EDPR NA's Vidha Dixit and Martin Motta, Episode 5, Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy

Summary

In this episode, Wes Ashworth interviews Vidha Dixit and Martin Motta from EDPR North America. They discuss the innovation themes and programs at EDP Renewables, including internal and external innovation initiatives. They also talk about the importance of ESG goals and efforts at EDPR North America and how they integrate into the business model. The challenges and accomplishments in the renewable energy sector are highlighted, along with advice for professionals starting their careers in the industry. The episode concludes with a vision for the future of renewable energy and the role of collaboration in achieving sustainability goals. The conversation explores the initiatives and technologies that EDP Renewables North America and EDP Group are working on to achieve sustainability. They emphasize the importance of striking a balance and being able to sustain these efforts over an extended period of time. The guests also discuss the need for innovation and sustainability in all areas of their work.

Takeaways

• EDP Renewables focuses on optimizing the value of existing assets, building blocks for next-gen products, and investing in green tech.
• EDPR North America has internal innovation programs like UInnovate and external programs like Energy Starter and Free Electrons to collaborate with startups and drive innovation.
• EDPR North America has made strategic investments in companies like Captura to expand into carbon capture technology.
• ESG goals at EDPR North America include decarbonization, empowering communities, protecting the planet, and building a sustainable supply chain.
• Challenges in implementing ESG principles include talent recruitment, regulatory differences, and supply chain transparency.
• The future of renewable energy involves trends like comprehensive ESG practices, responsible sourcing, and partnerships for circularity and sustainability.
• Collaboration between the innovation and ESG departments at EDPR North America is crucial for achieving common goals.
• Professionals starting their careers in renewable energy should seek education and training opportunities and explore various roles within the industry.
• The vision for the future of renewable energy includes balance in generation resources, resilience of energy systems, and continued innovation and collaboration. Striking a balance is crucial for achieving sustainability in renewable energy.
• Getting involved in organizations and research in the renewable energy field can provide valuable opportunities and knowledge.
• Collaboration and partnerships are essential for growth and finding new perspectives.
• Sharing information and spreading awareness is key to advancing the renewable energy industry.

Links:
Vidha Dixit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidhadixit/
Martin Motta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-motta/
Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/ 
EDPR NA: https://www.edpr.com/north-america/
Energy Starter: https://theenergystarter.com/
Free Electrons: https://freeelectrons.org/
Medium Article: https://medium.com/@joaomarquez.filipe/why-edp-invested-in-captura-88e9c73aa5e3
Women in Renewable Energy: https://womeninrenewableenergy.ca/
RISE: https://riserenewable.energy/
EPRI: https://www.epri.com/
NREL: https://www.nrel.gov/