E203: Energy Access and Sustainability in Afghanistan

In this episode, our guest is Jiri Rasanen, an innovator from Finland with a passion for electric vehicle conversions and sustainable energy solutions. Jiri shares his journey of pioneering EV conversion projects and discusses the potential of retrofitting internal combustion engine vehicles to reduce waste and promote circular economies. He also explores modular technology, open-source research, and innovative ideas for renewable energy in transportation. Please join to find more.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

In this episode, our guest is James Tauchnitz, Managing Director of Novus Fuels. James shares how his company is helping coal mining companies transform methane emissions into valuable energy sources. He discusses the importance of reducing methane's environmental impact, innovative solutions for coal mine methane capture, and how these projects support sustainability in the steelmaking and mining industries.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

In this episode, our guest is Waseem Alim, founder of Chaldal, a leading grocery delivery platform in Dhaka. Waseem shares his journey of creating one of Bangladesh's top e-commerce platforms, overcoming logistical challenges in a densely populated city, and driving efficiency in the grocery supply chain. He also discusses the role of technology, potential for energy-efficient solutions, and how e-commerce can impact sustainability and community development. Please join in to find out more.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

In this episode, our guests are Charmaine Cu-Unjieng and Daniel Dinizo, co-founders of NaturLoop, a pioneering company turning coconut waste into sustainable building materials. Charmaine and Daniel share their inspiring journey, from developing coconut-based panels as an alternative to MDF to creating opportunities for farmers and reducing environmental pollution. They discuss the challenges of scaling innovation, building a circular economy, and the broader social and environmental impact of their work.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

In this episode, our guest is Stefan Wolf, a thought leader in battery innovation from VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik. Stefan discusses the evolving landscape of battery technology, Europe's ambitions, regulatory framework, and the push for sustainable and secure supply chains. He also sheds light on the interface between policy, industry, and innovation and how these dynamics drive the development of gigafactories and energy storage solutions across Europe.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

In this episode, our guest is Nilofar Ghazanfar, a leading entrepreneur from Afghanistan working in renewable energy. Nilofar discusses her journey in creating energy access for communities, particularly focusing on empowering Afghan women through sustainable energy solutions. She highlights the challenges and opportunities of building a clean energy future in Afghanistan and how renewable energy is key to driving economic growth and social progress. Please join to find more:   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

In this episode, our guest is David Ellis, Founder of Azura Associates and an expert in anaerobic digestion and waste-to-energy solutions. David discusses how anaerobic digestion transforms food waste and other organic material into energy, reducing landfill waste and creating valuable by-products. He shares insights on bioenergy projects for communities and businesses, the technology’s role in carbon reduction, and the economic opportunities for sustainable waste management. Please join us to find more.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

In this episode, our guest is Satish Hrit, Founder of SparkCraft, a startup focused on transforming energy storage. Satish discusses Sparkcraft’s innovative plug-and-play battery solution designed to make energy storage accessible and practical for residential use. He shares insights into overcoming technical and regulatory challenges, and how battery innovation is key to achieving sustainable energy goals.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

In this episode, our guest is Robert Guild, Team Leader of the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility. Robert discusses the incredible opportunities in renewable energy, solar power, battery storage, and electric vehicles across the Pacific. He shares insights into the region's infrastructure development pipeline, which includes a $9 billion investment over the next five years, and highlights how technology and local participation are transforming the Pacific’s energy landscape.   Link to ADB’s PRIF website: https://www.theprif.org/   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

In this episode, our guest is David Sirieix, a visionary entrepreneur who is revolutionizing electric vehicle charging with his innovative flat cable technology. David shares his journey in solving practical problems with EV charging, (making some sensible remarks that u will not want to miss ?) from addressing public safety concerns to making EV charging more accessible. He also discusses the challenges of legislation, public acceptance, and the potential global market for this breakthrough product.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie