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Inside SolarBank: Richard Lu on Scaling Profitable, Long-Term Clean Energy Projects
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In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth speaks with Dr. Richard Lu, President and CEO of SolarBank Corporation. SolarBank is a publicly traded clean energy company delivering solar, storage, and EV infrastructure projects across North America and Europe.
Dr. Lu brings a rare blend of global energy leadership, operational discipline, and people-first strategy. With more than 25 years of experience in clean energy, he shares the playbook behind SolarBank’s rise from a private developer to a high-performing full-service renewable energy developer.
Listeners will take away practical insights into how real companies scale renewable infrastructure profitably and sustainably. Dr. Lu unpacks how SolarBank operates with utility-style precision, why every project must stand on its own financially, and how to build a team culture that performs under pressure.
This conversation is tailored for clean energy professionals who want to grow responsibly, lead with clarity, and build assets that last.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why SolarBank focuses on simplicity, speed, and repeatability
- The financial mindset that requires each project to make money on its own
- How to expand into new verticals like storage and EV charging without chasing distractions
- A proven hiring approach that prioritizes drive, resilience, and adaptability
- Lessons from scaling in regulated, cost-sensitive markets
- The future of electricity demand driven by AI and data centers
- How energy independence, tariffs, and reshoring are shaping North American clean energy
Dr. Lu’s leadership approach is grounded, focused, and refreshingly practical. His story is a reminder that execution, not hype, is what drives results in renewable energy.
Links:
Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/
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