The Clean Energy Edge · 2026-06-18 · 5 min
As electricity demand continues to grow from AI, data centers, manufacturing, electrification, and grid modernization, the energy industry faces a challenge that doesn't get nearly enough attention: Who's going to build it all? In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ discusses the growing labor constraints impacting utility-scale solar and energy infrastructure projects across North America. Drawing on decades of experience in the power generation industry, including time as an IBEW electrician and managing large-scale power projects, Russ explores why labor availability is becoming a critical factor in project execution, schedules, costs, and deployment speed. The episode also examines how innovative deployment approaches are helping developers, EPCs, utilities, engineering firms, and project owners rethink how solar projects are built by reducing labor requirements, improving safety, and accelerating construction schedules.
Episode 91: Why Farmers Are Putting Solar Panels in Their Fields31 / 100Episode 92: What If Solar Needed Half the Land?Episode 90: Build Solar 10X Faster? Here's How.Episode 89: We Need More Power. So What's The Hold Up?Episode 87: Your Electric Bill Is Going Up Again. Here's Why.