E291: Future of Free Electricity, Rooftop Solar and Batteries

In this episode, our guest is Stephanie Bashir, Founder and CEO of Nexa Advisory. With over two decades of experience in Australia's energy sector, Stephanie shares a compelling vision for a consumer-driven clean energy future. From rooftop solar and home batteries to commercial-scale renewables and regulatory reform, she unpacks the big shifts reshaping Australia's energy market. Stephanie discusses the phasing out of coal, barriers to transmission upgrades, the equity implications of fixed network charges, and how electric vehicles and household storage are redefining the role of utilities. She also calls for open, honest conversations on modernizing the grid and ensuring energy affordability for all. This is a dynamic conversation on policy, innovation, and people-powered change. 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 returning guest is Tim Buckley, Director of Climate Energy Finance, and a leading voice in Australia's clean energy transition. Tim shares a passionate and data-driven overview of how rooftop solar, home batteries, and EVs are transforming Australia's energy landscape. He discusses record-breaking renewable penetration, the game-changing impact of battery subsidies, and the economics of solar that now defy fossil-fuel logic. Tim also emphasizes energy equity—highlighting policies aimed at helping renters and low-income households access clean energy, including a novel proposal offering 3 hours of free midday electricity. With insights spanning from China's global clean tech exports to Pakistan's rooftop solar surge, this episode is a masterclass in how distributed energy, electrification, and smart regulation can deliver a more affordable, secure, and sustainable future. 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 Curtis S. Chin, former U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank and current Asia Fellow at the Milken Institute. With deep experience spanning diplomacy, finance, and sustainable development, Curtis shares insights on Asia's energy future, the balance of access and innovation, and why responsible development must focus on "People, Planet, and Partnership." He reflects on his days at the ADB, the need for localized energy solutions like micro-hydro and solar, and why maintenance—not just installation—is critical for long-term success. The conversation also dives into AI's growing role, the risks of misinformation, the widening digital divide, and how social and AI literacy are becoming vital skills. Curtis also touches on entrepreneurship, sharing case studies from clean tech to creative economies, while encouraging a broader, more inclusive definition of prosperity—one that includes investing in children, health, education, and community-level impact. 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 Massimiliano Cervo, who shares clear and practical insights on how the Middle East is approaching the energy transition. He discusses the growing role of renewables, the importance of balancing the energy trilemma, and why diversification—not a single technology—is key. Massimiliano also breaks down where hydrogen truly makes economic sense and how policy, carbon pricing, and mandates will shape future energy systems. 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 Hans-Henning Judek, a German-born, Japan-based lawyer, economist, and energy innovator who has spent over two decades pioneering renewable energy solutions. From early work in maritime wind propulsion and biofuels to his recent ventures in microwave-assisted biofuel production and floating solar technology, Hans-Henning shares a remarkable journey across continents and disciplines. He explains how lignocellulosic biomass—such as rice straw and sugarcane bagasse—can be converted into carbon-neutral marine gas oil, offering a sustainable alternative to heavy fuel oils currently dominating the shipping industry. We also dive into the challenges and breakthroughs of floating solar systems, including a dive-capable design resilient to typhoons. Hans-Henning passionately highlights how his innovations can uplift smallholder farmers, reduce stubble burning in places like India, and tackle invasive plants like water hyacinth through thermal carbonization. This episode is a deep dive into practical climate action, energy justice, and engineering ingenuity. 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 Sura, a passionate engineer and energy expert with decades of experience in gas transit and hydrogen research. Drawing from his time managing large-scale natural gas operations and early hydrogen experiments, Michael offers an honest, technically grounded reality check on the hydrogen hype dominating today's energy discourse. He challenges the feasibility of hydrogen as a transport fuel, breaks down the economic and safety pitfalls of converting hydrogen into ammonia, and critiques misguided green shipping solutions. Michael also shares sharp insights into the role of geography in green hydrogen production, the ethics of ammonia diversion from fertilizer to fuel, and the limitations of battery-powered ships. With clarity and conviction, he calls for smarter decarbonization strategies—prioritizing low-hanging fruit, being conscious of energy efficiency, and focusing investments where they matter most. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about real-world climate solutions, not just headlines. 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. 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