“Our biggest barrier right now is speed. We want to go fast. And we are working with utility partners…they have to make sure they have reliability. So we’re trying to pair the two up. How can we go quickly and reliably?”
-Ray Fakhoury, Energy Policy Manager, Amazon Web Services
In this episode of Good Energy, Ray Fakhoury of Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides a major power consumer’s perspective on the rising power demand from technology and electrification.
As AWS’ energy policy manager, Fakhoury looks to establish energy markets that allow AWS to meet its energy needs. Demand for power is rising but Fakhoury expresses optimism about the future. America is seeing a trend of supply chain onshoring and electrification, and there are also major investments being made in improving the country’s grid infrastructure.
In discussing AWS’ long-term energy challenges, Fakhoury says that the company’s biggest barrier is the speed of bringing energy generation online and balancing that with the reliability priorities of grid operators. He says that AWS wants to be helpful without being disruptive. The company is becoming more involved in rate cases across the country to make sure that they are paying their fair share into the grid.
Right now, AWS is communicating with utilities to see which markets have excess energy capacity, ample transmission, and other infrastructure, while also thinking about their energy needs for the next several decades. Through Climate Pledge, Amazon is looking to reach net zero emissions by 2040, and they are working to build solar projects to help meet that goal.
When considering policy recommendations, Farkhoury emphasizes the need for stability and predictability. Looking forward, he is excited about opportunities for local utilities to identify the availability of transmission capacity to accelerate project development.
From in-depth interviews with industry leaders to insightful discussions on the rapid growth of solar and storage in the United States, Good Energy connects you with the heartbeat of the solar industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about the future of energy, tune in to stay informed and inspired about the bright future of solar. Listen to full episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
special guest
Ray Fakhoury
Energy Policy Manager, Amazon Web Services
Based in Washington, D.C., Ray Fakhoury is an Energy Policy Manager for Amazon Web Services leading policy advocacy that increases access to carbon free energy resources in the East and on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining AWS, Ray worked as a Senior Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for Pattern Energy, an independent power producer developing utility scale wind, solar, and transmission facilities, and for Advanced Energy United, a national trade organization advocating for clean, secure, affordable energy resources. Ray graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelors degree in Political Science.
good energy
Meet Our Podcast Hosts
podcast
All Resources ->Watch More Good Energy
related content
You May Also Like
