Expanding Mobility in Sacramento

Expanding Mobility in Sacramento

Apr 3, 2025

Surprise! There’s a lot more happening to improve mobility options in the Sacramento region than you might think. At our Cleantech Meetup on March 27, an overflow crowd learned about exciting transportation initiatives that SacRT and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) led.

We welcomed three expert speakers:

Anthony Adams, Director – Sacramento Regional Transit

Anthony Adams, Director – Sacramento Regional Transit

Angelina Moradzadeh, Founder– Aura Planning

Angelina Moradzadeh, Founder– Aura Planning

Jaime Lemus, Director – Sacramento Metro Air District

Jaime Lemus, Director – Sacramento Metro Air District

A New Vision for Sacramento’s Mobility Hubs

A key highlight of the discussion was the plan to create 52 multi-functional transportation hubs across the city, primarily using existing RT properties. The first hub is already live, with two more launching soon. These hubs will feature:

  • Rental e-bikes and e-scooters
  • Public EV charging stations
  • Pick-up/drop-off points for shared ride vehicles
  • Seamless transfers to bus and light rail networks

An innovative proposal even includes allowing Public Libraries to serve as bike and scooter rental locations. These initiatives aim to make it easier to travel without owning a car, while also encouraging electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

Business Opportunities in Mobility Innovation

This transformation opens huge opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. Success depends on:

  • Software development – Integrating scheduling, dispatch, and reservations across services like Uber, Lyft, and shared ride options.
  • Infrastructure growth – Building and maintaining transportation hubs, chargers, and payment systems.
  • User accessibility – Making mobility services easier for people who struggle with app-based reservations.

If you have a clever idea or a solution that aligns with this vision, now’s the time to act!

A Shift in Transportation Planning

Traditional urban planning has often focused on expanding roads, but Sacramento is embracing a multi-modal approach that supports:

  • Residents who prefer car-free living
  • Affordable alternatives to car ownership
  • Sustainable transportation options

This shift presents a rare opportunity for entrepreneurs to introduce new mobility products and services.

Get Involved: Attend Our Next Meetup

Want to learn more? Check out Presenter Slides here for additional insights.

  • Next In-person Event: The Science of Startup Success
  • Topic: Avoid wasting time and money in your startup journey.
  • Bonus: Great food and drinks provided!

Be part of the conversation—register on Eventbrite and join us in shaping the future of sustainable mobility!

Gary Simon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Simon chairs the CleanStart Board, bringing with him a wealth of experience from over 45 years in business, government, and non-profit sectors. Gary applies his deep understanding and experience to support the growth of clean energy initiatives and startups. His work is instrumental in guiding the organization towards achieving its goals of promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Sponsors

SMUD
ChicoSTART
RiverCity Bank

Revrnt, Witanlaw, Eco-Alpha, Momentum

Emrgy’s Hydropower Progress

Emrgy’s Hydropower Progress

Mar 26, 2025

On March 20, we heard from Emily Morris, CEO of Emergy, about the company’s impressive progress in revolutionizing hydropower technology. Since its founding in 2016, Emergy has been harnessing the power of flowing water in canals to generate electricity, providing a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution. When we first connected with Morris in 2023, the company was already making strides, but its growth has been remarkable in the last two years. Emergy is a prime example of what it takes to scale a cleantech startup and build wealth in the renewable energy sector.

Growing the Team and Scaling Operations

Emergy has expanded to 24 employees, reflecting its rapid development. However, Morris emphasizes that team building is one of the toughest challenges for any growing company. She advises that when a team member isn’t the right fit, it’s best to make changes sooner rather than later—a strategy that benefits both the company and the individual.

Emergy has standardized its hydropower units into factory-built modular kits to enhance efficiency and scalability. These systems, available in 5-25 kW sizes, are easily installed on-site using cranes or similar equipment, making deployment more accessible for a variety of locations.

Shifting to a Recurring Revenue Model

One of Emergy’s most significant advancements is its transition from an equipment sales model to a recurring revenue business. By adopting an energy-as-a-service approach, the company offers no money up-front installations, making projects more attractive to customers. Thanks to strategic de-risking through experience and data collection, investors are now willing to finance these installations in exchange for a portion of the revenue.

This financial backing was made possible through an $18 million Series A funding round, allowing Emergy to prove its new model and scale up operations. With this approach gaining traction, Emergy aims to install 15 MW of hydropower capacity in 2024, requiring the purchase of hundreds of units annually.

A Cost-Effective Renewable Energy Solution

Emergy is refining its value proposition, highlighting the affordability and reliability of its hydroelectric technology. Because water conveyance structures operate 24/7 for most of the year, the capacity factor remains high, and the cost of power is exceptionally low—around 5 cents per kWh. With installation costs between $3,000 and $4,000 per kW, these units present a compelling alternative to rising utility rates, particularly for farmers looking for behind-the-meter power sources to reduce electricity expenses.

Expanding Market Reach and Partnerships

To maximize its impact, Emergy is now targeting installations of 250 kW or more, using twin modules placed every 100 feet along a canal. These units generate DC power, which is then converted to AC using string inverters, much like solar energy systems.

As the company scales, it is actively seeking strategic partners to help identify and secure deals, oversee installations, and provide operations and maintenance (O&M) services. Morris recognizes that local partners are better positioned for deal-making, while Emergy focuses on project financing and system development.

A Global Vision for Hydropower

With over 2 million linear miles of water conveyance infrastructure worldwide, Emergy has only scratched the surface, having addressed just a few thousand miles so far. The company is now eyeing global expansion, aiming to bring its innovative, renewable energy solutions to a broader audience.

Learn More About Emergy’s Progress

For a deeper dive into Emergy’s journey, check out the full session on our YouTube Channel and revisit the 2023 discussion for more insights into how the company has evolved. Emergy’s story is an invaluable case study for anyone in cleantech, renewable energy, or startup development.

Stay tuned for more updates on cutting-edge clean energy innovations!

Gary Simon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Simon chairs the CleanStart Board, bringing with him a wealth of experience from over 45 years in business, government, and non-profit sectors. Gary applies his deep understanding and experience to support the growth of clean energy initiatives and startups. His work is instrumental in guiding the organization towards achieving its goals of promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Sponsors

SMUD
ChicoSTART
RiverCity Bank

Revrnt, Witanlaw, Eco-Alpha, Momentum

Big Opportunities in Grid Innovation

Big Opportunities in Grid Innovation

Jan 29, 2025

California’s electrical grid has become a central focus in the state’s energy transition. It is both a key to unlocking clean energy potential and a significant obstacle, as it has been waiting 36 months to connect new resources. This challenge, rooted in transforming a century-old one-way infrastructure into a two-way system with multiple input and offtake points, was the subject of a passionate discussion at our MeetUp on January 16. The event drew our largest crowd in months and highlighted some of the biggest opportunities for innovation and business growth in clean technology.

A Panel of Experts

We were honored to feature three distinguished panelists:

  • Anthony Pham, the State Affairs Analyst for the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the nonprofit private manager of the major grid in California and several western states.
  • Deji Sonoiki, the Director of Utilities for Momentum, a firm that helps innovators secure funding.
  • Shivani Ganguly, the CFO/COO of New Sun Road, which offers hardware and software solutions for managing microgrids and integrating them with the larger grid.

Their insights offered a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities facing the grid as it evolves.

The Scale of the Problem

Anthony Pham began by summarizing CAISO’s transmission outlook, which estimates that $46 to $63 billion in new transmission investments will be necessary. This significant figure sparked concern from attendees, particularly in light of recent record-breaking rate increases for consumers.

With the current grid operating at only 40% of its full capacity, many questioned whether existing infrastructure could be optimized before investing in costly new transmission lines. Traditionally, underutilizing expensive assets would be unthinkable in other industries. However, factors like diurnal load variations and safety margins for line outages complicate grid operations.

Possible Solutions

  1. Enhanced Transmission Lines: Deji Sonoiki shared that some of Momentum’s clients are exploring innovative technologies, such as TS Conductor’s advanced wires, which can increase the carrying capacity of existing lines by 2-3x.
  2. Microgrid Integration: Shivani Ganguly proposed reconfiguring the system with controllable microgrids. These would reduce reliance on high-voltage transmission lines while improving efficiency and resilience. She highlighted the capabilities of New Sun Road’s controllers and software in enabling smoother integration.

Future Demands and Challenges

Despite these innovative solutions, skepticism remains about whether they can address the anticipated influx of new generation from remote sources like offshore wind farms, increased electric vehicle (EV) charging demands, and the energy needs of AI data centers. CAISO’s recent load forecast reflects this challenge, with an increase of over 4,000 MW (from 73 GW to 77 GW) in its 20-year outlook to account for these changes.

Key Questions for Innovators

  • Can advancements make AI data centers less power-hungry?
  • Could better scheduling of EV charging reduce the need for additional capacity?
  • Will resistance to large grid investments drive breakthroughs in new technologies?

Bright Spots for Innovation

Thomas Hall noted that companies focused on grid enhancements represent a particularly promising area for investment in clean technology. This sector’s potential to attract new entrants underscores the opportunities available to innovators willing to tackle the grid’s challenges.

Join the Conversation

The discussion at our January MeetUp made it clear that grid innovation is both a pressing issue and a fertile ground for technological advancements. As the debate over investment and innovation continues, it’s essential to stay engaged.

Don’t miss future MeetUp topics that dive into critical issues like this. Join us.for stimulating evenings of conversation, learning, and networking with your peers.

Gary Simon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Simon chairs the CleanStart Board, bringing with him a wealth of experience from over 45 years in business, government, and non-profit sectors. Gary applies his deep understanding and experience to support the growth of clean energy initiatives and startups. His work is instrumental in guiding the organization towards achieving its goals of promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Sponsors

SMUD
ChicoSTART
RiverCity Bank

Revrnt, Witanlaw, Eco-Alpha, Momentum

Whats New with Hydrogen

Whats New with Hydrogen

Nov 1, 2021

Wondering where things stand on the transition to the greater use of hydrogen as part of the clean energy revolution?  We had a great discussion last night (October 28) with three individuals right at the center of activity.  We hosted Jennifer Hamilton of the California Fuel Cell Partnership, Roxanna Bekemohammadi, Executive Director of the Western States Hydrogen Alliance, and Leslie Goodbody of the Air Resources Board.  

We heard lots of interesting tidbits:

  •  The CEC has begun approving larger clusters of new fueling stations, rather than just a few at a time in an effort to pick up the pace.  About 50 stations are in operation and 60 in the pipeline, with a goal of having about 155 in operation by 2025.  Details are found in the latest AB 8 report from CARB.  Some of the details found there include new production facilities, the number of FCEVs deployed to date (7,993) and the impact of COVID on the roll out program.  The goal remains having 200 stations by 2025.
  • The difference between the wholesale price of hydrogen (around $3 per kilogram which equivalent energy to a gallon of gasoline) and the retail pump price (about $12 per kg) will likely come down with more competition.  The pump price for larger stations for heavy duty fleets (buses, trucks) is more like $8 right now.  Economies of scale help.
  • The goal for hydrogen price for the commercial and industrial sector is parity with diesel.  (Not sure whether that is price per gallon equivalent or cost per mile.  Fuel cells are much more efficient than diesel engines so that narrows the difference substantially if accounted for.)
  • The hope for hydrogen is reaching a wholesale price of $1 per kg.
  • FCEV manufacturers provide “gift cards” for hydrogen to those that lease their vehicles.  The amount on the card is intended to provide for three years’ worth of fuel.  That was news to those who are not that close to issue.
  • There are many competing ways to use hydrogen as a clean fuel (blending with renewable natural gas or conventional natural gas, using pure hydrogen or blends in conventional gas turbines, producing synthetic renewable conventional fuels) and probably several options will be needed to meet aggressive goals to reduce fossil carbon emissions.
  • The competition between hydrogen plus fuel cells for vehicles or storage and batteries is serious.  The panelists offered that hydrogen has advantages in long-duration storage and in lighter-weight drive trains for long distance trucks.  As we have heard from similar discussions with battery advocates, they do not concede these differences and point out that the kWhs that can be stored per kg is markedly improving (lighter weight per mile of range) and that energy density also improves the long-duration performance.  In addition, the battery advocates note that the “round-trip” efficiency of storing electricity as hydrogen and converting it back to electricity in a fuel cell is much lower than the in/out for batteries.  
  • Figuring out where the lowest carbon footprint for hydrogen vs. batteries depends on lots of details about where the hydrogen and the electricity come from.  Hydrogen from renewable gas has a particular advantage by avoiding emissions of methane from decaying biomass.  The amount of carbon per kWh of electricioty is dramatically changing due to the transition to zero carbon sources.  

The panelists were each asked where the opportunities are for innovators in the areas they watch.  Roxanna made a big point about the need for financial innovations to make the purchase and use of hydrogen easier.  Jennifer and Leslie saw more competition as an important element, along with ways to reduce the cost of pure “green” hydrogen, avoiding the collateral carbon emissions from the supply chain.  In addition, the entire logistics chain is in need of improvement, with opportunities in reducing the energy lost in compression and leakage, and in using pipelines vs. trucks.

This was one of the more fascinating discussions we have had, thanks to the experts we had on our panel and the active participation of the audience.  The session was recorded and is available on our YouTube channel.

Follow us on Social Media to keep upto date!

Thomas Hall

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Simon is the Chair of CleanStart’s Board. A seasoned energy executive and entrepreneur with 45 years of experience in business, government, and non-profits.

CleanStart Sponsors

Weintraub | Tobin, BlueTech Valley, Revrnt, 

Moss Adams, PowerSoft.biz, Greenberg Traurig, Momentum,

College of Engineering & Computer Science at Sacramento State

Wireless EV Charging Advances a Step

Wireless EV Charging Advances a Step

Apr 2, 2019

I have no answers, but lots of questions on this one: Will wireless charging of EVs overtake plug-in charging? Clearly plug-in chargers are now dominant. But wireless “pad” chargers, like those now being sold for cellphones, are so much easier to use. There is a difference in efficiency of power transfer, but clever people will narrow that.

What was lacking was any commercial installations where from which one could get some hard data. Until now. A recent article shows that e-taxis in Oslo are recharging as they wait in line for riders at various points in the city. The chargers are made by Momentum Dynamics in the US. Taxis must have a special charge plate to use the induction coupling to power up. For taxis, the big advantage is that they are not stuck at a plug getting a top-up and missing out on fares, but are in the moving line of waiting taxis that they would be in anyway.

The charge rate is 75 kWh per hour—pretty fast. So ten minutes crawling forward in line could give a taxi a 12.5 kWh boost, or enough for about 35 miles of range. Could this work for regular drivers? Probably need a way to boot people off, like the metering lights on freeway on-ramps or places where people naturally stay only a short time like drive-up fast food or coffee shops. Or maybe they would be OK in parking lots at malls and workplaces. It will be interesting to see how this pioneer installations work out.

Thomas Hall

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Simon is the Chair of CleanStarts Board. A seasoned energy executive and entrepreneur with 45 years of experience in business, government, and non-profits.