The ZENERGY Podcast: Energy Leadership, Finance, and Technology

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! Today, Karan sits down with Jason Hochman, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Direct Air Capture Coalition to discuss the genesis of DACC as well as what the early days of getting the company off the ground looked like and the four pillars they operate under. They dive into how to engage with policy makers and how the inflation reduction act and infrastructure bill assist in building up the direct air capture industry. Jason walks us through a few direct air capture projects to explain exactly how this process happens and shares why it’s important we include direct air capture in our climate solution plans. Finally, Jason lets us in on the place that has had the biggest impact on his environmental perspective. 

If you haven’t subscribed to the podcast yet, be sure to do so, and follow us on all the socials. New episodes go out every Thursday.

Listen to The Zenergy Podcast:

   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HEZXoEfuDa548Ty81gBWN 

   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zenergy-podcast-climate-leadership-finance/id1556215421

Follow The Zenergy Podcast on all the socials:  

X (Twitter): @TakharK2

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Znrg.org

   Instagram: @zen_rgy

   LinkedIn: ZNRG

   YouTube: ZNRG – The ZENERGY Podcast

Connect with Jason:

   https://daccoalition.org/ 

Extantia Capital Article: "Will Direct Air Capture Ever Be Affordable? The Rise of DAC 3.0"

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro 

0:20 - Welcome 

1:30 - What Jason would be doing if he never started DACC

3:20 - Origin of DACC

10:30 - The early days of DACC

14:30 - What does it look like to participate in the coalition 

17:45 - DACC’s 4 strategic pillars

25:05 - How legislation has helped DACC

30:45 - Details on carbon removal projects

37:50 - Targets for DACC technologies 

42:50 - How the election outcome will impact DACC

45:20 - Why some in the climate community are not supporters of DACC

50:00 - Antarctica

52:05 - The place that has had the biggest impact on Jason

Credits:

Editing/Graphics: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

This episode was recorded on September 25, 2024.

Welcome toThe Zenergy Podcast! Today, Karan has the pleasure of sitting down with Ben Rubin, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Carbon Business Council. They start off by chatting briefly about his 5,000-mile bus tour for the 2018 Global Climate Action Summit then dive into the genesis behind Carbon Business Council. Next, Karan and Ben look at the building of his team and board as well as the various work streams within the organization. They then turn toward a report CBC released that focuses on the intersection between utilities and carbon removal and how these two can interact. Ben provides insight into how his company engages with policy makers and what hopes he has for policy continuing to build up the carbon removal market.

If you haven’t subscribed to the podcast yet, be sure to do so, and follow us on all the socials. New episodes go out every Thursday.

Listen toThe Zenergy Podcast:

   Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5HEZXoEfuDa548Ty81gBWN 

   Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zenergy-podcast-climate-leadership-finance/id1556215421

FollowThe Zenergy Podcast on all the socials:  

X (Twitter): @TakharK2

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Znrg.org

   Instagram: @zen_rgy

   LinkedIn: ZNRG

   YouTube:ZNRG – The ZENERGY Podcast

Connect with Ben:

https://www.carbonbusinesscouncil.org/news/cdrpolicyguide

https://www.carbonbusinesscouncil.org

https://carbonfix.org/news/ 

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro 

0:55 - Welcome

1:15 - 5,000 mile bus tour with Global Climate Action Summit

5:00 - Origin of the Carbon Business Council

7:05 - The importance of collaboration 

8:30 - Early days of the Carbon Business Council

11:50 - How Ben put together his team 

14:05 - Overview of the Carbon Business Council

16:00 - Top 3 takeaways of CBC training 

17:00 - Carbon Removal Policy Guide

18:40 - How utility companies are taking advantage of carbon removal technology 

22:00 - The opportunities within the carbon removal industry 

24:20 - The energy within the carbon removal space 

28:00 - The process of engaging policy holders 

32:30 - The economics of carbon removal 

35:00 - British Airways partnership 

36:20 - Characteristics of successful startups

38:00 - Advice for those getting involved 

39:30 - Fun fact

Credits:

Editing/Graphics: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! Today, Karan sits down with Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 Accelerator established by the Rockefeller Catalytic Capital at the Rockefeller Foundation. They discuss Andrew’s impressive career as well as how the M300 accelerator originated. Then, they look at what some of the biggest challenges to achieving electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030 are and how they plan to address these challenges. Plus, they talk through blending renewable energy technologies with productive use appliances. Andrew shares how listening to those who are on the ground is key to being successful and gives his advice for those just starting out in their careers and hoping to progress in the international space. They also discuss how Andrew's team mediates between governments and the private sector when it comes to foreign investments as well as ways Andrew believes more private capital could be unleashed into the African markets.

If you haven’t subscribed to the podcast yet, be sure to do so, and follow us on all the socials. New episodes go out every Thursday.

Listen to The Zenergy Podcast:

   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HEZXoEfuDa548Ty81gBWN 

   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zenergy-podcast-climate-leadership-finance/id1556215421

Follow The Zenergy Podcast on all the socials:  

X (Twitter): @TakharK2

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Znrg.org

   Instagram: @zen_rgy

   LinkedIn: ZNRG

   YouTube: ZNRG – The ZENERGY Podcast

Connect with Andrew:   https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/initiatives/mission-300/

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro 

0:20 - Welcome 

1:05 - Lightning round! Favorite time period, favorite song, etc. 

6:40 - Original idea for M300 Accelerator

10:30 - Biggest challenges in getting electricity to remote areas 

11:40 - How to help people overcome economic challenges 

16:20 - How M300 supports the work of World Bank and the African Development Bank 

20:20 - It is most important to work with the communities, and have people on the ground

22:50 - Renewable energy project in South Africa 

24:10 - Wind farm project in Kenya 

32:40 - Ways that more private sector money can be given to these markets

35:50 - Being the intermediary between the private and public sectors 

40:30 - Advice and key takeaways 

44:20 - Importance of listening and building partnerships with others 

Credits:

Editing: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

This episode was recorded on November 15, 2024.

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! Today, host, Karan Takhar speaks with Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. To begin, Doreen shares her vision for the future and what role NYSERDA will play in achieving that vision. In addition, Doreen and Karan discuss the challenges that may arise as New York aims towards reaching their many important, renewable energy goals. They briefly chat about the South Fork Wind Project, the first commercial scale offshore wind project in the U.S., and Doreen gives the lessons she’s learned that other states could apply to their own large-scale infrastructure verticals. Finally, Doreen shares advice for those uncertain periods and advice to young professionals just starting out in their careers. If you like the episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more great climate and renewable energy themed episodes.

Credits:

Editing: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! Today, host, Karan Takhar has a chat with Komal Kaul, Co-Founder of Isotonik Solutions, Founder of Sam India Project, and YPO Impact Network Chair. They speak primarily about her time at the YPO Impact Network. She gives a brief overview of the network, how it works, who is involved, and shares some key initiatives she’s worked on as chair. They touch on how YPO connects with people from the communities they engage with and how they get them to attend their conferences. They talk about the evolution of social impact and business, how the two converge, and how YPO conveys the importance of social impact to business owners. Then, they end with a lightning round of questions including Komal’s advice to anyone wishing to make an impact. As always, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on all the socials. 

Credits:

Editing: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! On today’s episode, Karan interviews Kate Kelly, Chief of Staff at Avalanche Fusion. They begin with a brief overview of nuclear fusion and why it’s considered a potential game changer for global energy systems then discuss important metrics Avalanche Fusion has been reaching lately, the equipment they use, and how the “test, fail, fix” model used at places like Blue Origin works for them. Karan and Kate also discuss the major barriers to commercializing nuclear fusion, how the company navigates funding and investment among high costs for research, and how the public’s view of technologies that fall under the nuclear umbrella has changed over the years. Kate shares resources and ways anyone can learn more about fusion, how she envisions fusion impacting the global market in the next 10 years, and what excites her about where Avalanche Fusion is now and where they are going. 

If you haven’t subscribed to the podcast yet, be sure to do so, and follow us on all the socials. New episodes go out every Thursday.

Listen to The Zenergy Podcast:

   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HEZXoEfuDa548Ty81gBWN 

   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zenergy-podcast-climate-leadership-finance/id1556215421

Follow The Zenergy Podcast on all the socials:  

X (Twitter): @TakharK2

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Znrg.org

   Instagram: @zen_rgy

   LinkedIn: ZNRG

   YouTube: ZNRG – The ZENERGY Podcast

Connect with Kate:

https://avalanchefusion.com/

   https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2346410 

     https://www.cleantechalliance.org/cleantech-events/seattle-fusion-week/ 

     https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/event/seattle-fusion-week-2024/ 

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro 

0:55 - Welcome

2:25 - Overview of nuclear fusion

6:50 - Test, fail, fix - how Avalanche Fusion is working to put fuel in conditions where fusion will occur for as long as possible

12:40 - Balance between technology and cost 

16:35 - Major barriers to commercializing nuclear fusion

19:20- Navigating funding and investment challenges

20:50 - Misconceptions/public perception around nuclear technologies; how clean power can change communities

29:00 - How fusion will impact the global energy market in the next 10 years

30:45 - Q > 1; the fusion reaction produces more energy than it is consuming

32:35 - How to learn about nuclear fusion

36:25 - Exciting things about the Avalanche team

39:10 - AI applications that could develop fusion technology 

40:45 - Kate’s advice to young professionals

Credits:

Editing: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! On today’s episode, Karan interviews Joel Armin-Hoiland, Founder and CEO of Climate Finance Solutions. They start off with an overview of the work CFS is doing followed by a look into Joel’s background and the origin story behind the company. Then, they discuss what’s driven the growth of the grant funding ecosystem in recent years, what elements of a grant proposal are most compelling to funders, and how companies can position themselves well to be able to achieve a high probability of success in receiving funding. They also talk about how early-stage ventures can be competitive in terms of being awarded grants, how networking and partnerships benefit entrepreneurs looking for funding, and Joel shares his thoughts on if the election and a possible change in administration could impact the grant funding ecosystem.

Credits:

Editing: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! Today, Karan sits down with Paul Straub, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Wireframe Ventures. To start, Paul shares his journey to co-founding Wireframe Ventures and the learnings they had while building their very first fund. He then discusses how they were able to raise a fund at a time when clean tech 1.0 had just happened, how raising funds has evolved over time, and where the landscape of the VC climate funds is headed. Karan and Paul also talk about how Wireframe Ventures sources opportunities, what the company looks for in founders, and how they determine if an investment opportunity is right for them. Lastly, Paul shares his advice for early career professionals looking to get into the VC climate space. 

If you haven’t subscribed to the podcast yet, be sure to do so, and follow us on all the socials. New episodes go out every Thursday.

Listen to The Zenergy Podcast:

   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HEZXoEfuDa548Ty81gBWN 

   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zenergy-podcast-climate-leadership-finance/id1556215421

Follow The Zenergy Podcast on all the socials:  

X (Twitter): @TakharK2

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Znrg.org

   Instagram: @zen_rgy

   LinkedIn: ZNRG

   YouTube: ZNRG – The ZENERGY Podcast

Connect with Paul:

   https://www.wireframevc.com/ 

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

0:55 - Welcome 

2:30 - What is Wireframe Ventures? 

2:50 - Paul’s journey to co-founding Wireframe Ventures

6:20 - What Paul learned from Clean Tech 1.0, and why he thought there was still potential after the crash

13:50 - How Paul raised his fund in 2016 and 2022

18:30 - How Paul sources investment opportunities

22:15 - How Paul evaluates investment opportunities

27:00 - How does Paul see climate investment evolving over the next few years? 

31:45 - How young people can break into venture capital

34:45 - Paul’s best piece of advice

Credits:

Editing: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

Thanks for tuning into The Zenergy Podcast! Today, Karan Takhar sits down with Kristin Barbato, Co-Founder and President of Dynamo Energy Hub. They discuss the launching of Dynamo Energy Hub, how it survived the pandemic, what the company does and how they do it, and how this has evolved over time. They talk about the scale of the company, their business model, the Dynamo Deal Flow program, the various events they put on, and how to get in touch if you’re an entrepreneur or investor. Kristin gives guidance to early-stage entrepreneurs and shares the most surprising deal she’s seen come out of a Dynamo Energy Hub event. She also gives her perspective on where she expects the clean energy industry to go over the next few years and shares her thoughts on the role utilities will play in the energy transition. Karan and Kristin then play a fun lighting round to cap off the episode, and Kristin discloses the one word she would use to describe the future of energy. 

If you haven’t subscribed to the podcast yet, be sure to do so, and follow us on all the socials. New episodes go out every Thursday.

Listen to The Zenergy Podcast:

   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HEZXoEfuDa548Ty81gBWN 

   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zenergy-podcast-climate-leadership-finance/id1556215421

Follow The Zenergy Podcast on all the socials:  

X (Twitter): @TakharK2

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Znrg.org

   Instagram: @zen_rgy

   LinkedIn: ZNRG

   YouTube: ZNRG – The ZENERGY Podcast

Connect with Kristin:

     dynamoenergyhub.com

     Instagram: @dynamoenergyhub

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

0:43 - Welcome

2:15 - Jiu Jitsu

5:40 - Guidance to entrepreneurs 

7:15 - What Kristin wished she had known 6 years ago

8:50 - Dynamo’s covid story

13:20 - What has Dynamo done

15:40 - The scale of Dynamo today - latest statistics

18:15 - How Dynamo has evolved over time

21:00 - Companies that have developed out of Dynamo events

22:05 - Tactics to make the most out of the Dynamo experience

24:00 - The Dynamo business mode

25:00 - How Kristin got the funding to start Dynamo

25:45 - Where does Kristin expect the industry to go in the future?

31:25 - Clean energy technologies

35:30 - The role of utilities in the energy transition

40:05 - Advice for entrepreneurs who want to partner with utilities

42:50 - Lightning round

Credits:

Editing: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! On today's episode, host Karan Takhar speaks with Brian DiMarino, Deputy Director of Global Sustainability at J.P. Morgan. They discuss J.P. Morgan’s new all-electric HQ building and all its sustainability features, they talk about the power purchase agreements J.P. Morgan is making, and discuss navigating the balance of financial benefits with sustainability benefits, as well as what inspired Brian’s shift from the real estate side to the sustainability side. Then, Brian and Karan chat about exciting, new technologies J.P. Morgan is keeping its eye on, its partnership with Climeworks, the economics of nuclear power, and Brian lets us know what title he’d give his memoir if he were to write one. 

If you haven’t subscribed to the podcast yet, be sure to do so, and follow us on all the socials. New episodes go out every Thursday.

Listen to The Zenergy Podcast:

   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HEZXoEfuDa548Ty81gBWN 

   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zenergy-podcast-climate-leadership-finance/id1556215421

Follow The Zenergy Podcast on all the socials:  

X (Twitter): @TakharK2

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Znrg.org

   Instagram: @zen_rgy

   LinkedIn: ZNRG

   YouTube: ZNRG – The ZENERGY Podcast

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro 

0:30 - Welcome

1:30 - JP Morgan’s new HQ building sustainability features

6:30 - Getting green power to NYC

7:50 - Challenges with power purchase agreements

11:35 - Benefits in terms of cost and savings in power purchase agreements

13:45 - What inspired Brian’s shift from real estate to sustainability 

17:15 - What does Brian’s day to day look like

19:00 - Brian’s Kansas City trip

22:00 - Challenges with finance vs. sustainability

27:40 - Exciting upcoming technologies

32:20 - The cost of nuclear power

34:45 - Economics of carbon technologies

37:35 - Advice to climate professionals

41:50 - What would the title of Brian’s book be about his career

Credits:

Editing: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios