05/16/2022
In March, we were very pleased to announce that New Energy Risk is now a wholly-owned division of Paragon, a national MGA. Our acquisition continues Paragon’s expansion into the global specialty excess and surplus lines market. The two companies have had a long-standing relationship, and this alliance will strengthen NER’s ability to provide clients with insurance solutions that accelerate breakthrough technologies.
NER continues to be supported by our existing insurance capacity providers, including key relationships with AXA XL and Markel. In most regards, it’s ‘business as usual’ here. Our eyes, and those of our partners, remain focused as always on emerging solutions to global challenges. Read about some of those innovations and much more in this issue of The NERgizer.
INNER CIRCLE: Welcoming Our New-Hire, Ben!
TALK NERDY TO ME: Musings From the Team
When we look up from our risk models, our team has a lot to say about topics that pique our interest and hopefully yours. (Keep up with our writing anytime on our blog.)
Build Back Better Isn’t Enough
Our president, Brentan Alexander, examines how investments in new research and infrastructure alone are not enough to make progress on climate projects held back by regulations and permitting.
Reducing Emissions with Forest Maintenance
As a contributor to Berkeley Law‘s report from the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment, our managing director of business development, Matt Lucas, explored “opportunities to improve the market for debris material.”
And from the desk of our chief actuary, Sherry Huang, comes the latest in her interview series focused on professionals whose paths inspire us. Meet Kathleen Carey, VP of underwriting operations for Paragon, NER’s new owner. We’ve enjoyed getting to know Kathleen as she supports NER’s licensing and more. Read more about her career path and Paragon’s growth.
GENERAL INTEREST: News We’re Following
What’s caught our eye on broad-ranging topics related to energy, tech, innovation, and more…
TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS
- Is Hydrogen the Fuel of the Future?
From PBS NewsHour, an examination of green hydrogen’s potential to overtake incumbent fuels, including gasoline. What if water were the only emission from your car? - A Primer on Bioplastics
A greener solution to conventional plastic, which is rarely recycled and slow to degrade, are alternatives from within the circular economy. From The Digest, this handy overview describes the bioplastics that can help eliminate pollution. - Solar Will Prosper Due to Russia’s War
As countries turn away from Russian oil, solar producers are predicting an accelerating demand for renewable energy in Europe. Read more about one Chinese company’s forecast in Bloomberg. - What to Do with Those Refineries?
As global refinery assets are retired, there is an opportunity for renewable fuels and chemical recycling to ramp up. One example: LyondellBasell planned to shutter in Houston by 2023, but now may be coming around to the circular economy.
FUNDING AND INNOVATION
- $1 Billion for Carbon Removal
Also from Bloomberg, how Stripe, Alphabet, Meta, and others are stepping up investments in carbon capture technologies. - Raising Debt, for Startups
A helpful outline of debt options and structures for startups from a16z. (NER’s clients mostly utilize project finance, which is outside of this article’s scope, though still a flavor of ‘asset backed’ debt.) - World Changing Ideas in Energy
Fast Company has named its annual list of leading innovators, and NER is pleased to see some of our friends on the list, including our longest-running client, Bloom Energy. Congratulations to all for the recognition! - A New School for Climate
Stanford University has received $1.1 billion to create the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, with studies including the advancement of energy technologies and “technology solutions to the climate crisis,” as reported in The New York Times.
CONFERENCE CORNER: See You Out There
- Circularity from VERGE, May 17, Atlanta
- Energy Innovation Summit from ARPA-E, May 23, Denver
- Biogas Americas from American Biogas Council, May 23, Las Vegas
- Financing America’s Infrastructure from Proximo, May 24, Nashville
- Process Development Symposium from AIChE, June 7, Philadelphia
- Women in Insurance Leadership from Digital Insurance, June 8, New Orleans
- BIO Impact from Biotechnology Innovation Organization, June 13, San Diego
- Innovation Summit from Global Corporate Venturing, June 22, Monterey, CA
- Green Finance from GreenBiz, June 28, New York City
CELEBRATING OUR NEW OWNER: A Picnic Party
Read NER’s monthly newsletter here.