IB Talk – Specialty Lines

Hidden Risks in Green Energy: Insurance Gaps in Solar, Batteries, and Beyond

In this episode of IB Talk, host Gia Snape talks with Jared Dabrowski, Environmental Transaction Leader at Howden US, about the hidden risks of green‑energy projects, especially the end‑of‑life disposal of solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage. Dabrowski highlights that while the energy output is clean, the disposal phase can create significant environmental liabilities, and current insurance policies often only cover sudden, accidental pollution, leaving long‑term site contamination gaps. He notes that carriers have the capacity to offer long‑term pollution coverage, but brokers must educate clients and restructure programs to address these tail risks, including navigating state‑specific regulations and emerging concerns like PFAS. The conversation stresses the need for proactive risk management throughout a project's lifecycle, from installation to decommissioning.