Build, Repeat. (A Paces Podcast)

In this episode, James talks with Gabe Messercola, Director of Data Center Solutions at EDF. Gabe shares his journey from studying environmental policy and working as a rock climbing instructor to building renewable energy projects at Nexamp and leading innovative data center strategies at EDF. With deep experience in asset management and power markets, Gabe now focuses on aligning renewable generation with high-demand loads like d...

In this episode, James talks with Nat Sahlstrom, Chief Energy Officer at Tract, a data center developer enabling the next generation of digital infrastructure. Nat shares his unconventional journey from Seattle’s punk rock scene to leading energy strategy at Amazon and now Tract. With over two decades in energy, he brings deep insight into the intersection of data center growth, power planning, and sustainable infrastructure.

They e...

In this episode, James talks with Hilary Clark, Senior Director of Social Licensing at the American Clean Power Association (ACP). With over two decades in permitting and regulatory affairs, Hilary brings deep expertise on how clean energy developers can effectively engage communities and navigate the complex siting landscape in the U.S.

They discuss the evolving challenges in local and state-level permitting for wind, solar, and ba...

In this episode, James talks with Brian Janous, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Cloverleaf Infrastructure and former Head of Energy at Microsoft. With 25+ years in the utility space — including a decade leading Microsoft’s cloud energy strategy — Brian shares what it was like to scale power procurement during the hyperscale boom and why he founded Cloverleaf to solve the next frontier: grid-aligned power delivery for dat...

In this episode, James talks with Michael Thomas, Founder of CleanView and creator of Distilled. Michael has built a career around impactful storytelling and actionable data, aiming to accelerate clean energy adoption. From tech marketing to climate entrepreneurship, he has channeled his curiosity into initiatives that demystify energy trends and empower decision-makers.

They discuss the evolution and impact of CleanView, a real-tim...

In this episode, James talks with Pat Lynch, Executive Managing Director and Global Head of Data Center Solutions at CBRE. With 30+ years in digital infrastructure, Pat shares his journey from early fiber builds in the 90s to leading CBRE’s global data center strategy.

They discuss how CBRE’s data center business scaled from 3% to 10% of company revenue through strategic talent and investment, and how today's growth is shaped b...

In this episode, James sits down with Paces colleagues Kyle Baranko and Tony Wagler to discuss their new white paper, “Pre-Development at Scale: Modeling Risk in Early-Stage Solar Development”. They dive into how AI, probabilistic methods, and standardized development workflows can dramatically reduce soft costs and increase project success rates.

Kyle shares how Monte Carlo simulations were used to model development risks and timel...

In this episode, we sit down with Christine Larson, Head of Strategy & Operations at Modern Energy and interim COO at Industrial Sun, to explore how early-stage developers can thrive in a landscape defined by high complexity, capital intensity, and shifting market signals.

Christine shares how Modern’s model goes beyond funding—providing hands-on operational support like IT and accounting—so founders can focus on what really mat...

The power demands of AI data centers are skyrocketing—but how will we meet them?

In this episode, James sits down with Tyler Norris (Duke University) and Kyle Baranko (Paces) to dig into two influential white papers offering different solutions. One explores off-grid, solar-plus-storage microgrids as a fast, clean option. The other highlights how we can better utilize existing grid capacity by embracing flexible interconnections and...

In this episode, we sit down with Nan Ransohoff and Duncan Campbell to discuss the evolving landscape of solar microgrids, AI data centers, and the urgent need for climate-driven innovation. Duncan reflects on how today’s energy solutions are just the beginning, predicting a future where bold, disruptive action reshapes the grid.

We dive into:

• How Stripe and Paces are driving groundbreaking projects
• Why the electricity sector need...

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Aaronson, founder and CEO of Demeter Land Development, to explore his unexpected path from criminal defense attorney to renewable energy land origination expert.

Scott recounts how his real estate ventures led him to community solar development, shedding light on the evolving challenges of securing land for distributed generation (DG) projects. He discusses the industry's transformation f...

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Hans Hirschboeck, founder and managing director of impactECI, to explore the rapidly evolving world of data centers and energy infrastructure. With a background in electrical engineering and years of experience leading energy projects at AWS, Peter shares invaluable insights on how the demand for AI computing power is reshaping the energy landscape.

We discuss:

• The massive growth of data ce...

In this episode, Paul Reed, Founder and CEO of RSunrise Energy, joins host James McWalter to discuss his journey in energy storage and the evolving landscape of renewable power. The conversation explores:

• Paul's background in chemical engineering and his transition into the energy storage sector, spanning nearly 15 years.
• The early days of demand response, behind-the-meter storage, and the technological advancements shaping ...

In this episode, Erica Brinker, Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer at Chaberton Energy and board member of the Coalition for Community Solar Access, shares her unique career journey and insights into the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers:

• Erica’s early roles in the fashion and luxury goods industry, followed by her transition to healthcare technology, aerospace, and eventually renewable energy, reflecting...

Sarah Moon, Co-Founder of FieldWorks Power, shares her career journey and expertise in the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers:

• Sarah’s path from studying geology to leading renewable energy initiatives at companies like Solstice Power Technologies and DSD Renewables.
• Strategies for community solar companies to enter and succeed in emerging markets, from policy advocacy to local community engagement.
• The role of lean ...

Ty Baccile, Director of Solar Development at New Energy Equity and a Board Member of NYSEA, shares his career journey and insights from the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers:

• Ty’s career journey from his blue-collar roots in upstate New York to pioneering wind and solar projects.
• Scaling community solar and driving economic growth through local development.
• The role of innovation, collaboration, and data in tackling...

 In this episode, Martin Schichtel, Founder and CEO of Kraftblock, shares his career journey and insights into the thermal energy storage sector.

The conversation covers:

• The pivotal moment in 2008 that sparked the idea for Kraftblock, leading to the development of a superior thermal energy storage material.
• Discussing the waste heat recovery market and the importance of decarbonizing heat in various industries.
• Kraftblock's a...

In this episode, James McWalter interviews Ned Horneffer, Vice President of Development at Third Pillar Solar, to explore the exciting advancements and challenges in the floating solar industry.

The conversation covers:

• Ned’s path in clean energy from venture capital to battery energy storage, culminating in his current role at Third Pillar Solar, where he leads innovative solar initiatives.
• The growth of the U.S. floating solar m...

In this episode, James McWalter interviews Paces's very own Solution Engineers, Gabby Stein and Tony Wagler, to discuss the latest developments in the renewable energy industry and their roles at Paces.
The conversation covers:

• Gabby's and Tony's career paths before joining Paces, including their experiences in solar and battery storage development.
• The unique challenges they faced in their previous roles like ...