Tackling 8% of Global Emissions: Making Iron Sustainable One Atom at a Time with Sandeep Nijhawan

Solar panel costs have dropped 90% in the past two decades, transforming clean energy from subsidy-dependent to economically viable on its own. If we care about scaling climate tech, we need to understand the role of economics, policy, and geography in shaping which solutions thrive. In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett welcomes Pavel Molchanov, Investment Strategy Analyst at Raymond James, to share insights from his 20 years of studying energy markets. Pavel explains why economic viability is more important than technical breakthroughs, how different regions demand different solutions, and why climate adaptation will be essential. He offers a clear-eyed view of what it really takes for climate tech to achieve global impact.

The fashion industry produces 97 million tons of waste each year, and is responsible for 10% of global emissions and 20% of freshwater pollution. If we care about our planet, we need to take a closer look at sustainable fashion, and that is where Ravel enters the picture. In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett welcomes Ravel cofounders Zahlen Titcomb and Kristen Albrecht to discuss their breakthrough textile recycling technology. By recycling polyester and blended fabrics with 59% less energy while matching the price of virgin materials, Ravel is proving that sustainability can scale. They share insights on market-driven solutions, industry adoption, and transforming one of the world’s most polluting industries.

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett welcomes Ted McKlveen, co-founder and CEO of Verne, to discuss hydrogen’s rising role in clean power generation. They dive into Verne’s cryo-compressed hydrogen storage technology and its potential to replace diesel generators, especially in data centers and remote areas. Ted explains why hydrogen may be a practical and scalable solution for supporting the electrical grid and decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, like trucking, by offering both economic and environmental benefits in the race toward a cleaner energy future.

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett welcomes William Foiles, CEO of Project Canary, to discuss how advanced sensors and AI software are transforming methane emissions detection. They explore the evolution from custom hardware to integrated data platforms, the urgency of addressing methane's climate impact, and pragmatic strategies for change. William shares how precise, real-time monitoring empowers industrial operators to reduce emissions, proving that actionable data is a powerful tool in the climate tech arsenal.

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett sits down with Sandeep Nijhawan, CEO and Co-founder of Electra, to explore how his team is reinventing steel production. Their low-temperature electrowinning process converts iron ore into steel at low temperatures, utilizing renewable electricity to reduce emissions in one of the planet’s most polluting industries. From garage startup to industry disruptor, Sandeep shares Electra’s journey, its potential to reshape global manufacturing, and why industrial decarbonization is crucial for climate solutions.

As we move through 2025, climate hardware is no longer a promise for the future; it’s happening now. In this special episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett revisits 11 trailblazing guests who are turning bold ideas into real-world impact. From ocean carbon measurement to truck electrification, next-gen cement, and even cooling the planet with balloons, these founders share a pragmatic drive to solve today’s toughest climate challenges, proving the future of sustainability is being built right now.

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett sits down with Johanna Wolfson, Co-founder and General Partner at Azolla Ventures, about the critical role of catalytic capital in scaling hardware climate solutions. Johanna explains why traditional VC models often fail to support breakthrough technologies and how Azolla's mission-driven approach helps tackle high-risk projects aimed at cutting super pollutants. Whether you're a founder or climate enthusiast, this episode sheds light on financing innovation that can deliver an outsized climate impact.

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett sits down with Jason Chua, Chief Product Officer at Range Energy, about a breakthrough in sustainable trucking. Discover how Range's electrified trailer retrofit cuts emissions by up to 70%, without replacing existing trucks. Jason shares how this smart, cost-effective solution helps fleets reduce fuel costs, extend electric range, and meet climate goals today. Learn why retrofitting trailers may be the fastest path to decarbonizing the trucking industry.

What if highly contaminated land could be safely and efficiently restored for productive use? In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett talks with Randol Aikin, founder of Remedy Scientific, about revolutionizing land remediation. With over 500,000 contaminated sites across the U.S., Aikin explains how robotics, AI, and containerized systems are accelerating the cleanup of toxic “forever chemicals.” This innovative approach not only enables faster, localized treatment but also unlocks critical land for housing and infrastructure, proving that development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett talks with Cole Ashman, CEO and founder of Pila Energy, about how his company is making home energy resilience affordable and accessible. Their innovative mesh battery system provides backup power during outages, enhances solar energy usage, and supports grid stability, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional home systems. Whether you rent or own, discover how smart, distributed batteries could reshape our homes and contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.