The Hypercube Energy Podcast

Hypercube
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The Hypercube Energy Podcast explores the application of technology, data and AI across the energy sector. In the fast-moving energy landscape, organisations of all sizes need to understand and adopt emerging tech to tackle complex problems, identify new areas of innovation and capitalise on opportunity. What should an energy technology strategy look like? How do we identify what problems to solve first? What innovations are being made in the industry? These are the questions that host Adam Sroka seeks to answer on this show. In each episode, he sits down with tech experts and business leaders from the energy sector to understand exactly how they are solving energy-specific data challenges today. You can learn more about Hypercube - Energy Technology Partner at wearehypercube.com Join the Beyond Energy Community: wearehypercube.com/join-the-community/

  1. Bankable batteries: markets, execution, and trust

    FEB 11

    Bankable batteries: markets, execution, and trust

    On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Antonio Montoto, Head of Storage at Greenvolt Power, about how battery storage has evolved from niche, bespoke projects into core infrastructure for modern power systems and what it really takes to deliver storage at scale across global markets. Antonio shares his journey from working on early, technically driven storage projects to leading utility-scale battery portfolios across Europe, the US, and Japan. He explains how the challenges facing storage have shifted over the past decade, from understanding degradation and cycling limits to executing complex projects, securing bankability, and integrating batteries into increasingly competitive energy markets. The conversation explores how market maturity, regulation, and geography shape storage outcomes, and why realistic returns, strong execution, and the right mix of software and in-house expertise are critical to long-term value. Adam and Antonio cover: Antonio’s role at Greenvolt Power and how large-scale storage portfolios are builtWhy battery storage has moved from bespoke use cases to mainstream grid infrastructureWhere storage projects most commonly fail and how experienced teams avoid itThe gap between engineering reality and financial bankabilityHow regulation and market maturity differ across regionsWhat’s really changed in battery hardware over the past decade

    37 min
  2. AI in the Energy System: data, risk, and real-world deployment

    FEB 4

    AI in the Energy System: data, risk, and real-world deployment

    On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Stephen Haben, Senior AI Consultant at Energy Systems Catapult, about where AI and data are genuinely useful in the energy sector — and what still needs to change for them to scale safely in a system that is becoming more complex and decentralised. Stephen shares his journey from academic research in forecasting and low-voltage networks into applied AI and digital advisory work across the energy system. He explains why many of the biggest barriers to AI adoption are not technical, but relate to data quality, integration, skills, and the realities of operating safety-critical infrastructure. The conversation explores the Catapult’s role in supporting innovators, networks, and policymakers, and why strong digital foundations are essential before advanced AI can deliver value. Adam and Stephen cover: Stephen’s path from academic forecasting research into sector-wide AI advisoryWhy AI in energy often fails without strong data and digital foundationsCommon pitfalls in forecasting and why simple models still matterHow EVs, heat pumps, and flexibility are reshaping distribution networksThe role of Smart Energy Data Services in enabling innovationSynthetic data, privacy, and responsible data sharingWhat it takes to move AI from pilots into real-world energy operations

    48 min
  3. Energy storage at scale: C&I batteries and digital control

    JAN 28

    Energy storage at scale: C&I batteries and digital control

    On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Stephan Schnez, CTO and Co-founder of RCT Pro, about the role of power electronics, digital control, and battery storage in a grid with falling inertia and rising complexity. Stephan shares his journey from theoretical physics and graphene research at ETH Zurich into renewable energy and battery storage, including senior roles at ABB and helping to build Huawei’s Zurich research centre, before joining RCT Power and spinning out RCT Pro to focus on commercial and industrial storage. The conversation explores why digital technologies are no longer optional but fundamental enablers of the energy transition, and how control systems, software, and hardware must evolve together. Adam and Stephan cover: Stephan’s path from physics research to energy storage and power electronicsWhy declining grid inertia makes digital control essentialRCT Power’s origins and the impact of hybrid inverters in residential storageWhy C&I battery storage is a fundamentally different marketThe decision to spin out RCT Pro to move faster and closer to customersCompeting with global manufacturers through localisation, usability, and trustWhat building a truly digital-first hardware company looks like in practice

    49 min
  4. Energy markets in transition: BESS, innovation, and carbon impact

    JAN 14

    Energy markets in transition: BESS, innovation, and carbon impact

    On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Aazzum Yassir, Director of Technology and Operations at Pulse Clean Energy. Aazzum works at the forefront of the UK’s battery storage market, helping to design, build, and operate energy storage assets that support a more affordable and resilient power system. The conversation explores why battery energy storage is becoming essential to the modern energy system, how batteries help stabilise prices and unlock more value from renewables, and why energy management has been historically underinvested compared to generation. Aazzum also discusses Pulse’s work on battery carbon payback, supply chain transparency, and how advances in storage and power electronics are reshaping grid services. Adam and Aazzum cover: Aazzum’s role leading technology and operations at Pulse Clean EnergyWhy battery storage is critical for a reliable, low-cost energy systemEnergy management as a missing link in the energy transitionBattery carbon payback and open-source emissions modellingEthical sourcing and transparency in battery supply chainsHow storage technology is evolving to support grid resilience

    37 min
  5. Inside NESO’s mission to build a digital-first energy system for GB

    12/17/2025

    Inside NESO’s mission to build a digital-first energy system for GB

    On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Carolina Tortora, Head of AI, Innovation and Digitalisation at NESO. Carolina works at the centre of Great Britain’s energy system, leading efforts to modernise how the sector uses data, digital tools, and AI as complexity and decentralisation increase. The conversation explores why digital transformation is now essential for system resilience and net zero, the cultural challenge of aligning engineering and digital teams, and the role of data quality and secure data sharing in enabling innovation. Carolina also discusses the ambition behind the Data Sharing Infrastructure (DSI), the realities of deploying innovation in critical infrastructure, and what NESO is looking for through its Call for Ideas. Adam and Carolina cover: Carolina’s role leading AI, innovation, and digitalisation at NESOWhy digital transformation is critical for a resilient, net zero energy systemCultural challenges between engineering expertise and digital capabilityData quality, governance, and the foundations for effective AIThe Data Sharing Infrastructure and sector-wide collaborationBalancing innovation with operational risk in critical infrastructureWhat NESO is looking for through its innovation-focused Call for Ideas

    45 min
  6. Rewiring Urban Heat with Data: Digital Twins, Heat Networks and Glasgow’s Decarbonised Future

    12/03/2025

    Rewiring Urban Heat with Data: Digital Twins, Heat Networks and Glasgow’s Decarbonised Future

    On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Tunde Olaoye, Director of Product and Innovation at Gren, a fast-growing UK energy company building next-generation heat and power networks. Tunde brings over a decade of experience across mechanical engineering, consultancy, and large-scale energy infrastructure, with a career spanning Babcock, WSP, SSE, and now Gren. Tunde shares how Gren is rethinking urban heat through digital twins, optimisation, and large-scale network design, and how their “Energy on Clyde” project is laying the foundations for a new model of low-carbon heat infrastructure. They explore why heat networks are essential for decarbonising complex buildings, the challenges of legacy systems, and how data-driven control can unlock major efficiency gains. The conversation ranges from hands-on engineering lessons to the cultural and financial innovations needed to scale clean heat. Tunde also reflects on the role of AI, the future of O&M optimisation, and what it takes to build a truly digital-first energy organisation. Adam and Tunde cover: Tunde’s journey through engineering, consultancy, and the evolution of heat networksHow heat networks work — and why they’re vital for decarbonising citiesDigital twins for real-time optimisation, control, and asset insightUsing data to reduce O&M costs and improve financial performanceParallels between heat, power, and other infrastructure systemsThe future of AI in operational decision-making and reliabilityBuilding inclusive, collaborative teams in a fast-scaling energy startup

    49 min
  7. Powering Clean Water with Sunlight: The Water-Energy Nexus | Professor Stephanie Loeb, McGill University

    11/12/2025

    Powering Clean Water with Sunlight: The Water-Energy Nexus | Professor Stephanie Loeb, McGill University

    On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Dr Stephanie Loeb, Professor of Civil Engineering at McGill University and Associate Director of the Brace Water Centre. Stephanie’s research explores how solar energy, nanomaterials, and AI can power the next generation of sustainable water systems. They discuss how solar-driven photocatalysis and decentralised treatment technologies are reshaping the future of clean water, and how AI-enabled monitoring can transform environmental data into faster, clearer insights for policy and public health. Stephanie also reflects on the water–energy nexus, the close relationship between how we power and purify our world, and how innovation, mentorship, and inclusion are driving change in STEM. Adam and Stephanie cover: Stephanie’s journey from physics and photonics to environmental engineeringThe science behind solar-powered water treatmentUsing AI and optical data to improve water safety and monitoringParallels between decentralised energy and water systemsMentorship, inclusion, and the next generation of scientists

    50 min
  8. Transforming Wind and Solar Efficiency Through Analytics | Philip Bradstock, Bitbloom

    10/29/2025

    Transforming Wind and Solar Efficiency Through Analytics | Philip Bradstock, Bitbloom

    On this episode of the Hypercube Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Philip Bradstock, Co-founder and Head of Analytics at Bitbloom, a company helping renewable energy owners unlock hidden efficiencies in wind and solar assets. Philip shares his journey from turbine modelling to founding Bitbloom, where he uses data to optimise performance across more than five gigawatts of renewable assets worldwide. They discuss how analytics, machine learning, and automation turn complex renewable data into actionable insights. Philip explains how combining human expertise with AI helps boost efficiency, reduce downtime, and extend asset life — driving smarter, more sustainable energy operations. Adam and Philip cover: Philip’s journey from physics research to co-founding BitbloomUsing data and AI to uncover efficiency gains in renewablesTurning complex data into clear operational insightsBalancing automation with human expertiseMaximising assets to power the energy transition

    39 min
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About

The Hypercube Energy Podcast explores the application of technology, data and AI across the energy sector. In the fast-moving energy landscape, organisations of all sizes need to understand and adopt emerging tech to tackle complex problems, identify new areas of innovation and capitalise on opportunity. What should an energy technology strategy look like? How do we identify what problems to solve first? What innovations are being made in the industry? These are the questions that host Adam Sroka seeks to answer on this show. In each episode, he sits down with tech experts and business leaders from the energy sector to understand exactly how they are solving energy-specific data challenges today. You can learn more about Hypercube - Energy Technology Partner at wearehypercube.com Join the Beyond Energy Community: wearehypercube.com/join-the-community/

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