Meet Chance Zajicek

Manager, Development

Chance manages Palladium’s development activities and provides support for the growing project pipeline

  1. What excites you the most about your role at Palladium?

Having the privilege of working toward a common goal with such a devoted group. Everyone at Palladium is exceptional in their area of expertise. I’m honored to be a part of a team of such talented individuals all striving to execute high quality projects.

  1. What do you see as the most significant tailwind in the renewables industry?

The incentives provided by the IRA have been a significant tailwind in the renewables sector. When you couple that with the immense load growth occurring nationwide, primarily driven by increased electrification and digital infrastructure buildout, the amplification of power demand year over year sets the stage for a continued need for quality projects into the foreseeable future.

  1. What do you see as the greatest challenge facing the renewables industry and how do you think we can solve it?

No project is without its challenges, and each of these challenges are unique and nuanced in their own way. That said, there are a handful of common themes among the project specific challenges that echo throughout the renewables industry. One challenge that comes to mind is the increasing uncertainty surrounding interconnection. Interconnection queues have become increasingly saturated in recent years, and this has led to significant delays in many markets across the country. This has a broad effect on the industry because it further increases the uncertainty around successfully being able to interconnect projects in a timely, cost-effective manner. Solving this issue isn’t an easy task, but a good place to start is with more investment in proactively modernizing the transmission infrastructure across the US. Doing this creates more capacity for renewables to serve the continually increasing demand for power, while simultaneously increasing overall grid reliability.

  1. What is your favorite quote?

“The greatest thing about tomorrow is, I will be better than I am today.”

– Tiger Woods

  1. What is a recent great read you’d like to share?

Carrying the Fire by Michael Collins. Michael Collins was the command module pilot on Apollo 11, among many other achievements. His autobiography offers unique insights and perspectives on things most of us will never experience in our lifetime. If you’re as fascinated by spaceflight as I am, I’d highly recommend it.

  1. What is a secret talent or fun hobby you do outside of developing solar?

I’m an avid golfer. I didn’t pick up golf until after college, but quickly became hooked. I really enjoy the opportunity to get out on the course with friends and family whenever I can.