E266: Navigating Knowledge: From ADB to AI

In this episode, our guest is Yongping Zhai, former ADB energy leader and now Senior Advisor at Tencent, leading their carbon neutrality strategy. He shares his journey from early solar projects to driving green innovation in big tech—covering dramatic cost drops in renewables, the rise of AI in grid management, and why mindsets must shift for the energy transition to succeed. Yongping also discusses Tencent’s role in supporting frontier technologies like direct air capture, long-duration storage, and carbon-to-product solutions, all aiming for net zero by 2030. 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 Gavin Dufty, National Director of Energy Policy and Research at St Vincent de Paul Australia. Gavin brings decades of experience advocating for consumer equity in Australia's energy transition. He shares valuable insights on evolving from kilowatt-based billing to energy-as-a-service models, rethinking subsidy frameworks, and the importance of involving everyday consumers in shaping regulatory policy. From hot water as a battery to intergenerational equity in solar incentives, Gavin outlines the foundational frameworks needed to enable inclusive and effective decarbonization. His clear-eyed perspective and consumer-first approach make this a vital listen for anyone engaged in the future of energy. 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 Daan Boom, former Knowledge Management Specialist at ADB, who shares how knowledge systems have evolved—from early platforms like K-Map and E-Star to today's AI-driven environments. He reflects on building a culture of learning within development institutions, his current work on climate resilience in Bangladesh, and how to stay intellectually and physically active in retirement. A thoughtful conversation on knowledge, AI, and lifelong engagement. 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 Daniel Bleakley, co-founder of New Energy Transport, who shares how his team is building a vertically integrated, zero-emission road-freight company that can compete at diesel price parity by pairing electric trucks with on-site generation and smart participation in Australia’s wholesale electricity market. He explains why heavy line-haul routes are the best first movers (diesel can be ~40% of operating cost), outlines initial operations between Sydney and the Illawarra before extending down the Hume to Melbourne, and describes early trials with customers starting in September. Daniel also highlights the system-level upside—using large truck batteries (≈600 kWh each) for vehicle-to-grid flexibility—and updates us on funding (a first raise just under A$1M in Nov, with grants and a follow-on round underway). 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 Bruce Nordman, a long-time researcher from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Bruce brings four decades of experience in energy efficiency and introduces his revolutionary vision for transforming how buildings use electricity, drawing strong parallels with the evolution of internet technology. We explore the concept of "nanogrids," price-responsive appliances, and how a decentralized approach to energy, using price signals instead of commands, can reshape both on- and off-grid systems. Bruce highlights the untapped potential of DC power, the role of embedded intelligence in devices, and how smart automation can lead to a more resilient, efficient, and affordable energy future for everyone from California to remote villages in Asia and Africa. 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 Cheree Bonnici, a startup founder based in South Australia, and the driving force behind Topicks, a global content platform focused on community, education, and sustainability. Cheree shares the story behind creating a curated digital space where users choose what they learn—free from algorithms and noise. From solving content quality challenges with AI moderation to building safe spaces for user-generated insights on climate change, nutrition, and EVs, she dives deep into what makes Topicks unique. She also reflects on the entrepreneurial journey, balancing personal passion with persistence, and her aspirations for growing an inclusive, expert-led platform that fosters real connection.   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 Amie Vuyong. She works on AI-powered identity verification, AML, and fraud prevention, areas she frames as “compliance AI agents.” She also shares how she used modern AI coding companions to turn a manual spreadsheet into a sleek personal finance web app, with expense tracking, budgets, and net‑worth views, built through iterative MVPs using Cursor/Windsor and GPT. Beyond tools, Amie and Sohail compare real‑world AI workflows (from content editing to prioritization systems), swap notes on NotebookLM for multi‑PDF research and auto‑generated explainers, and discuss autonomy, from AGI timelines to everyday safety moments in driver‑assist and robotaxis. 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 Clinton O’Neil, a distributed energy veteran whose journey began in Hawaii’s rooftop solar boom and evolved into driving innovation in grid modernisation and virtual power plants (VPPs). Clinton shares deep insights into the transition from net metering to non-export solar, the pivotal role of energy storage, and how DERs are transforming utility-scale grid operations. He discusses the emergence of electric vehicles as mobile batteries, the potential of bi-directional charging, and the exciting future of AI-driven grid orchestration. With real-world examples from Hawaii, Colorado, and global markets, Clinton paints a compelling vision for how homes, cars, and the grid are converging into a smarter, more resilient energy ecosystem. 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 Ned Funnell, a test engineer at Lincoln Electric and long-time electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast. Ned shares a decade of personal and professional insights from the EV world—discussing high-power chargers, grid resiliency, home batteries, and the evolving role of electrification in achieving net-zero goals. From transit buses and ferries in the Nordics to solar-powered homes in Australia, Ned offers a global view on the electric transition. He talks candidly about his early scepticism regarding home batteries, how autonomy is changing driving experiences, and why he now believes the EV ecosystem, encompassing charging infrastructure, solar, batteries, and software, can truly transform lives. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the fast-changing energy landscape. 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 Gregory McGarvie, founder of Ace Electric Vehicles—Australia’s pioneering homegrown EV startup. Gregory shares his eight-year journey building locally assembled EVs, from trolley collectors for Woolworths to advanced, grid-integrated vans. We explore the challenges of local manufacturing, the innovation behind Ace’s energy management system, and the growing role of microgrids in energy resilience. Gregory also reflects on Australia’s lost auto industry and how EVs could spark a new era of smart, sustainable manufacturing. 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