In this segment of the podcast, we introduce some news stories making headlines in South Africa and in the engineering space. Summary: The Fynbos Biophilic Building – A Blueprint for Future Cities, Shell tries to greenify, The future of air travel could be electricTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction00:45 The Fynbos Biophilic Building – A Blueprint for Future Cities05:00 Shell tries to greenify07:15 The future of air travel could be electric09:20 Quote of the WeekStory 1 -The Fynbos Biophilic Building – A Blueprint for Future CitiesR1.2bn Fynbos development set to be Africa’s first biophilic building. The project basement, which officially broke ground in November last year, is now 38% complete. The focus to date has been on critical groundwork such as lateral support – which ensures the stability of structures, preventing collapse, particularly in projects like basement excavations and foundation work – and bulk earthworks, with piling and the installation of anchors well underway.Linkshttps://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/r12bn-fynbos-development-set-to-be-africas-first-biophilic-building-2023-08-31Story 2 - Shell tries to greenifyOil and gas company Shell South Africa’s Alberton depot is pursuing sustainability through two projects, namely solar and battery power, and capacitation for biofuels, the company outlined during a media tour of the facility this week.Links:https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/shell-pursuing-green-initiatives-at-alberton-depot-2024-11-28Story 3 - The future of air travel could be electricA Swedish aviation company is to test the world’s largest all-electric aircraft in 2025, giving a boost to sustainable air travel. Heart Aerospace is gearing up to test its prototype in upstate New York’s Plattsburgh International Airport. The Heart Experimental 1’s (Heart X1) maiden flight marks a key step in the firm’s development of the ES-30, a 30-seat hybrid-electric regional passenger aircraft. The firm is developing the ES-30 aircraft with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and operational costs while providing quieter and more sustainable flights. Linkshttps://interestingengineering.com/transportation/worlds-largest-electric-plane-to-fly-in-2025Obscure Quote of the Week“You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle…”Steve JobsMandatory DisclosuresGet in contact: [email protected] us: Youtube & Instagram (@highlevelpodcasts)Connect with us on LinkedIn: Jonathan Delport (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandelport/) & Damon Hoenselaar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-hoenselaar-b79a87142/)

In this episode, we give our thoughts on a recent conference that we attended, Accelerating Mining RDI hosted by the Mandela Mining Precinct. We talk about the good, the bad and where we see a big divide between industry and innovation.
Connect with Us:📧 Email: [email protected]📱 Social Media: Follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram @highlevelpodcasts for updates, discussions, and more exciting content!Don't miss this enlightening episode of The High Level Podcast—streaming now on all major platforms!

In this segment of the podcast, we introduce some news stories making headlines in South Africa and in the engineering space. 
Summary: Trump wins, Africa Loses, Wits Planetarium gets a facelift, and scientists explore new ways to make EV batteries safer.
Mandatory DisclosuresGet in contact: [email protected] us: Youtube & Instagram (@highlevelpodcasts)Connect with us on LinkedIn: Jonathan Delport & Damon Hoenselaar

In this episode, we sit down with Abby Stern, the Climate Culture Officer at Holocene, a venture capital firm that funds and builds African climate tech startups. 

Abby’s impressive background spans international roles in retail, agrifoodtech, and social impact, making her a guiding force for founders navigating the path from idea to market. With her MBA from Stanford and experience leading global teams, managing multi-million-dollar portfolios, and scaling innovative startups, Abby brings a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to thrive in the climate tech space.

Tune in as Abby walks us through the essentials of venture capital for engineering and science-driven startups, explaining who it’s for, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to increase your appeal to investors. We’ll also explore the unique philosophy at Holocene—from a founder-first approach and local community focus to an international network that empowers Africa's early-stage climate tech ventures. 

Abby shares insights into Holocene’s standout portfolio companies and offers practical advice on getting from concept to funding, finding your unique angle, and navigating the dynamic landscape of African climate tech.For aspiring entrepreneurs, climate enthusiasts, and founders alike, this episode is packed with actionable guidance and inspiration on how to turn a high-impact idea into reality.
Mandatory DisclosuresGet into contact with Holocene
Holocene Website
Holocene LinkedIn
Join their monthly newsletter
Get in contact with the High Level TeamEmail: [email protected]Find us: Youtube, Facebook & Instagram (@highlevelpodcasts)

In this segment of the podcast, we introduce some news stories making headlines in South Africa and in the engineering space. 
Summary: Day zero looms for Johannesburg as residents face crippling water crisis, Massive battery storage project approved for the Northern Cape & Chinese scientists set the record for the strongest resistive magnet ever created
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:05 Day Zero Looms for Johannesburg04:30 Massive battery storage project approved for the Northern Cape06:14 Chinese scientists set the record for the strongest resistive magnet ever created08:45 Quote of the Week
Mandatory DisclosuresGet in contact: [email protected] us: Youtube & Instagram (@highlevelpodcasts)Connect with us on LinkedIn: Jonathan Delport & Damon Hoenselaar

In this episode, we cultivate some knowledge around sustainable agriculture technology and applications in South Africa. We take a look at (i) What it is (ii) Where it’ useful and (iii) Where it’s not so useful.
Connect with Us:📧 Email: [email protected]📱 Social Media: Follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram @highlevelpodcasts for updates, discussions, and more exciting content!Don't miss this enlightening episode of The High Level Podcast—streaming now on all major platforms!

Links to Supporting InformationAgriculture in South Africa - the Statistics: https://www.statista.com/topics/9876/agriculture-in-south-africa/#topicOverviewHow Mechanical engineers are shaping the future of agriculture: https://damelin.co.za/agriculture/how-mechanical-engineering-is-shaping-the-future-of-agriculture/An introduction to cover crops: https://sagrainmag.co.za/2023/11/06/latest-research-shows-benefits-of-cover-crops/How we’re building a green wall in the Sahara Desert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCli0gyNwL0&t=173sStartups to Watch in Agriculture
Inseco: https://inseco.co.za/#one
RoboVision: https://robovision.ai/
Oishii: https://oishii.com/ & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZj7YVa9YLI&ab_channel=Oishii

Join the most influential voices shaping Africa’s energy future at the Africa Energy Indaba! Register to attend the conference: https://lnkd.in/gJVeMUR.In this week’s episode, we welcome a special guest, senior lecturer and researcher, Dr Mohamed Fayaz Khan from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Dr. Khan is a senior professional engineer and a fellow of the SAIEE with over 20 years of experience in engineering, research, and technical governance within the power distribution utility sector.
Where to find us:
Dr Khan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-fayaz-khan-36939324/
Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-hoenselaar-b79a87142/
Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandelport/
Socials:
YouTube and Instagram: @highlevelpodcasts
Email us at: [email protected]
Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/highlevelpodcast

In this segment of the podcast we introduce some news stories making headlines in South Africa and in the engineering space. 
Summary: Nothing Like a Tax Incentive, Double Digit Energy Hikes Planned, & Microplastics in My Rearview Mirror?
TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction
00:35 Nothing Like a Tax Incentive
08:55 Double Digit Energy Hikes Planned
14:40 Microplastics in My Rearview Mirror?
18:20 Quote of the Week

Story 1 - Nothing Like a Tax IncentiveThe EU is currently implementing its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. This mechanism imposes carbon costs on designated products imported into the EU from January 1, 2026, South African goods – particularly those from carbon-intensive sectors like iron, steel and cement – can expect to face higher tariffs. South African policy needs to change to align with these new developments.
LinksTreasury dismissing vital climate financing incentives as EU carbon sanctions come closer
Story 2 - Double Digit Energy Hikes PlannedEskom’s current planning electricity costs for direct Eskom customers would increase by 36.15% on April 1 next year an at municipal level by 43.55% from July 1. Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is confident that government will be able to positively intervene on Eskom’s tariff-hike application for the 2025/26 financial year at the National Energy Regulator of South Africa
Links:Eskom’s proposed tariff hikes untenable; reduction mechanisms being weighed
Story 3 - Microplastics in My Rearview Mirror?Scientists at Ohio State University have developed a method to modify polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is the third most used plastic worldwide. Their new method could make the PVC more durable and less likely to shed harmful microplastics. This way, it can dramatically lower the amount of hazardous microplastics that enter our environment.
LinksStronger, greener PVC developed through chemical bonding to end microplastic menace
Obscure Quote of the Week“Be a voice, not an echo.”
Albert Einstein
Mandatory DisclosuresGet in contact: [email protected]Find us: Youtube & Instagram (@highlevelpodcasts)
Connect with us on LinkedIn: Jonathan Delport & Damon Hoenselaar

In this episode, we dive deep-ish into Carbon Capture technology - (i) What is it? (ii) Where is it useful and (iii) Where is it not so useful? We specifically look into its applications in the cement industry and discuss some of the concerns for the carbon capture, utilization and storage industry in general.
We’ll explore how captured carbon is utilized, from enhanced oil recovery to innovative applications in fuel production and concrete enrichment. Finally, we’ll address the realities of long-term carbon storage, its risks, and the challenges of scaling CCUS to meet 
global emission reduction goals.Join us as we question whether direct air carbon capture can realistically tackle climate change, and explore biological alternatives that might offer a more sustainable solution. For engineers and scientists, this episode dives into the numbers, challenges, and future of CCUS—could we be betting on the wrong horse?Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of carbon capture technology and its place in the fight against climate change!Connect with Us:📧 Email: [email protected]📱 Social Media: Follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram @highlevelpodcasts for updates, discussions, and more exciting content!Don't miss this enlightening episode of The High Level Podcast—streaming now on all major platforms!

Links to Supporting InformationHow CCUS Works: https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/carbon-capture
Understanding CCUS: https://www.bgs.ac.uk/discovering-geology/climate-change/carbon-capture-and-storage/
Cement Emissions: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336590230_Perspectives_on_environmental_CO2_emission_and_energy_factor_in_Cement_Industry
CCUS Facilities: https://www.iea.org/energy-system/carbon-capture-utilisation-and-storage
CCUS in Cement Applications: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/Industry%20Guide%20to%20CCS%20at%20Cement%20Plants_Nov%2029%202023_0.pdf
Storage Concerns: https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1582

In this segment of the podcast we introduce some news stories making headlines in South Africa and in the engineering space. 

Summary: EU puts its money where its mouth is, Decarbonising pays off & Activity in green hydrogen picks up

Story 1: EU puts its money where its mouth is

The EU has announced R628-million in grant funding to support the development of South Africa’s green-hydrogen industry and establish a partnership between the 2 nationss. This funding is meant to  facilitate net-zero-related investments across Transnet’s rail, port and pipeline operations, including to prepare them for the production and storage of green hydrogen.

LinksCompanies are reaping financial benefits from addressing carbon emissions
Story 2: Decarbonising pays off

About 25% of the 1 864 companies surveyed are realising financial net benefits of 7% or more of their yearly revenues from reducing emissions in line with their ambitions. This is an average of $200-million a year in financial benefits per company that are being realised.
Links:Companies are reaping financial benefits from addressing carbon emissions
Story 3: Activity in green hydrogen picks up

South Africa has witnessed an influx of green hydrogen projects with a capital expenditure (Capex) value of over R800 billion. According to Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, about 20% of these investments have already reached the bankable feasibility stage.
LinksGreen Hydrogen National Programme Attracts Over R800 Billion in Projects as South Africa Eyes Global Leadership in Clean Energy
Obscure Quote of the Week
“Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”
Elbert Hubbard
Mandatory DisclosuresGet in contact: [email protected]Find us: Youtube, LinkedIn & Instagram (@highlevelpodcasts)