E248: Bridging the Global Energy Talent Gap

In this episode, our guest is Jim Salter-Duke, founder of Spark Horizon, a talent solutions company working between Australia and the Philippines. Jim shares how the global clean energy transition is being hindered not by technology but by a chronic shortage of skilled labour. With 100,000 engineering graduates a year, the Philippines is a rich but underutilised source of technical talent. Jim explains how Spark Horizon connects this untapped workforce with renewable energy projects across the developed world. The conversation covers themes of global workforce distribution, equity in opportunity, the role of AI in accelerating technical learning, and the persistent biases in hiring. Jim also reflects on how real expertise and credibility must go beyond polished résumés, highlighting the importance of authenticity in the AI era. 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 Sonya Song, a seasoned private banking professional with 17 years of experience spanning Zurich, Beijing, and Singapore. Sonya shares unique insights into China's booming electric vehicle (EV) market, highlighting her views on leading players like BYD and Tesla. She discusses how private banks support ultra-high-net-worth clients with structured investment products and the growing influence of AI and automation on wealth management and everyday life. The conversation also explores ESG investments, China's progress in EV infrastructure, and the social implications of rapid tech adoption. 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 McDowell, a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for democratizing access to clean energy. Grant shares his 18-year journey—from dreaming of remote solar matching in Marrickville to launching “Adopt a Panel” in Italy, enabling urban households to access cheaper renewable energy. He discusses the technical and regulatory challenges of integrating solar, batteries, and V2G technologies, the looming transformation from centralised to distributed grids, and the vital need to simplify energy access for consumers. Grant also highlights the rise of the "electro-state" and the urgency of moving from transition to transformation in energy systems. His perspective is both pragmatic and inspiring, rooted in real-world projects and future-ready ideas. 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 guests are Sahil Nair and Pauline Smout, both sustainability consultants based in the Netherlands. They delve into the complexities of sustainable agriculture, highlighting how responsible sourcing, water use, and land conversion are critical to long-term ecological health. Pauline discusses her work bringing together banks, supermarkets, and farmer organisations to align on sustainability KPIs, while Sahil explains the challenges in traceability and impact measurement in global agricultural supply chains like coffee, cacao, and soy. Together, they explore the interplay between food, energy, and water systems and advocate for a return to first principles thinking to drive meaningful 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 guest is Hamdan Hossain Chowdhury, co-founder of Jatri and a passionate advocate for sustainable mobility in Bangladesh. We explore the practical challenges of rolling out EV charging infrastructure in Dhaka, the role of policy in scaling clean transport, and how startups like Jatri are paving the way for a smarter, greener urban commute. 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 panel explores the opportunities and barriers to Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in Australia. We dive into policy frameworks, utility business models, customer behavior, and the technical potential of V2G to help stabilize the grid, lower energy costs, and accelerate EV adoption. The discussion brings together experts from across the energy and transport sectors to unpack what’s working, what’s not, and what must change to unlock V2G at scale. 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 Emily Morris, Founder and CEO of Emrgy, a company pioneering modular hydropower systems that bring clean, continuous electricity to remote and underserved communities. Emily explains how her technology integrates water stewardship, floating solar, and energy storage to build decentralized microgrids that don't require new transmission infrastructure. From projects in New Zealand and the US to ambitious global expansion, we explore how Emrgy's plug-and-play turbines are changing the way power is delivered — and how this model empowers rural economies, women entrepreneurs, and the next generation of clean energy leaders. 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 Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council. Sonia shares an energising update on the rapid rise of solar PV and battery storage, outlining how the world is racing toward 700 GW of annual solar installations and aiming for 8 TW by 2030. She highlights rooftop solar as a game changer for resilience, the role of micro-entrepreneurs in Africa and Asia, and why the cost of solar plus storage opens new doors for climate adaptation, economic productivity, and social equity. From portable lanterns to 5 GW solar farms, Sonia explains how modular solar solutions are transforming lives, especially in underserved and conflict-affected areas. 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 Riccardo Pagliarrella, a dynamic force in the world of electric mobility and distributed energy. With a background in motorsports and nearly two decades of experience in vehicle electrification, Riccardo offers deep insights into the future of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. He discusses Australia's unique position as a market ripe for V2G adoption, while also shedding light on the regulatory, technical, and social hurdles that must be addressed. Riccardo also explores the role of standards like ISO 15118, the challenges in consumer adoption, and the evolving role of EVs as part of the energy grid. With clarity and candour, he helps demystify the real-world potential and limitations of V2G—and what it will take to turn this potential into value for all consumers. 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, Anthony Vippond shares his journey from installing off-grid solar systems in the early '90s to pioneering large-scale solar panel recycling. Seeing a major gap in the industry, his company developed an advanced process to recover 98% of materials from discarded panels. He discusses the global need for sustainable recycling, government interest in his technology, and the financial challenges of scaling the operation.    Anthony also dived into the potential of nano-silicon, a high-value byproduct from recycled panels, which could revolutionise battery storage. With backing from governments and industry leaders, he is set to expand operations worldwide, addressing the growing issue of solar waste in a rapidly 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