STEP 2:
Understand the Solution Context

Step 2, "Understand the Solutions Context," is where you start connecting the dots between the problem you’ve identified and the broader energy and climate landscape. To do this, you will likely need to dive into the fundamentals of the energy industry: how it works, who the key players are, and what trends are shaping its future. It’s also about timing. Climate solutions don’t exist in a vacuum, and success often depends on aligning your idea with the right moment in the market. Think of it as learning the rules of the game before stepping onto the field.

One of the most valuable aspects of this step is learning from the past. The energy sector is littered with examples of great ideas that failed because they were too early, too late, or didn’t account for critical factors like policy shifts or infrastructure limitations. By studying these lessons, you can avoid common pitfalls and position your solution to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Whether it’s understanding how renewable energy adoption has accelerated due to falling costs or how policy incentives like tax credits can create market demand, this step ensures you’re building on a solid foundation.

Ultimately, Step 2 is about seeing the bigger picture and finding your place in it. By the end of this step, you’ll have a clear understanding of how your solution fits into the energy ecosystem and what external factors could influence its success. This clarity not only helps you refine your idea but also gives you the confidence to move forward with a strategy that’s informed by both history and future trends.