Energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Dr. Jose Bienvenido Manuel M. Biona, Executive Director of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) and the Enrique Razon Logistics Institute at De La Salle University. Dr. Biona dives deep into the current state and future of electric mobility in the Philippines—from key policy breakthroughs like the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act to the practical challenges of financing and retrofitting. He shares valuable insights on incentive strategies for EV manufacturers, the growing market for electric public transport, and the role of regional collaboration in accelerating adoption across ASEAN. Manny also reflects on EVAP's remarkable growth since its grassroots beginnings and the importance of public education in debunking EV myths. A must-listen for anyone passionate about the energy transition in Southeast Asia. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Jaap Burger, a leading voice on EV smart charging and consumer energy flexibility. Based in Brussels and focused on EU policy on EVs, Jaap unpacks how electric vehicles, bi-directional charging, and automation are transforming consumers from passive users into active participants in the energy transition. We discussed: Why Norway's EV policy is more about smart taxation than subsidies; how Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is moving from theory to large-scale deployment;  the impact of thermal waste from ICE vehicles on urban heat; and the role of automation in unlocking flexible demand at scale; and how energy communities and equitable access can democratize electrification Jaap also touches on energy-efficient cooking, smart home innovations, and why well-insulated homes matter more than ever in the age of renewables. With passion and clarity, he paints a compelling picture of a user-centric, decentralized energy system—and how we all have a role to play. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Daisy Vardy, co-founder of ForeseEnergy, a 100% minority women-owned cleantech EPC company based in British Columbia. Daisy shares her company's inspiring journey and mission to decarbonize transportation by retrofitting diesel fleets—from mining trucks and postal vans to tugboats and cranes—with state-of-the-art electric drive systems and battery swapping technologies. She discusses how their end-to-end solutions extend the life of vehicles, reduce emissions, and lower operational costs by up to 90%. Daisy also explains how ForeseEnergy is leading initiatives in second-life battery repurposing, autonomous vehicle retrofits, microgrids for rural communities, and collaborations with Indigenous Nations. Her story is a compelling testament to female-led innovation, sustainable development, and the power of strategic partnerships in accelerating the energy transition. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Dr. Ancha Srinivasan, a veteran climate change expert and agripreneurship advocate. With decades of international experience in climate policy, precision agriculture, and energy access, Ancha dives deep into how democratizing clean energy technologies can revolutionize farming—especially for smallholders. He reflects on his journey from rural India to global institutions, highlighting how AI, solar irrigation, agri-voltaics, and innovative financing models can empower the next generation of farmers. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Candace Miller, a seasoned global development and public health expert who has spent decades leading impactful programs across Africa, with organizations like the Millennium Challenge Corporation and USAID's Power Africa. Candace shares how her hands-on experience in energy access—particularly through solar mini-grids for health facilities—sparked her shift into clean energy advocacy in the U.S. Now focused on accelerating the energy transition in the Northeast, she discusses policy barriers, affordability concerns, and the critical role of combating misinformation. From electrifying health clinics in Africa to navigating permitting hurdles in Massachusetts, Candace brings deep insight and optimism to the evolving clean energy landscape. She also weighs in on the future of EVs, the role of citizen movements, and the emerging potential of fusion energy. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Angus McDonald, Co-founder and Chair of the Maritime Emission Reduction Coalition (MERC). Angus shares how battery-powered boats are reshaping marine transport, from electric ferries to outboard conversions for island fishermen. He explores the economic, safety, and regulatory challenges of maritime electrification—and why this sector may soon follow the EV boom. From solar charging to floating battery swaps, it's a deep dive into the future of clean, quiet seas. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Robert Schoellhammer, recently retired from a 25-year career at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Robert shares reflections from his time working across Asia and Europe, highlighting how MDBs can and should lead with bold, transformative investments. From climate finance and energy access in Mongolia to electric vehicle policy in Manila, he unpacks why trust, innovation, and ambition matter more than ever. This episode is a deep dive into the "big bets" MDBs need to take to stay relevant in a fast-changing development landscape. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Jan Tore Gjøby, a seasoned electrical engineer and independent consultant from Norway. Jan takes us through his inspiring journey from setting up one of Norway's first DC fast chargers to shaping national EV and charging strategies with the Norwegian Automobile Federation. He shares insider insights into how Norway rapidly transitioned to 95% electric car sales, the pivotal role of government policy in discouraging polluting vehicles (rather than subsidizing EVs), and how EVs are now evolving from energy consumers to active players in grid stabilization through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration. Jan also discusses Norway's pioneering work in electrifying ferries, trucks, and autonomous freight systems, as well as challenges around home batteries, solar adoption, and the next wave of innovation needed for a fully flexible and resilient energy system. His perspectives offer valuable lessons for countries on similar energy transition paths. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Tim Ryan, a seasoned voice in Australia's energy and digital technology landscape. Tim unpacks the evolving dynamics of energy supply in rural Australia — from community perspectives on wind farms to the transformative potential of batteries, EVs, and smart grids. He explores curbside charging, Distribution Network Service Provider's (DNSP) as enablers rather than gatekeepers, and why flexibility and digitization are essential for consumer empowerment and system efficiency. With rich anecdotes and technical insights, Tim makes a compelling case for rethinking how energy is delivered and managed — especially outside the big cities. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Samy Sriram, Head of Marketing and Operations at Clearbot, a pioneering startup building electric, solar-powered boats designed to clean polluted waterways. Samy shares the inspiring journey of scaling Clearbot from a humble prototype into a fleet of smart, autonomous vessels now operating across five countries. She breaks down their service, rental, and sales models, details the capabilities of their three boat classes—including AI integration, remote operation, and solar charging—and discusses Clearbot's commitment to working alongside local communities to recover waste without replacing livelihoods. From tackling water hyacinths and plastic debris to collecting real-time environmental data, this conversation offers a fascinating look into how electric marine tech is addressing water pollution and climate challenges at scale. Samyuktha also reflects on her favorite project in Northeast India, the risks operators face, and her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: start small, stay passionate, and iterate. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Sidhant Gupta, the co-founder of Clearbot—a startup transforming how we clean polluted waterways. From a student project sparked by a trip to Bali, Sidhant and his team have built a fleet of unmanned, solar-powered electric boats that remove waste from water bodies in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. Clearbot's boats, equipped with AI and autonomous navigation systems, are redefining how dirty, dangerous marine tasks are handled. Sidhant shares how their technology is already expanding beyond pollution control to include maritime inspection, surveillance, and even flood rescue applications. We explore how the team aims to scale from 25 to 10,000 boats with their "electric boat in a box" model and how local partnerships enable global impact. Plus, Sidhant reflects on what it takes to grow a purpose-driven tech company from the ground up and the broader potential of electrifying and automating maritime infrastructure. Please join to find more.  Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Vladimir Abdelnour, an electrical engineer and founder who transformed crisis into opportunity. He shares how Lebanon's chronic electricity shortages led to a surge in rooftop solar adoption and his creation of a smart microgrid startup that integrated diesel, solar, and grid energy. Vladimir also discusses his transition to the U.S. for a PhD in grid-edge technologies, where he explores advanced energy systems, AI for energy, and decentralized smart grid models. From peer-to-peer energy trading and virtual power plants to AI-powered interconnection studies and the future of grid digital twins, Vladimir's journey showcases the power of innovation, resilience, and practical solutions in the global energy transition. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Dr. Enebish Namjil, a veteran solar energy expert and pioneer of Mongolia's renewable energy transition. Dr. Namjil shares his journey from launching early solar research in the 1970s to developing large-scale PV systems, solar thermal heating, and even implementing innovative heat battery technologies in his own home. We explore Mongolia's immense potential in solar energy, including gigawatt-scale proposals for the Gobi Desert, the shift toward distributed power supply, and how Dr. Namjil's work is helping combat severe winter pollution. His personal solar-powered home is a model of energy autonomy — generating over 200 kWh/day, storing power with both lithium and heat batteries, and inspiring future generations through education and policy advocacy. Please join to find more: Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Steven Letendre, an economist and regulatory strategist specializing in distributed energy and vehicle-grid integration. Steven shares his deep insights into the emerging world of bidirectional EV charging, or V2G, a concept he has helped shape for over two decades. From the regulatory frameworks needed to support innovation, to real-world use cases like electric school buses and bundled EV-leasing models in Europe, Steven unpacks the transformative potential of "batteries on wheels." We explore how EVs can not only consume but also supply energy to the grid, enabling flexible energy management, reducing peak demand, and even providing power to underserved communities. With vivid analogies and global case studies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of mobility, clean energy, and entrepreneurship. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Sohail Hasnie, host of Energypreneurs, who shares his personal reflections on the game-changing potential of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. Driving through Metro Manila, Sohail explores the "10 things V2G can do for us"—a practical and visionary list that shows how electric vehicles can go far beyond transportation to become mobile power stations. He explains how V2G could: Reduce electricity bills Provide backup power during emergencies Enable income streams through bi-directional charging Optimize solar energy use Support grid stability during peak demand Boost property values Encourage energy independence Create community-level resilience Allow participation in energy markets And ultimately, reshape how we generate, store, and use electricity Drawing from real-world scenarios and analogies to the mobile phone revolution, Sohail makes a compelling case that V2G could transform both the energy and transport sectors in ways we're only beginning to imagine. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Laura Jones, an electrical engineer, social scientist, and co-founder of the Circular PV Alliance. Laura walks us through the pioneering work behind Australia's first certification scheme for circular solar farms, CPVA Certified. From integrating circular economy principles into planning and operation, to practical reuse and repair strategies for PV components, Laura's insights are both grounded and forward-looking. We also explore her research on virtual power plants (VPPs), the real-world challenges householders face when participating in energy markets, and how human behavior intersects with energy tech design. Laura shares valuable lessons from her projects on battery storage, vehicle-to-grid trials, and how equitable and thoughtful systems design can lead to more resilient and inclusive energy futures. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Danny Kennedy, a serial energy entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for distributed renewables. Danny shares his bold vision for a world powered entirely by solar energy and battery storage — a transformation he calls "Solar for Universal Need." Drawing on his experience leading startups and initiatives like the California Clean Energy Fund and New Energy Nexus, Danny explores the dramatic cost declines in solar and storage technologies and their role in reshaping how we electrify everything — from homes to transportation, boats, agriculture, and even cooking. He highlights how developing countries like Pakistan and the Philippines are leapfrogging centralized grid models by deploying decentralized, low-cost energy solutions that empower citizens and communities. Danny also discusses the overlooked potential of maritime electrification, the role of AI and social media in accelerating learning and deployment, and the coming disruption of fossil-fueled infrastructure. This is a wide-ranging, energizing conversation on how innovation, entrepreneurship, and bold action can help us navigate — and accelerate — the global energy transition. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Glenne Drover, a passionate energy professional and currently the Company Secretary at Yarra Energy Foundation. Though semi-retired, Glenne remains deeply active in shaping Australia's energy landscape through consulting, advocacy, and public engagement. We discuss the evolving battery storage landscape, with Glenne providing rich insights into vanadium redox flow batteries, salt-based alternatives, and iron-air innovations. He shares his experience helping commercialize long-duration energy storage in Australia and beyond. A major focus is on community battery projects, including Yarra Energy Foundation's pioneering work that inspired both state and federal programs supporting hundreds of installations across the country. Glenne also explores the role of electric vehicles in grid support (V2G), Australia's world-leading rooftop solar economics, and the emerging challenges of energy resilience in response to extreme weather and grid reliability. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for anyone interested in energy transition, grid innovation, or how local communities can take charge of their energy future. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Yongping Zhai, former ADB energy leader and now Senior Advisor at Tencent, leading their carbon neutrality strategy. He shares his journey from early solar projects to driving green innovation in big tech—covering dramatic cost drops in renewables, the rise of AI in grid management, and why mindsets must shift for the energy transition to succeed. Yongping also discusses Tencent's role in supporting frontier technologies like direct air capture, long-duration storage, and carbon-to-product solutions, all aiming for net zero by 2030. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Gavin Dufty, National Director of Energy Policy and Research at St Vincent de Paul Australia. Gavin brings decades of experience advocating for consumer equity in Australia's energy transition. He shares valuable insights on evolving from kilowatt-based billing to energy-as-a-service models, rethinking subsidy frameworks, and the importance of involving everyday consumers in shaping regulatory policy. From hot water as a battery to intergenerational equity in solar incentives, Gavin outlines the foundational frameworks needed to enable inclusive and effective decarbonization. His clear-eyed perspective and consumer-first approach make this a vital listen for anyone engaged in the future of energy. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs