Foley & Lardner LLP partner Kyle Hayes is featured in a Nasdaq TradeTalks Guest Spotlight for his commentary on energy diversification and investment patterns as electricity demand accelerates.
Hayes said that investments are surging across multiple energy generation types, including gas-fired plants, hydropower, landfill gas-to-power assets, and advanced nuclear technology, particularly small modular reactors. “It’s also extremely important to note that battery storage remains a priority target of long-term investment and a key component of energy infrastructure,” he continued. “Storage will continue to be necessary to serve not only data centers but also customer demand in general.”
He identified increased electricity demand and energy costs as primary drivers of the current energy transition, alongside legislative and regulatory policies that accelerate project development, such as tax credit deadlines under the Inflation Reduction Act. Hayes also pointed to project cost pressures and transmission challenges, emphasizing the need for efficient power generation technologies that can be rapidly deployed.
On overall market consolidation, Hayes observed major activity in the renewable sector and among independent gas-fired plant owners, driven by shifting tax credit expectations and rising development costs. He expects larger independent producers and utilities to play an expanded role.
“The upshot is that this consolidation trend is ultimately less about ‘survival’ and more about creating a stabilized network of energy infrastructure, but there are just financial realities associated with that,” Hayes added.
The Guest Spotlight is a follow up to Hayes’ earlier live broadcast appearance on Nasdaq TradeTalks, where he shared insight on the future of energy transition and climate technology investments.
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