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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...