Collaborative Innovation in the Energy Sector

After two decades in the energy industry, I’ve seen firsthand how innovation can be both accelerated and stifled—not by lack of ideas, but by silos. This Harvard Business Review article on the 3 types of silos that stifle collaboration hit home. It describes: 1. Systemic silos – rigid structures that prevent cross-functional work. 2. Elitist silos – where expertise is hoarded, not shared. 3. Protectionist silos – where fear of change overrides progress. It struck me how closely these dynamics mirror what we see in the energy sector. These aren’t just business challenges—they’re woven into the very fabric of how our energy systems function. Systemic silos emerge when grid operators, utilities, DERs, and prosumers operate in isolation. Elitist silos keep critical data—like from smart meters and EVs—locked in proprietary systems, making optimization impossible. Protectionist silos appear when innovation is blocked to protect legacy revenue models. But there’s hope. The article offers practical ways to dismantle these silos: ✅ Shared goals: Aligning incentives across stakeholders—from regulators to startups. ✅ Cross-functional teams: Integrating policy, tech, and ops early to drive aligned, collaborative solutions.  ✅ Transparent data sharing: Building trust through open platforms and secure APIs. The energy transition isn’t just about electrons—it’s about collaboration. If we want a resilient, decarbonized future, we need to rethink how we work together. This is the challenge of our time. Let’s ensure we’re not just building new systems—but building them in alignment, with shared purpose and collective action. I’d love to hear: Where have you seen silos slow down progress in your work—and how did you break through? https://lnkd.in/dFMFqFTm

What if your thermostat could help prevent the next blackout? A breakthrough approach to managing electricity is turning our homes into an invisible safety net for America's stressed power grid... First, some context: Our electrical grid was built in an era when power flowed one way—from large plants to our homes. But today, with solar panels on roofs, batteries in garages, and smart devices everywhere, homes can both consume and produce power. This creates an opportunity that could transform how we keep the lights on. Here's why this matters now: 1. The Growing Challenge - America needs 128 gigawatts of new power by 2029 - That's like building 60 large power plants - Traditional solutions take 5+ years to build - Climate change making grid more vulnerable 2. The Hidden Resource - Millions of homes have smart thermostats - Electric vehicles can store massive power - Home batteries becoming common - Each device can adjust power use instantly 3. The Breakthrough Solution - New software connects these devices together - Thousands of homes act as one virtual power plant - Automatically reduces strain during peak times - Pays homeowners for participating Here's what makes this exciting: Instead of spending $35 billion on new power plants we rarely use, we could tap into the power-shifting potential that already exists in our homes. It's like having a backup power plant that's invisible, clean, and pays you to be part of it. Question for energy innovators: How do we make joining a virtual power plant as simple as installing a smart thermostat? What would convince you to participate? #EnergyInnovation #GridResilience #CleanTech #FutureOfEnergy

Accelerating Clean Energy Through Collaboration ~ The Joint Transmission Interconnection Queue (JTIQ) Framework The path to a more sustainable energy future requires innovative solutions and collaboration across the energy sector. A shining example of this is the Joint Transmission Interconnection Queue (JTIQ) framework, a partnership between MISO and SPP, designed to streamline renewable energy integration and enhance grid reliability. In October 2023, the JTIQ framework gained significant momentum with a $464 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and $1.3 billion in utility investments, reflecting a robust financial and collaborative commitment to improving energy infrastructure. Since then, the progress has been remarkable: ~November 2024: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the JTIQ transmission plans, paving the way for five 345-kV transmission projects along the MISO-SPP seam. These projects will enable the integration of approximately 29 GW of new renewable generation capacity and are expected to begin coming online by 2031. ~Ongoing Impact: These developments continue to address critical transmission constraints, enhance grid reliability, and promote the efficient interconnection of renewable energy resources. Why This Matters for the Entire Country The JTIQ framework’s impact extends far beyond the MISO-SPP region, shaping the energy landscape across the United States: ~JTIQ demonstrates how to overcome transmission bottlenecks, offering a scalable solution for other regions to integrate renewable energy more efficiently. ~Enhancing grid connectivity supports a stable, resilient energy network, setting a standard for modernization nationwide. ~ Production cost savings from JTIQ projects can translate to lower electricity prices for consumers, benefiting households and businesses across the country. ~The success of federal and private sector collaboration in JTIQ provides a replicable model for financing large-scale energy infrastructure. ~JTIQ highlights how Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) can work together to solve complex challenges, paving the way for a more unified national grid. Key Outcomes ~Unlocking vast renewable energy potential. ~Delivering billions in savings through improved grid efficiency. ~Strengthening grid resilience and supporting energy transition goals. The JTIQ framework underscores the importance of forward-thinking strategies to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape. Together, we can build a cleaner, more reliable energy future. What are your thoughts on the progress made by the JTIQ framework, and how do you see it shaping the future of energy? Let’s discuss! #RenewableEnergy #GridInnovation #Collaboration #Leadership #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #PublicPrivatePartnerships #GridModernization #EnergyLeadership #seetheopportunityineverydifficulty