By Tyler Pommier
I’ve always had a passion for travel. There’s something powerful about stepping into a new place, meeting new people, and seeing the world from a different point of view. What started as a personal interest quickly became something more—it became a source of inspiration for my professional life in clean energy.
As a renewable energy executive based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I spend most of my time focused on developing sustainable energy solutions here in the South. But when I travel, I find myself constantly learning—often in ways that surprise me. Visiting other regions and countries shows me how people are adapting to climate change, rethinking energy use, and making the most of what they have. These experiences fuel new ideas and keep me motivated to push for progress back home.
The World Is a Living Classroom
When you work in renewable energy, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, the policies, and the deadlines. Travel gives me a chance to step back and see the bigger picture. Each place I visit teaches me something new, not just about energy, but about how people live with their environment.
In countries like Germany and the Netherlands, I’ve seen entire communities run on solar and wind power with impressive efficiency. In Costa Rica, I learned how geothermal energy—something we don’t talk about much in the U.S.—is a major source of electricity. These aren’t just technical achievements; they’re examples of how creativity, local knowledge, and government support can come together to build something sustainable.
Simplicity Can Be Smart
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through travel is that innovation doesn’t always mean “high-tech.” In many developing countries, I’ve seen small-scale solar panels used to power homes, water pumps, or even cell phone charging stations. These systems might look simple, but they solve real problems for people living off the grid.
I remember visiting a rural village where children were able to study after sunset thanks to a few solar-powered lanterns. That moment stuck with me. It reminded me that clean energy isn’t just about big wind farms or cutting-edge batteries—it’s about improving lives in meaningful, everyday ways.
Travel Sparks Creativity
Being in new environments pushes me out of my comfort zone and gets me thinking differently. Whether I’m navigating a crowded city with an efficient public transit system or hiking through a remote area with no electricity, I often find myself asking, “What are they doing here that we’re not doing at home?”
It’s this curiosity that drives innovation. For example, seeing the rise of solar-powered tuk-tuks in Southeast Asia got me thinking about ways we could apply similar ideas in low-income or rural communities in the U.S. What would it look like to have more mobile, solar-powered services—like health clinics or charging stations—right here in Louisiana or Mississippi?
These kinds of ideas might seem small at first, but they’re the building blocks of larger change.
Cultural Mindsets Around Energy
One of the more interesting parts of traveling is observing how different cultures view energy and the environment. In many places, there’s a built-in respect for nature that influences how people use resources. Whether it’s using less water, avoiding waste, or prioritizing community-based solutions, I’ve seen approaches that put long-term thinking over short-term gain.
These values are deeply connected to the success of renewable energy projects. In the U.S., especially in the South, we’re starting to have more conversations around sustainability—but we still have a long way to go in changing the mindset. Travel reminds me that cultural shifts are just as important as technological ones.
Bringing It All Back Home
After every trip, I come back to Baton Rouge with a fresh perspective. I bring new ideas to the table, new strategies to consider, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether it’s looking at microgrids, community solar programs, or creative financing models, I’m always thinking about how to take what I’ve seen and apply it in a way that works for our region.
Of course, every place has its own challenges, and not every solution is a perfect fit. But the real value lies in the exchange of ideas. Travel helps me see that innovation often comes from looking outside your usual circle—and being open to change.
Travel Keeps Me Grounded
Oddly enough, being “on the go” keeps me grounded. It reminds me of why I do this work in the first place. Seeing people living without electricity or dealing with the impacts of climate change firsthand makes the urgency feel real. It’s easy to get distracted by the business side of things—budgets, regulations, contracts—but travel pulls me back to the human side.
It also reminds me that we’re all in this together. The energy challenges we face aren’t just local or national—they’re global. And the more we share ideas across borders, the faster we can build a future that works for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Travel is more than just a break from routine—it’s a tool for learning, growth, and inspiration. For me, it’s a way to stay connected to what matters and to continue evolving as a clean energy leader.
As we work to build a cleaner, smarter energy future here in the South, I believe we can gain a lot by looking beyond our own backyard. There’s a world of innovation out there—sometimes in the most unexpected places—and all we have to do is be willing to explore it.