Do you move forward with the implementation of green solutions no matter the impact?

This week’s guest, Kristina Lund, former President and CEO of AES Indiana and AES Ohio (soon to be president of a renewable energy company), doesn’t think communities should be collateral damage in the quest for environmentally advantageous solutions.

As we continue our conversation, we’ll hear some of the approaches to collaborating the community that AES uses execute their energy transformation, such as a shift away from coal plants to sustainable solutions.

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Show Notes

About the Guest(s):

Kristina Lund is the former President and CEO of AES Indiana and AES Ohio. With over 17 years of experience in the energy industry, Lund has been instrumental in driving the transition to renewable energy solutions. She has led AES Indiana in reducing its carbon impact by two-thirds over the past decade. Lund is passionate about finding innovative ways to balance the economic needs of communities with the imperative to protect the environment.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Kristina Lund discusses the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. She emphasizes the importance of renewables, such as wind and solar, which are not only zero-carbon but also the most cost-effective options in many markets. Lund acknowledges the need for a thoughtful approach to the energy transition, ensuring that reliable energy sources are available while phasing out older fossil fuel assets. She also highlights the value of industrialized sites, like the Petersburg generating station, which can be repurposed for new technologies and provide economic benefits to the community. Lund shares insights on how AES is working with communities to navigate this transition and create a sustainable future.

Key Takeaways:

• The energy transition to cleaner sources, such as wind and solar, is driven by both environmental concerns and economic factors. Renewables are not only zero-carbon but also the most cost-effective option in many markets.
• Balancing the need for reliable energy with the transition to cleaner sources requires careful planning and timing. It is essential to ensure that new energy sources are in place before phasing out older fossil fuel assets.
• Industrialized sites, like the Petersburg generating station, have valuable attributes, such as water rights, rail interconnection, and a skilled workforce. These sites can be repurposed for new technologies and provide economic benefits to the community.
• Engaging with the community and co-developing solutions is crucial for a successful energy transition. Transparency, collaboration, and addressing the economic needs of the community are key factors in navigating this transition.
• Supply chain challenges and permitting delays are potential hurdles in the energy transition. However, with federal policies supporting investment in manufacturing and a focus on speeding up permitting processes, these challenges can be overcome.

Notable Quotes:

• “Renewables are obviously zero carbon, super important, and the least expensive form of energy in most markets, which is incredible. The economics are lining up behind the drive to a sustainable energy future.” – Kristina Lund
• “We need to make sure that we make the progress we need to by 2030, which is where a lot of the focus is. And so, supply chain is a real challenge. My view is that we are going to solve that with the federal policies that have been put into place to encourage new investment in manufacturing in the United States.” – Kristina Lund

Resources:

• AES Indiana
• The Energy Gang Podcast
• Utility Dive

Listen to the full episode for more insights on the energy transition and how AES is working with communities to create a sustainable future. Stay tuned for future episodes of The Business of Impact for more inspiring conversations with global business leaders.