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  • Ep 92: One AI Platform for All 50 States - Making Sense of Energy Utility Filings with Halcyon Co-Founder Nat Bullard
    2025/07/15

    What if the biggest bottleneck in America’s clean energy transition isn’t technology… but information? In this episode, we sit down with Nat Bullard, co-founder of Halcyon, to explore how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the way energy policy data is accessed and used. Nat explains how his lifelong passion for organizing complex systems has led to a career dedicated to decoding the regulatory chaos of U.S. energy markets. You’ll hear how his team tackles the “hairball” of unstructured data locked in outdated state-level systems and makes it useful for developers, utilities, and investors alike.

    We also dive into the real-world applications of Halcyon’s tools, from tracking the true cost of natural gas power plants to unlocking opportunities created by surging energy demand from data centers and hyperscalers. Nat shares how Halcyon’s data tools reduce “shoe leather costs,” speed up decision-making, and help navigate a dynamic market. Whether you’re curious about public utility commissions, fascinated by AI in infrastructure, or seeking clarity on energy economics, this episode is packed with insights into where the energy sector is headed.


    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • How Halcyon uses AI to make energy regulation data useful.
    • Why state-level systems create bottlenecks for developers.
    • What it means to “harmonize” public regulatory data.
    • How legacy systems slow down clean energy deployment.
    • The true cost of natural gas plants vs. industry assumptions.
    • What “shoe leather costs” are and how to reduce them.
    • The rise of large-load electricity customers like data centers.
    • Why some industries are cost-sensitive while others are not.
    • How new demand is reshaping U.S. energy strategy.


    Resources in Today's Episode:

    • Nat Bullard: LinkedIn | X | Website
    • Halcyon
    • Our World in Data
    • Hugging Face
    • Steel for Fuel blog
    • The Worlds I See by Dr. Fei-Fei Li
    • How Solar Energy Became Cheap by Gregory F. Nemet
    • The Box by Marc Levinson
    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/bdffvhc7

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    52 分
  • Ep 91: Middle East Tensions and Energy Supply Chain Shocks - What Companies Need to Consider
    2025/07/01

    Global energy volatility is no longer just a geopolitical concern; it's a direct risk to your bottom line. Let's discuss how tensions around the Strait of Hormuz impact fuel and electricity prices worldwide, and why now is the critical moment to rethink your energy strategy for profitability and resilience.

    Listen in as we cover the economic ripple effects triggered by disruptions in oil and LNG shipping lanes, the surprising correlations between oil and natural gas prices during global crises, and how businesses can shield themselves through onsite renewable solutions and electrification. Because in today’s energy landscape, adaptability isn’t optional—it’s a competitive advantage.


    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • How disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz impact global fuel prices and inflation.
    • Why fossil fuel volatility is a direct business risk, not just a geopolitical issue.
    • The link between LNG exports and rising electricity prices in the U.S.
    • How EVs, heat pumps, and renewables could cut fossil fuel imports by 70%.
    • Why onsite solar + storage is a hedge against inflation and volatility.
    • What CFOs and COOs need to consider when planning for energy resilience.
    • How leading companies are locking in long-term value with electrification strategies.


    Resources in Today's Episode:

    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News
    • Ep 89: A New Suite Of Solutions For The New World: Our Talk With Ember’s Kingsmill Bond On Electrotech And Energy Security


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/yrt94xrs

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    21 分
  • Ep 90: Spotlight on Texas Energy Policy and Unpacking the Impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on Distributed Generation
    2025/06/17

    The pace of policy change is accelerating, and if you're in the energy space, you can't afford to fall behind. Let’s break down the latest legislative shifts shaking up the U.S. energy landscape from Texas to Washington and what they mean for onsite energy projects, investor confidence, and the future of distributed energy.

    Listen in as we cover the highs and lows of recent state and federal bills, including the surprising defeat of three anti-renewable proposals in Texas, the potential of SB 1202 to dramatically cut soft costs, and the razor-thin passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” in Congress.


    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • Why Texas’ attempt to curb renewables failed.
    • How SB 1202 could slash permitting timelines and soft costs.
    • The key provisions (and limitations) of the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
    • What tight timelines mean for your access to federal tax credits.
    • Real-world case studies: When energy projects still pencil out without the ITC.
    • Why soft cost reductions may be the industry’s biggest opportunity.
    • How rising utility rates make behind-the-meter systems more attractive than ever.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/m54aau6c

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    19 分
  • Ep 89: A New Suite of Solutions for the New World: Our Talk with Ember’s Kingsmill Bond on Electrotech and Energy Security
    2025/06/03

    The global energy transition is moving fast—are you ready for what comes next? Today's guest is Kingsmill Bond, energy strategist at Ember, who joins the show to unpack the seismic shift underway in how we power our world—and why clinging to outdated solutions could spell economic stagnation. He introduces “electrotech,” the production of electricity from solar and wind, smart usage via EVs and heat pumps, and connected technologies like batteries and grids. These innovations benefit from steep learning curves and exponential growth, making them cheaper and faster to scale than fossil fuels.

    Listen in as Kingsmill shares how energy security is being redefined, why countries reliant on imports face growing risks, and how forward-thinking policies can dramatically cut electricity costs. This episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to embrace electrification—not as a moral imperative, but as a strategic advantage in a rapidly evolving world.


    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • What “electrotech” means and why it matters.
    • How renewables are outpacing fossil fuels in cost and deployment.
    • The global risks of fossil fuel dependence.
    • The economic dangers of clinging to carbon capture.
    • How policy drives electricity price and competitiveness.
    • Why global manufacturing of solar and batteries matters.
    • How to lead through energy change with clarity and urgency.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Kingsmill Bond: Website | LinkedIn
    • Ember Energy
    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/mt38rsmh

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    47 分
  • Ep 88: Lessons From the Recent Major Outages and Putting a Value on Resilience
    2025/05/20

    What happens when an entire country goes dark? In this episode, we break down three recent massive power outages — in Spain, Chile, and at London’s Heathrow Airport — that disrupted millions of lives and exposed the fragility of our global energy infrastructure. You’ll learn what triggered each blackout, why these failures are more than just isolated incidents, and how interconnected, inverter-heavy grids are creating new vulnerabilities in a world rapidly shifting to renewables.

    We also unpack what these crises reveal about resilience in both national and business-critical energy systems. You'll walk away with a better understanding of why energy resilience matters now more than ever, and what it means for the future of clean tech, critical infrastructure, and global business continuity.

    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • What caused Spain's largest power outage in recent history.
    • How inverter-heavy grids react to rapid solar drops.
    • Why Chile’s national blackout triggered military intervention.
    • The business cost of a single blackout.
    • How centralized infrastructure becomes a single point of failure.
    • The economic ripple effects of nationwide outages.
    • What industries are most vulnerable to voltage spikes.
    • Lessons from biotech and semiconductor facility resilience.
    • How airports are rewriting their power recovery procedures.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/y37ym5sc

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    22 分
  • Ep 87: Insights into Commercial Real Estate Technology Trends with JLL’s Lee Jackson
    2025/05/06

    Lee Jackson, Senior Vice President of Digital Solutions at JLL, joins the show to share his unconventional journey and how his unique background gives him an edge in transforming real estate portfolios. You'll hear how shifting consumer behavior, from traditional retail to immersive destination experiences, has forced the industry to adapt, and how digital tools are helping it do just that.

    Lee also breaks down the key differences between public and private ownership structures, how asset life cycles impact decision-making, and why the next evolution in sustainability isn’t just measurement—it’s action. With examples ranging from energy optimization to tenant engagement tools, you’ll learn how innovation is reshaping real estate and what it means for landlords, investors, and tenants alike.

    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • Why destination-focused retail is replacing traditional models.
    • How COVID-19 accelerated tech adoption in buildings.
    • The importance of acting on energy data.
    • How digital tools boost tenant satisfaction and retention.
    • The role of ownership type in real estate decisions.
    • Why stakeholder pressure drives sustainability innovation.
    • Metrics that matter most in managing real estate portfolios.
    • How leaders can use data for real-world impact.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Lee Jackson: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/bwr8mb4m

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    44 分
  • Ep 86: The Business Value of Sustainability: Our Discussion with UPS, CBRE, Jamestown and Southface Institute
    2025/04/29

    What if the key to long-term profit isn’t faster growth, but smarter, greener strategy? In this panel discussion, leaders from UPS, CBRE, Jamestown, and Southface Institute break down why sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s smart business. James Marlow opens the conversation by challenging the obsession with quarterly gains, advocating instead for "hundred-year thinking." Becca Timms, Tommy Bledsoe, and Zach Marchlik share how companies like UPS are tracking emissions across facilities, why LEED buildings command higher rent, and how sustainability is now a top tenant priority, beating out gyms and parking.

    Listen in to learn how long-term value creation, systems thinking, and life cycle cost analysis can unlock resilience and real savings. Whether it’s starting small with pilot programs or reimagining energy systems, you’ll hear how to tie green initiatives to tangible results. From real estate to logistics, this conversation highlights practical ways to embed sustainability into the core of any business.

    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • Why short-term thinking threatens long-term business.
    • How “hundred-year thinking” drives resilience.
    • Practical steps to integrate sustainability company-wide.
    • How UPS manages global emissions at scale.
    • Why sustainability is a top office building amenity.
    • How to use data to win internal sustainability support.
    • Ways to start small and build momentum.
    • How energy systems are shifting from passive to proactive.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • James Marlow: LinkedIn | Website
    • Becca Timms: LinkedIn | Website
    • Tommy Bledsoe: LinkedIn
    • Zach Marchlik: LinkedIn
    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3k3bekuf

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    47 分
  • Ep 85: Reflecting on the Ending Intermittent Energy Subsidies Act and a Phased-Down Investment Tax Credit
    2025/04/22

    Today we are looking into the latest developments around the 48E tax credits and a proposed bill—the Ending Intermittent Energy Subsidies Act—that could drastically reshape clean energy investment. You'll learn what these changes mean for solar, wind, and energy storage projects and how they're being weighed against long-standing subsidies in the oil and gas industry.

    Listen in to hear how rural EV infrastructure is lagging behind urban areas, the surprising economics of off-road electric vehicles, and how a gradual tax credit step-down could actually spark innovation. If you want to understand what’s happening in American energy policy and how to strategically plan your energy projects in a volatile market, this one’s for you.

    What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

    • What the 48E Tax Credit is.
    • Why the proposed Ending Intermittent Energy Subsidies Act matters.
    • How phased tax credit reductions work.
    • Differences between clean energy and oil and gas incentives.
    • The economics of energy project planning during policy change.
    • How energy tax policy affects consumer costs.
    • Why strategic timing matters in renewable energy rollouts.


    Resources In Today's Episode:

    • Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
    • Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
    • VECKTA: News


    You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/32aavsky

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    17 分