85 cross-sector leaders driving clean energy innovation convene around exciting opportunities, daunting challenges, and innovative solutions from the Golden State and beyond.

In late January, 85 policymakers, industry leaders, labor organizers, nonprofit representatives, and government officials gathered under the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge for a candid discussion of the opportunities and challenges facing the clean energy industry in our state.

California is in an exciting place to be working in clean energy:

• In 2024, 54% of CA’s electricity is renewable or emits no greenhouse gases, compared to 40% for the US. (Source)
• California had 100 days in 2024  with 100% carbon-free, renewable electricity for at least a part of each day. Thanks to new clean energy resources and the surge in battery storage, the state’s power grid withstood July’s record two-week heat wave – and even exported power to other states. (Source)
• At 10,379 megawatts, the state has increased battery capacity by 1,250% – up from 770 MW in 2019. (Source)

“There’s a whole lot of potential to use the industrial policy instincts to continue to move the ball, but it will need different vocabulary than traditional climate policy advocates have used in the past,” one leader explained about the changing nature of policy in Washington.

Candid comments and bold calls to action are common at the Clean Energy Business Roundtable because the convening operates under Chatham House rules to encourage open, high-trust conversations. This is why no one is directly quoted in this article. New Energy Nexus hosts the annual event to create connections and generate ideas between the top minds in California’s clean energy ecosystem.

The scale and urgency of the challenges facing clean energy in California weighed on the gathering. With the fires in Los Angeles and Washington DC’s rapidly changing political climate, the future looks uncertain and daunting, yet there’s an opportunity to collaborate strategically.

There was a sense of optimism as leaders pressed the importance of the clean energy industry, showing up with authority and empathy and leading the energy conversation.

“We have to make sure we are leading with our heart.”

What would that look like? Here are some of the opportunities and solutions discussed during the event

Tackling the affordability crisis through cutting red tape

Industry leaders continuously lamented California’s onerous and complex permitting process. Battery manufacturers are innovating in California’s universities and labs, harvesting lithium from California’s underground brine (the largest reserve in the nation) and taking those components overseas to be assembled into batteries only to be shipped back. Startups lack the capital and wiggle room to build big facilities, and larger companies don’t see California as a profitable place to do big industry. There was a consistent drumbeat of pleas from industry and labor leaders to the legislators in the room to address this issue.

“Energy is for people in our society. It’s about avoiding rolling blackouts. It shouldn’t be a policy innovation exercise or market optimization.”

One leader pitched the idea of forming county-level teams of experts to help companies navigate regulation since many lack in-house expertise, helping California attract and retain clean energy companies and becoming more attractive than surrounding states or overseas markets.

Beefing up grid resilience and safety

In the wake of the devastating fires in Los Angeles, balancing grid safety with community needs was top of mind. Utility representatives toted advancements in vegetation management and powerline monitoring using drones and AI. Despite all these improvements, representatives and ratepayers voiced frustrations over the prolonged and frequent power safety shut-offs while costs continue to rise.

Leaders suggested undergrounding power lines as a costly but reasonable solution when strategically deployed. There was an example of a utility providing ratepayers in vulnerable areas with generators to help during the safety shut-offs. Microgrids are another solution to help rural customers become more power resilient.

“Utilities are in an impossible situation. It hasn’t rained in Southern California in nine months… We have to be willing to say that if you live in different places, it’s a different reliability framework.”

Last month, The United States Department of Energy announced a $15 billion loan to Pacific Gas and Electric to expand hydropower, improve distribution, increase battery storage, and set up virtual power plants. This move was generally lauded across the gathering as a massive win for ratepayers, who will get improved services and save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.

Streamlining the fragmented EV charging infrastructure

Most attendees agreed the current state of EV charging in California is a significant barrier to driving further EV adoption and avoiding a plateau. Attendees shared stories of banks of broken chargers, poorly lit stations, too many apps, and terrible or non-existent customer service. Additionally, there’s not enough investment going to simple solutions, like freeway signs pointing to chargers like we do for gas stations.

“If you’re looking for something transformational with limited funds, we have a strong fast charger backbone, which is where we should focus. With our limited time to combat climate change, we need a reliable public network.”

A big light-bulb moment came when a leader pointed out that charging companies don’t think of the end-user as their primary customer. They’re focused on the agencies giving them grant money and the site owners housing the units. There’s no motivation to think about the customer experience piece. It’s just not part of the current business model. That could change as big retailers, like Walmart, get into the charging space and build networks located at their stores.

Building big in California

Growing a clean energy business in the Golden State presents risks and rewards, including access to critical minerals. The Imperial Valley boasts the richest lithium reserves in the nation, making it a prime location for battery manufacturing. Labor groups are urging policymakers to develop in this region to create high-quality jobs in an often-overlooked community.

“This is an opportunity to not just help the residents of Imperial, but all of California.”

Despite these advantages, many battery manufacturers are looking to neighboring Nevada, where permitting is faster and the tax burden less. These factors are critical considerations for California lawmakers as they work to retain manufacturers. One proposed solution is to complete California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews in advance, reducing permitting delays and expediting projects.

Manufacturing forgoing the California opportunity has a significant impact on the California workforce. Experts emphasized that labor and community benefits must be at the forefront of industrial policy to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen the economy. This means pushing for policies like a decreased tax burden on tools and infrastructures and a more streamlined permitting process.

“The key here is to shift our thinking around labor and community partnerships—not as barriers to growth, but as catalysts for progress. But it requires commitment.”

Banding together and doubling down to continue momentum

One of the main benefits of this gathering was getting everyone in the same room to share experiences, expertise, resources, and ideas. Everyone agreed California sets the pace for the energy transition, and we must work together to get the job done. Clean energy leaders pointed to the immense opportunity for the industry to take a more significant role in garnering support from government officials and investing strategically in crafting more effective policies.

Oil and gas spent $110M lobbying government officials in 2024 [source], compared to $46M spent by renewable energy groups [source]. If the clean energy industry wants to keep up the momentum we’ve gained over the past 10 years, we’ll need to come together and double down on our investments.

“Politics is very much like surfing. In surfing, you cannot manufacture the wave. If you’re on the beach looking at the wave, you’re not riding the wave. Clean energy is standing on the beach.
Why do we have subsidy after subsidy for oil and gas? It’s not magic. It’s politics.”

Wrapping it up

California’s transition to a green industrial economy presents both challenges and opportunities.

By addressing affordability, reliability, and equity concerns, California can continue to serve as a model for a sustainable future if leaders collaborate and prevent politics from interfering with incremental change.

Ultimately, it will take everyone working on the problems from all fronts to usher in a just energy transition. This gathering showed the power and promise of getting the best minds together to work on solutions – this next year will show if the clean energy industry can make good on those promises.

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Clean energy entrepreneurs are all too familiar with the constant shifts and uncertainties in the funding landscape. Recent changes in federal policy have made it more challenging for many to secure the capital needed to advance their innovations. However, many funders are still interested in backing clean energy projects.

In a virtual workshop hosted by New Energy Nexus and Momentum, experts examined the current clean energy funding landscape and offered concrete recommendations for entrepreneurs seeking to scale over the next four years, looking beyond the traditional Venture Capital landscape.

While uncertainty is everywhere, Dr. Mark Hartney from Breakthrough Energy Ventures is hopeful. It’s not his first time facing a massive shift in federal priorities. Eight years ago, he worked at Stanford on a program funded mainly by federal grants. When Trump took office, federal funding dried up, forcing them to look elsewhere and get creative, but they didn’t slow down or stop work.

“The reality is that the economic interests are all pointing towards renewables as the cheapest power we’re ever going to find. Plenty of people are looking at innovative climate solutions, whether it’s carbon capture or crop science or biotechnology,” said Hartney, “There are so many things that prevent present compelling opportunities for the future that it’s economics that drives decision-making in the real world. It’s not politics.”

So, what exactly is alternative VC? It encompasses a range of non-dilutive funding options, from federal grants and university programs to more creative VC models that offer additional support beyond just capital. Derrick Tang from the California Infrastructure Bank (iBANK) shared examples of funds like Indie VC BBG Ventures, Seae Ventures, and Unshackled Ventures, which incorporate unique features like equity buyback options and immigration support for founders.

The key advantage of exploring alternative VC is the ability to align your business trajectory with your investors’ goals and timelines. As Dave Smith from Enduring Planet emphasized, it is crucial to ensure that your funders’ return profiles and exit expectations match your company’s natural progression.

“[You need to] understand your best case scenarios, what happens if you get paid on time, but also having a deep and robust look at your financial model and understanding of what happens when you need to start cutting back,” explained Smith. “It’s much easier to find funding when you don’t have three days of runway left. Having a well-built financial and impact model is essential to be able to show investors.”

To that point, Enduring Planet has a Fractional CFO business that builds these models for startups. Enduring Planet is offering a free month of Fractional CFO services or half-off the loan origination fee to members of​​ the New Energy Nexus network. To start the conversation, email dave@enduringplanet.com. By diversifying your funding sources, you can reduce reliance on traditional VC and access mission-driven capital that prioritizes impact alongside financial returns.

So, what can clean energy startups do to strengthen their readiness and stand out? The panelists offered three actionable steps:

• Conduct discovery on potential alternative funders. Understand their priorities, investment criteria, and sweet spots, then tailor your pitch to highlight what matters most to them.
• Build relationships with funding agencies early. Connect with program managers before solicitations are released and provide input to shape programs that fit your needs.
• Stay authentic to your mission and values. Don’t compromise your core focus just to match a funder’s preferences. When pitching, emphasize your passion and conviction.

“If you hit those points with passion and clear conviction, that will shine through,” said Tang. “And it’s similar for government grants. The earlier you get to know the people at the agency that helped make grant programs, ideally before solicitations are out, the better.”

As the funding landscape evolves, embracing alternative VC can provide clean energy startups with valuable non-dilutive support and a pathway to scale their impact.

This story was originally posted by CalSEED.fund, our program in California.

Move over Lithium. Hello Zinc!

Lithium-ion batteries have ruled the battery space since 1980 and makeup 90% of the batteries in use today. While lithium batteries have many advantages, there are also challenges with their production, concerns about the availability of lithium, safety issues related to overheating and fires, and environmental considerations regarding mining and disposal.

As a result, researchers are actively exploring alternative battery chemistries, such as zinc-based batteries like the one developed by Enzinc, to address some of these challenges and diversify the options available for energy storage. Zinc is the fourth most produced metal in the world in terms of tonnage. While lithium is less abundant and typically found in specific geological formations, much of which is not economically viable for mining.

Enzinc’s Zinc rethink

The team at Enzinc stands at the forefront of this movement with their 3D zinc micro sponge. It is a metal-based sponge with tiny pores that effectively eradicates dendrite growth – a term used to describe the formation of needle-like structures that can cause short circuits in batteries. This breakthrough overcomes the limitations of traditional zinc batteries, which had limited cycles before failure, offering exceptional durability and efficiency. The innovation provides a significantly large surface area, delivering energy comparable to lithium-ion batteries. Enzinc’s water-based electrolyte widens the temperature range of the batteries, eliminating the need for external cooling or heating systems.

‘‘Without scalable batteries, we cannot achieve a green grid or widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Enzinc’s breakthrough technology paves the way for a sustainable future.”

Enzinc’s technology is a game-changer, not just for one industry but for many sectors. Its applications are as diverse as they are impressive, from mobile devices to stationary energy storage. This versatility makes Enzinc a solution for various industries, including electric vehicles, data centers, and residential energy storage.

“The mission of Enzinc is to democratize energy storage. We feel that energy storage is necessary for the clean energy revolution. It’s the foundation, and yet existing technologies either do not have the energy necessary, or they’re just too expensive, or they don’t meet the ethos of recyclability. And that’s what we want to do: deliver high-performance recyclable and affordable energy worldwide.”

Enzinc’s groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. It has been recognized and supported by some of the most prestigious entities in the industry. From the CalSEED Concept and Prototype awards to the BRIDGE award from the California Energy Commission, EnZinc’s achievements speak for themselves. Their work has also received support from ARPA-E’s RANGE Program, further validating the credibility and potential of their technology.

This story was originally posted by CalSEED.fund, our program in California.

The second installment of ConNEX’s expert workshops, Inclusive Innovation: Building Your Winning Clean Energy Workforce, brought together thought leaders to discuss building diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams to drive long-term success. Hosted by New Energy Nexus, California, as part of the CalSEED program, this virtual event provided valuable insights on strategies for fostering diversity in hiring, team culture, and workforce development.

At New Energy Nexus, we design all our programs with equity at the core. A just energy transition is our goal, requiring mindful work and the deconstruction of old mindsets. In this workshop, attendees asked panelists what kind of trade-offs they had to make to build out diverse teams, and the experts pushed back, explaining diverse teams aren’t a “nice-to-have”. They are a force multiplier and essential to long-term success. Throughout the hour workshop, experts from three successful clean energy startups shared concrete types and processes for building a winning team.

Defining Diversity Beyond Appearance

From the outset, the panelists stressed that diversity goes beyond race and gender. Zora Chung, CFO of ReJoule, highlighted the importance of diverse educational and experiential backgrounds, as these contribute to a richer diversity of thought within the company. Whether in technical roles or management, the collective variety of perspectives is a key driver of innovation.

Steve Pratt, Director of People at Twelve, echoed this: “A group of individuals from many different backgrounds brings their own experiences, perspectives, and creativity.” In fast-growing startups, this diversity enhances problem-solving and helps build stronger connections within the communities they serve.

Challenges in Recruiting Diverse Talent

Recruiting diverse talent is not without its challenges. Chung noted that smaller clean energy startups often face obstacles like a lack of brand recognition and competition with larger companies offering more stability and higher salaries. She credited the CalSEED program with helping ReJoule build a strong mission that resonates with potential candidates, noting that storytelling through mediums like video can be an effective way to attract talent.

Pratt shared how Twelve, which grew from 80 to over 260 employees, overcame recruitment hurdles by developing talent pipelines with a multi-faceted approach. Twelve partners with nonprofits, tribal governments, and minority-serving institutions to create talent pools while maintaining ongoing relationships with colleges and community organizations.

Strategies for Workforce Retention

Building a diverse team is only the beginning; retaining talent requires a concerted effort. Vince Wong, Co-founder and COO of ElectricFish, emphasized that fostering an inclusive workplace starts from the top. Inclusion isn’t just about having diverse employees in the room—it’s about ensuring they have a seat at the table. Wong underscored the importance of strategic partnerships with entities like labor unions and tribal nations, which create economic opportunities and open doors to grant funding.

At Twelve, inclusion is built into their recruitment and onboarding processes. They’ve developed a fair and transparent system from structured interviews that ensure every candidate has a similar experience to diverse hiring panels that incorporate multiple perspectives. They also focus on career development through each employee’s learning and development budget, regular check-ins, and a strong feedback culture to continuously evolve their practices.

Pratt urged participants to use surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations to get feedback and make decisions.

“Make changes based on actual feedback, not what you assume,” he said.

The Power of Partnerships

Strategic partnerships emerged as a recurring theme throughout the workshop. Wong shared how ElectricFish has collaborated with community-based organizations and labor unions to create a pipeline of diverse talent. These partnerships contribute to workforce diversity and position companies well for funding opportunities targeting underserved communities.

Similarly, Twelve’s collaboration with community colleges has helped develop a workforce for operator roles, creating a pathway into the clean energy economy for non-traditional candidates. These partnerships are crucial for companies looking to scale inclusively while contributing to local economic development.

Investing in Diversity as a Competitive Advantage

The speakers all agreed that investing in diversity is not a trade-off but a strategic advantage. Wong noted that diversity has become a “force multiplier” for ElectricFish, contributing to its global impact. When diversity is built into the company culture from the start, it drives innovation and positions the organization for long-term success. Given each of ElectricFish’s four founders is from a different continent, they know the power of a diverse leadership team.

As the clean energy sector continues to grow, building an inclusive, equitable workforce is essential for companies looking to lead in the transition to a sustainable future. By leveraging resources like CalSEED’s Equity-in/Equity-out framework, engaging in strategic partnerships, and fostering an inclusive culture, clean energy entrepreneurs can position themselves at the forefront of this transformation.

Stay tuned for more insights from future ConNEX events as we continue to explore the strategies and innovations shaping the clean energy landscape.

Join Us Next Time! Interested in joining our upcoming ConNEX workshops? Here’s a link to register for our next event all about building strategic partnerships for maximum impact.

Resources:
Culture Amp https://www.cultureamp.com

IBEW: https://www.ibew.org/
Mental health resource: https://www.zeera.com/
CEC Grants: https://www.energy.ca.gov/funding-opportunities
LACI: https://laincubator.org/
CalEnviroScreen: https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen
Specific resources: To focus on HR tech stack, 1) engagement data, 2) LinkedIn Insights (skills that are rare and prioritize hiring specific people), 3) focus on scalability for your processes
For deeper recruiting channels 1) APC fellowships via https://laincubator.org/apc/ , 2) https://novaworks.org/