Political Climate

Win or Learn: Shane Battier on Energy’s March Madness Moment

Mar 31, 2026
Shane Battier, former Duke star and two-time NBA champion turned clean energy leader at Palmetto, brings a sports mindset to cleantech. He connects March Madness lessons to building culture, resilience, and storytelling for solar. The conversation also dives into CERA Week takeaways, AI power strategies, grid utilization, a surprising coal comeback, and shifting offshore wind plans.
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ADVICE

Start Where You Are Now

  • Start acting now rather than waiting for perfect conditions; small steps compound over time.
  • Battier’s simple rule: “When's the best time to plant a tree? Yesterday,” urging immediate action in energy adoption.
INSIGHT

Regulatory Split Over Hyperscaler Engagement

  • Regulators worry hyperscalers aren’t engaging, but hyperscalers are actively hiring and negotiating with FERC.
  • Neil Chatterjee flagged a potential split at FERC between a cautious chair and a commissioner pushing bolder AI-era grid changes.
INSIGHT

Two Competing Models To Power AI

  • Hyperscalers are using two divergent models to power AI: flexible demand-plus-storage versus large new thermal and transmission builds.
  • Google’s Michigan plan pairs 2.7 GW of new resources with 1 GW of demand response; SB Energy proposes 9.3 GW gas-led buildout in Ohio.
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