A third of the world's largest companies now have net-zero targets in place for carbon emissions. Google was ahead of the curve. Back in 2007, it had already achieved its goal of going carbon neutral across all of its offices and data centers around the globe.
But as demand for Google's services expanded, it knew that it had to overhaul its energy goals. At the time, Raiford Smith served as Google's global head of energy and location strategy. And part of his job was jump-starting this massive effort.
In 2021, Google launched one of the most ambitious corporate energy strategies ever. And Raiford and his team made it possible.
After a career spanning more than 30 years at utilities like Duke Energy, CPS, Entergy, and Southern company, and two years at Google, Raiford knows firsthand that change is possible at power companies.
This week, Brad talked with Raiford, now the chief innovation officer at AES, about what's needed to spur tech innovation at utilities, and the technologies that will be integral to the energy transition.
This podcast is produced by GridX. GridX is the Enterprise Rate Platform that modern utilities rely on to usher in our clean energy future.
How PG&E is using batteries to improve service
Forecast calls for an overtaxed grid
The urgent need for more grid automation
Could utilities become the 'FedEx of electricity'?
Season three is on the way
Addressing inequities in the switch to EVs
Making electrification accessible to all
Supporting the next wave of climate tech startups
Bringing the electric co-op into the 21st century
Plotting clean energy strategy for the corporate world
Making sure Chicago's energy transition works for all communities
How green hydrogen could be the go-to fuel for the energy transition
The push for long duration storage
Preparing the grid for millions more electric cars
How LA is putting the public first in its energy transition
How California’s worst wildfire rocked the power industry
Season two is coming soon
Distribution planning is on the docket
How can utilities harness their innovation mojo?
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