We've asked the NextEnergy team to share the industry-related news, stories and information that have grabbed their attention this month. We hope you find it useful!
Eric McDonald, Director, Facilities & Infrastructure Development
What he’s reading: As infrastructure funds begin to flow, climate, safety, equity impacts are not enough, some say
Media: Smart cities dive
What makes it interesting: Now that the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has been signed into law, what will the money actually go to? Will roads and bridges get the lion’s share as has been the usual result of transportation funding, or will public transit and smart cities/mobility begin to command more of the funds dispersed?
Angella Durkin, COO
What she’s reading: Capturing the battery value-chain opportunity
Media: McKinsey
What makes it interesting: New opportunities within the battery value-chain are emerging. NextEnergy is working on exploring opportunities within the 2nd use market for EV batteries.
Latonya Binford, Accountant
What she’s reading: IDTechEx: market value of on-road fuel-cell vehicles to grow to $160B in 2042; 23.9% CAGR over 20 years
Media: Green Car Congress
What makes it interesting: The effort to decarbonize on-road vehicles and the growing momentum pushing a rapid transition to zero-emission vehicles seem to be two major factors in the predicted increase in market value, which should serve as a financial incentive to us potential buyers.
Kate Bell, Program Manager
What she’s reading: Will GAF Energy beat Tesla on integrated solar roofs?
Media: Canary Media
What makes it interesting: When we typically think of rooftop solar, the image that comes to mind is a traditional solar mounted panel on a racking secured by drilling through the roof. GAF Energy is disrupting the roofing industry by skipping the racking process altogether and creating and installing composite solar shingles – a two-in-one roof and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV). The hybrid roof and BIPV meets roofing standards such as withstanding the elements such as intense rain and hail and achieves a Class A fire rating. With GAF holding firm on roughly a quarter of the country’s roofing market, the potential for these shingles to appear on rooftops across America is astounding. This is an exciting example of how companies that are generally not at the forefront of smart cities and smart buildings discussions actually have huge roles to play in helping achieve a carbon-neutral future by focusing on the industries and customers they know so well.
