The battery energy storage sector was already in a strong position before the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, the industry is charging up for a boom. Mike Wietecki, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Regulatory Affairs at Powin, joins the show to share his insights on the technology and trends that are driving energy storage growth. Mike does a deep dive on how the Inflation Reduction Act is providing additional momentum for the sector, including how investment tax credits related to labor, location and domestic content are having a big impact on manufacturing. Mike also delves into the jobs-related politics of renewables and the IRA; and how Powin is working with companies like IKEA to create a blueprint for the expansion of the battery energy storage market.  Highlights from Mike Wietecki Basics about battery energy storage - (2:41) Powin's current customer base - (7:15) Common questions from customers about energy storage - (8:34) How Powin keeps the lights on in Sydney, Australia - (11:10) How the Inflation Reduction Act has supercharged the battery sector - (13:20) The importance of IRA guidance related to domestic content - (15:41) Powin's current manufacturing footprint - (19:43) The crucial role the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office - (21:05) Untangling supply chain issues - (22:14) Political headwinds - (25:00) Why speed is key for IRA projects - (27:22) Creating a battery blueprint with coporate partners like IKEA - (29:25) Batteries boosting grid resiliency in places like Texas and Califronia - (32:20) Mike's bold predicitons - (33:54) Biden administration's risky IRA politics - (34:30) Will we see a government pricing scheme for carbon? - (36:35) Sign up for the Renewable Energy SmartBrief Follow the show on Twitter @RenewablesPod