Trust Ventures’ Post

If the United States wants to have 100% clean energy by 2035, the nation’s transmission capacity must be able to handle it, and reconductoring existing lines with advanced conductors can be part of the solution. According to a new report from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California Berkeley and GridLab, “The 2035 4.0 Report,” reconductoring would quadruple capacity within that time compared to the current practice of building new lines, given restrictions on greenfield transmission build-out.

Experts say wave energy is at an inflection point. Spurred on by new federal spending, start-ups are testing designs that could make it possible to harness the power of the ocean at scale.

Arizona’s energy future hinges on the decisions made yesterday, and I’m glad to see the Arizona Corporation Commission setting a powerful example of what responsible, practical energy policy should look like. The ACC’s focus on a balanced energy mix—one that includes natural gas alongside renewables—means Arizona can meet rising electricity demand without compromising reliability, affordability, or cleaner energy goals. This is exactly the type of approach we need nationwide: forward-thinking and grounded in the reality that our energy grid relies on an all-of-the-above strategy to keep families and businesses running smoothly, now and in the future. Well done, Matthew Gonzales, for shining a light on what forward-thinking energy leadership can achieve! #EnergyPolicy #AffordableEnergy #ReliablePower 

The Distributed Energy Revolution: Why VPPs are the Future of Grid Reliability The recent Microgrid Knowledge piece on virtual power plants (VPPs) in California is a wake-up call for businesses still sleeping on the distributed energy revolution. As someone who's built a career around maximizing clean energy opportunities, a few things stand out: Massive Market Potential: With 7,500 MW of capacity by 2035, VPPs could be a $550M annual boon for Californians. That's more juice than the state's largest power plant. Businesses that get in early could capture outsized savings and revenue streams. Grid Resilience Goldmine: California's grid is in crisis, with blackouts and resource adequacy costs soaring. VPPs offer a fast, flexible fix by harnessing the collective power of smart thermostats, batteries, EVs, and more. Savvy firms should explore VPP enrollment to boost resilience and earn incentives. Policy Tailwinds: While barriers remain, VPPs align perfectly with California's 100% clean energy goals. Expect a surge of supportive policies and pilots in the coming years. Businesses should engage proactively to shape regulations and secure first-mover advantages. Scaling Strategies: The key to scaling VPPs lies in customer adoption. Utilities and aggregators should take a page from successful programs in Minnesota and Vermont, leveraging targeted marketing, seamless enrollment, and juicy incentives (think $500-$1000/year!). Partnerships with trusted brands could accelerate uptake. Cross-Industry Convergence: VPPs sit at the nexus of energy, tech, real estate, and mobility. As the lines blur between these sectors, expect a wave of cross-industry collaborations and consolidations. Businesses should map the VPP value chain to identify strategic partnership opportunities. Of course, VPPs aren't a silver bullet. Interconnection delays, data privacy concerns, and regulatory hurdles all loom large. But the benefits—for businesses, consumers, and the planet—are simply too big to ignore. I'm curious—how is your business thinking about VPPs? What excites (or concerns) you most about this emerging energy paradigm? Let's discuss! #VirtualPowerPlants #DistributedEnergy #GridResilience #CleanEnergyFuture https://lnkd.in/gvWdzukB

The power of Demand Response in practice ⚡ As the energy industry evolves, it's becoming increasingly clear that demand response is critical for creating a more reliable and robust energy system. Today, we dive into five real-world scenarios where demand response protected the power grid from blackouts. Check it out! 👉 Learn more about #DemandResponse: https://lnkd.in/gD5RsevB #innovation #energytransition #flexibility

The Future is Now. Large scale battery networks will drive energy transition solutions.

America Is Building the World's Biggest Battery—And It Will Run on Rust Built on the bones of a shuttered mill, the battery will store 8,500 megawatt-hours of energy, enough to power about 57,000 homes. https://zurl.co/PyOcS

Vehicle-to-Grid (At Scale): Unlocking Potential to Optimize Energy Resources

Arizona’s energy future is at a critical turning point. In his latest piece for Tucson.com, CEA’s Matthew Gonzales explains why affordable, reliable, cleaner energy policy is essential for Arizona’s success. The Arizona Corporation Commission is leading the way, making practical decisions that protect consumers and secure a resilient, future-ready grid. Learn how Arizona’s balanced approach is setting a powerful example for how smart policy can support growth and opportunity ⬇ #EnergyAffordability #EnergySecurity #Arizona #EnergyFuture

Did you know congested power lines result in over 184 million megawatts of wasted energy each year — enough to power 16.7 million homes! Investing in our grid isn’t just about reducing congestion; it’s about unlocking the full potential of our energy resources. #dontwasteenergy #gridenergy