When you start something big like the clean energy transition, you have to think big and take risks. If you're an energy professional, want to become one, or want to understand how ripples turn into tsunamis, you'll enjoy today's guest, Tom Weirich. Tom is the author of "We Took the Risk," a book that chronicles the pioneers who made wind, solar and energy storage happen in the US.
Tom Weirich is the head of Marketing & Stakeholder Relations at EDP Renewables. His book, We Took the Risk: The Stories Behind the Early Risk-Takers in the U.S. Renewable Energy Industry and the Leadership Traits That Made Them a Success, is a testament to the passion, intelligence, vision and moxie that built the foundation for the clean energy transition.
Tom has been a facilitator in building collaboration and connecting key players in the global renewable energy industry for over 18 years, having worked with teams that have closed over 243 renewable energy transactions with a combined enterprise value of $66 billion. He was previously Vice President of Corporate Relations at the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) where he worked for 12 years. He also served under the Obama Administration twice in honorary roles, advising both the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative on renewable energy trade and manufacturing policies.
We Took the Risk dives into the personal journeys of 25 executives who, through their own combination of traits, took on the challenges of an early U.S. renewable energy industry. This book lets you view the beginnings of the industry as if you were there, in lock step with these entrepreneurial leaders as they sift through decisions that would forever impact the trajectory of renewables in the U.S.
On this episode of Clean Power Hour, Tom joins Tim to discuss this book, why he wrote the book, the executives featured in the book and much more.
If you’re looking to get inspired in your current work in renewables, or looking to launch into a career in renewables and figure out a game-plan, this is the episode for you. Don’t miss it!
Key Takeaways
1. What the inspiration is behind the book, We took the risk
2. Who are the executives featured in the book.
3. His early days at ACORE.
4. What sets the risk takers apart from others in the industry.
5. What advice would you give to clean energy professionals in or thinking of joining the industry?
