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About the Episode:

Have you ever wondered why clean energy is not only surviving, but thriving in RED states here in the USA? 

Despite the common perception that Republicans are against clean energy, states like Georgia (and AL, SC, and FL, not to mention TX!) are seeing significant solar growth. 

Republican Tim Echols, Vice Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission, discusses Georgia’s journey to becoming the 7th largest state for utility-scale solar (with 6GW!) and how they are gearing up to meet the increasing energy demands of expanding data centers. GA is expected to be a clean energy stronghold for years to come…what’s behind that growth and sustained interest?

Expect to learn:

• How Georgia structured its solar policies to make financial sense for constituents
• The future of the IRA if Trump is elected
• Echols’s perspective on nuclear energy's role in meeting future power demands
• The outlook for EV adoption following pandemic slow-down and factory build-out delays from Rivian (and others)

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of Georgia’s true clean energy champions (who just happens to be a Republican!)

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Tim Echols:

• LinkedIn | X

Check out Georgia Public Service Commission:

• Website | X | YouTube

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“When you add batteries with large utility scale solar at the substation, you turn them from being an energy asset to a capacity asset. So I think Batteries are kind of like bacon, they make everything better.”

— Tim Echols

“I do feel like we have a duty to have clean air and clean water, and to utilize technology in ways that really makes sense to protect life, anywhere and everywhere that we can.”

— Tim Echols

Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.