The ZENERGY Podcast: Climate Leadership, Finance and Technology

Karan Takhar
The ZENERGY Podcast: Climate Leadership, Finance and Technology

The Zenergy Podcast interviews global climate leaders with prior guests including the founders of some of the world's largest renewable energy and electric vehicle companies including founders of SoftBank Energy, Azure Power, Ola Electric, and SunEdison. These conversations share industry developments, highlight clean tech investment opportunities, and shed light on how young professionals can increase their chances of employment in this fastly growing sector. We also discuss the energy transition across key emerging markets like India, and explore partnership opportunities for US companies.

  1. Amy Harder | Executive Editor, Cipher

    HACE 4 DÍAS

    Amy Harder | Executive Editor, Cipher

    This episode was recorded on November 18, 2024. Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! Today, host Karan Takhar sits down for a chat with Founding Executive Editor of Cipher, Amy Harder. Cipher is supported by Breakthrough Energy as an education initiative focusing on reporting on climate solutions across the climate and energy fields. As Executive Editor, Amy shares what drew her to reporting on energy and climate, what her journalism process looks like, and ultimately, what her vision is for Cipher. Karan and Amy discuss how Cipher decides which topics to cover, how they are able to focus on being objective while still bringing awareness to the climate problem, and how they make difficult technical topics digestible to a more general audience. Amy gives her perspective on how President Trump’s second presidency might impact the climate field. And, finally, she shares advice for those hoping to become journalists in the climate and energy sector. 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 Amy: https://www.ciphernews.com/topics/cleantech-tracker  https://www.ciphernews.com/articles/with-donald-trump-victory-here-are-his-energy-and-climate-positions/  https://kffhealthnews.org/  Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro  1:10 - Welcome 1:50 - How outdoor hobbies impact Amy’s passion for climate 4:10 - Cross-country skiing 5:35 - What initially drew Amy to climate journalism 8:25 - Amy’s journalism process 10:30 - The importance of building trust 12:15 - Amy’s role as Executive Editor 13:30 - The process of deciding which stories are covered 16:30 - How the new administration will impact the climate field 18:50 - How will the Inflation Reduction Act be impacted 21:15 - Amy’s vision for Cipher 23:25 -  How Amy keeps track of climate developments on a global level 27:00 - Kaiser Health News 28:40 - How Cipher can be objective and bring awareness to the climate problem 31:40 - How Cipher makes complex topics relatable to a wide audience 35:55 - Shifts in the audience’s priorities over time 37:50 - Advice and insights 41:20 - How Amy’s career was shaped  Credits: Editing/Graphics: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

    46 min
  2. Jason Hochman | Co-Founder & Executive Director, Direct Air Capture Coalition

    20 FEB

    Jason Hochman | Co-Founder & Executive Director, Direct Air Capture Coalition

    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

    57 min
  3. Ben Rubin | Executive Director & Co-Founder, Carbon Business Council

    13 FEB

    Ben Rubin | Executive Director & Co-Founder, Carbon Business Council

    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

    42 min
  4. Andrew Herscowitz | CEO of Mission 300 (M300) Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital, The Rockefeller Foundation

    6 FEB

    Andrew Herscowitz | CEO of Mission 300 (M300) Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital, The Rockefeller Foundation

    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

    48 min
  5. Doreen M. Harris | President & CEO, NYSERDA

    30 ENE

    Doreen M. Harris | President & CEO, NYSERDA

    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

    20 min
  6. Komal Kaul | Co-Founder of Isotonik Solutions / Founder of Sam India Project / YPO Impact Network Chair

    23 ENE

    Komal Kaul | Co-Founder of Isotonik Solutions / Founder of Sam India Project / YPO Impact Network Chair

    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

    39 min
  7. Kate Kelly | Chief of Staff, Avalanche Fusion

    16 ENE

    Kate Kelly | Chief of Staff, Avalanche Fusion

    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

    44 min
  8. Joel Armin-Hoiland | Founder & CEO, Climate Finance Solutions

    9 ENE

    Joel Armin-Hoiland | Founder & CEO, Climate Finance Solutions

    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. 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 Joel: https://www.climatefinancesolutions.com/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:40 - Welcome 1:36 - Overview of Joel’s work 6:10 - The origin story of Climate Finance Solutions 11:00 - What has driven the growth of climate grant funding 13:30 - How the election may impact the grant funding ecosystem 17:30 - How do public organizations and government-adjacent organizations impact the climate finance world? 22:15 - Can early-stage ventures realistically win grants? 26:50 - How companies can format their proposals to have a better chance of receiving a grant 34:00 - How to network/form relationships with grant companies 37:45 - Joel’s advice to those wanting to access grant funding Credits: Editing: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

    43 min
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The Zenergy Podcast interviews global climate leaders with prior guests including the founders of some of the world's largest renewable energy and electric vehicle companies including founders of SoftBank Energy, Azure Power, Ola Electric, and SunEdison. These conversations share industry developments, highlight clean tech investment opportunities, and shed light on how young professionals can increase their chances of employment in this fastly growing sector. We also discuss the energy transition across key emerging markets like India, and explore partnership opportunities for US companies.

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