The Clean Energy Edge · 2026-06-25 · 5 min
Electricity demand is growing rapidly. AI. Data centers. Manufacturing. Grid modernization. Electrification. Everyone is talking about the need for more power generation. But there's a question that doesn't get asked often enough: How fast can we actually build it? In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates explores one of the biggest challenges facing the energy industry today - deployment speed. Drawing on decades of experience in power generation, project management, and construction, Russ discusses why project execution is becoming just as important as technology selection. The episode examines an innovative solar deployment approach capable of deploying approximately 1.65 MW per week with a crew of just 3-4 people, helping reduce labor requirements, simplify logistics, and accelerate project schedules.
Episode 91: Why Farmers Are Putting Solar Panels in Their Fields31 / 100Episode 92: What If Solar Needed Half the Land?Episode 89: We Need More Power. So What's The Hold Up?Episode 88: 70% Less Labor? The Future of Solar ConstructionEpisode 87: Your Electric Bill Is Going Up Again. Here's Why.