Unveiling the Potential of Brownfield Sites with Carey Kling, Director at CleanCapital | Season Seven, Episode Thirteen

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!    From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.   In this episode of Conversations in Cleantech our host, Ben Sparks chats with Carey Kling, director at CleanCapital, a 20-year cleantech veteran with a fascinating background that blends geology, environmentalism, and economics.   Imagine a world where former industrial sites become beacons of clean energy. This episode explores that very idea, delving into the potential of brownfield sites to become the next generation of solar and storage facilities.   Carey, with her unique perspective, sheds light on the exciting possibilities of brownfield redevelopment. She'll discuss the key advantages these sites offer - existing infrastructure, zoning perks, and minimal environmental disruption – making them prime candidates for clean energy investment.     But it's not all sunshine and solar panels. The conversation will also tackle the challenges of brownfield development, from navigating environmental concerns to ensuring project profitability in a fluctuating financial landscape.   Join Ben and Carey for an insightful discussion that explores the potential of brownfields to accelerate the clean energy transition.  Learn how these overlooked spaces can be transformed into sustainable powerhouses, paving the way for a greener future.   00:49 - Introduction to Carey 01:32 - Can you tell us about your journey to CleanCapital, including your background and the key experiences that shaped your career in cleantech? 04:28 - What does living your purpose look like for you? 04:56 - Can you explain what brownfield sites are and why they're becoming key players in the clean energy transition? 06:04 - Can you elaborate on CleanCapital's current focus on brownfield acquisitions and their competitive edge in this space? 06:54 - Looking back, what criteria have you used to identify organisations with strong purpose, culture, and the right team, ensuring a good fit for you? 07:34 - You mentioned your love for the outdoors. How did that passion lead you to a career in renewable energy? 08:20 - What are the biggest tailwinds and headwinds you see for investing in brownfield projects? 10:08 - Beyond financing, what are the main differences between brownfield and traditional utility-scale solar projects, and why do you think utility-scale dominates the US market currently? 11:37 - For someone interested in developing brownfield sites but lacking a hydrogeological background, what key challenges might they face, and what advice would you offer to overcome them? 13:36 - Is outright acquisition becoming a more common strategy for developers compared to leasing these sites? 14:32 - As we look towards the future of the US renewable energy sector, how do you see brownfield development playing a role, and what's your overall outlook on the financial health of renewables? 15:20 - While investor interest in renewables remains strong, there are signs of increased competition for funding. How do you see this shift in the investment landscape impacting project financing? 16:35 - Beyond brownfield development, which other areas of the renewable energy sector do you find particularly exciting? Connect with your host Ben Sparks on LinkedIn. Find your guest Carey Kling on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith. This is a Loaded Hype production.