What does it take to modernize manufacturing facilities while slashing energy costs and improving sustainability? In this episode, Charlie Marquez, Senior Manager of EHS and Facilities at Kirkhill, shares his fascinating journey from his Navy beginnings to spearheading energy innovations in a California manufacturing plant. Learn how Charlie led his team to adopt a groundbreaking 1.3 MW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, complemented by a solar carport and STEM battery storage.

Charlie also delves into the critical lessons learned from navigating utility systems and vendor selection, along with the environmental benefits gained through reduced emissions and compliance alignment. From leveraging DOE programs to collaborating with industry experts, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to balance cost management, innovation, and sustainability in their operations.

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

• How a CHP system revolutionized Kirkhill's energy efficiency.
• The benefits of leveraging waste heat for operational processes.
• Strategic decisions in opting for solar carports over rooftop panels.
• The value of DOE programs and utility partnerships.
• Common challenges in integrating advanced energy systems.
• Vendor selection pitfalls and lessons learned.
• Legal and operational hurdles in energy modernization projects.
• ROI on bundled energy solutions, including battery storage.
• The environmental impact of emissions reductions.
• Building team buy-in for large-scale sustainability initiatives.

Resources In Today's Episode:

• Charlie Marquez: LinkedIn
• Kirkhill
• Gareth Evans: LinkedIn
• Dan Roberts: LinkedIn
• VECKTA: News
• Department of Energy (DOE)
• Pacifico Power
• Tesla
• CARB (California Air Resources Board)

You can view a video of the conversation on VECKTA's website here: https://tinyurl.com/4ypducxh

With the grid getting cleaner, is onsite energy still worth considering? As businesses look for the most cost-efficient solutions, it's tempting to think the answer is no. But the reality is far more complex. In this episode, we dive deep into this question and share some surprising findings about the state of the grid and carbon intensity across the U.S.

Listen in to hear the data from recent years regarding energy rates, carbon intensity, and emission reductions, as well as the trends we uncovered that may just surprise you. You'll learn which states have made unexpected strides in reducing (or, in some cases, increasing) their carbon footprints and what this all means for your business. We also share our analysis of how onsite energy plays a key role in navigating this shifting landscape—and why it might be more relevant than ever.

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

• Trends happening with energy demand.
• The direction that energy and decarbonization appear to be going.
• Surprising states that have decreased (or increased) their carbon intensity.
• Where energy charges have increased and why that might lead to more onsite energy solutions.
• Where businesses will have the best "bang for their buck" in terms of decarbonization and impact.
• Consistent themes we see in the markets and how to educate and inform decisions in your business.
• Why we can’t rely on the grid cleanup.

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/cuv73unf

The election results are in—but how will they affect the energy industry? Tune in to this episode to get our take on the news and how we expect things to change over the next few years. You’ll get a breakdown of where we see key changes happening (or projected to happen), as well as how those things will affect distributed energy, onsite energy, and VECKTA.

Listen in as we discuss opportunities, implications, and the probable updates coming to the industry. From the Inflation Reduction Act to “drill, baby, drill,” we’ll weigh in on the various constraints, issues, and important needs that may be addressed in the coming years. If you are one of the many who are speculating and wondering where things will be changing the most regarding energy, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

• What many energy leaders are talking about as the tides change.
• How long it often takes for policy to take effect and make changes.
• The effects of the IRA and how it compares to policies and outcomes in European energy policy.
• Where jobs have been created and the top states benefiting from the IRA.
• Why podcasting has been an increasingly powerful communication tool.
• Why the notion of energy sovereignty is so important.
• The key to ensuring progress is made.
• What will have the biggest impact on our businesses.

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/3u4haj57