Senior BD Manager SaaS Analytics for the Energy Transition | Strategy Development | Solar/BESS Asset Management for High Growth Markets
I entered renewables in 1985 while living on an off-grid cattle ranch in Northern Arizona. That 35-watt Arco solar panel, Heart inverter, and some golf cart batteries turned a need into an opportunity. Today, a day after President Carter’s passing, I remember what made this incredible journey possible. I hope you enjoy this little piece of history and encourage you to share your journey. The renewable energy industry we know today traces its roots to the visionary policies of President Jimmy Carter. Facing skyrocketing energy prices and a dangerous reliance on foreign oil—especially from OPEC—Carter sought to reshape America’s energy future. His administration prioritized reducing dependence on oil and addressing monopolistic utility practices that hindered competition and innovation. With Carter’s leadership, visionaries like James Schlesinger, the first Secretary of Energy, Stuart Eizenstat, domestic policy advisor, and Frank Press, science advisor, worked alongside forward-thinking members of Congress to craft the National Energy Act of 1978 (NEA). This historic legislation aimed to diversify energy sources, enhance efficiency, and promote renewable energy adoption. Key provisions of the NEA, which continue to influence the energy landscape, included: Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA): Introduced reforms encouraging competition by requiring utilities to purchase power from independent producers, spurring renewable energy development. Tax Credits for Energy Conservation: Incentivized homeowners to install solar thermal systems and adopt energy-efficient improvements. Loans and Grants for Efficiency: Enabled funding for public and private entities to implement energy conservation measures and improve efficiency. Carter’s energy strategy extended beyond legislation. In 1977, his administration created the U.S. Department of Energy to centralize energy policy and prioritize research into sustainable solutions. Among its achievements was the founding of the Solar Energy Research Institute in Golden, Colorado, which later became the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)—a cornerstone of clean energy innovation. Carter’s dedication to sustainability was exemplified in his famous “Moral Equivalent of War” speech, where he urged Americans to embrace conservation and renewable energy as national priorities. Though the first interconnection standards for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems would not emerge until 1998—two decades after his presidency—Carter’s policies laid the groundwork for the following renewable energy boom. Carter and his team's foresight continues to shape the energy sector. Their vision anticipated the challenges of the 21st century and established a foundation for today’s renewable energy revolution.
Mohamed Al-Emam
1mo
Thanks Andy Kruse for sharing this inspiring history of renewables and President Carter’s contributions. While his administration laid the groundwork for today’s renewable energy revolution, his nuclear policies had a negative impact. Carter halted nuclear fuel reprocessing in 1977, slowing the industry that began with Eisenhower’s Atoms for Peace in 1953. Meanwhile, China now leads in manufacturing renewables and batteries, dominating the global market. That said, nuclear energy remains critical for baseload power, complementing intermittent renewables. Programs like the DOE’s ARDP and NEIMA continue to advance nuclear technology. How do you see these efforts balancing with renewable energy for a resilient energy mix?
Brian Gregory
1mo
Not often noted was how generous the original subsidies were. So much so, fast-buck developers were putting up rickety towers for wind turbines with 2x4's for blades. The wealthy investors didn't care; the tax credit was so big, production didn't matter. I saw it happen. This lack of quality nearly killed the wind industry (no credits are forever). Luckily, it didn't. Still, this is a cautionary tale for over-generous subsidies, and how PTC's are superior from a cost-benefit basis.
Ezra A.
1mo
Thanks Andy - we entered the industry around the same time and indeed the foundation of our careers was the forsight the Carter brought to energy. Conserve baby conserve is a great legacy for him to have left behind.
Peter Lowenthal
1mo
Great post Andy, I sure hope the folks in Xinjiang we visited and shared that yummy yak milk are paying less for modules and tubines these days, Thanks
Lawrence H. Mott
1mo
Good to reflect on this, as history is a motivating tool for present initiatives/actions. And, yes, fun to recall our early times together Andy, stemming from the wind turbine I built with David Blittersdorf while in college in 1985, working with you Trevor at Northern and glad to say still at it, as I work on our grid, which President Carter would prioritize today.
Peter Allison
1mo
Thanks for sharing.
Kitty Chachra
1mo
Thanks for the complete story Andy Kruse. It needs to be told again and again to the world.
chris lewis
1mo
I like the recognition
Associate Real Estate Broker at Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty
1moThank you Andy for the history review. JCarter molded my career for many years. I was honored to install a small restored Allied wind turbine for demonstration at his speech at SERI/NREL. I was given a "sargent" lapel badge from Secret Service to be within a few yards of him. They asked me to furl the tail to keep him out of the plane of the rotor disk rotation. What an experience....