In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with clean energy visionary Jigar Shah, former director of the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, to imagine how we’d build the U.S. grid if we started fresh today. Instead of patching 100-year-old infrastructure, what if we designed around the tools of now — microgrids, distributed energy resources, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration? In this episode, we explore interconnection bottlenecks, the path to V2G readiness, and how data centers might actually stabilize the grid rather than strain it. The conversation points toward a future of abundant, affordable electricity powering human flourishing.Key Points:<ul><li>Local First – Microgrids that connect regionally create resilience, cost control, and a diversified mix where no resource dominates.</li><li>Flexibility Over Peakers – Distributed batteries, V2G, and flexible demand can replace expensive peaker plants and defer costly upgrades.</li><li>Data Center Dividend – With co-investment in storage, data centers can stabilize the grid and lower bills while apps and incentives make participation effortless.</li></ul> <h2>&nbsp;</h2><ul><li>Jigar Shah, former director of the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/lpo/about-loan-programs-office?nrg_redirect=227671" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jigarshahdc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li></ul> Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of <a href="https://technica.inc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Technica Communications</a>, and Founder of <a href="https://www.womenincleantechsustainability.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Women in Cleantech and Sustainability</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannpinkerton/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>🚀 Calling all Earthlings…&nbsp;&nbsp;Visit our <a href="https://earthlingspodcast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> for more episodes!Sign up to our <a href="https://theearthlingspodcast.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">newsletter</a> for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures!&nbsp;We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QjZGBcv41Kgl4TbKEP2US-SiooH_R9812UBapuqudFs/edit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey.</a> Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our <a href="https://earthlingspodcast.com/episodes/life-at-3-c/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Life at 3C episode</a> on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our <a href="http://patreon.com/TheEarthlingsPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Patreon Page</a>.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news:&nbsp;<ul><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthlings-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earthlingspod/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Follow us on our<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086533328643" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Facebook Page</a></li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/earthlingspod?lang=de" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">X</a>&nbsp;</li></ul> Thanks to <a href="https://resourcelabs.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Resource Labs</a> for having us on the network!Mentioned in this episode:Q3 End CreditsGreenlane, Ampion, Tigo, USBI, 247 SolarQ3 Tigo Pre-Roll

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126: Jigar Shah and Modern Energy Tech for a 100-Year-Old Grid

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