Over 80% of the world is still powered by fossil fuels like oil, natural gas and coal. The Middle East and North Africa are home to over 90% of proven fossil fuel reserves. There is shelf life on fossil fuels and limited availability means higher prices.

In this episode host Fran Racioppi is joined by Cornelius Matthes, CEO of Dii Desert Energy; the world's leader in the development and enhancement of renewable energy. Fran and Cornelius describe how the world's largest oil producers are becoming the world's largest renewable energy providers, how green hydrogen is changing our lives and an initiative to link the solar and wind power generated in North Africa to Europe through a series of underground power distribution systems. 

Cornelius also provided his keys to successful product development, launch, scale and funding.

Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.

Highlights: 

-Renewable energy is a diversification play for economic and political security in the traditional fossil fuel-driven countries of The Middle East & North Africa.

-History of Dii Desert Energy; its place as a consortium of renewable expertise and community, and its history of bold action and development seeking to bring renewable energy to Europe.

-Why 2050 is the critical year for significant energy transformation. 

-Cornelius explains the importance of green hydrogen, how industries are harnessing and using it, the economics behind the reductions in cost, and the benefits of the near 100% clean production and use.

-How energy start-ups are rapidly advancing innovation and technology in renewable energy.

-Cornelius shares his leadership lessons from Pawame, where he led a company bringing solar power to the residents of the most remote regions of Kenya while also helping them develop credit and financial security. 

Quotes:

-”This decade will be the decade of disruption; positive disruption.”*

-”The game changer of green hydrogen is the affordable price.”

-”Green hydrogen is nothing else than converting water via electrolysis to water and hydrogen.”*

-“The Middle East has a huge opportunity because there is extremely low cost wind energy, extremely low cost solar energy, and abundant space.”*

-”In 1910 you saw one car in the middle of many horses. In 1920 you saw one horse in the middle of many cars.”

-”Over the last five years we have electrified something like 20,000 households.”

-“I’ve learned to be persistent in many things in my life...there is no golden recipe.”

-“This is a wonderful way to focus on what is essential in life; nature, silence, respect, respect of nature, respect of knowing your limits.” 

-”The impossible is possible. Everything is possible. You have to aim high. Be ambitious. Believe in your objectives. Just do it.”*

Cornelius’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:

-Communicate effectively

-Extreme persistence in everything you do

-Exercise and sports to clear your mind

This episode is brought to you by Analytix Solutions; improving the efficiency of your business across people, process and technology through multi-divisional outsourcing solutions.