The future is clean

The Clean Energy Six, Finance Edition highlights the people working behind the financial and strategic decisions shaping the energy transition. In this series, Skye Shaffer, Associate Recruitment Consultant at Piper Maddox, speaks with professionals across the renewable energy finance ecosystem to explore their career journeys, the projects that have defined them, and the opportunities they see for the future of clean energy. Our first guest is Samuel Woo, Senior Analyst, Investment Analytics at Cypress Creek Renewables. After serving as a Marine Corps officer overseas, Sam transitioned into renewable energy in 2022. Today, he focuses on evaluating and modelling renewable energy projects, helping ensure that the infrastructure being built today is both economically viable and designed to power homes and businesses for decades to come. When did you start your career in renewable energy or clean tech, and why did you get into the industry? I started my transition to clean energy in 2022. I was a Marine Corps officer at the time and was deployed in Syria in 2021 for about eight months supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, NATO’s mission to counter ISIS in Iraq and Syria. I was operating out of a region known for a lot of oil extraction. The oil industry is a key part of that region’s economy, and seeing the fossil fuel industry up close - seeing the physical consequences of it - had a pivotal impact on me as I was figuring out my next professional steps. At the same time, the Inflation Reduction Act was heavily in the news. Seeing the impact up close and hearing about the momentum happening in clean energy kind of lined up. I wanted to take the skills I learned in the Marine Corps and apply them to energy security, which I thought was really important. Clean energy appealed to me because while every energy source has pros and cons, it wasn’t as pollutant as fossil fuels. So it was a combination of energy security and building something long-term that I felt was a net positive to the world. What was a pivotal moment or project that defined your path in this industry? One pivotal moment was driving through the region in Syria and seeing the pollution related to oil fields - waterways glistening with oil runoff, smoke in the air, fires tied to extraction. That definitely impacted me. From a more recent perspective, I helped model four projects that we bid into an RFP with a major utility, and they were shortlisted. That was exciting because it’s the closest I’ve gotten to getting projects built. Modeling those four projects and getting them close to offtake reaffirmed why I’m in the industry - building long-term sustainable infrastructure that will last decades. What excites you most about working in renewable or clean tech today? It’s knowing I get to play a part in building infrastructure that will last decades - powering homes and businesses. Every project that moves toward COD or offtake is another step toward building resilient, diverse energy systems. As energy demand increases, it’s good to know that part of our infrastructure is based on renewable, clean energy. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the renewable energy space, and what did you learn from it? The biggest challenge was recommending the termination of a project for the first time. A big part of my job is evaluating project-level economics to make sure a project makes financial sense. Terminating a project was tough because we join this industry to build renewable projects - not cancel them. But I learned that we can’t build projects randomly. There has to be strategy behind it. It has to make sense for the customer and for the company. If projects don’t make economic sense, they can raise energy prices or hurt the company long-term, which limits our ability to build more projects. So I learned to understand the macro-level economics of each project and how it impacts the grid. It’s great to build, but we have to build responsibly and feasibly. Looking ahead 5–10 years, where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth in renewable energy? I think it’s finding ways to adapt and meet customer needs. Market signals show we need firm, reliable energy. One solution is long-duration energy storage, and currently battery energy storage systems (BESS). Being creative and innovative to meet market needs is exciting. Long-duration energy storage is the most exciting area for me right now. More broadly, it’s about adapting to emerging technologies and building firm, reliable energy solutions. If someone wanted to break into the space, what is the one piece of advice you would give them? Learn as much as possible about project-level economics. That includes how projects make money - PPAs, offtake contracts, revenue, expenses, capex, and opex. Also understand capital structures because they’re complex and getting more complex. That means understanding tax equity structures, debt structures, and traditional project finance. Understanding revenue drivers, cost structures, tax equity, and debt are the fundamentals of every project. Huge thank you to Sam for taking the time to share his story and perspective. From serving overseas to now working on the financial and strategic side of renewable energy projects, his path is a reminder that this industry is built by people with very different backgrounds, all working toward something long-term. Thoughtful, disciplined development is just as important as ambition in this space, and Sam brings both. We are xcited to see the projects he helps bring to life in the years ahead!

A decade of purpose, growth and impact in clean energy talent This year marks ten years of Piper Maddox, one of LHi Group’s fastest growing specialist brands, built with a clear purpose, to support the global clean energy transition and help protect the future of our planet through exceptional talent solutions.Founded in 2015 by Alex Cohen under the LHi Group, Piper Maddox was created with a belief that recruitment could be more than a commercial service, it could be a platform for positive change. From the outset, the brand committed fully to renewable energy and cleantech, stepping away from fossil fuels entirely and aligning its growth with the industries actively decarbonising the world. Over the past decade, Piper Maddox has become a trusted partner to some of the world’s most innovative clean energy organisations across the US and Europe, helping them build the teams shaping how energy is generated, stored and consumed. Its rapid growth reflects not only market demand, but the strength of its mission, culture and people, proof that purpose-led businesses scale with impact. At its core, Piper Maddox is driven by the belief that recruitment can be a force for good, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future, one hire, one partnership and one business at a time. From Vision to Global Brand As the energy sector began shifting towards renewables, it became clear that traditional recruitment models were struggling to keep pace with the urgency of change. The clean energy transition demanded specialist knowledge, speed and long-term thinking, not legacy approaches. Recognising this opportunity, Alex Cohen and LHi Group Founder, Tom Glanfield aligned on a shared ambition to build a recruitment brand dedicated entirely to clean energy and sustainability. Combining entrepreneurial platform, leadership and a strong cultural foundation, Piper Maddox was born as a values-led business designed to create long-term impact. From those early beginnings, the brand has expanded rapidly across Europe and North America, building leadership teams united by a shared purpose to accelerate the energy transition and support companies working to decarbonise the planet. “The success of Piper Maddox reflects what’s possible when purpose, people and platform align. It’s been incredible to watch the brand grow into a true global leader in clean energy and cleantech recruitment.” ~ Alex Cohen, US Brand Leader Specialist Expertise at Scale Today, Piper Maddox is home to more than 80 specialist consultants delivering talent solutions across: Renewable Energy Energy Storage eMobility Clean Fuels Nuclear Power Energy Trading Sustainability Energy Management and Grid Resiliency Sustainable Aviation Operating with a specialist, quality-first mindset, the brand combines deep market expertise, proactive headhunting and extensive global networks to deliver consistently high-quality outcomes for clients operating in highly competitive markets. With offices in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Miami, London, Bristol, Berlin and Munich, Piper Maddox provides global reach supported by strong local market expertise across North America and Europe, including the UK, DACH, Benelux and Southern Europe. Evolving into a Talent Solutions Partner In line with LHi Group’s wider evolution, Piper Maddox has grown beyond traditional recruitment into a full talent solutions partner, supporting clients at every stage of scale and maturity through: Permanent and contract recruitment Executive search Subscription hiring models Embedded talent solutions Consulting services through Expert Project Solutions (XPS) This integrated approach enables clients to scale efficiently while maintaining quality, consistency and long-term workforce planning. “Over the past decade, Piper Maddox has matured into a true strategic partner for our clients. The next phase is about continuing to innovate and scaling our impact globally.” ~ Tom Clarke, UK & Europe Brand Leader Looking Ahead: Building a Lasting Legacy As Piper Maddox celebrates its ten-year anniversary, the brand continues to play a critical role in supporting the organisations building a cleaner, more resilient energy future. As one of LHi Group’s fastest growing brands, its success reflects the power of aligning commercial performance with meaningful purpose. By supporting companies whose missions centre on decarbonisation, sustainability and innovation, Piper Maddox is helping shape the legacy LHi aims to leave, protecting the future, enabling progress and proving that business can be a force for positive change. Interested in partnering with Piper Maddox?👉 Discover how their talent solutions can support your organisation’s growth by emailing info@pipermaddox.com Thinking about joining the journey?👉 Explore current opportunities across the Piper Maddox brand and become part of a business making real-world impact. Click here!

Last week, some of our Piper Maddox team had the honor of speaking at the WRISE Women in Leadership Breakfast in San Francisco - an event that brings together industry leaders and innovators from across the renewable energy and clean tech sectors. In this conversation, Imogen Simpkin, Ella Slinn, Megan Drake, and Charlotte Fagan reflect on their experience, share insights from their talk, and discuss the evolving role of women in the industry, the importance of collaboration, and how initiatives like Piper Maddox’s iAM Program are helping to empower the next generation of female leaders in energy and sustainability. 1.What was it like speaking at the WRISE Women in Leadership Breakfast in San Francisco? It was an absolute honor to speak at the event and share insights on the emerging trends shaping the Renewable Energy and Clean Tech sectors. Engaging in meaningful discussions with such accomplished and inspiring women across the industry made the experience truly rewarding. 2. What message did you hope to share with attendees during your talk? My goal was to emphasize that while the industry is undergoing significant change, with change comes opportunity. I wanted to provide a transparent perspective on the current market landscape, particularly around new roles and hiring trends within the Renewable Energy and Clean Tech sectors. 3. From your perspective, how have you seen the role of women evolve within the renewable energy and sustainability sectors? Over the past several years, I’ve seen the role of women in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors evolve from being underrepresented voices to becoming key decision-makers and innovators shaping the direction of the industry. There’s been a noticeable increase in women stepping into leadership, technical, and policy roles, driving both inclusion and impact. While there’s still progress to be made, the growing visibility and influence of women are helping to redefine what leadership looks like across the clean energy landscape. 4. What advice would you give to organisations looking to attract and retain more female leaders in the energy space? Attracting and retaining female leaders starts with creating a culture where diverse perspectives are genuinely valued. Organizations should prioritize equitable hiring practices, transparent career pathways, and flexible work models that support balance. Just as importantly, investing in mentorship, leadership development, and visible role models helps women see a long-term future in the industry. Inclusion shouldn’t be an initiative, it should be built into the company’s DNA. This is one of the reasons we launched the iAM Program to provide not only development but also retention opportunities across the board. 5. How does collaboration across the industry, between companies, networks, and individuals, help accelerate progress for women in leadership? Collaboration is essential to creating lasting change. When companies, networks, and individuals share knowledge, opportunities, and best practices, it amplifies visibility and access for women across the sector. Industry-wide partnerships and mentorship networks help break down silos, build confidence, and open doors to leadership pathways that might not exist within a single organization. Collective action is what turns progress into momentum. 6. Why do you think events like the WRISE breakfast are important for empowering women and building community within the sector? Events like the WRISE Breakfast create a valuable space for women to connect, share experiences, and engage in conversations that might not always happen within their own organizations. These opportunities for networking and collaboration foster personal and professional growth, ultimately strengthening both individual careers and the broader clean energy community. 7. What advice would you give to women at earlier stages of their careers who aspire to leadership roles in sustainability and energy? Be curious, build your network, and don’t be afraid to take risks and ask questions. Seek mentors who inspire you and advocate for your growth, but also invest in mentoring others along the way. The energy and sustainability sectors are evolving rapidly—so embrace learning, stay adaptable, and trust that your perspective adds real value. Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s built through consistency, confidence, and connection. 8. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of women’s leadership and the role Piper Maddox can play in supporting that? I’m inspired by the growing visibility and influence of women across the energy and sustainability sectors. The pace of industry change is creating new opportunities for leadership at all levels, and I'm excited to see the role that Piper Maddox can play by connecting talent, fostering development, and championing diverse voices. Supporting women to step into these roles through the iAM Program, not only strengthens the industry but also helps shape a more inclusive and innovative future. At Piper Maddox, we’re proud to be part of the conversation driving equity and empowerment in clean energy. Through initiatives like the iAM Program and partnerships with networks such as WRISE, we remain committed to building a future where diverse leadership thrives and innovation knows no boundaries.

At Piper Maddox, we believe building a cleaner energy future goes hand in hand with protecting the environment around us. Recruitment may be our business, but our responsibility extends further, to the communities we live in and the planet we all share. That’s why World Cleanup Day is so important to us. Taking place on Saturday, it’s a global movement that unites millions of volunteers, governments, and organisations across 190+ countries in a single mission: to clean up litter, restore nature, and protect our environment. It proves that small actions, when multiplied across communities, can have a global impact. World Cleanup Day 2025: Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste This year, the focus is on textile and fashion waste, one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges. According to UN-Habitat, every second a garbage truck full of clothes is dumped in a landfill or burned. The fashion industry generates 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year, overwhelming waste systems, polluting waterways, and fuelling the climate crisis. World Cleanup Day 2025 highlights the urgent need to raise awareness, change consumption habits, strengthen waste management systems, and build policies and partnerships that advance circularity and urban resilience. A global effort, and how you can be part of it Beyond clearing waste from rivers, coastlines, city streets, and green spaces, World Cleanup Day sparks vital conversations about overconsumption, fast fashion, and the systemic changes needed to build more sustainable economies. For us at Piper Maddox, it’s a reminder that sustainability is also about protecting ecosystems, reducing waste, and rethinking how industries, like fashion, can shift toward cleaner futures. Whether you join an organised cleanup, repurpose or recycle clothing, or simply make more conscious fashion choices, every action counts. Together, we can reduce the strain on ecosystems, support biodiversity, and move toward a world where sustainability is woven into every industry. Learn more about World Cleanup Day and how you can get involved here: www.worldcleanupday.org

World EV Day, held each year on 9 September, is a global celebration of electric mobility, raising awareness of the benefits of EVs and the progress being made towards a cleaner transport future. This year, the conversation is louder than ever. In 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) have reached a tipping point, making up one in five cars sold worldwide, a milestone worth celebrating, but also a moment to pause and ask a critical question: as adoption accelerates, can infrastructure keep up? To explore this, we spoke with Alisha Michaels, Principal Consultant with a focus on E-Mobility, who partners with companies and talent across the EV ecosystem every day. The acceleration of EV adoption According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global EV sales passed 14 million in 2023, a 35% increase year-on-year that underlined the pace of change across the transport sector. That momentum has continued, with EVs expected to reach over 20% of new car sales worldwide in 2025, firmly establishing electric mobility as a mainstream choice rather than a niche alternative. This growth, however, is uneven across regions. According to the IEA, China continues to dominate, accounting for more than 60% of global EV sales, supported by strong domestic manufacturing and government incentives. Europe remains a major force, with almost one in four new cars now electric, while in the United States, adoption has doubled since 2021, with EVs making up around 10% of sales today. Together, these regions are reshaping the automotive landscape and accelerating the global transition to clean mobility. But as adoption accelerates, the pressure on infrastructure is becoming impossible to ignore. By the end of 2023, there were just over 3 million public charging points worldwide, a figure that the IEA warns must quadruple by 2035 if it is to keep pace with consumer demand. What was once framed as “range anxiety”, concerns about how far an EV could travel on a single charge, has now evolved into “charging anxiety”, where drivers worry less about battery life and more about whether charging points will be available when they are needed. As Alisha observes, “range anxiety is still a real thing, with a barrier to convenient and reliable charging infrastructure, especially in more rural areas. L3 chargers are being deployed more rapidly, but integration with the grid is still a challenge.” Innovation needs people to power it Solutions are already emerging. Smarter charging networks are balancing demand, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is showing how EVs can double up as mobile batteries, and new methods are making charging faster and easier than ever. These innovations prove that EVs are changing how we generate, store, and use energy. But delivering these systems depends on people, and the right skills are in high demand. As Alisha explains: “On the engineering side, anyone who has a combination of software, hardware and grid integration experience, plus exposure to AI. For sales folks, Account Managers with strong L2 and L3 backgrounds that can sell into utilities. There’s also been a massive uptake in construction-centric roles with hardware developers and charging network operators.” Looking ahead World EV Day 2025 is a moment to celebrate progress while keeping sight of the challenges still ahead. EVs are no longer a future technology, they’re here and they’re growing fast. The real test now lies in whether the infrastructure can scale quickly enough to keep momentum. For companies building that infrastructure, Alisha emphasises that customer experience must come first: “Convenience and reliability are factors that either make or break a company in the EV infrastructure space. Customers want app integration, real-time availability updates and an easy payment experience. Infrastructure also needs to be scalable and future-proof, with higher voltage charging, V2G capabilities and smart grid integration built in from the start.” The next chapter of this transition won’t be defined by vehicles alone, but by the systems that power them, and the people who make those systems a reality. At Piper Maddox, we’re proud to connect world-changing companies with the talent they need, helping close the gap between adoption and infrastructure and moving the world closer to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Last week, we hosted a roundtable at Piper Maddox as part of the Clean Energy Exchange event series, focused on grid flexibility. With Michael Lee moderating, we had folks from Tesla, Leap, Olivine, Enersponse, Shadowpower, and others who know this space inside out. The feeling in the (virtual) room? We’re at a real tipping point. Virtual Power Plants aren’t just “emergency response” tools anymore, they’re critical infrastructure, and the market conditions are lining up perfectly for them to step up. Capacity prices are through the roof, wholesale markets are volatile, and demand is growing in ways the old models can’t handle. This is exactly when VPPs should be at the forefront of conversations: fast to deploy, low-cost, and able to deliver flexibility exactly where it’s needed. 1. The market design problem The problem is the market design hasn’t caught up. We’re still stuck with siloed programs that box in assets instead of letting them work where they have the most impact. We need models that open up multiple revenue streams and recognise that not all VPP resources are the same – an HVAC system doesn’t behave like an EV fleet or a battery, and they shouldn’t be valued like they do. One point that landed hard in the discussion was around local value. The way we price flexibility right now is far too broad. A single neighbourhood with a cluster of flexible assets can fix a local constraint far more cheaply than building more infrastructure – but you’d never know that from today’s pricing zones. We need distribution-level nodal pricing that actually reflects the hyper-local impact these assets can have. 2. Balancing grid and customer needs Then there’s the customer side. Batteries are the classic example – the grid wants certainty, customers want backup. If programs can’t balance those needs, participation will always be limited. With over 3,500 utilities in the US, capability is all over the place. Some are ready to play, others are decades behind. Meeting them where they are, or going around them when we have to – will be key. That means understanding the realities of each market, working with what’s already in place, and finding ways to connect customers and utilities without overcomplicating the participation process. 3. The missing industry voice The final piece is advocacy. Right now, there’s no unified industry voice pushing for fair valuation or smarter market rules. Imagine what we could do with a coalition of VPP providers, utilities, generators, and even data centres speaking with one voice. The narrative on grid reliability needs a rewrite – and the proof these assets deliver is already there from recent heatwaves and grid events. If we want VPPs to fulfil their potential, we need to align as an industry, decide what we’re pushing for, and make sure the message is loud enough to cut through. Bottom line: VPPs aren’t the future – they’re here. But without changes to market design, pricing, and the way we advocate for them, they’ll stay underused. Get it right, and they can become the backbone of a more flexible, reliable, and cost-effective grid.