This episode was recorded in Shanghai, China back in December 2019. Kaikai (KK) Yang is the founder and CEO of Dipole Tech, a startup that leverages blockchain technology to create microgrids, or the local generation and consumption of renewable energy. Learn about how KK went from jazz musician to energy software engineer and entrepreneur. We delve into the impact of low electricity prices in China – how the prices may hinder the growth of rooftop solar, the importance of government renewable energy subsidies, and the promise of blockchain for the low carbon energy transition.

[Recorded on August 8, 2020] Li Xia (Susan) grew up poor in Harbin, a city located in Northeast China. She has an amazing story traveling from the north to the south of China, applying the skills she gained during her journey to develop clean energy solutions for the world’s poor, or bottom of the pyramid (BOP), at Shenzhen Power Solutions. Join us to find out about the most promising markets for solar lighting, how residential clean energy solutions do make an impact on economic outcomes for families, and the significance of replacing kerosene lamps with zero emissions lighting sources.

[Recorded on July 31, 2020] If you listen to this episode while eating, consider a plant-based meal. Join us as we explore the current market for plant-based meat alternatives adapted to the Chinese palate. Shuman Liu, Research & Development Director at Starfield, takes us through the origin of China’s “Beyond Meat” equivalent. Shuman, a trained sociologist and anthropologist, became vegetarian while in Hong Kong and has made it her life mission to promote healthy and eco-friendly diets. Learn about Starfield’s current product line-up and expansion strategy, from selling to Western brands like KFC to Chinese brands like XiBei, to the types of plant proteins being used. Starfield is currently developing chicken analogs and researching new plant proteins like chickpea, hemp and spirulina.

[Recorded on July 25, 2020] Join us as we learn about Yuki Yu’s story starting Energy Iceberg, a research firm providing in-depth coverage of the entire Chinese energy system. Uncover how Energy Iceberg is, according to Yuki, solving the “massive knowledge gap between the outside world and China” when it comes to the electricity system and enabling environment. Often, if there are no international suppliers or investors involved in China-based energy and infrastructure deals, foreign media are simply not that interested. That’s why we were so excited to speak with Yuki! We spend some time on the electricity market (including the 五大四小), coal, and offshore wind.

Some background for the benefit of our listeners:

Generation Companies (Big 5)

中国华能集团公司 - China Huaneng Group Corporation

中国大唐集团公司 - China Datang Corporation

中国华电集团公司 - China Huadian Corporation

中国国电集团公司 - China Guodian Corporation

中国电力投资集团公司 - China Power Investment Corporation

Generation Companies (Smaller 4)

国投电力公司 - SDIC Power Corporation

国华电力公司 - Guohua Power Company

华润电力公司 - China Resources Power Company

中广核集团有限公司 - China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group Co., Ltd.

Grid Companies (Big 2)

国家电网公司 - State Grid Corporation

中国南方电网有限责任公司 - China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd.

Andrew (张天隆) and Marilyn (韦玛丽) present China Cleantech 101 – what the podcast is all about, how it came to be, and a few episode highlights from the first series.