The High Level Podcast

🏡 The Future of Homes: AI, Solar, and 3D Printing – What’s Next?The way we design, build, and live in our homes is changing faster than ever. In this episode of The High Level Podcast, we’re diving deep into what homes will look like in 2035 – from AI-powered automation to solar-collecting surfaces and 3D-printed, ultra-efficient materials.

💡 Topics Covered:
🚀 How AI will transform home efficiency (water, energy, temperature & security)
☀️ Why the entire surface of your home could become a solar collector
🏗 How 3D printing & aerogels will make homes ultra-efficientBut it’s not just about the future! At the end of the episode, we’ll share practical, low-cost ways you can start integrating smart home tech right now to save money and improve efficiency.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe for More Future Tech Insights!🔔 Don't forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE if you're excited about the future of home technology!📌 Resources & Further Reading:
https://www.iaarc.org/publications/2024_proceedings_of_the_41st_isarc_lille_france/3d_printing_vs_traditional_construction_cost_comparisons_from_design_to_waste_disposal_stages.html

In this episode of the High Level Podcast, we explore Innovations in Wind Turbines and the exciting advancements in wind energy technology. From the origins of wind power to the latest innovations that are revolutionizing the industry, we discuss how modern turbines are increasing efficiency, power output, and driving us toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Did you know that fish schooling behavior can actually inspire wind turbine design? Or that grid stability is one of the biggest challenges faced by countries with high wind energy dependence? Tune in to discover the unexpected connections and solutions shaping the future of wind energy, and what they mean for both the environment and global energy infrastructure.In this episode:
How wind turbines have evolved over the years
The role of different turbine components like rotors, nacelles, and generators
The environmental impact and challenges of wind power
The surprising link between fish schooling and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT)
The role of wind energy in South Africa's energy futureDon't forget to check out the resources and articles we mention in the episode for more in-depth reading.
Resources:
Innovations in Wind Turbine Design - Perch Energy
Wind Turbine Components Overview - ResearchGate
The Problem with Wind Energy - Real Engineering
Environmental Impact of Wind Power - Wikipedia
Flywheels in Wind Power Generation - PagerPowerMandatory 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/)

Hydrogen engines were once considered the future of automotive technology, with roots dating back to 1820. So, why did they disappear in the 1870s? And could they make a comeback?

📌 The History of Hydrogen Engines – From early experiments by Reverend W. Cecil to Otto’s combustion engines, we explore why gasoline ultimately won the fuel battle.📌 Hydrogen vs. ICE & EVs – We break down efficiency stats, hydrogen’s high flame speed, and its environmental impact compared to electric and diesel-powered vehicles.📌 Will Hydrogen ICE Make a Comeback? – With only 14,500 hydrogen cars sold in 2023, is there any future for H₂-powered vehicles? We analyze the tech, costs, and industry predictions.
Story Summaries

🛠️ The Forgotten History of Hydrogen Engines
The first hydrogen engine was proposed in 1820 by Reverend W. Cecil, but by the 1870s, gasoline took over, thanks to the invention of the carburetor. While hydrogen became essential for rocket fuel in space exploration, its role in transportation faded. With today’s push for clean energy, the big question remains—can hydrogen make a comeback in internal combustion engines?

⚡ Hydrogen vs. ICE & EVs – How Do They Compare?
Hydrogen engines offer unique benefits like high flame speed, wide flammability, and low emissions, but they struggle with efficiency. While gasoline engines are 11-27% efficient, hydrogen fuel cells reach 40-60% efficiency, and EVs powered by renewables can exceed 70% efficiency. Hydrogen combustion still produces NOx emissions, raising questions about its environmental advantage over battery-electric vehicles.

🚚 Why Hydrogen ICE Vehicles Never Took Off
In 2023, only 14,500 hydrogen cars were sold globally, compared to 14 million EVs. Despite some interest in H₂-powered trucks and off-road vehicles, hydrogen combustion faces major challenges: high costs, poor fueling infrastructure, and competition from more efficient fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs). Industry predictions estimate only 10,000 hydrogen ICE trucks by 2030—a tiny fraction of the global market.🔔 Subscribe for more science, engineering, and tech insights every week!
Mandatory 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/)

This episode is a bit more informal, but we look back on our learnings from running the Soweto Marathon and how we can use it to be better in 2025.Then we give some wreckless engineering predictions for 2025.


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 episode of The High Level Podcast—streaming now on all major platforms!

In this episode we discuss some common misunderstandings with hydrogen as the fuel of the future. We talk about how hydrogen can do everything in our race against climate change, how it might still only be 20 years away and how much water we use during electrolysis.

TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction
00:50 Myth 1
04:30 Myth 2
10:55 Myth 3

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 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: 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