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In episode 325 of The Green Insider, we sit down with Mike Silvestrini—co-founder and managing partner of Energea—to discuss how everyday investors can participate in renewable energy projects globally starting at $100. Mike shares his path from line cook to solar developer, why solar has become the dominant new-build energy source, and how Energia structures investments and monthly dividends across portfolios in markets like South Africa, Brazil, Latin America, and the U.S. In This Episode Mike’s journey from hospitality to building and exiting a solar development company (Green Skies) Why Energea was created—and how it differs from traditional Wall Street products How the platform lets individuals invest in renewable energy projects starting at $100 How investments are structured (shares in Delaware entities representing operating assets) How dividends work and what liquidity/withdrawal typically looks like Regional strategy highlights: microgrids in South Africa, community solar in Brazil, and opportunistic U.S. deals Performance discussed: approximately 12% returns over the past five years with monthly distributions Key Takeaways Solar’s growth is being driven by economics and speed of deployment—not only environmental goals. Energea aims to give individuals direct access to project-level renewable energy investments typically reserved for institutions. Portfolios are diversified by geography and project type, with monthly dividend distributions that many investors reinvest for compounding. In emerging markets, distributed energy solutions like microgrids can be both impactful and investable when paired with reliable payment mechanisms. Featured Projects & Regions Discussed South Africa: Microgrids and distributed power for underserved communities using a prepaid energy model. Brazil: Community solar projects serving local subscribers. Latin America: Broader renewable energy opportunities (discussed as part of regional diversification). United States: Opportunistic solar investments driven by relationships and deal flow. Become a Green Insider Be sure to subscribe to The Green Insider, powered by ERENEWABLE, wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to leave us a five‑star rating! To learn more about our guests or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast. #TheGreenInsider #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #SolarEnergy #Solar #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #ImpactInvesting #ESGInvesting #ClimateTech #GreenInvesting #EnergyInvesting #DistributedEnergy #Microgrids #CommunitySolar #EmergingMarkets #SouthAfrica #Brazil #LatinAmerica #MonthlyDividends #PassiveIncome The post Investing in Renewable Energy with Mike Silvestrini (Energea) appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

In Episode 323 of The Green Insider Podcast, host Mike Nemer once again, sits down with Energy Vault co-founder and CEO Robert Piconi to unpack the company’s shift from technology provider to owner-operator of energy assets—and why that strategy aligns with the accelerating demand for reliable power in AI compute. They discuss Energy Vault’s operational hybrid green hydrogen microgrid project with PG&E in Calistoga, new long-term energy service agreements in Texas and Australia, and how AI is being applied across battery management, predictive analytics, and energy trading—without compromising safety. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Energy Vault is accelerating its move to own and operate storage and hybrid generation assets What the PG&E Calistoga green hydrogen microgrid is designed to do—and how it’s being used today How modular data centers and AI compute infrastructure are shaping power requirements Where AI is delivering value: battery monitoring, predictive analytics, and trading/dispatch optimization How flexible, technology-agnostic supply chains help navigate domestic content and regulatory constraints Robert goes on to discuss Energy Vault’s supply chain strategy, explaining how they have built flexible supply chains to handle geopolitical and economic changes. He noted that they have worked with multiple battery providers, including Samsung, and adapted to work with domestic content technologies. Mike mentioned the ITC credits for battery storage through 2032, and Robert agreed, adding that they still need to meet domestic content and foreign entity of concern requirements. Become a Green Insider Be sure to subscribe to The Green Insider, powered by ERENEWABLE, wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to leave us a five‑star rating! To learn more about our guests or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast. #CleanEnergy #EnergyStorage #GridReliability #Hydrogen #Microgrids #BatteryStorage #AI #DataCenters #EnergyTransition #LongDurationEnergyStorage #IPP The post Owning Energy Storage in the AI Era appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

This “Follower Friday” special features a series of live interviews from the BCarbon conference in Houston, Texas. The episode focuses on the legal, technological, and logistical hurdles of the methane abatement market, specifically regarding plugging abandoned and orphaned oil/gas wells to generate high-fidelity carbon credits. Key Takeaways Legal Complexity: The industry is currently navigating a maze of mineral leases and access rights that vary significantly between states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Ohio. The “Wild West” Market: The methane abatement credit market lacks a single unified path, leading BCarbon to step in and establish standardized protocols. Monitoring Challenges: A major hurdle for carbon credit buyers is ensuring a well stays plugged for 10–20 years. New infrastructure is being developed to concentrate and detect minute leaks in remote areas. Supply vs. Demand: While there is a surge of credit developers (the “suppliers”), there is currently a lag in the number of active buyers in the room, creating a unique market tension. Featured Guests Grant Gibson Founder & CEO Ironwood Development Mark Mersman Founder & CEO Cordonica Clint Boman Director of Safety Leader Foundation We want to extend a huge thank you to BCarbon for allowing The Green Insider to join them in Houston. It’s an honor to be on the front lines of this ‘Wild West’ credit market as we work alongside their team to bring some much-needed clarity to the industry. Become a Green Insider Be sure to subscribe to The Green Insider, powered by ERENEWABLE, wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to leave us a five‑star rating! To learn more about our guests or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast. The post Inside the Race to Make Methane Credits Work appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

In this episode of The Green Insider Podcast, Mike welcomes Renee Jacobs, Healthcare Business Development Manager at Distech Controls, for an in‑depth conversation on how intelligent building automation is transforming healthcare facilities. Renee brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare construction and facilities management, giving her a practical, real‑world perspective on the challenges hospitals face—from aging infrastructure and tight budgets to energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The discussion explores how integrated building automation systems help hospitals improve operational performance, reduce energy consumption, and create healthier environments for patients and staff. Renee explains how Distech Controls, part of the Acuity portfolio, delivers connected solutions that bring together building automation, lighting, and other systems to support sustainability goals. Mike and Renee also dive into the importance of continuous commissioning versus traditional retro‑commissioning, the growing role of AI and analytics in building automation, and why cybersecurity is becoming a critical consideration as hospitals adopt more connected technologies. The episode highlights Distech Controls’ Atrius platform, which enables hospitals to track real‑time energy usage, manage utility spend, and clearly demonstrate savings. Renee shares an example where a healthcare facility achieved 42% energy savings, underscoring how data‑driven insights can unlock funding for future upgrades and long‑term efficiency improvements. Key topics covered: Healthcare building automation and sustainability Energy management and operational efficiency in hospitals Air quality, post‑pandemic priorities, and patient safety Continuous commissioning and analytics‑driven performance Cybersecurity considerations for connected healthcare systems Using energy data to prove savings and fund infrastructure upgrades This episode is a must‑listen for healthcare leaders, facility managers, engineers, and anyone interested in smart buildings, energy efficiency, and the future of sustainable healthcare infrastructure. Become a Green Insider Be sure to subscribe to The Green Insider, powered by ERENEWABLE, wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to leave us a five‑star rating! To learn more about our guests or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast. #HealthcareFacilities #HealthcareEngineering #HospitalOperations #HealthcareLeadership #FacilitiesManagement #SmartBuildings #BuildingAutomation #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableHealthcare #EnergyManagement #Decarbonization #TheGreenInsider The post Episode 320: Smart Healthcare Buildings, Energy Savings & Automation appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Guest: Jason Elate, Founder & CEO of Insectflux, a climate‑tech startup bridging the agrifood sector with the global insect‑protein economy. Episode 318 Overview In this episode, Mike sits down with Jason Elate to explore how Insectflux is building the world’s first global B2B2C marketplace connecting food producers, insect farms, and buyers across multiple industries. Jason shares how the company is tackling the $1.1 trillion global food waste problem by transforming organic byproducts into high‑value, sustainable ingredients. What We Cover in This Conversation 1. The Insectflux Vision How the platform links the $10 trillion agrifood sector with the $2.5 billion insect farming industry. Why Jason believes insect protein is a cornerstone of a more sustainable, inclusive global economy. The mission: turning waste into opportunity at scale. 2. How the Marketplace Works Food producers—farms, restaurants, processors, grocery chains, hotels—can list organic byproducts and waste. Insect farms purchase these materials to raise crickets, black soldier flies, and mealworms. Resulting products include protein, oils, chitin, and fertilizers used in: Pet nutrition Aquaculture Regenerative agriculture Biotech Cosmetics Consumer goods 4. Global Momentum & Demand Over 1,200 stakeholders on the waitlist, including merchants, consultants, and major institutions such as the UN, World Food Programme, USDA, Agri‑Food Canada, and Amazon. Jason’s upcoming presentations at NY Climate Week, including sessions at Cornell University and NYU. 5. The Bigger Picture Why insect protein is gaining traction across industries. How Insectflux is helping accelerate sustainable protein adoption. Jason’s belief in global abundance and the role insects can play in a circular, climate‑smart economy. Jason also shares insights on industry partnerships, global demand, and why insects may be the key to a more circular, climate‑smart economy. Learn More About Insectflux Visit: insectflux.com Become a Green Insider Be sure to subscribe to The Green Insider, powered by ERENEWABLE, wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to leave us a five‑star rating! To learn more about our guests or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast. #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #ClimateTech #FoodWaste #AlternativeProtein #InsectProtein #InsectFarming #AgriFoodTech #WasteToValue #GreenInnovation The post Transforming Food Waste into Sustainable Protein appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

The 2026 Charge – Powering Energy Brands conference, hosted at the offices of CPS Energy in San Antonio, was a tremendous success. The event brought together leaders and innovators from across the energy and communications space for an unforgettable experience focused on connection, insight, and creativity. We were thrilled to once again record The Green Insider podcast live from this Charge North America event, featuring an outstanding lineup of guests: Rob Cantrell, CEO, Atlantic Energy Timothy Wang, Managing Partner, Keymaker Jake Edie, Managing Partner, RenewComm Mush Khan, CEO, Alchemy Industrial Jacob Yang, CEO, Amp Your Story Together, these conversations highlighted how Charge continues to deliver on its promise of networking, education, creativity, and recognition across the energy ecosystem. Congratulations to all this year’s conference award winners—you can learn more about them here. Special congratulations and thank you to Fridrik Larsen, Natalie Bacon, and the entire Charge team for producing another exceptional event. And to our Follower Friday listeners and guests: thank you for being part of the journey—we truly couldn’t do this without you. Become a Green Insider Be sure to subscribe to The Green Insider, powered by ERENEWABLE, wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to leave us a five‑star rating! To learn more about our guests or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast. The post 2026 Charge – Powering Energy Brands Conference Recap appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Mahesh Konduru, CEO of Momentum Technologies, joined “The Green Insider” to discuss critical minerals and their impact on the economy and various industries. With 25 years of experience, Mahesh shared his background in chemical engineering and his focus on commercializing technologies in the material science space. He emphasized the growing importance of critical minerals, especially in light of recent news about their use and the situation in Ukraine. Highlights from episode 317 are: Momentum Technologies focuses on developing solutions to recover and process critical minerals domestically in the U.S., reducing reliance on foreign supply chains, particularly China. Critical minerals are essential for consumer electronics, medical technology, mobility, and defense applications. The company processes and sells battery materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which are priced on public commodity exchanges, as well as rare earth elements with lower trading volumes. Rare earth metals used in magnets include neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium, which are key to advanced magnetic materials. Momentum Technologies advances rare earth magnet recycling using sources such as end‑of‑life products, manufacturing scrap, and mining tailings. Recycling rare earth materials has become more economically viable due to technological advancements and increased industry focus. The company’s processing technology is described as more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional large‑scale methods. Momentum Technologies operates a demonstration plant in Carrollton, Texas, and plans to build two additional plants: one in Ohio for battery materials and another for rare earth element recovery (Dallas area or the California–Nevada border). The planned facilities aim to be operational by early 2027, supporting U.S. supply‑chain resilience and national security. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. To learn more about our guest or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Momentum Technologies and the Future of U.S. Critical Minerals appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Erica Ocampo, Chief Sustainability Officer at The Metals Company (TMC), to discuss with Mike Nemer their deep-sea mining operations on episode 315 of The Green Insider. TMC is exploring polymetallic nodules in the Clarion‑Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean, which contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese. Overview of TMC’s Work TMC is exploring polymetallic nodules in the Clarion‑Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean, which contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese Mining Technology and Process Operations occur at approximately 4,000 meters depth using a collector vehicle connected to a surface vessel via a riser system Nodules are lifted using water jets, separated from sediment onboard, and water and sediment are returned to the ocean at 2,000 meters depth Sustainability and ESG Focus Erica, Chief Sustainability Officer at TMC, leads ESG integration from the ground up Environmental programs study seafloor impacts, water‑column effects, greenhouse gas emissions, and water use Social impact efforts benefit from the remote location, minimizing impacts to local communities Partnerships with countries such as Nauru and Tonga support scholarships and capacity‑building programs U.S. Mineral Processing Expansion TMC plans to process minerals in the United States to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains Potential processing and port locations include Texas, Japan, and Indonesia A research vessel accommodating up to 150 scientists has completed 22 ocean campaigns over 13 years, including pilot tests in 2022 Strategic Pivot to Deep‑Sea Mining TMC shifted from the International Seabed Authority framework to operate under U.S. regulatory oversight, citing clearer processes and communication The transition took more than a decade and positions the company to begin operations in early 2027 Environmental Context and Research Findings Focus is on polymetallic nodules in the NORI‑D area, valued for high quality and location in a low‑productivity ecosystem Research indicates the mid‑water sediment plume dissipates quickly with no significant food‑web impacts observed The region has no tuna fisheries, reducing ecological risk to commercial species Overall Perspective Erica stresses the need for a nuanced, evidence‑based discussion of deep-sea mining rather than black‑and‑white judgments To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. To learn more about our guest or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Strategic Access to Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, and Manganese with TMC’s Technology appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Mike Nemer and Fridrik Larsen Founder of Charge Powering Energy Brands Conference discussed the upcoming charge conference in San Antonio, which has been rescheduled from April/May to February 26-27. Fridrik explained that CHARGE, which focuses on energy brands and their importance in the boardroom, is moving from Houston to San Antonio to create a more energetic atmosphere like their European events. Today on episode 314 of The Green Insider Podcast, we will cover how the conference will explore how energy companies can better understand and leverage their brands across the value chain, including internal and external stakeholders. The conversation includes: Branding Strategies and Value The conference uniquely focuses on utilities, with a branding strategy aimed at attracting top talent and improving client relationships. Fridrik Larsen highlighted that strong brand value acts as a multiplier for enterprise value, especially during acquisitions or sales, and helps companies differentiate beyond price competition. Understanding target market segments is crucial for effective customer communication. The conference uniquely focuses on utilities, with a branding strategy aimed at attracting top talent and improving client relationships. Brand Measurement Tools Fridrik Larsen introduced the brandr indexing tool for measuring and improving brand strength. The brandr index measures brand strength by assessing internal and external brand ambassadors, providing actionable insights for improving brand culture. The index has been successfully used by European companies such as EKR and Lufthansa for seven years. Business Impact and Marketing Decisions Quantifying and benchmarking brand strength helps companies make informed marketing decisions, allocate budgets effectively, and gain respect from executives. Running brand indexes can identify problems, improve marketing strategies, and potentially save significant marketing dollars. Conference Participation Attendees are encouraged to learn more at the upcoming CHARGE Conference in San Antonio. A registration discount is available for podcast listeners using the code: thegreeninsider15. For a discount use code thegreeninsider15 – to register go to Register Now. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Key Insights on the Upcoming CHARGE Conference: Leveraging Brand Strength in the Energy Sector appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

In the fifth installment of our six-part series with UTSI International, we joined Robert Hilliker and Frank Stepic on The Green Insider Podcast to explore Edge Realm’s innovative approach to artificial intelligence and data management. Robert Hilliker, serving as Chief Strategy Officer, shared insights into his technology background and highlighted how EdgeRealm is committed to developing controlled, on-premises AI solutions that help organizations lower their carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiency. Here’s a concise breakdown of the main points: Mike hosted Robert Hilliker (Chief Strategy Officer) and Frank Stepic (CEO) on the Green Insider Podcast to discuss Edge Realm’s approach to AI and data management. Robert Hilliker emphasized: His background in technology and strategic leadership. Edge Realm’s focus on controlled, on-premises AI environments to reduce carbon footprints and boost business efficiency. Frank Stepic highlighted: Efforts to refine EdgeRealm’s operational model. The environmental impact of data centers and the need for sustainable practices in tech. Both speakers discussed: The limitations and environmental drawbacks of cloud computing. The importance of sovereign, flexible edge solutions for deploying critical algorithms. The lack of transparency and efficiency in large-scale cloud data centers. Frank Stepic described Edge Realm’s mission to provide trusted, customizable edge computing options, leveraging his experience in data and compliance. The conversation covered immersion technology: Enables higher computing density in smaller spaces. Reduces power and cooling needs compared to traditional data centers. It is a proven, ready technology, but only the beginning of more efficient resource use. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Driving Sustainable AI with Edge Realm appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Dean Akey, Executive Vice President/Partner from Clone Capital highlights a market transformation in energy demand, driven by rapid load growth from AI and data centers, which have different power needs compared to traditional industries. On episode 311 of The Green Insider, Dean covers: AI facilities require flexible power solutions due to fluctuating demands, similar to steel mills, while data centers have more stable energy needs. Innovative approaches, such as using garbage data to maintain high processing levels during low-demand periods, are being explored to manage AI facility energy needs. Data centers (e.g., for stock trading) need high-speed processing and real-time responses, whereas AI projects (e.g., in pharmaceuticals) process complex computations but do not require real-time results. Strategic location of data centers, and AI projects can enable energy arbitrage; Bitcoin miners are an example of mobile operations that relocate to areas with lower energy costs. Connecting power projects to the transmission grid is increasingly expensive and not always necessary, especially for projects serving local loads; developers should carefully weigh the pros and cons of grid connection. The energy interconnection process is lengthy and costly, which can deter undercapitalized developers. An “all-of-the-above” approach to energy generation is recommended, combining traditional gas plants with renewables (wind, solar) and storage to meet growing power demand, especially in the context of the AI race against China. Creativity and innovation are emerging in the industry, including smaller-scale and mobile generation solutions, with collaboration across sectors being crucial for energy security and competitiveness To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Grid Connection and Energy Innovation in the Age of AI appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Tom Sego, founder and CEO of BlastWave, discussed his background in chemical engineering and his journey through various industries, including roles at Caterpillar, Eli Lilly, Emerson Electric, Alta Vista, and Apple. He explained that BlastWave was founded to combine Apple’s ease of use with cybersecurity, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure as it becomes increasingly digitized. Tom emphasized that human error is a significant security risk, citing an example from the San Jacinto Water District. This Follower Friday podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. Tom’s podcast includes: Critical infrastructure sectors (like oil and gas, transportation, and manufacturing) face higher cyber risks than traditional IT systems due to the severe consequences of attacks and the challenge of securing legacy devices. Integrating old and new technologies is achieved by using a translation mechanism that enables secure communication between legacy systems and modern infrastructure. Artificial intelligence (AI) has a dual impact: it can enhance attackers’ ability to automate cyberattacks, but it also offers opportunities to improve security, such as by eliminating vulnerabilities like passwords. Technology solutions are essential for reducing the human burden in security, especially for defending against phishing and reconnaissance attacks. Eliminating attack vectors (e.g., usernames and passwords) can significantly reduce security risks, regardless of how effective or frequent attacks become. Focusing on the safety of critical infrastructure allows people to prioritize what matters most in life, such as family, relationships, and health. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Securing Critical Infrastructure: Insights from Tom Sego appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Today’s guest is Ralph Bianculli, Founder/CEO of Emerald Ecovations. On episode 308 of The Green Insider, we discussed a number of items ranging from the journey to the finished product. Ralph described Ecovations’ journey in developing alternative materials for disposables, now producing over 370 finished goods. They control raw materials, convert them into products, and provide ESG reporting analytics to clients. Ralph noted that Scope 3 ESG reporting is challenging but valuable for sustainability goals, and Mike praised their impact on sustainable supply chains. Emerald Ecovations’ takes a circular economic approach: commissioning farmers to grow fibers like Miscanthus and using byproducts (e.g., bagasse) to create sustainable materials. Their licensing program allows manufacturers to use these materials for private labeling, supporting middle-market manufacturers and rural economies. They offer both raw materials and technology licensing. Their products are used in 370 finished goods across industries, organized into five product groupings following the 80-20 consumption rule. The broadline product is designed for high-velocity B2B consumption, aiding efficient inventory turns. The Miscanthus product, which retains four times its weight in water, is expanding into new markets like pet bedding and landscaping. Ralph highlighted Miscanthus as a versatile crop: grows 7-8 feet tall, harvested twice a year, replenishes soil nutrients, and thrives in a wide temperature range. It’s the first such material launched in the U.S., with potential as a main material alongside bagasse and hemp. Learn about the launching of a tree-free packaging division for retail brands next year, emphasizing non-toxic and compostable features. They are in discussions with the EPA and Department of Agriculture about carbon credits, which could become valuable assets. Plans include expanding into packaging, landscaping, pet bedding, and attracting more talent. To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International.  To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Ecovations’ Sustainable Materials Evolution appeared first on eRENEWABLE.