E233: Investing for Impact to Fast-Tracking Australia's Clean Energy Future

In this episode, our guest is Blair Palese, a long-standing climate advocate, ethical investment strategist and Director of Philanthropy at Ethinvest. Blair shares her journey from leading fossil fuel divestment campaigns to founding the Climate Capital Forum, where she now works to unlock climate finance and accelerate clean tech solutions in Australia and beyond. She discusses the remarkable growth of rooftop solar, the transformative role of home battery systems, and the urgent need for Australia to coordinate and deploy its climate funding with speed and strategy. Blair offers critical insights into exportable innovation, the role of young entrepreneurs, and how blended finance, from philanthropy to patient capital, is reshaping the global energy transition. She also underscores the importance of Australia’s potential COP31 leadership and the transformative power of diversity in investment and governance. 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 @energypreneursv

In this episode, our guest is Shazia Khan, a seasoned energy entrepreneur, advisor, and investor. Shazia shares her journey from founding Pakistan’s first pay-as-you-go solar company to becoming a strategic force in energy access across Africa and Latin America. She discusses her ventures in peer-to-peer energy sharing, her board roles in e-mobility and tech-focused VC funds, and the critical importance of sustainable business models in the clean energy sector. Shazia also opens up about her personal projects powered by AI, including documenting family history and creating educational tools for youth. Her passion for impactful innovation, coupled with hands-on experience across continents, makes this a must-listen episode for anyone passionate about energy access, startup resilience, or the evolving role of technology. 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 Syed Saqib Alam, a seasoned Bitcoin mining expert who shares his journey from hobbyist miner to industry leader. He explains the fundamentals of Bitcoin mining, the vital role miners play in maintaining the blockchain, and the critical importance of energy efficiency in mining operations. Saqib offers a deep dive into the future of Bitcoin mining, discussing topics like ASIC machines, the impact of halving events, the transition to renewable energy sources, and the significance of self-custody in Bitcoin ownership. This insightful conversation uncovers both the technological and economic aspects of the Bitcoin mining ecosystem. 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 Michael Barnard, a climate futurist, systems thinker, and clean tech strategist. Michael dives deep into the myths and realities around hydrogen, offering compelling arguments backed by decades of technical analysis and scenario modelling. He explains why hydrogen's role in the future energy mix is likely overstated and explores the economic and technological factors that favour batteries and electrification instead. From maritime shipping to steelmaking, and from Pakistan’s rooftop solar boom to battery swapping in Asia, Michael’s insights illuminate the macro trends transforming energy, transport, and policy. A must-listen for anyone serious about 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 Lynnaire Johnston, a New Zealand-based LinkedIn strategist, author, and founder of LinkAbility. Lynnaire shares practical and powerful insights on how professionals—especially in the sustainability and clean energy sectors—can elevate their personal and company brands using LinkedIn. She emphasizes the platform's evolution from a digital CV to a rich networking and publishing tool that can open doors to media, speaking, and business opportunities. Lynnaire walks us through effective profile optimization, how to use visuals and video, the importance of consistent engagement, and why authenticity matters more than ever in the age of AI. She also introduces us to the LinkAbility community, which connects professionals across diverse fields and fosters continuous learning. Whether you're a LinkedIn novice or a long-time user, Lynnaire offers clear and actionable tips to boost your presence and reach the right audience—with integrity, consistency, and purpose. 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 Grant Mitchell, an entrepreneur and electric vehicle expert with deep roots in the transport and logistics sector. Grant shares decades of experience and offers a rich perspective on the evolution of electric trucks—from early forklift applications to cutting-edge battery-swapping technology and autonomous freight solutions. We explore how Australia compares with global leaders like China in EV truck adoption, why battery chemistry (especially LFP) matters, and how companies like Janus Electric and Windrose are innovating retrofit and design strategies. Grant also dives into the economics of EV trucks, the role of local manufacturing, and the shift away from hydrogen in heavy transport. Whether you're a policymaker, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the electrification of logistics, this conversation delivers sharp insights into the future of sustainable freight. Please join us to find out 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 Cherrie Atilano, the dynamic founder and CEO of AGREA Agricultural Systems and the AGREA Foundation. Cherrie shares her powerful journey of building sustainable agricultural models in the Philippines, particularly by empowering women in rural and island communities. From transforming typhoon-hit buildings into solar-powered women's centers to promoting regenerative farming and financial inclusion for smallholder farmers, Cherrie’s mission is deeply rooted in social justice, environmental resilience, and inclusive development. She discusses her partnerships with UN agencies, grassroots projects and her involvement in electric vehicle and solar initiatives. Cherrie also highlights the importance of mindset-building for women, teaching vision boarding, gratitude, and entrepreneurship alongside technical training. The episode wraps with her reflections on AI, journaling, leadership discipline, and how to balance ambition with wellness. 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 Woochong Um, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). With a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in international development, Woochong shares his journey from senior leadership at the Asian Development Bank to now spearheading one of the world’s most ambitious efforts to end energy poverty and combat climate change. He discusses GEAPP’s mission to bring clean, affordable energy to 1 billion people by 2030, reduce carbon emissions, and generate millions of green jobs across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Woochong also reflects on the role of public-private-philanthropic partnerships, flexible capital, and local innovation in scaling climate solutions—highlighting transformative projects in Rajasthan, Haiti, Indonesia, and beyond. From off-grid solar and battery storage to digital grid management and electric mobility, this conversation offers insight into what it takes to deliver a just, inclusive energy transition in emerging markets. 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 Janine Teo, CEO of Solve Education! She shares her inspiring journey from a computer engineer in Singapore to a global changemaker leading scalable education programs for marginalized communities. With over 30 million lessons delivered, Janine breaks down how her organisation uses the “GAIN” framework—Gamification, AI coaching, Incentives, and Network—to tackle the root challenges of low literacy, self-confidence, and motivation. We discuss the power of mindset, the limits of traditional education, and how emerging technologies like AI can either bridge or widen the divide—depending on how we design them. Janine also highlights the importance of behavioural science, foundational skills and why education is the key to climate resilience and entrepreneurship in underserved communities. 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 of Energypreneurs, our guest is Jaimes Kolantharaj, Principal Energy Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Jaimes shares insights on renewable energy projects in South Asia, highlighting ADB’s role in shifting investments from government funding to private sector-driven initiatives. He discusses solar and battery storage deployment in the Maldives, electric ferries for sustainable transport, and policy trends in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. The conversation also explores the impact of AI, digitalisation, and energy-efficient solutions, particularly in agriculture and electric mobility. Jaimes offers valuable advice to young entrepreneurs entering the renewable energy, emphasising the need for innovation and digital solutions in an evolving energy landscape.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs