Episode 804
804: From DOE to IREC: Maria Robinson’s Mission to Modernize Energy Access
When Maria Robinson took the helm at the Grid Deployment Office within the US Department of Energy (US DOE), she stepped into one of the most pivotal (and difficult) roles in the clean energy transition.
Now that she’s no longer a government employee, Maria reveals what really happens inside DOE decision-making rooms, why the grid is far more fragile than most realize, and how her new role as CEO of IREC is helping shift the power back to the people.
From wildfire response to data center load growth and interconnection bottlenecks, Maria clearly understands what is driving (or stifling) our energy transition —you don’t want to miss this conversation.
🔌 Why our grid is more outdated than you think
🔥 The inside story of DOE’s wildfire response efforts
📊 What solar pros need to know about FERC (and why they’re not paying attention)
🧩 How IREC is taking on the hard problems utilities don’t want to face
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