E268: Batteries, Carbon Capture, and the Future of Energy Systems
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Yongping Zhai, former ADB energy leader and now Senior Advisor at Tencent, leading their carbon neutrality strategy. He shares his journey from early solar projects to driving green innovation in big tech—covering dramatic cost drops in renewables, the rise of AI in grid management, and why mindsets must shift for the energy transition to succeed. Yongping also discusses Tencent’s role in supporting frontier technologies like direct air capture, long-duration storage, and carbon-to-product solutions, all aiming for net zero by 2030. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:...
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E267: Energy as a Service: Rethinking Tariffs and Equity
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Gavin Dufty, National Director of Energy Policy and Research at St Vincent de Paul Australia. Gavin brings decades of experience advocating for consumer equity in Australia's energy transition. He shares valuable insights on evolving from kilowatt-based billing to energy-as-a-service models, rethinking subsidy frameworks, and the importance of involving everyday consumers in shaping regulatory policy. From hot water as a battery to intergenerational equity in solar incentives, Gavin outlines the foundational frameworks needed to enable inclusive and effective...
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E266: Navigating Knowledge: From ADB to AI
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Daan Boom, former Knowledge Management Specialist at ADB, who shares how knowledge systems have evolved—from early platforms like K-Map and E-Star to today's AI-driven environments. He reflects on building a culture of learning within development institutions, his current work on climate resilience in Bangladesh, and how to stay intellectually and physically active in retirement. A thoughtful conversation on knowledge, AI, and lifelong engagement. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E265: Electrifying Heavy Freight at Diesel Prices
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Daniel Bleakley, co-founder of New Energy Transport, who shares how his team is building a vertically integrated, zero-emission road-freight company that can compete at diesel price parity by pairing electric trucks with on-site generation and smart participation in Australia’s wholesale electricity market. He explains why heavy line-haul routes are the best first movers (diesel can be ~40% of operating cost), outlines initial operations between Sydney and the Illawarra before extending down the Hume to Melbourne, and describes early trials with customers...
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E264: Rethinking Electricity Like the Internet
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Bruce Nordman, a long-time researcher from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Bruce brings four decades of experience in energy efficiency and introduces his revolutionary vision for transforming how buildings use electricity, drawing strong parallels with the evolution of internet technology. We explore the concept of "nanogrids," price-responsive appliances, and how a decentralized approach to energy, using price signals instead of commands, can reshape both on- and off-grid systems. Bruce highlights the untapped potential of DC power, the role of embedded...
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E263: How This Startup is Fixing Online Content Noise
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Cheree Bonnici, a startup founder based in South Australia, and the driving force behind Topicks, a global content platform focused on community, education, and sustainability. Cheree shares the story behind creating a curated digital space where users choose what they learn—free from algorithms and noise. From solving content quality challenges with AI moderation to building safe spaces for user-generated insights on climate change, nutrition, and EVs, she dives deep into what makes Topicks unique. She also reflects on the entrepreneurial journey, balancing...
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E262: AI in Practice—Tools, Workflows, and What’s Next
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Amie Vuyong. She works on AI-powered identity verification, AML, and fraud prevention, areas she frames as “compliance AI agents.” She also shares how she used modern AI coding companions to turn a manual spreadsheet into a sleek personal finance web app, with expense tracking, budgets, and net‑worth views, built through iterative MVPs using Cursor/Windsor and GPT. Beyond tools, Amie and Sohail compare real‑world AI workflows (from content editing to prioritization systems), swap notes on NotebookLM for multi‑PDF research and auto‑generated explainers,...
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E261: Solar to VPP: Powering the Future
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Clinton O’Neil, a distributed energy veteran whose journey began in Hawaii’s rooftop solar boom and evolved into driving innovation in grid modernisation and virtual power plants (VPPs). Clinton shares deep insights into the transition from net metering to non-export solar, the pivotal role of energy storage, and how DERs are transforming utility-scale grid operations. He discusses the emergence of electric vehicles as mobile batteries, the potential of bi-directional charging, and the exciting future of AI-driven grid orchestration. With real-world examples...
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E260: Electrifying Everything: The Role of EV Charging and Home Batteries
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Ned Funnell, a test engineer at Lincoln Electric and long-time electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast. Ned shares a decade of personal and professional insights from the EV world—discussing high-power chargers, grid resiliency, home batteries, and the evolving role of electrification in achieving net-zero goals. From transit buses and ferries in the Nordics to solar-powered homes in Australia, Ned offers a global view on the electric transition. He talks candidly about his early scepticism regarding home batteries, how autonomy is changing driving experiences, and why...
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E259: Australia’s Homegrown EV Journey
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Gregory McGarvie, founder of Ace Electric Vehicles—Australia’s pioneering homegrown EV startup. Gregory shares his eight-year journey building locally assembled EVs, from trolley collectors for Woolworths to advanced, grid-integrated vans. We explore the challenges of local manufacturing, the innovation behind Ace’s energy management system, and the growing role of microgrids in energy resilience. Gregory also reflects on Australia’s lost auto industry and how EVs could spark a new era of smart, sustainable manufacturing. Please join to find more. Connect...
info_outlineIn this episode, our guest is Mike Westerman, who leads the hydropower team at GHD, a global consultancy with deep expertise in water, dams, and geotech. Mike shares fascinating insights on the evolution of hydropower—from its origins at Niagara Falls to today’s high-efficiency, computer-modeled turbines. He explains why pumped hydro remains the dominant form of energy storage globally and how it's now essential for supporting low-cost solar. Mike also explores the challenges of large hydro development in modern times and the increasing appeal of off-stream and mine-repurposed pumped hydro. From micro-hydro in remote villages to pumped storage in decommissioned mine pits, he paints a picture of a diverse and sustainable future for hydroelectric energy. The episode closes with a powerful reflection on climate change, catchment management, and the crucial role of young engineers in this energy transition.
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