E309: Crossing the Line: The Untold Story Behind a Cross-Border Power Project

What does it really take to deliver a cross-border energy project? In this episode of Energypreneurs, I share the untold story behind the Asian Development Bank–financed West Kalimantan–Sarawak transmission line — a project that took seven years, dozens of stakeholders, and relentless persistence to bring to life. This is not a technical discussion. It's a human story. From early skepticism and missing documentation to pricing negotiations, stakeholder alignment, and on-the-ground challenges in Borneo, this episode reveals what actually happens behind large infrastructure projects — far beyond what you see in headlines. In the second part, I distill key lessons from the journey: Why you must start before you're ready Why people — not technology — determine success How pricing unlocks progress The importance of champions and alignment Why public sector financing is critical for cross-border projects Finally, I connect these lessons to today's energy transition — where regional grids, renewable energy, and cross-border collaboration are more important than ever. If you are working on infrastructure, energy, or large-scale projects — this episode is for you. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Nicole Mao, Co-Founder and CEO of a fast-growing EV battery swapping company. She shares how battery-as-a-service is transforming electric mobility in Bangladesh and beyond—reducing costs, eliminating charging downtime, and enabling scalable EV adoption in emerging markets. Nicole also discusses global expansion into the Middle East and Pakistan, the shift from climate-driven EV adoption to energy security, and how EV batteries can power the future through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and distributed energy networks. 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 Syed Haseeb Hassan, an EV charging expert and automotive industry analyst based in Germany. We explore how electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is evolving—from home EV chargers and AC wall boxes to ultra-fast DC charging stations and megawatt charging technology. Haseeb explains the different EV charging levels, public charging networks in Europe, charging costs compared to gasoline vehicles, and the role of battery storage in fast-charging stations. The discussion also covers emerging innovations such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), battery swapping, and inductive charging, along with global EV market trends and the growing influence of Chinese EV manufacturers. If you're interested in electric vehicles, EV charging technology, energy transition, and the future of mobility, this episode provides practical insights into how the EV ecosystem is rapidly transforming. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs

"The era of the power station is ending." In this episode, John Noonan explains how rooftop solar, batteries, and distributed energy are reshaping the grid, and why South Australia is already proving it can work. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs

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