Energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Jaap Burger, a leading voice on EV smart charging and consumer energy flexibility. Based in Brussels and focused on EU policy on EVs, Jaap unpacks how electric vehicles, bi-directional charging, and automation are transforming consumers from passive users into active participants in the energy transition.

We discussed: Why Norway's EV policy is more about smart taxation than subsidies; how Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is moving from theory to large-scale deployment; the impact of thermal waste from ICE vehicles on urban heat; and the role of automation in unlocking flexible demand at scale; and how energy communities and equitable access can democratize electrification

Jaap also touches on energy-efficient cooking, smart home innovations, and why well-insulated homes matter more than ever in the age of renewables. With passion and clarity, he paints a compelling picture of a user-centric, decentralized energy system—and how we all have a role to play.

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In this episode, our guest is Daisy Vardy, co-founder of ForeseEnergy, a 100% minority women-owned cleantech EPC company based in British Columbia. Daisy shares her company's inspiring journey and mission to decarbonize transportation by retrofitting diesel fleets—from mining trucks and postal vans to tugboats and cranes—with state-of-the-art electric drive systems and battery swapping technologies. She discusses how their end-to-end solutions extend the life of vehicles, reduce emissions, and lower operational costs by up to 90%.

Daisy also explains how ForeseEnergy is leading initiatives in second-life battery repurposing, autonomous vehicle retrofits, microgrids for rural communities, and collaborations with Indigenous Nations. Her story is a compelling testament to female-led innovation, sustainable development, and the power of strategic partnerships in accelerating the energy transition.

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In this episode, our guest is Dr. Ancha Srinivasan, a veteran climate change expert and agripreneurship advocate. With decades of international experience in climate policy, precision agriculture, and energy access, Ancha dives deep into how democratizing clean energy technologies can revolutionize farming—especially for smallholders. He reflects on his journey from rural India to global institutions, highlighting how AI, solar irrigation, agri-voltaics, and innovative financing models can empower the next generation of farmers.

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Connect with Sohail Hasnie:

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• Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Candace Miller, a seasoned global development and public health expert who has spent decades leading impactful programs across Africa, with organizations like the Millennium Challenge Corporation and USAID's Power Africa. Candace shares how her hands-on experience in energy access—particularly through solar mini-grids for health facilities—sparked her shift into clean energy advocacy in the U.S.

Now focused on accelerating the energy transition in the Northeast, she discusses policy barriers, affordability concerns, and the critical role of combating misinformation. From electrifying health clinics in Africa to navigating permitting hurdles in Massachusetts, Candace brings deep insight and optimism to the evolving clean energy landscape. She also weighs in on the future of EVs, the role of citizen movements, and the emerging potential of fusion energy.

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Connect with Sohail Hasnie:

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In this episode, our guest is Angus McDonald, Co-founder and Chair of the Maritime Emission Reduction Coalition (MERC). Angus shares how battery-powered boats are reshaping marine transport, from electric ferries to outboard conversions for island fishermen.

He explores the economic, safety, and regulatory challenges of maritime electrification—and why this sector may soon follow the EV boom. From solar charging to floating battery swaps, it's a deep dive into the future of clean, quiet seas.

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In this episode, our guest is Robert Schoellhammer, recently retired from a 25-year career at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Robert shares reflections from his time working across Asia and Europe, highlighting how MDBs can and should lead with bold, transformative investments. From climate finance and energy access in Mongolia to electric vehicle policy in Manila, he unpacks why trust, innovation, and ambition matter more than ever. This episode is a deep dive into the "big bets" MDBs need to take to stay relevant in a fast-changing development landscape.

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Connect with Sohail Hasnie:

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In this episode, our guest is Jan Tore Gjøby, a seasoned electrical engineer and independent consultant from Norway. Jan takes us through his inspiring journey from setting up one of Norway's first DC fast chargers to shaping national EV and charging strategies with the Norwegian Automobile Federation.

He shares insider insights into how Norway rapidly transitioned to 95% electric car sales, the pivotal role of government policy in discouraging polluting vehicles (rather than subsidizing EVs), and how EVs are now evolving from energy consumers to active players in grid stabilization through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration.

Jan also discusses Norway's pioneering work in electrifying ferries, trucks, and autonomous freight systems, as well as challenges around home batteries, solar adoption, and the next wave of innovation needed for a fully flexible and resilient energy system. His perspectives offer valuable lessons for countries on similar energy transition paths.

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Connect with Sohail Hasnie:

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In this episode, our guest is Tim Ryan, a seasoned voice in Australia's energy and digital technology landscape. Tim unpacks the evolving dynamics of energy supply in rural Australia — from community perspectives on wind farms to the transformative potential of batteries, EVs, and smart grids. He explores curbside charging, Distribution Network Service Provider's (DNSP) as enablers rather than gatekeepers, and why flexibility and digitization are essential for consumer empowerment and system efficiency. With rich anecdotes and technical insights, Tim makes a compelling case for rethinking how energy is delivered and managed — especially outside the big cities.

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Connect with Sohail Hasnie:

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In this episode, our guest is Samy Sriram, Head of Marketing and Operations at Clearbot, a pioneering startup building electric, solar-powered boats designed to clean polluted waterways. Samy shares the inspiring journey of scaling Clearbot from a humble prototype into a fleet of smart, autonomous vessels now operating across five countries.

She breaks down their service, rental, and sales models, details the capabilities of their three boat classes—including AI integration, remote operation, and solar charging—and discusses Clearbot's commitment to working alongside local communities to recover waste without replacing livelihoods.

From tackling water hyacinths and plastic debris to collecting real-time environmental data, this conversation offers a fascinating look into how electric marine tech is addressing water pollution and climate challenges at scale. Samyuktha also reflects on her favorite project in Northeast India, the risks operators face, and her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: start small, stay passionate, and iterate. Please join to find more.

Connect with Sohail Hasnie:

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• Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Sidhant Gupta, the co-founder of Clearbot—a startup transforming how we clean polluted waterways. From a student project sparked by a trip to Bali, Sidhant and his team have built a fleet of unmanned, solar-powered electric boats that remove waste from water bodies in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Clearbot's boats, equipped with AI and autonomous navigation systems, are redefining how dirty, dangerous marine tasks are handled. Sidhant shares how their technology is already expanding beyond pollution control to include maritime inspection, surveillance, and even flood rescue applications.

We explore how the team aims to scale from 25 to 10,000 boats with their "electric boat in a box" model and how local partnerships enable global impact. Plus, Sidhant reflects on what it takes to grow a purpose-driven tech company from the ground up and the broader potential of electrifying and automating maritime infrastructure. Please join to find more.

Connect with Sohail Hasnie:

• Facebook @sohailhasnie
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• ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie
• YouTube @energypreneurs
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• Tiktok @energypreneurs
• Spotify Video @energypreneurs