition to the private sector every year. How can companies in the industry do a better job of successfully recruiting veterans and reservists into the many needed IT, cybersecurity, engineering, installation, and O&M jobs? And how can military talent successfully transition to the private sector? In episode 7 of Power Players by Origis, Rear Admiral Ted LeClair joins Origis Services Managing Director Michael Eyman to discuss how private companies and military talent can successfully close the talent gap. Three Takeaways for Transitioning Military Talent: Make Your Career Transition a Separate Mission Two Years Is Not Too Early to Start Preparing—And Getting Help Use Military Experience to Guide—But Not Limit! —Your Goals
For an article summary go to: https://origisservices.com/insights/ (www.OrigisServices.com/Insights)
Topic: Start at the End: Building for the Solar Circular Economy Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services Guest: Amanda Bybee, CEO, Amicus O&M Cooperative Decommissioned solar photovoltaic (PV) panels could add up to 1 million tons of waste in the U.S. by 2030 (GreenBiz). Turning circularity challenges into opportunities sits, to a great degree, in the hands of solar O&M firms who will be charged with recycling large volumes of end-of-life modules. Amanda Bybee, CEO of Amicus O&M Cooperative and volunteer leader at SolarRecycle.org, sits in a unique position at the crossroads of O&M and recycling efforts. In episode 6 of Power Players by Origis, Bybee joins Origis Services Managing Director Michael Eyman to discuss why and how the future of solar recycling starts today. Three Takeaways for Responsible Solar Development: Think of the End and the Beginning Anticipate Waste with a Materials List Don't Solve One Problem by Creating Another For an article summary go to: https://origisservices.com/insights/ (www.OrigisServices.com/Insights)
Topic: The Solar Software Challenge: Supporting a Carbon-Free Grid Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services Guest: Steve Hanawalt, EVP and Co-Founder, Power Factors The Solar Software Challenge: Supporting a Carbon-Free Grid - Episode 5 of Power Players by Origis® “End-to-end digital platforms are yet to become a reality,”said analyst Daniel Liu in the recent Wood Mackenzie webinar Global O&M Trends & Impacts on Solar Operating Fleets. “Few operators are willing to take the performance of their solar portfolios to the next level.” Does such a soup-to-nuts solar O&M and asset management software platform exist? Is it possible? Would it yield performance gains? In episode 5 of Power Players by Origis, we speak to Power Factors EVP and Co-Founder Steve Hanawalt for an insider’s view of the solar software development challenge. Three Evolving Phases of Solar Software Development: PHASE 1: CLEAN PERFORMANCE AND MAINTENANCE DATA PHASE 2: REAL-TIME MULTI-THREADED SYSTEM-AGNOSTIC INTEGRATION PHASE 3: ARBITRAGE, SETTLEMENT, AND OPTIONALITY For an article summary go to: https://origisservices.com/insights/ (www.OrigisServices.com/Insights)
Topic: Financing the Future of Renewables Renewable energy investors and asset owners are navigating a swiftly changing landscape of system evolution (solar and BESS facilities). Financing and revenue models aligned with these systems are also advancing. In episode #4 of Power Players by Origis, Origis Services Managing Director Michael Eyman talks with one of the industry’s most knowledgeable investors, Benoit Allehaut of KKR, to get a bird’s eye view of the emerging strategies to fund clean energy infrastructure, new storage-based revenue streams, and insights into how operators and asset managers can best support the future of renewables. Three Takeaways for Developers & Asset Managers: Build expert teams who can read beyond the memos Move PPAs toward energy blocks, not unit contingency Invest in a top-tier long-term owner For an article summary see: https://origisservices.com/insights/
Addressing Solar Asset Underperformance: True Cost of Solar O&M Series Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services Guest: Richard Matsui, Founder & CEO, kWh Analytics Addressing Solar Asset Underperformance: True Cost of Solar O&M Series - Episode 3 of Power Players by Origis® kWh Analytics CEO Richard Matsui joins Origis Services Managing Director Michael Eyman to discuss “Addressing Solar Asset Underperformance: True Cost of Solar O&M Series.” What is causing an industry-wide disconnect between financial projections and performance? What can solar owners do to mitigate performance risk and better estimate O&M costs? Our Power Players share their insight and solutions on this critical challenge to the clean energy transition. Three Takeaways for Asset Owners: Use data to better evaluate investment opportunities. Create actionable contracts and warranties that protect assets during operation. Don’t let pressure to close deals result in an overestimation of performance and underestimation of risk.
Solar Asset Grid Security in an Increasingly Insecure World - Episode 2 of Power Players by Origis® Moderator: Michael Eyman, Managing Director, Origis Services Guest: John Franzino, CEO, GridSME GridSME CEO John Franzino and Origis Services Managing Director Michael Eyman discuss “Solar Asset Grid Security in an Increasingly Insecure World.” Who is attacking renewable generators? What can solar owners do to protect their assets? How does the clean energy paradigm shift affect grid compliance issues and cybersecurity? Listen to our experts to find out. Three Takeaways: Understand the global security threats facing energy companies. Implement fundamental security controls for existing facilities. Incorporate consistent design practices and compliance costs when planning new facilities.
The transition to clean energy is moving fast. Leading voices in the industry, and sectors impacting solar and energy storage, explore the growth and maintenance of solar and energy storage in Power Players by Origis®, critical thinking to deliver the clean energy promise. Hosted by Michael Eyman, Managing Director of Origis Services, the program explores C Suite strategy, and the true cost and system specific aspects of solar and energy storage operations and maintenance (O&M) and asset management (AM). Staffing for Solar Hypergrowth - Episode 1 of Power Players by Origis IREC Vice President Laure-Jeanne Davignon joins Origis Services managing director Michael Eyman to discuss “Staffing for Solar Hypergrowth: The Clean Energy Workforce Challenge.” How will the industry create the nearly 1 million-person workforce needed for a 100% renewable energy future? Our Power Players discuss what companies and individuals can do to achieve their big goals. Three Takeaways: De-silo the industry and create strategic partnerships to develop a consistent workforce pipeline. Create well designed training programs to educate, inspire, and retain great people. Provide resources to individuals who are ready to embrace a career in clean energy.