E224: Innovating Renewable Energy in South Asia

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

Joe Lowry, a 35-year lithium industry veteran, joins Sohail Hasnie to break down lithium’s rise from obscurity to a global necessity. He shares insights on China’s battery dominance, EV market shifts, and the next frontier—home and grid storage.   Joe also teases his upcoming book Lithium Confidential and offers sharp advice for newcomers in the industry. He discusses investment trends, the role of trust in business, and how lithium will continue shaping the future of energy storage worldwide. 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 Cherie Gregoire, a clean energy expert with a unique journey from defense engineering to renewable energy. Cherie shares her insights on energy efficiency, solar development, and climate resilience, reflecting on key projects she has led in the UK and Australia. She discusses the impact of climate change on infrastructure, policy shifts in the energy sector, and innovative solutions for decentralized energy systems. Please join us 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, Alfredo Baño Leal, an energy expert with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), discusses Uzbekistan’s evolving energy sector. The conversation highlights the country’s transition from gas dependency to renewable energy, with recent policy reforms driving energy efficiency and reducing waste. With over 1-2 GW of rooftop solar already installed and a target of 40% renewable capacity by 2030, Uzbekistan is rapidly reshaping its power grid. Alfredo shares insights into the challenges of modernising the grid, the growing adoption of electric vehicles, and how distributed generation is becoming a cost-effective alternative for rural electrification. He also discusses Uzbekistan’s push toward clean energy investments, including the development of local solar manufacturing and a new BYD electric vehicle assembly plant. The episode closes with a look at Uzbekistan’s cultural richness, its emerging role as an energy leader in Central Asia, and why it’s a fascinating place to visit. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs