E255: Responsible AI and the Future of Inclusion
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Xiaochen Zhang, a global innovation leader and the driving force behind AI 2030 and FinTech for Good. Xiaochen shares his journey from the World Bank to founding organisations that champion responsible technology. He dives into the six-pillar framework of responsible AI—transparency, accountability, fairness, safety, security, sustainability, and privacy—and discusses the risks of digital divide, ethical AI design, and the future of collaborative intelligence. He also highlights the transformative potential of AI across climate, financial inclusion, and...
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E254: Hydropower’s Storage Role in a Solar Future
Energypreneurs
In 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...
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E253: Orchestrating Australia's Home Battery Revolution
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is part of a dynamic roundtable exploring the global trends, economic drivers, and regulatory challenges shaping the future of home battery storage. Building on Part 1, this continuation dives deep into the falling costs of battery production, market implications of subsidies, and the technical and policy complexities of orchestrating distributed energy resources (DERs) at scale. The discussion highlights Australia's position as a global innovation leader, the debate between centralized versus distributed coordination, and the potential of peer-to-peer energy...
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E252: Beyond Backup: How Batteries Are Reshaping Australia’s Energy Future
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is a diverse panel of Australia’s energy experts unpacking the rapid rise of home battery adoption. From manufacturing and policy to regulation and consumer behavior, they explore what’s driving the boom, including generous government subsidies, rising energy independence, and grid trading opportunities. The discussion dives into how average system sizes have doubled, the evolving economics of battery storage, and the growing divide between early adopters and everyday consumers. The episode also highlights the role of smart tariffs, resilience in off-grid areas,...
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E251: The Virtual Energy Network: Solar Without the Storage
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Andrea La Nauze, an energy and environmental economist at Deakin University. Andrea discusses her research on Australia’s Virtual Energy Network, which allows households to trade excess rooftop solar energy. She explains how pricing can shift energy use patterns and reduce reliance on batteries, and explores the role of behavior, peer influence, and incentives in clean energy adoption. Please join to find more: Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E250: From 3-Wheelers to Tesla Model Y: Equity and Energy Security
Energypreneurs
In this episode, Sohail Hasnie shares a personal monologue, offering an on-the-road reflection from behind the wheel of his Tesla in Metro Manila. He unpacks how electric vehicles—whether high-end Teslas or modest electric tricycles—can drive profound social, economic, and environmental change. From reducing fuel poverty in Bangladesh to transforming urban transport in the Philippines, Sohail explains why EVs should be seen not as luxury items but as essential tools for national energy security and individual empowerment. This engaging solo narrative connects lived experiences with global...
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E249: Electrifying Mobility with Purpose
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Diana E. Páez, Senior Director of Energy and Mobility, William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan. Diana dives into the dynamic role that electric vehicles can play in decarbonizing transportation across emerging markets. She discusses how EVs—when supported by the right policies, financing tools, and local capacity—can serve as catalysts for energy access, gender inclusion, and economic resilience. Drawing on her extensive global experience, and using WDI's work in the Philippines as an example, Diana explores innovative business models and the...
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E248: Bridging the Global Energy Talent Gap
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Jim Salter-Duke, founder of Spark Horizon, a talent solutions company working between Australia and the Philippines. Jim shares how the global clean energy transition is being hindered not by technology but by a chronic shortage of skilled labour. With 100,000 engineering graduates a year, the Philippines is a rich but underutilised source of technical talent. Jim explains how Spark Horizon connects this untapped workforce with renewable energy projects across the developed world. The conversation covers themes of global workforce distribution, equity in...
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E247: Private Banking in China’s EV Surge
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Sonya Song, a seasoned private banking professional with 17 years of experience spanning Zurich, Beijing, and Singapore. Sonya shares unique insights into China's booming electric vehicle (EV) market, highlighting her views on leading players like BYD and Tesla. She discusses how private banks support ultra-high-net-worth clients with structured investment products and the growing influence of AI and automation on wealth management and everyday life. The conversation also explores ESG investments, China's progress in EV infrastructure, and the social implications...
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E246: Powering the Future: Rooftops to Electro States
Energypreneurs
In this episode, our guest is Grant McDowell, a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for democratizing access to clean energy. Grant shares his 18-year journey—from dreaming of remote solar matching in Marrickville to launching “Adopt a Panel” in Italy, enabling urban households to access cheaper renewable energy. He discusses the technical and regulatory challenges of integrating solar, batteries, and V2G technologies, the looming transformation from centralised to distributed grids, and the vital need to simplify energy access for consumers. Grant also highlights the rise of the...
info_outlineIn this episode, our guest is Xiaochen Zhang, a global innovation leader and the driving force behind AI 2030 and FinTech for Good. Xiaochen shares his journey from the World Bank to founding organisations that champion responsible technology. He dives into the six-pillar framework of responsible AI—transparency, accountability, fairness, safety, security, sustainability, and privacy—and discusses the risks of digital divide, ethical AI design, and the future of collaborative intelligence. He also highlights the transformative potential of AI across climate, financial inclusion, and renewable energy, underscoring the urgency of responsible leadership and inclusive innovation. A fascinating conversation bridging technology, ethics, and global impact.
Connect with Sohail Hasnie: