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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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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E153: Climate Finance, AI Tools, and Startup Insights
02/08/2024
E153: Climate Finance, AI Tools, and Startup Insights
Melissa Benn, a climate finance specialist, discusses her role in helping climate tech companies secure funding. She highlights the importance of external reviewers, challenges in document limitations, and nuances in domestic versus international projects. Melissa also shares insights into her startup's business model, emphasizing the role of AI tools like OpenAI, perplexity.ai, and Zapier. She explores the potential impact of personal AI assistants on communication and offers valuable perspectives for those interested in a career in climate finance. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E152: Future of Transportation: Electrify and Automate it all
01/29/2024
E152: Future of Transportation: Electrify and Automate it all
Johannes Paul Lehmann, a futurist who is literally driving innovation in automotive tech, shares his passion for the future of autonomous driving and urban mobility. We explored a future with the global adoption of dedicated lanes for autonomous vehicles, induction charging for electric cars, and the rapid evolution of AI. Johannes also shares insights from his work at Porshe Shanghai, his German Accelerator, his mentoring work, and the shaping of the interconnected global landscape. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E151: AI in 2024: Critical for Progress, Challenging to Avoid
01/29/2024
E151: AI in 2024: Critical for Progress, Challenging to Avoid
Siri to Pi: AI is transforming our lives quicker than expected. In this episode, I “discuss” with Pi, the Inflection AI’s language model. My “conversation” with Pi touches on a range of subjects. We explored a thought experiment of “free” electricity; Pi was able to portray the potential effects on society, boosting electric vehicles, and transforming agriculture and transport, especially with drones in reforestation. Can we continue living without Pi, or her friends; please tune in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E150: Concluding the Year with a Brief Overview
01/01/2024
E150: Concluding the Year with a Brief Overview
In this experimental episode, I recorded while driving a Tesla Model Y with its built-in microphone and camera. I recorded this episode using its built-in Zoom application, reflected on how electric vehicles are taking over Australia, and shared insights from the last few 2023 episodes. I ponder why people still worry about the range of an electric vehicle, the recent price trajectory for solar panels, and the prospect of free electricity. I explained the impact of the democratisation of AI and how we can all use it to plan and brainstorm our future projects. Bottom line? Embrace tech, stay engaged, tackle climate change. Driving into the future—no time to be bored! Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E149: Philippine Renewable Energy: Insights on Wind and Solar
12/31/2023
E149: Philippine Renewable Energy: Insights on Wind and Solar
Viktoria Locson knows the solar power scene in the Philippines and the region. Today, she explained the challenges of wind energy delivery. Drawing from her background as an electrical engineer, Victoria emphasises logistical hurdles, physical demands, and offshore complexities in wind projects. She underscores the significance of a balanced lifestyle and encourages aspiring professionals to join the renewable energy sector, highlighting the importance of sincerity and clear intentions. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E148: Corporate Social Responsibility and Renewable Energy
12/31/2023
E148: Corporate Social Responsibility and Renewable Energy
Meet Vaibhav Agarwal, the driving force behind Lifetime Renewable Energy. He's here to bring insight to the rooftop solar business and the incredible opportunities it holds. Also to unravel the story behind his groundbreaking City of Melbourne retrofit project, unveiling the challenges faced by towering structures in embracing solar solutions. An advocate for sustainability, Vaibhav passionately stands up for local businesses, emphasizing the vital need to understand the historical shifts in construction practices. Join him on a journey into the landscape of innovation and a greener, more sustainable future. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E147: Opportunities in Solar Waste and Carbon Capture
12/30/2023
E147: Opportunities in Solar Waste and Carbon Capture
Ankit Patel, an innovator and entrepreneur, shares many of his innovative innovations today. He explains new thinking in carbon capture with rock weathering in existing Indian quarries. We discuss the potential impact, innovative approaches like burying fast-growing plants, and challenges in implementing renewables in the Pacific. Emphasizing simple designs and local involvement, we conclude with an invitation for future discussions on enhanced rock weathering. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E146: How to Empower Ourselves with AI-enabled Superpowers
12/29/2023
E146: How to Empower Ourselves with AI-enabled Superpowers
Dr. Sam Samdani, a Yale graduate and Senior Industry Knowledge Expert at McKinsey, discussed the profound influence of AI, especially chatbots, on personal growth. We delved into how current AI technologies eliminate social and economic obstacles to knowledge access and the lasting societal shifts this may bring. We examined the possibility of obtaining multiple degrees without traditional college attendance and how AI could shape our 2024 learning strategies. As a Chemical Engineering guru, Samdani also explained the future of battery technologies and renewable energy. Join us to discover how AI may transform our lives in 2024. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E145: Understanding Business Sustainability and AI: Adapting to Major Change
12/27/2023
E145: Understanding Business Sustainability and AI: Adapting to Major Change
Nia Warouw and I explored the need to collaborate creatively for new solutions in today’s dynamic world. We also look at how AI changes things and stress the need for careful control of this technology. The conversation wraps up by underlining the value of personal choices, the need to prevent discrimination, and the importance of ongoing learning in communities. Please join in to find more: Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E144: Bangladesh's Rooftop Solar: Powering a Sustainable Future
12/26/2023
E144: Bangladesh's Rooftop Solar: Powering a Sustainable Future
Engage with Didar Islam, a renowned electrical engineer and entrepreneur, as he explores Bangladesh's solar power sector. Didar addresses the challenges of solar projects, including his vision for a 250 MW rooftop solar initiative, and highlights financial and market challenges. He outlines ambitious goals and delves into creative solutions such as battery-swappable electric three-wheelers. The conversation ends with Didar giving practical advice for new entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of being flexible and persistent in the fast-changing world of business. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E143: Sarawak’s Journey to Becoming a Regional Renewable Energy Powerhouse
12/23/2023
E143: Sarawak’s Journey to Becoming a Regional Renewable Energy Powerhouse
Nick Wright, Senior Vice President for Business Development at Sarawak Energy, explains Sarawak's energy vision and its recent projects aimed at exporting its vast hydropower in the region, including the proposed undersea interconnection project with Singapore. We discuss the impact of climate change in Sarawak and the role that Sarawak’s hydropower has played in decarbonising large industries. Nick concludes with insights into his personal life and encourages young engineers to explore dynamic careers in hydropower. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E142: Australia's Energy Evolution: The Impact of Electric Vehicles and Renewables
12/20/2023
E142: Australia's Energy Evolution: The Impact of Electric Vehicles and Renewables
Join us in this podcast episode, where energy expert Anthony Seipolt talks about big changes in the energy grid and how electric cars may shake things up even more. We dive into how people's energy use changes and the critical task of adding renewable energy sources. Anthony highlights electric cars as powerful energy storage tools and discusses rules, tech, and why keeping up with all these fast-paced changes in the energy world is crucial. Please tune in to get a clear view of the exciting, ever-changing energy landscape and what's driving its future. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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