Watts Up Renewables

🚀 Laser beams from space, wind trivia, career advice, and plenty of laughs — this episode has a little bit of everything!
Returning guest Wendy Jorgensen joins Adam for another fun and wide-ranging conversation on the Watt’s Up Renewables Podcast.
☀️ We dive into some seriously futuristic renewable energy technology, including a company testing the idea of using satellites in space to reflect sunlight back toward solar farms, potentially extending solar power production beyond normal daylight hours. It sounds like science fiction, but the technology being explored is very real.
🌬️ Then Wendy flips the script and puts Adam in the hot seat for a round of Tehachapi Wind Trivia to see just how much he really knows about one of the most iconic wind regions in the country.
The conversation also gets practical as Wendy and Adam talk about career paths in renewable energy, what people should consider when entering the industry, and some valuable interview tips and tricks for standing out and making a strong impression. 💼
👷‍♀️ They also discuss the growing importance and impact of women in renewable energy, the value of bringing different perspectives into the industry, and why creating opportunities for more women to build long-term careers in renewables matters.
From space technology to wind turbines to landing your next job, this is a fun conversation packed with laughs, interesting ideas, and advice you can actually use.
🎙️ Tune in and see how Adam does in Wendy’s Tehachapi Wind Trivia!

What if the fastest way to produce more wind energy isn’t building new turbines—but improving the ones already spinning? 🌬️⚡
On this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we welcome back Ben Wood, CEO & CTO of Anakata Wind Power Recources, to explore how advanced aerodynamic blade upgrades can improve turbine performance, maximize efficiency, increase energy production, and help owners get more value from their existing wind assets.
Ben also shares how his experience in Formula 1 engineering helped shape Anakata’s approach to wind technology—bringing high-performance aerodynamics from the racetrack to renewable energy. 🏎️💨
Would you rather build more turbines or get more power from the ones already in the field?
👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations with the people powering the future of renewable energy.

What if reliable power could be produced without traditional combustion—and scaled to meet nearly any energy demand? ⚡ In this ACP special, Taijuan Thomas of Mainspring Energy introduces us to linear generators and the innovative technology changing how we think about power generation.
Taijuan explains how linear generators work, what makes them different from conventional systems, and how multiple units can be combined to support a wide range of power needs. From smaller applications to large-scale operations, this flexible technology can be configured to deliver dependable energy while supporting a more efficient energy future. 🔋
Tune in for an informative conversation about innovation, flexibility, and the next generation of power production. 🎙️

Find out why safety at the substation goes far beyond protecting the technicians working on-site. 💥In this ACP 26 interview special, we chat with Kyle Shircliffe of Powerwave Services to discuss the critical work performed on medium- and high-voltage transformers. ⚡️
Kyle explains why safety at the substation goes far beyond protecting the technicians working on-site. The decisions, procedures, and precautions taken around high-voltage equipment can directly affect workers and communities farther down the power line—and, in some cases, may ultimately save lives. 
Tune in for an important conversation about transformer safety, accountability, and the far-reaching impact of doing the job right. ✅

In this ACP special, we talk with Mike Goodman of ORR Protection to discuss why fire safety is critical—not only for the boots on the ground 👷, but also for protecting renewable energy assets and projects. 🔥
Mike shares valuable insight into the risks teams face in the field, the importance of proactive fire protection, and how ORR Protection helps companies safeguard their people, equipment, and investments. Tune in to learn how the right fire safety solutions can make a meaningful difference across your projects. 🛡️

⚡🔍 At ACP 26, we sat down with Omar Bakr and Alan Tennery of Quantum Solutions to discuss their groundbreaking "Invisible Technology."
In this episode, we explore how their advanced imaging technology allows teams to see deeper into solar panels, identifying hidden defects and potential failures before they become costly problems. It's an exciting look at how innovation is helping improve reliability, performance, and the future of solar energy.
🎙️ Tune in to discover how Quantum Solutions is making the invisible, visible!#CleanPower26 #InvisibleTechnology #RenewableEnergy #EnergyPodcast

⚡ This Father's Day Special is one of our most meaningful episodes yet. We step away from the technical side of renewable energy to celebrate the people who make it all worthwhile—our families. 💙🌎
🎙️ Host Adam Tiefenthaler is joined by his son, along with three other fathers and their sons who have all been shaped by the renewable energy industry. Together, they share stories, laughs, and honest conversations about fatherhood, family, and the unique bond created by working in the same industry across generations. 🤝⚙️
From the excitement of becoming a new dad, to the wisdom that comes with being a grandfather, this episode explores the different stages of a man's life and how each season brings new challenges, new perspectives, and a deeper sense of purpose. We also dive into the realities of working in renewable energy—the long hours, time away from home, and the sacrifices families make to help keep the lights on and communities powered. 🌬️🌞
Whether you're a father, son, mentor, or someone who simply values family, this conversation is a reminder that behind every wind turbine turning and every solar panel producing power are the hardworking people and families who make it all possible. 🛠️
Happy Father's Day from all of us at Watt's Up Renewables! We hope this special episode reminds you to appreciate the people who have shaped your journey—both at home and throughout your career. Here's to the dads who lead, teach, provide, and inspire the next generation. 💪👨‍👦
#FathersDay #RenewableEnergy #WattsUpRenewables #WindEnergy #CleanEnergy #Family #Podcast

💥 At ACP 26, we had the privilege of talking with Milton Floch of Holt Wind Resources for a conversation that celebrates a remarkable career in renewable energy.
As Milton prepares for retirement, he reflects on the path that brought him into the industry, the projects and people that shaped his journey, and the lasting impact he's made along the way. 👷‍♂️ From the relationships he's built to the lessons learned over the years, Milton shares a heartfelt perspective on what has made his career so rewarding. 🤝
This episode is a reminder that while technology continues to drive the renewable energy industry forward, it's the people behind it who leave the greatest legacy. ⚡ Whether you're just starting your career or have spent decades in the field, Milton's story is one you won't want to miss. 🎙️#WattsUpRenewables #RenewableRetirement #Reflection #CleanPower26 #RenewableEnergy

⚡ At ACP 26, talked with Forrest Dyer of OEL Worldwide Industries to discuss what makes their family-owned business stand out in the renewable energy industry. Forrest shares how a strong commitment to family values, customer relationships, and quality service has helped shape OEL's success. 🤝 We also talk about the importance of company culture, building trust, and staying true to your mission in a rapidly growing industry. 🌎 If you're interested in the people behind renewable energy and the values that drive lasting success, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎙️#RenewableEnergy #CleanPower26 #CleanEnergy #FamilyBusiness #WattsUpRenewables

What happens when Formula 1 engineering meets renewable energy? 🚀⚡
At ACP 26, we sat down with Ben Wood of Anakata Wind Power Resources to explore how innovative aerodynamic technology is helping wind turbines perform better than ever. Drawing inspiration from the high-performance world of Formula 1 racing, Ben and his team are developing advanced blade attachments designed to improve efficiency, increase energy production, and enhance the overall robustness of wind assets in the field.
In this episode, Ben breaks down the science behind aerodynamic optimization, how small design changes can create significant performance gains, and why cross-industry innovation is driving the next generation of renewable energy solutions. It's a fascinating look at how lessons learned on the racetrack are being applied to some of the world's largest renewable energy assets.
Whether you're a wind technician, engineer, asset owner, or simply curious about cutting-edge renewable technology, this conversation offers a unique perspective on the future of wind energy performance and reliability.