Disrupting The Central Power Grid

Going Green had the chance to talk to Chris Melley is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rogue Energy Ventures about his experience working in cleantech energy and disrupting the central power grid.

Tell us about your background: 

I am the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rogue Energy Ventures. My career in the power industry includes power trading and hedging, PPAs, integration of operating renewable/alternative energy technologies and projects, and adopting disruptive business models into the energy ecosystem.

I started his career with NextEra Energy (FPL) in roles as a Quantitative Analyst, Trader, Portfolio Manager, and Senior Manager of Innovation optimizing energy solutions for large C&I customers, municipalities, and utilities. Other Senior Director/Vice President roles included leading teams developing utility-scale renewable projects for a Morgan Stanley Venture, Siemens/Gamesa Energy, Origis Energy, and with ABB integrating solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) and Microgrids in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

My passion for optimizing the use of energy comes from seeing first hand how large utilities operate their legacy infrastructure, leading the successful deployment of large scale renewable generation, and my work with battery energy storage projects and technologies that complement (and supplement) the legacy grid.

I have a strategic industry perspective that includes economics, trading, and an operations background that allows me to communicate solutions to problems using new complex technologies, concepts, and processes in a format that is easily understood by customers, engineers, consultants, and stakeholders.

As a leader, team member, and change agent, I have a successful track record of complex transactions, acquisitions, and developed producing assets. His network across the energy industry includes thought leaders, traders, VC’s, manufacturers, consultants, banks, and utility partners.

What caused you to get into your industry? 

I started as a Quantitative Analyst on an energy trading desk after B-School in 2000. Worked with amazing people and for the company that was the leader in renewable energy in the U.S. (FPL/NextEra Energy) It’s been exciting to see how the industry is changing now that the economics of renewables, battery storage, and efficiency are coming together to accelerate a transition to clean energy.

What trends are you seeing in your industry? 

The move to more sustainable energy is disrupting the traditional model of a centrally planned power grid. We now have more opportunities for consumers both large and small to have more choices and control over how they get their electricity.  Decarbonization, Decentralization, and Digitizitation are not slogans any more… They are themes being put into practice.

What is one Action Item for our listeners and viewers to take away from this conversation? 

The how, when, and where energy is created and consumed is changing… Are you?

This is a challenge I use to open up discussions and educate audiences, customers, and partners about how economics and technology have changed to support innovation in our energy ecosystem.

Thank you Chris, for taking the time and sharing your experience disrupting the central power grid.

Our goal on Going Green is to bring you the latest in green technology advancements, while also giving you action items to takeaway and apply to your life. We focus a lot on energy, transportation, finance, and media.

Chris is an upcoming guest on the Going Green podcast. Going Green interviews leading experts in cleantech, sustainability, media, finance, and real estate on the Going Green podcast. Tune in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple or Spotify to listen to interviews with leading cleantech and sustainable experts.