In this special crossover episode, Energy Changemakers host Elisa Wood joins Jennifer Zajac on Clean Energy Shorts to talk about the most exciting innovations reshaping the electric grid. From mega-microgrids to driveway solar, Elisa reveals what’s really happening behind the headlines—and why the clean-energy story is about more than politics.
They unpack the myths driving public perception, explore new business models making microgrids affordable, and discuss why flexibility—not nuclear—defines the future of energy. The conversation also highlights inspiring examples of resilience, from Ukraine’s grid recovery efforts to local U.S. communities taking ownership of energy.
This is an optimistic, insight-packed conversation that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and a more distributed, consumer-controlled grid.
Episode Breakdown
Introduction
Elisa introduces the crossover episode and sets the stage for her discussion with Clean Energy Shorts host, Jennifer Zajac.
Misconceptions About Clean Energy
Why the public conversation about energy often misses the real story—and what’s actually driving today’s grid transformation.
Politics and Power
Elisa and Jennifer discuss the political polarization around renewables and why the market ultimately dictates the future of energy.
The Coolest Innovations on the Grid
From Eaton and Siemens’ large-scale modular microgrids to a family-run company developing driveway solar, Elisa shares her favorite new technologies.
The Rise of the Microgrid
How Hurricane Sandy, resilience needs, and entrepreneurial innovation made “microgrid” a household word—and how businesses are adopting them faster than ever.
Making Microgrids Affordable
The evolution of business models—like “microgrid as a service”—that make distributed energy accessible to communities and companies alike.
Supply Chain Realities
Elisa explains how microgrids are sidestepping the bottlenecks that plague large power plants and the transmission grid.
Investment Trends
Why investors remain confident in microgrids and solar despite shifting tax policies and tariffs.
Why Nuclear Won’t Lead the Future
A candid discussion on small modular reactors (SMRs) and why nuclear energy doesn’t fit a software-driven, flexible grid.
Data Centers’ Growing Pains
Inside the data-center boom: power shortages, desperate solutions, and NIMBY resistance from communities nationwide.
Lessons from Ukraine
What the ongoing war teaches about grid vulnerability, cascading failures, and the need for distributed, resilient systems.
Footprint Project & Disaster Recovery
Profiles of organizations deploying mobile solar microgrids to restore power after disasters—and what utilities can learn from them.
The Next Energy Frontier: Local Control
Elisa shares her excitement for community-owned solar and microgrids, and how local energy control can lower costs and increase reliability.
Real Stories of Community Solar
Why even the most innovative models sometimes require old-school door-knocking to make community energy projects work.
Wrapping Up: Hope for the Future
Elisa reflects on her new venture, Energy Changemakers, and the inspiring innovations shaping a decentralized, equitable energy landscape.
Relevant Links
Energy Changemakers: https://energychangemakers.com
Clean Energy Shorts Podcast: (Search wherever you get your podcasts)