E298: Energy Lab: Startups, Batteries and the Grid

In this episode, our guest is Manav (CEO), Alpna and Adwitya—the co-founding team—of Driven, who are tackling one of the biggest barriers to electrifying heavy transport: financing. They explain how Driven enables fleet operators to adopt electric buses and trucks through a leasing model, bundling vehicles, charging infrastructure, and service guarantees. The conversation explores why heavy vehicles are difficult to finance, how data from EV fleets helps manage risk and improve operations, and why large commercial fleets represent a major opportunity for decarbonizing transport. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Neal Moore, a communication coach, writer, and actor who helps professionals and organisations tell better stories for business impact. Neal shares insights on personal branding, explaining why job titles are less important than clearly communicating the value you bring to others. We discuss how storytelling, thoughtful use of LinkedIn, and consistent value-sharing can help build a strong professional presence. Neal also reflects on the importance of real-world connections and introduces his "Pro Human" philosophy—encouraging more human creativity, collaboration, and meaningful relationships in an increasingly AI-driven world. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Frank Haugwitz, a long-time China energy expert who has witnessed firsthand the country's transformation into the world's clean energy powerhouse. Frank explains how early rural solar programs, strong industrial policy, global demand, and relentless competition helped China dominate solar manufacturing and deployment. He shares insights into China's risk-taking culture, rapid innovation cycles, grid challenges, and what the rest of the world can learn from its clean tech journey. 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

In this episode, our guest is Robert Stewart, founder of Collective Power Boroondara, Melbourne, Australia, who explores how the energy transition must go beyond technology to focus on people and relationships. As solar, batteries, and EVs transform households into both producers and consumers, Robert argues the grid is becoming a shared community asset. He explains why many households are on the wrong tariffs, why VPP uptake remains low, and how a non-distributing cooperative model can help build trust, improve equity, and unlock better outcomes for everyone. This conversation highlights why the future of energy depends not just on smarter technology — but on stronger communities. 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

In this episode, our guest is Bruce Mountain, Director of the Victoria Energy Policy Centre at Victoria University in Melbourne. With over three decades in energy economics and policy, Bruce shares sharp insights into how distributed solar, batteries, and EVs are reshaping the electricity market. We discuss the rapid fall in battery costs, the growing possibility of grid defection, and whether traditional distribution monopolies face stranded assets. Bruce also gives a candid critique of Australia's proposed "free electricity" policy, questioning whether it promotes fairness — or distorts the market. From vehicle-to-grid to regulatory reform, this conversation challenges the role of government in the energy transition. Bruce argues that the economics of clean energy now stand on their own — and that policymakers should focus less on subsidies and more on removing barriers. 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

In this 300th episode of Energypreneurs, I do a solo monologue reflecting on why I started the podcast during COVID and what I have learned over five years and 300 conversations. I share how podcasting has helped me clarify my thinking on climate, electric vehicles, batteries, and clean energy policy, while building a strong global network of founders, engineers, and investors. I also explain why podcasting is even more relevant in the age of AI — as a tool for authenticity, credibility, and long-term intellectual asset creation. Finally, I walk through the practical side of starting a podcast today — from format choices and simple recording setups to using AI tools for editing and content creation — and why you should consider starting one yourself. 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

In this episode, our guest is Karl Nolles, an energy economist and former system control operator with experience spanning academia, banking, and government.   Karl shares lessons from early carbon markets, integrating solar and batteries into isolated grids, and the technical realities of synthetic inertia and system stability. We discuss policy intervention, regulatory risk, behind-the-meter optimisation, and the growing energy demands of AI and data centers.   The conversation concludes with a deep dive into biodiversity credit markets and the land-use impacts of large-scale solar, including why renewable expansion is creating significant demand for conservation offsets.   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

In this episode, our guest is Megan Fisher, CEO and Director of Energy Lab, a startup support organisation helping climate tech founders build and scale solutions for decarbonisation. Megan explains how Energy Lab backs entrepreneurs from idea stage to international growth through accelerator programs, mentors and investors, with examples ranging from grid software and virtual power plants to solar and storage innovations. She also reflects on mid-career founders, the importance of diversity—especially more women in climate tech—and why climate entrepreneurship can become a major economic engine in 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

In this episode, our guest is Omar Riahi, an EV influencer, author, and customer experience lead at Percepta. Omar shares his personal journey from skeptic to passionate advocate, revealing how EVs are transforming not just transportation, but the entire energy landscape. We discuss the evolution of customer adoption, the economics of vehicle-to-grid systems, and the global momentum toward electric mobility. From charging myths to the rise of EVs in Asia and Europe, Omar brings frontline insight into how seamless customer experience is the key to mass adoption. This episode is a deep dive into how EVs are becoming energy assets and what the frictionless, electrified future looks like. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Bill Shevlin, CEO of Clearbook Energy Solutions and a returning voice to the show. Bill shares remarkable insights from the frontlines of the energy transition, highlighting how microgrids, battery manufacturing, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, and virtual power plants (VPPs) are redefining the way we generate, store, and distribute electricity. He reflects on Australia's pioneering approach to free midday electricity, discusses the future role of AI in energy systems, and explores how electrification—combined with intelligent grid solutions—can revolutionize industries, communities, and daily life. A must-listen conversation on how abundance, resilience, and decentralization are shaping our energy future. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs