The energy transition faces political headwinds, but market forces tell a different story. Today on the Clean Power Hour, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group and host of the Age of Adoption podcast, shares why he remains bullish on clean energy despite policy challenges.
Keith brings 20 years of communications experience in the clean energy sector. His agency has grown alongside the industry, helping companies navigate everything from the early cleantech boom to today's political landscape. In this conversation, he breaks down why the transition continues regardless of Washington politics.
Key Discussion Points:
Why 96% of new grid capacity in April 2025 came from renewables
How corporate demand from tech giants creates policy-agnostic growth
The shift from "age of innovation" to "age of adoption" in clean energy
Communication strategies for sustainability companies in challenging times
Why energy abundance arguments resonate better than climate messaging
The economics driving renewable competitiveness without subsidies
How to align clean energy with administration priorities around security, strength, and prosperity
Keith explains why supply and demand fundamentals favor renewables. Tech companies need massive amounts of new electricity for AI and data centers. Traditional energy sources face capacity constraints and long build times. This creates opportunities for solar, wind, and batteries to compete purely on economics.
The conversation covers practical advice for clean energy companies on messaging and market positioning. Keith advocates for incremental change over radical transformation, focusing on multiple value propositions beyond environmental benefits.
This episode offers perspective for energy professionals, investors, and policy watchers trying to understand market dynamics beyond political noise. Keith's experience guiding companies through multiple industry cycles provides valuable insights for navigating current uncertainties.
Connect with Keith Zakheim
https://www.linkedin.com/in/czakheim/
https://www.antennagroup.com/
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00:00 Introduction to Energy Transition
02:48 Introduction to Keith Heim
04:05 Keith Zakheim's Background and Antenna Group
06:59 Current State of the Energy Transition
13:36 Navigating the Energy Market
15:58 Communicating Sustainability
21:01 The Incrementalist Approach to Climate Change
23:10 The Age of Adoption: A New Era in Sustainability
25:39 The Role of Storytelling in Climate Action
27:33 Defining Sustainability in Modern Business
28:43 Capitalism and Climate: A Symbiotic Relationship
31:23 Challenges and Future of Responsible Business
36:27 The Age of Adoption Podcast: Insights and Guests
38:18 Closing Thoughts