Experiencing Empathy for Greater Energy Impact

Welcome to the first edition of "Energy & Empathy." I’m Adrienne Pierce, CEO of New Sun Road, P.B.C. , and I’m thrilled to share stories and insights from the world of clean energy. This newsletter is a space where we celebrate the transformative power of sustainable energy and its profound impact on communities and our planet.

?The name "Energy & Empathy" reflects the core values that drive my work and the mission of New Sun Road. This newsletter embodies our commitment to not just advancing technology, but endeavoring to understand and address the unique needs of the clients and communities we serve. In an industry often focused solely on innovation and efficiency, we strive to remember the human element—the lives improved, and the futures made brighter through our efforts. We also recognize that energy, by itself, does no good unless it is applied, connected, and harnessed for impact.

?From a young age, I was captivated by the potential of renewable energy. My journey began in eighth grade with a science fair project inspired by stacks of Popular Science magazines my dad kept in the corner of our house. I built an "independent energy house" complete with a windmill and paper maché hillside covered with olive green shag carpeting. Alas, I placed second, beat out only by a nice girl who did a bread mold experiment. However, this didn’t diminish my enthusiasm and it only cemented a lifelong passion for energy and sustainability that has guided me ever since.

?After achieving a degree in chemical engineering, I joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Africa teaching science. This experience was transformative. Living and working in remote communities opened my eyes to the challenges and strength of relationships. It created a lifelong curiosity about what connects us and how disparate the access to opportunity is. After graduate school, I leaned into cleantech with a startup, attempting to recycle hazardous waste via a molten metal bath (a great coffee break story). Next, my professional journey took me through various roles in the semiconductor industry, where I honed my skills in technology and global business. Eventually, with a deliberate pivot to renewable energy, I found my way to New Sun Road, a public benefit corporation. Here, we are driven by the belief that clean energy should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or economic status.

?One of the projects that stands out to me is in the heart of San Jose, California, where an off-grid microgrid is providing energy for Veggielution , an educational, organic, community garden. Solar is powering cold storage for the preservation and distribution of fresh produce enhancing local food security in underserved communities. This project is a testament to the power of clean, local energy to serve with positive, meaningful impact.

?My role as a CEO wasn’t something that I initially aspired to. But with an innovative, enabling technology, a world-class, mission-focused team and a global track record, I have seized this amazing opportunity to make a meaningful difference. I believe in leading with empathy and a commitment for socio-economic impact. New Sun Road shares this vision, working tirelessly to bring innovative technology and sustainable solutions to those who need them most.

?If you’ve made it this far, thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit more about my past and passions. In future editions of "Energy & Empathy," I’ll dive deeper, share stories, insights and learning from my experiences with those of influence in this space. I’ll provide updates on the latest in clean energy technology and highlight, with heart, the real-world impact upon the people and communities we serve. Thank you again and stay tuned for more to come.

Adrienne Pierce is CEO of New Sun Road, P.B.C. , a for-profit public benefit company (P.B.C.) New Sun Road develops affordable, resilient technologies that optimize the operation and management of impactful solar microgrids for all kinds of applications, both domestic and abroad. The company is guided by principles of environmental sustainability and economic development in collaboration with industry, government, nonprofit and academic partners.

If interested in learning more, email Adrienne at [email protected] and connect with Adrienne Pierce on LinkedIn.