Ørsted’s Journey from Oil Giant to Most Sustainable Company in the World with Melissa Peterson, Ep #21

It’s not common to see a company that’s heavily vested in a particular segment of any industry make a 180-degree turn that is designed to eliminate the need for its original area of focus. It’s even more uncommon for that company to become the leader in its new niche, one that sets the standard far above what other companies have done. That’s the story of Ørsted, a Denmark-based Oil Giant that has made the transition to renewable energy like few other companies. Joining SEV host John on this episode is Melissa Peterson, VP of Origination and Power Marketing at Ørsetead North America. She recounts the reasons and the ways that her company has made the transition to the Renewable Energy space, how it has moved into the U.S. market in massive ways, and what the company is moving toward in years to come. She also comments on the future of renewable energy in the United States and notes some key markers that need to be achieved in the next 10 to 20 years. Don’t miss it. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Melissa’s role with Ørsted [1:11] How Ørsted became the most sustainable company in the world [4:58] What led Ørsted into the United States market in 2016 through 2018? [9:56] Melissa’s take on where the renewable energy space is headed in the U.S. [13:56] Can the supply side keep up with the demand for renewables in the U.S.? [16:25] Is offshore wind power in the future for the U.S.? [19:09] What led Melissa into the Renewable Energy industry? [25:03] Challenges Melissa has faced in her career so far [29:50] The impact Melissa wants to have on the industry and her company [35:45] Click here for detailed show notes Connect with Melissa Peterson, VP Origination & Power Marketing at Ørsted Onshore North America Follow Melissa on LinkedIn Melissa leads the Origination and Power Marketing team at Ørsted Onoshare North America. She directly manages a team of originators while also creating and sustaining lasting strategic relationships across multiple customer verticals within the power industry. Prior to joining Ørsted, she spent five years on Apex Clean Energy’s business development team and five years as a project developer for EDF. Melissa has developed over 1000 MW operating renewable energy projects. Melissa holds a Master’s degree from SUNY-Albany and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com Follow them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Virtual Innovation Summit taking place on March 22nd-25th, 2021, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Carroll at [email protected]