About
***This in-person Power Lunch is for current Duke students only.***
Duke students are invited to a Power Lunch featuring Pine Gate Renewables professionals Ben Catt (CEO) and Rajat Pungaliya MEM '21 (Development Analyst). Event capacity will be limited so that all attendees have the chance to introduce themselves, ask questions, and exchange ideas.
Advance registration required.
Note that this event is currently scheduled to take place in person, but may need to shift to a virtual format due to Covid restrictions. A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE, so please register only if you are committed to attending. If your plans change, please cancel your registration so someone else can take part.
ANOTHER EVENT THAT MAY INTEREST YOU: We are partnering with the Nicholas School Career and Professional Development Center to host a Pine Gate Renewables Information Session (also on Jan. 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m.) to focus on the company's two-year rotational program (more info on that program at the bottom of this event listing--check it out, May '22 grads!). Info session is open to ALL Duke students. Register on Handshake. (If you're a Fuqua or Law student, you can register here.)
POWER LUNCH SPEAKER BIOS:
About Ben Catt:
Ben Catt is the driving force at Pine Gate Renewables, a leader in the solar industry and innovator in the movement for clean energy solutions. As CEO for one of the fastest-growing energy companies in the U.S., Ben sets the strategic vision for establishing locally-generated solar energy projects, and oversees development, government relations, operations, finance, construction, legal affairs and more than 140 employees.
Before following his passion for environmental preservation, he worked in the banking and finance industry. At Pine Gate he's been able to blend financial savvy with his desire to make a difference, closing more than $2B in financing for solar energy projects and partnerships.
Ben aspires to infuse the corporate culture with the mantra that Pine Gate's continued success is predicated on cutting-edge market strategy, an independent execution platform, pipeline scope and scale – and on always treating everyone, from clients to employees to partners, with kindness and respect.
Ben is a frequent speaker for national and regional panels on solar energy, particularly on issues of strategy, development and finance. He is a board member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a CFA charter holder and has a BS in finance from Indiana University – Bloomington.
Outside of work, he can be found coaching youth sports, running, fly fishing, mountain biking, camping and wrangling his three children from his home in Asheville, NC.
Ben looks forward to the future of continued solar energy development across the country to leave a better footprint for the next generation.
About Rajat Pungaliya:
Rajat Pungaliya (MEM'21) is a Development Analyst at Pine Gate Renewables in their Market Strategy and Commercial Analytics team. He is working on the revenue aspect of utility-scale solar and storage project development in wholesale electricity markets through Capacity, Energy, Ancillary, and Reserve Market participation. He participates in stakeholder meetings, does coalition building, performs modeling and tool development for siting projects, and "enjoys" working on federal transmission policy.
Rajat graduated from Duke University in 2021 from the Master of Environmental Management program, with a concentration in Energy and the Environment. For his master's project, he worked on assessing transmission bottlenecks for renewable energy development in North Carolina. His previous experiences include working on microgrids, transmission asset development for EV charging, and improving the energy efficiency of air conditioners.
With an undergrad major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Energy Engineering, Rajat built a strong perspective in the economics, finance, law, policy, and business aspects of the energy and electricity sectors through the graduate program.
ABOUT THE REAP PROGRAM AT PINE GATE RENEWABLES:
From Pine Gate Renewables: Are you a collaborative and a results-driven person just starting your career? Are you interested in renewable energy and do you care about the environment? Do you want to learn and grow quickly while making an impact? If you answered yes, then we need people like you to join our team. Not only are we committed to developing solar farms throughout the country but we have a passion to develop those who share our same interests.
We are excited to continue to grow our team and implement a two-year program called Renewable Energy Associate/Analyst Program (REAP). REAP brings aspiring graduates into entry-level positions within the solar industry focusing on Development, Project Finance or Engineering. This is an exciting opportunity where you will get cross-functional exposure, gain skills and knowledge necessary to drive performance and be paired with a mentor to help guide your career. Pine Gate will have the first hiring class start in July 2022. Learn more about jobs at Pine Gate Renewables (REAP positions are listed in the final category).