How Kauai Became a Solar Energy Leader | Ankit Sharma | TEDxCU

In 2011 the island of Kauai had the highest electricity rates in Hawaii and were reliant on fossil fuels. In the span of a decade, they took decisive action to transform their grid. By 2024, they created a grid powered by mostly solar and are a role model for moving to a more renewable powered world. Ankit Sharma is a renewable engineer specializing in 24/7 solar + storage solutions, microgrids, and mindful leadership. He holds a bachelors in mechanical engineering from Johns Hopkins University, a Masters in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado and is a licensed electrical engineer. Ankit loves working on technical, high impact projects that spur social change. He has conducted focus groups for improved charcoal stoves in East Africa and spent a summer cycling across the US. Outside of work, Ankit finds joy in travel, crafting and exploring 14ers with his son in sunny Colorado. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx