.png)
Distributed Generation and Biogas
Unlocking Market Growth Through Policy Innovation
Challenge
In 2010, Bloom Energy faced a pivotal moment: how to bring its solid oxide fuel cell technology to market scale in a competitive and policy-driven energy landscape. California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) presented opportunity—but also complexity. To succeed, Bloom needed a clear strategy to secure support for advanced clean technologies while ensuring long-term market credibility.
Approach
Erin led Bloom’s government affairs and policy strategy, aligning the company’s technology with California’s clean energy and emissions reduction goals. She built coalitions across environmental, technology, and business communities, and worked directly with state regulators and legislators to refine incentive design and eligibility criteria. Erin also spearheaded special projects that needed policy solutions to move forward, including the CalBio–Bloom Energy partnership, turning dairy methane waste into renewable electricity—a groundbreaking model for carbon reduction and rural economic development.
Impact
Bloom and its customers ultimately secured over half billion in state incentives, establishing the company as a dominant player in distributed generation and clean technology markets. The CalBio collaboration became a flagship example of how policy innovation and private-sector leadership can drive measurable climate outcomes, setting precedent for future carbon-negative projects.
