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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E201: Plug-and-Play Energy Storage: A Game Changer
10/22/2024
E201: Plug-and-Play Energy Storage: A Game Changer
In this episode, our guest is Satish Hrit, Founder of SparkCraft, a startup focused on transforming energy storage. Satish discusses Sparkcraft’s innovative plug-and-play battery solution designed to make energy storage accessible and practical for residential use. He shares insights into overcoming technical and regulatory challenges, and how battery innovation is key to achieving sustainable energy goals. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E200: Renewable Energy and Infrastructure in the Pacific
10/21/2024
E200: Renewable Energy and Infrastructure in the Pacific
In this episode, our guest is Robert Guild, Team Leader of the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility. Robert discusses the incredible opportunities in renewable energy, solar power, battery storage, and electric vehicles across the Pacific. He shares insights into the region's infrastructure development pipeline, which includes a $9 billion investment over the next five years, and highlights how technology and local participation are transforming the Pacific’s energy landscape. Link to ADB’s PRIF website: https://www.theprif.org/ Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E199: A Simple, Game-changing EV Charging Solution
10/16/2024
E199: A Simple, Game-changing EV Charging Solution
In this episode, our guest is David Sirieix, a visionary entrepreneur who is revolutionizing electric vehicle charging with his innovative flat cable technology. David shares his journey in solving practical problems with EV charging, (making some sensible remarks that u will not want to miss ?) from addressing public safety concerns to making EV charging more accessible. He also discusses the challenges of legislation, public acceptance, and the potential global market for this breakthrough product. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E198: Boosting EV Adoption Through Strong Policies
10/13/2024
E198: Boosting EV Adoption Through Strong Policies
In this episode, our guest is Jamie Leather, Director of the Transport Group at the Asian Development Bank. Jamie shares insights on the progress and challenges in accelerating electric vehicle adoption across Asia. He discusses the role of strong government policies, financing, and partnerships in driving the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, with a focus on public transport and infrastructure development. He also highlights some of ADB's interesting projects and explains the sources of grants and concessional funding for which such projects can qualify. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E197: A Young Entrepreneur’s Vision for EVs in Bangladesh
10/09/2024
E197: A Young Entrepreneur’s Vision for EVs in Bangladesh
In this episode, our guest is Nicole Mao, co-founder and CEO of Tiger New Energy. Nicole discusses how her company transforms mobility in Bangladesh by introducing affordable lithium battery swapping services for electric tricycles. She shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in the EV market in emerging economies. She explains how battery swapping is a key driver for EV adoption in regions like Bangladesh. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E196: The Shifting Mindset on Electric Vehicles and Clean Energy
10/06/2024
E196: The Shifting Mindset on Electric Vehicles and Clean Energy
In this episode, our guest is Carlos Santamaria, a senior editor at Horizon Engage, a political risk consultancy for energy companies. Carlos, a former geopolitical journalist, shares his insights into the rapid shift towards electric vehicles and the future of energy storage. He discusses typical consumer perspectives, including the challenges of integrating EVs into the grid, the role of battery technology in balancing energy supply, and the global push toward cleaner transport solutions. Carlos also highlights the importance of policies and innovation in shaping the future of sustainable energy systems. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E195: How Rooftop Solar and Batteries Are Changing the Game
09/30/2024
E195: How Rooftop Solar and Batteries Are Changing the Game
In this episode, our guest is Jess Hunt, an energy transition guru from South Australia. We learn how South Australia has dramatically changed the renewable energy and battery landscape, focusing on integrating rooftop solar, battery storage, and the potential for energy independence. Jess shares insights on dynamic pricing and the role of distributed energy in shaping the future of sustainable energy systems. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E194: Driving Climate Action through Philippine Business Leadership
09/25/2024
E194: Driving Climate Action through Philippine Business Leadership
In this episode, our guest is Ping Manongdo, a climate champion and the country director for Eco-Business in the Philippines. Ping discusses the role of the private sector in driving climate action and the importance of sustainable business practices. She highlights recent climate legislation in the Philippines, the challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, and the urgent need for public and private sectors to collaborate. The conversation also touches on the role of media in raising awareness about climate change and engaging the public in meaningful action. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E193: Batteries: The Force Behind the Energy Transition
09/22/2024
E193: Batteries: The Force Behind the Energy Transition
In this episode, our guest is Dr. Marek Kubik, a leader in the energy storage sector with deep experience in battery technology and renewable energy. Marek shares insights into the evolving role of battery storage in supporting the grid, balancing energy demands, and integrating renewable energy sources. He discusses the critical importance of long-duration energy storage, the future of electric vehicles as a form of distributed energy storage, and the potential of new battery technologies to accelerate the energy transition. He can be reached at: | Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E192: Communicating Climate Action Effectively
09/08/2024
E192: Communicating Climate Action Effectively
In this episode, our guest is Kina Pascua, a strategic communications expert at ADB. Kina discusses the critical role of effective communication in addressing climate change, emphasising the importance of starting early by educating children. The conversation explores how messaging around sustainability and climate action can be made more accessible and impactful, primarily through integrating these topics into school curriculums. Kina also shares insights on the challenges of driving behavioural change and how the younger generation can play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E191: Financing Electric Mobility with Carbon Credits
09/05/2024
E191: Financing Electric Mobility with Carbon Credits
In this episode, our guest is Guillaume Rémy, co-founder of Zeroca, a company focused on carbon credit programs for electric mobility in emerging markets. Guillaume discusses the opportunities that carbon credits provide for financing electric vehicle (EV) transitions, especially in the context of the Paris Agreement. He explains how governments and private entities can leverage carbon credits to bridge the cost gap between traditional internal combustion vehicles and EVs. The conversation highlights the future of carbon credit markets and their potential to accelerate the adoption of sustainable transport solutions worldwide. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E190: Australia: From Deregulation to Distributed Energy
09/01/2024
E190: Australia: From Deregulation to Distributed Energy
Today, our guest is Dave Smith, a veteran energy consultant with decades of experience across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. We discuss the profound changes in the energy sector, from deregulation in the 80s and 90s to the current challenges of integrating renewable energy into the grid. Dave shares his insights on the evolving energy market, the rise of distributed energy resources like solar and batteries, and the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) to revolutionise energy storage and grid stability. The conversation also explores how market designs and tariffs must adapt to support this transition, ensuring consumers can fully leverage new technologies while maintaining grid reliability. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E189: Attracting Top Talent in the Digital Age
08/29/2024
E189: Attracting Top Talent in the Digital Age
In this episode, our guest is Rheine Guerra, an expert in talent acquisition and startup culture, which is the human resources challenge in tackling climate change. Rheine shares insights into the evolving dynamics of the modern workforce, emphasising the importance of aligning company culture with the motivations of younger employees. The conversation explores how startups can attract and retain top talent, the impact of social media on recruitment, and the role of leadership in fostering a productive and engaged workforce. Rheine also highlights the challenges of managing remote teams and the shift towards more flexible, part-time work arrangements in today’s job market. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E188: Insurance Unlocking Financing for Climate Solutions
08/26/2024
E188: Insurance Unlocking Financing for Climate Solutions
Today, we explore how insurance can unlock financing with Stephen Brittain, co-founder of Insurtech Gateway. We discuss the intersection of risk, insurance, and the energy sector. Stephen delves into how insurance can be leveraged to de-risk innovative energy solutions, especially in renewable energy and electric vehicles. The conversation covers the role of insurance in accelerating the adoption of new technologies, the challenges of insuring high-risk areas like battery storage and electric vehicle infrastructure, and the importance of creating agile, adaptable insurance models to support the evolving energy landscape. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E187: Scaling Solar: Unlocking the Philippines’ Potential
08/22/2024
E187: Scaling Solar: Unlocking the Philippines’ Potential
In today's episode, we meet Ping Mendoza, an entrepreneurs in renewable energy and grid infrastructure in the Philippines. Ping discusses the significant potential for solar power in the country, emphasising the need to scale up both rooftop and utility-scale solar projects. The conversation also covers the challenges of integrating solar into the national grid, energy efficiency's importance, and battery storage's growing role in stabilising the grid. Ping shares insights on how decentralised solar systems could transform energy access in remote areas, reducing dependency on the traditional grid and promoting sustainable development. Please join in to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E186: Simplifying Energy Economics: From Solar to EVs
08/21/2024
E186: Simplifying Energy Economics: From Solar to EVs
In this episode, our guest is John Pojlak, an expert in energy economics, explains the critical role of numbers in understanding and driving the energy transition. John highlights the importance of simplifying complex data to make informed decisions, especially in the context of solar energy, electric vehicles, and hydrogen. We delve into how key numbers can help evaluate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of different energy sources, the future of energy storage, and the impact of renewable energy on traditional energy markets. The conversation also touches on the challenges of transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives and the economic implications for countries reliant on oil revenues. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E185: Future-Proofing Electricity Networks with Batteries and EVs
08/13/2024
E185: Future-Proofing Electricity Networks with Batteries and EVs
In this episode, we explore the energy transition with Jeff Forrest, a partner at L.E.K. Consulting, who co-leads their energy practice in Australia. The discussion delves into the critical role of batteries in supporting the decarbonisation of the electricity grid, the future of electric vehicles (EVs) as integral components, and the potential of community batteries to enhance local energy resilience. Jeff highlights the rapid advancements in battery technology and the significant economic changes driving the adoption of batteries and EVs. We also explore how distributed energy resources and flexible demand-side technologies can reshape the energy landscape, emphasising the importance of strategic investments and policy decisions for a sustainable future. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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E184: Unlocking Energy Efficiency for Climate Change
08/06/2024
E184: Unlocking Energy Efficiency for Climate Change
In this episode, my guest is Mark Lister, a champion of energy efficiency with a rich history in sustainability and energy policy. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience in government and the private sector, highlighting the critical role of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in promoting energy efficiency. We explore the performance-based contracting, risk-sharing models, and the significant impact of energy efficiency on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The conversation also explores the potential of electric vehicles as an energy-efficient transport solution, contributing to energy savings and grid stability. Please join us to find out more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:
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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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