Energypreneurs
Energypreneurs is a podcast that brings solar power, electric vehicles and battery technologies to young entrepreneurs. Sohail Hasnie, our host, is a firm believer that the solution to climate change lies in these technologies, which will also fundamentally change the way we think about electricity and transportation—on road, on water and even on air. Over the last 35 years, Sohail has applied technology and innovation in many large infrastructure projects across Australasia. As a staff of the Asian Development Bank since 2001, he has developed large investment projects with solar power, battery, and electric vehicles across Asia.
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E183: Bangladesh's Path to Sustainable Energy
07/25/2024
E183: Bangladesh's Path to Sustainable Energy
In this episode, our guest is Shafiqul Alam, Lead Energy Analyst for Bangladesh at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). Shafiqul shares insights into Bangladesh's renewable energy landscape, discussing the country's installed capacity, the challenges and opportunities in the solar sector, and the government's increasing interest in renewable energy. The conversation highlights the potential for rooftop solar in industrial areas, the impact of import duties on solar equipment, and the role of financial schemes in supporting renewable projects. They also touch on the adoption of electric vehicles, the implementation of charging infrastructure, and the future of sustainable energy in Bangladesh. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E182: Climate Change and Longevity: Sustainable Health Choices
07/22/2024
E182: Climate Change and Longevity: Sustainable Health Choices
Climate change and our food choices are closely linked. In this episode, my guest, Zabin Mehmood, a seasoned health food entrepreneur from Sydney, shares her journey in the health food ecosystem for over 22 years, emphasising the importance of sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly products. She explains the evolution in the health food industry with the rising consumer awareness of sustainable choices, especially among the younger generation. Zabin also highlights the impact of social media and the internet in spreading awareness and educating consumers about healthy eating habits and sustainable choices. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E181: Indonesia’s Move to Sustainable Power
07/14/2024
E181: Indonesia’s Move to Sustainable Power
In this episode, we talk with Bagus Mudiantoro, an energy and climate change specialist from Indonesia. Bagus shares insights into Indonesia's transition to renewable energy, focusing on the innovative projects by PLN, the state-owned utility. We explore PLN’s ambition to shift from coal to solar, the integration of battery storage, and the country's efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption. The conversation also highlights the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in public transport, and the government's supportive policies, including subsidies for electric motorcycles. Bagus emphasizes the challenges and opportunities in Indonesia's energy landscape, from off-grid solar projects to the development of hydrogen refueling stations. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E180: Efficient Cooling for Sustainable Urbanization
07/10/2024
E180: Efficient Cooling for Sustainable Urbanization
In this conversation, Nidhi Gupta, an expert in energy efficiency and sustainable urbanization, shares her insights on developing efficient cooling solutions in rapidly urbanizing regions. Nidhi, with a background in environmental design, advocates for a holistic approach to energy efficiency, emphasizing the need for policies that phase out inefficient appliances. She discussed the option of demand aggregation and public procurement strategies that make super-efficient appliances more affordable. She has worked on decarbonization roadmaps for cities in Maharashtra, India, focusing on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and adaptive comfort. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E179: Electrifiying Logistics: Lessons from South Africa
07/07/2024
E179: Electrifiying Logistics: Lessons from South Africa
In this episode, we talk with Ndia Magadagela, CEO and co-founder of Everlectric in South Africa. Ndia shares Everlectric's innovative approach to providing electric vehicles as a service, focusing on fleet managers in the logistics industry. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to electric vehicles, the impact of South Africa's power crisis on EV adoption, and the company's efforts to integrate solar energy into their charging infrastructure. The conversation also highlights the future of electric mobility in South Africa and beyond, emphasizing the potential for growth and sustainability in the industry. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E178: Actual Investment in Hydrogen Projects in Asia
07/03/2024
E178: Actual Investment in Hydrogen Projects in Asia
In this podcast, Mathieu Geze, Director for Asia Pacific at HDF Energy, shares his insights on deploying hydrogen technologies in Southeast Asia. With extensive experience in the industry, Geze provides an in-depth understanding of the region's challenges and opportunities, highlighting HDF Energy's approach to integrating hydrogen into local energy grids. We discuss one specific project with details of cost and competitiveness. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E177: Solar Power and Agrivoltaics in Uzbekistan
07/01/2024
E177: Solar Power and Agrivoltaics in Uzbekistan
In this episode, Uzbek entrepreneur Ilkhom Sadikov shares his experiences in promoting solar energy, highlighting challenges in investment due to low auction prices, potential for energy storage, agrivoltaics, and electric vehicles. He showcases his innovative solutions, including solar thermal solutions for agriculture, connecting LED street lights to solar power, and invites listeners to contact him for business opportunities. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E176: EV Charging for Street Parking
06/29/2024
E176: EV Charging for Street Parking
Kerbo Charge is revolutionizing EV charging for homes without private garages. In this episode, co-founder Michael Goulden discusses the innovative cable gully system that extends from the house, through the pavement, to the roadside. Michael delves into Kerbo Charge's success in the UK, future expansion plans, the potential for V2H and V2G technology, and the challenges faced in gaining council adoption. Discover why this solution could be essential for your country or locality. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E175: The Future of Sustainable Logistics
06/23/2024
E175: The Future of Sustainable Logistics
In this episode, our guest is Penny Estrada, Chief Commercial Officer, Catalyst Logistics (an ICTSI company). Our conversation touches upon the evolving logistics industry, focusing on sustainability and the integration of green practices. Penny highlights the increasing importance of carbon footprint considerations, driven by European regulations, and shares insights on managing logistics for large-scale energy projects. The conversation also explores the impact of digitalization and AI on logistics, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary skills, empathy, and cultural awareness in the industry. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E174: Targeting Benefits of E-trike Initiative in the Philippines
06/20/2024
E174: Targeting Benefits of E-trike Initiative in the Philippines
In this podcast episode, Robin Hughes, an entrepreneur dedicated to introducing electric tricycles (e-trikes) in the Philippines, shares his experiences and insights. Robin, a business veteran with expertise in clean energy technology, has a vision to revolutionize the transport sector in the Philippines through innovation and rethinking the status quo. He is developing business models for his pink (Women driver and Women passenger) and White (dedicated to persons with disabilities) e-trikes. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E173: Why the Future of Power Supply is Bi-directional Flow
06/16/2024
E173: Why the Future of Power Supply is Bi-directional Flow
Today, we hear from Hugh Gleeson, the former CEO of United Energy, a Director of several utilities since then, and senior leader in Australia’s power sector, about how cheap renewable energy has transformed the energy future from the grasp of coal in Victoria and Australia. Hugh shares his insights on the decade ahead and why our energy grid will need to mimic the internet and the telecommunication network and support bi-directional flows—distributed solar on rooftops as a significant power source for the grid. We learn about Australia's shift to renewables, managing a grid dominated by solar, the complexities of balancing energy supply and demand, the evolving role of EVs, and AI's impact on the sector. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E172: Off-grid Solar Solutions: Overcoming Challenges in Africa
06/12/2024
E172: Off-grid Solar Solutions: Overcoming Challenges in Africa
Battery based energy storage is changing the energy sector. Today, Christopher Baker-Brian, Co-founder and CTO of BBOXX, tells us their success story in changing lives in Africa with their innovation involving batteries. He brings a unique perspective on connecting those to modern from of energy using cheap solar power. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E171: New Challenges in Grid Management
04/24/2024
E171: New Challenges in Grid Management
In this podcast episode, David Hurlbut, a retired Senior Analyst and Economist at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, discusses his various roles at the lab and previously at the Texas Public Utilities Commission as an ERCOT market monitor. The ERCOT, or the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, operates Texas's electrical grid, the Texas Interconnection, which supplies power to more than 25 million Texas customers and represents 90 percent of the state's electric load. Our discussion covered many aspects of the market, including the influence of AI on today’s power market and self-driving cars. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E170: Renewable Energy Law and the Future of Energy
04/22/2024
E170: Renewable Energy Law and the Future of Energy
In this podcast episode, Mona Katigbak, General Counsel at GE Renewable Energy's Hydro and Hybrids division, shares her insights on the renewable energy landscape. She discusses hydropower's evolving role, investment challenges, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation also delves into electric vehicle technology, its impact on the energy sector, and the global shift towards sustainable transportation. Mona's optimistic outlook highlights the significance of innovation, sustainability, and corporate responsibility in transforming the energy industry. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E169: Scaling Up Sustainable Financing
04/11/2024
E169: Scaling Up Sustainable Financing
Anouj Mehta, the Country Director of Thailand for ADB and the Head of the $2 billion Green Finance for ASEAN shared his passion for green finance and bonds. Today’s conversation focuses on the principles of Green finance in the ASEAN and how it is helping scale up large investments in the ASEA and India. He explained with passion how green finance, packaged with targeted concessional components can accelerate the transition to a net zero world. Anouz also shared many ideas and resources that would be beneficial to anyone working in climate finance. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E168: Energy Transition in Southeast Asia
04/07/2024
E168: Energy Transition in Southeast Asia
In this podcast episode, Australian energy transition specialist Bridget McIntosh discusses the complexities of a cleaner energy future in Southeast Asia, a region she has dedicated 20 years of her career to support. With a background in driving change, she highlights ASEAN challenges arising from market dynamics, state utility monopolies and the role of governments in a region heavily reliant on coal power. The discussion further explores the obstacles in fulfilling corporate renewable energy demand, rooftop solar, and navigating early closure of coal plants across Southeast Asia. Please join in to find more. Bridget noted some corrections: Australia's target is 82% renewable energy by 2030 rather than 2035! ACT reached 100% renewable energy by 2020 rather than 2017 Rio Tinto signed a Australia's largest agreement to supply its smelting and refining operations in Gladstone from wind power (1.4GW Bungapan wind project by WindLab) not solar power. In Southeast Asia, solar power is between US3-6c/kWh and wind is around US6-9c/kWh (rather than stated 4-6c/kWh for solar and wind). Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E167: The Human Element in Climate Financing
04/04/2024
E167: The Human Element in Climate Financing
Rajeev Mahajan, Manager (Head) - Climate Resilient Infrastructure, Green Climate Fund, shares his journey from electrical engineering to utility reform to financing small infrastructure projects to multi-billion transactions. We discuss the need for financiers to understand the economic cycle and blended finance's critical role in scaling infrastructure projects. Rajeev also shares his passion for recruiting and building the right team for efficiently designing projects with appropriate technology and resiliency. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E166: Powering WA's Sustainable Future: Energy Regulation Challenges
03/31/2024
E166: Powering WA's Sustainable Future: Energy Regulation Challenges
In today's episode, Aden Barker, Director of Network Regulation and Customer Participation at Energy Policy Western Australia (WA), shares valuable insights into the regulation of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in his state. Discover how WA's vast landmass influences its energy landscape and the unique approach to micro-grids as a sustainable solution. Uncover the importance of electric vehicle infrastructure development, especially in remote areas, and the impact of EVs on the overall energy network. Get an inside look at WA's renewable energy goals and the essential role of regulatory support in achieving them. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on the future of energy in Western Australia. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E165: Weaving a Greener Future with Renewable Energy in Bangladesh
03/28/2024
E165: Weaving a Greener Future with Renewable Energy in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s garment industry employs more than 4 million people and is a 40+ billion dollar industry. Today, Mohammad Abdul Qaium, an industry veteran, discusses the challenges and opportunities for sustainability in his sector. Qaium emphasizes the need for collective action and policy initiatives to address greenhouse gas emissions, particularly focusing on tier-two facilities responsible for processing raw materials. Fund access remains a challenge, and the potential is huge, but we need more collaboration between industry stakeholders and policymakers. He highlights the importance of renewable energy certification and accessible technology to drive meaningful change towards a more sustainable future. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E164: Walking the Talk of Sustainability
03/24/2024
E164: Walking the Talk of Sustainability
Henry Cornwell is a lawyer with the Asian Development Bank and a passionate environmentalist who explores the role of the rule of law in preserving natural capital for the next generation. We touch upon the evolution of today’s car from the early invention of the bicycle and its impact on society. Henry literally “talks the talk” and runs to his work at least three days a week and avoids all forms of machine-driven transport. He also explored his views on autonomous vehicles and the overall adoption of electric vehicles. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E163: The Rising Momentum of Electric Vehicle Adoption in Australia
03/22/2024
E163: The Rising Momentum of Electric Vehicle Adoption in Australia
Daniel Bleakley has written extensively on the EV industry with The Driven and he is famous for his EV advocacy YouTube series "Coal Miners Driving Teslas”. In this high-energy episode, we cover all aspects of the EV industry and how it is impacting the Australian landscape. He highlighted the importance of communication in promoting electric vehicles, and the financial motivation for the fossil fuel industries to promote disinformation around electric vehicles. We explored the future of distribution businesses in light of a battery- and EV-everywhere scenario and widespread V2G capability. Please join in to find more: Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E162: The New Meaning of Light
03/17/2024
E162: The New Meaning of Light
In this episode, Gautam Midha, Commercial Leader ASEAN at Signify, will take us on a captivating journey through the ever-evolving world of lighting technology. We discover the fascinating intersection of lighting and IoT, as light becomes an intelligent language that connects and conveys meaning, and explore how this redefines the impact of light on energy efficiency, sustainability, and our overall health and well-being. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E161: Path to Net Zero — perspectives from an Island Resort
03/06/2024
E161: Path to Net Zero — perspectives from an Island Resort
Mitch Tan brings energy into every conversation, from electric vehicles to sustainability into hotel management. In this episode, Mitch Tan, representing the owner of a large tourist resort in Boracay, Philippines, explains the importance of sustainability in today’s hospitality industry. We understand her views on the intersection of technology and sustainability--the potential impact of AI on mental health, the integration of robotics in daily life, and the role of AI in decision-making. She explains the operational issues in adopting solar power and electric vehicles in the hotel industry, and highlights the hotel's efforts in reducing waste through recycling, upcycling, and composting. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E160: Using the Transition to Electric Mobility to Change the Game for Cities
02/25/2024
E160: Using the Transition to Electric Mobility to Change the Game for Cities
Kyle Bolto, CEO of Ohmie Go, shares his vision of mobility as a service. We explore Kyle’s version of the future, where big building dwellers can receive all the benefits of an electric vehicle without owning one. Kyle outlines their vision for a car ownership-free urban lifestyle and the potential integration of electric vehicles with the grid system. Explore how Ohmie Go's services may transform the complex dynamics of urban development and mobility, reduce capital expenditure for developers, and influence city planning discussions. In this conversation about the future of urban mobility and energy, you will also gain valuable perspectives on challenges, opportunities, and Ohmie Go's scaling plans. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E159: Lighting the Word with Creativity and Sustainability
02/22/2024
E159: Lighting the Word with Creativity and Sustainability
Ami Valdemoro, co-founder of Liter of Light, unfolds an inspiring tale of battling energy poverty using locally available, easily repairable materials. Launched in 2013, Liter of Light has empowered one million people a year across over 30 countries. Amid the 2020 lockdown, they initiated the Light It Forward Challenge, rallying thousands worldwide to craft Liter of Light’s simple, hand-built solar lights from home. The movement evolved into large-scale solar art installations, symbolizing collective impact. Beyond solar power, Ami emphasizes the essence of human power. As a leadership coach, she urges women entrepreneurs to embrace imperfection and take bold action. Follow Ami and Liter of Light's impactful journey on their vibrant social media platforms. Connect with Ami on: Linkedin: Ami Valdemoro Instagram: @the_moxygal Follow Liter of Light's journey at: Instagram: @literoflight Facebook: A Liter of Light Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E158: Charting the Course of Energy Transition in Australia
02/20/2024
E158: Charting the Course of Energy Transition in Australia
Ingrid Michel, Assistant Director, Australian Energy Regulator, shares her past work exploring the environmental costs of energy production. Passionate about sustainability, Ingrid discusses her personal views on the changing energy landscape, emphasizing the potential for innovation, community engagement, and the future impact of autonomous vehicles. For aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, Ingrid explains the need for confidence, risk-taking and a proactive approach to meet the needs of the dynamic energy transition space. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E157: Strategies to Expand EV Adoption Beyond Early Adopters
02/18/2024
E157: Strategies to Expand EV Adoption Beyond Early Adopters
Mike Costello, Corporate Affairs Manager for Cox Automotive Australia and former automotive journalist, discusses the need for a balanced view on EV adoption and explains ways EV adoption can be expanded beyond the early adopters. We delve into topics like second-hand EVs, the impending rollout of more options and lower prices, wireless charging, battery sizes, and the future of EV technology. Emphasizing rationalizing battery sizes and the role of solar panels, he also expresses skepticism about fully autonomous driving. Mike sees Australia's potential in EV development but remains cautious about becoming a manufacturing hub. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E156: Financing Private Sector Sustainable Projects
02/15/2024
E156: Financing Private Sector Sustainable Projects
Samia Tariq, an expert in project financing, shares her insights on the importance of scaling up investment in technology and discusses the role of blended finance and grant financing in supporting projects in areas such as Agri-tech, energy, environment, electric vehicles, and hydrogen. Samia emphasizes the financial viability of projects and highlights the need for a strong track record, ring-fenced projects, and due diligence on contracts and technology. Samia provides tips on preparing a project proposal and discusses the role of lenders in arranging financing. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E155: Tomorrow's Solutions from the Leaders of the Future
02/13/2024
E155: Tomorrow's Solutions from the Leaders of the Future
Jeslyn and Julia Jerota, represent a generation who will be managing the world’s affairs in decades to come. In this episode, these two young sisters from the Philippines, with their combined age below 40, share their passions for making a difference in many aspects of sustainability. We discuss the importance of individual responsibility and their experiences working with children, highlighting the impact of environmental education. Our conversation also delves into the role of AI in education and answers the big question of "whether children should have access to AI today" The sisters provide thoughtful perspectives on the intersection of technology, education, and environmental awareness. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E154: From Energy Efficiency to Innovative Solutions – Addressing Asia’s Clean Energy Transition
02/12/2024
E154: From Energy Efficiency to Innovative Solutions – Addressing Asia’s Clean Energy Transition
David Morgado, a Senior Energy Specialist at the Asian Development Bank, discusses clean energy initiatives across Asia and the Pacific. David highlights the drivers, challenges, and opportunities for investment in energy efficiency and clean energy solutions. He emphasizes the urgent need for regional collaboration and invites all listeners to participate in ADB’s Asia Clean Energy Forum from June 3-7, 2024. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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