SMP 305: Illinois Storage Takes Off as America’s Power Needs Grow

In this episode of The League on the Solar Maverick Podcast, we discuss Illinois’ latest storage solicitation and how long-term contracts can help projects move toward construction. We also explore workforce shortages, the connection between permitting reform and project finance, and how major technology companies are reshaping the race to deliver reliable power.

America’s growing electricity needs are creating opportunities across energy storage, transmission, and power generation. But turning that demand into operating projects requires reliable revenue, skilled workers, and a clear path through permitting and financing.

Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan

Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.

Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.

 As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.

Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.

Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar.

Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/

Learn more: 

https://reneuenergy.com

https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com

 

Host Bio: David Magid

David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry.

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/

If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at [email protected].

 

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Join us to celebrate 300 episodes of the Solar Maverick Podcast on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 6–9 p.m. at Hudson Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. Connect with energy industry professionals, past guests, listeners, and friends as we celebrate this milestone.

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Reneu Energy

Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, ut