Processing and practicing gratitude

A crazy year for elections - not in the ways you might think

Dear friends,

I got a text earlier in our Harvard U Clean Energy Group (HUCEG) co-pres group chat that spans 3 generations. It was endearing. My “littles” sent me a video from the packed room where 40+ Harvard College students gathered in the Harvard University Center for Environment room.

It’s a crazy year for elections.

It’s the first year that HUCEG has contested presidential candidates. The mission and community continue to strengthen. The Clean Energy Group is a space and vibe that has deeply touched people, our next generation of leaders, and that is going to create momentum that will not stop.

There are so many people who care about climate and clean energy. This is on a Sunday afternoon in Cambridge, and trust me, it’s not easy to get Harvard College students to take time out of their day. This photo and room mean a lot,

Trump may have gotten elected this year. Again.

But Antora, the clean energy company I currently work at, was founded in 2017. Trump was president then. Even in a Trump presidency, climate positive work can happen.

I had invigorating conversations this “Home Week” at Antora. Our Director of Federal Affairs shared how, in the past, as the FEDs pulled out, voluntary markets stepped in. A couple other reasons I’m hopeful, though not at all comprehensive:

• A significant portion of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has already been distributed

• Permitting and regulatory changes stand to accelerate clean energy project development

• Incentives like the clean energy manufacturing tax credit (45X) and low-carbon fuel standards benefit many red states and so have bi-partisan support

Advanced manufacturing production tax credits went into effect at the beginning of 2023 and run through the end of 2032. For most manufactured goods, the credit value phases down in the later years:  to 75% of its value in 2030, 50% of its value in 2031, and 25% in 2032. Critical minerals are not subject to the phase out.

45X is a powerful incentive for domestic manufacturers. Clear visibility into the value of the credit over the next decade is supporting long-term investment decisions. According to data from the Clean Investment Monitor (CIM), investment in manufacturing since the passage of the IRA is up 305%, to $89 billion in 2023-2024, from $22 billion in 2020-2022. (Source: Crux)

Impacts of the Trump presidency on global energy include higher US fossil fuel exports (ie of LNG and oil which may reduce prices), reduced climate diplomacy, and potentially slower renewable energy adoption—though other countries may step up to become leaders in the transition, such as in Europe and Asia. My friend Arina wrote a clear eyed post for a speech to the World Energy Outlook launch at SciencesPo later this week.

You can read 6 silver linings in my friend Stella’s article here:

Post election: The fight for climate is far from over

All to say, this election may slow but will by no means stop the energy transition.

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A personal-ish life update: it’s been a busy time at Antora as we ramp up. As a “veteran” at a company that has tripled in size since I joined at our Series A stage (we are now Series B with 150 people), I’ve also had to scale myself. I’ve been learning a lot as an operator at a growth stage company, and building new functions within go-to-market and commercialization. Blah blah, corporate speak. Basically, I’ve had to challenge myself to build and rebuild systems of work and internal decision making.

As a pie grows, your slice of it can become smaller. Projects I once led are given to new members of the team. There were moments where I felt like I was being pushed away from work, but being able to let go of work that you cared about to let it flourish and breathe can be just as important as seeing things through “til the end”. I’ve been learning how work, especially strategic work, might not have an “end” per se.

I continue to have ambitions to build a company in the future. All around me I see white spaces to create new solutions, whether technologies or business models, across industries from agriculture to industry. I am itching to create other things that feel obvious, but recognize the gargantuan task that lies ahead when putting visions into reality. Sometimes, I feel frustrated by my ability to make an impact. I’m reminded of a time where I felt similarly in high school. The weight of the climate crisis feels heavier when you don’t feel agency.

For now, I am learning a lot from mentors and more about the industry. I am at a stage of incubating to make the most impact.

Thanks to conversations with friends and family, I have a mirror where I put a lot of pressure on myself. I will remind myself to pace myself. Thanks for processing with me!

This is me trying something new today. I’m writing this post in one sitting at a library next to Golden Gate Park.

I’m writing this post because what I appreciate about this platform on substack is being able to connect more deeply with friends in this Daylight Climate community.

I’m working on another article on the Climate Capital Stack, on clean energy project financing. It’s taking some time, as I get perspectives of later stage investors and other experts on first-of-a-kind project development. Stay tuned for this in a coming week. If you would like to share thoughts on an early draft, please send me a dm and I’d be delighted to get your thoughts!

Anyways, happy Sunday! Sending love and light as always. Wherever you are in your journey, know that you are not alone. You have at least 5 people who love you and want you to succeed, whatever that means to you, and likely many more.

With love,

Lisa