The Energy Canvas with Celtic Dynamics

Celtic Dynamics
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The Energy Canvas breaks down what actually works in energy saving and compliance requirements. We bring you straight talk from energy experts with real stories from businesses that have cut costs and hit their sustainability targets. No jargon, no fluff—just practical advice on audits, compliance, grants, and energy savings that impact your bottom line today. Whether you're managing facilities, controlling budgets, or leading sustainability efforts, you'll hear how companies like yours are turning energy challenges into wins.

Episodes

  1. Energy Storage: Ireland's Game Changer

    APR 6

    Energy Storage: Ireland's Game Changer

    The growth of wind and solar power presents an urgent challenge: how to effectively manage and store renewable electricity when the system needs it most. Without bulk storage, Ireland risks relying on volatile imported gas and losing valuable clean electricity when generation is high. This episode dives into the technologies and policies changing this landscape, exploring everything from lithium ion batteries to long duration storage solutions like iron-air technology. We discuss market structures, financing hurdles, and the major role storage plays in driving energy independence and reducing consumer costs. Joining host Dylan Walsh is Bobby Smith, the Director of Energy Storage Ireland. Bobby represents energy storage interests across Ireland and Northern Ireland and is an expert in grid policy and market development. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT: - Energy storage defined for Ireland.- Lithium ion batteries dominate storage.- New long duration technologies emerging.- Ireland's energy market policy history.- Storage needed to reduce renewable waste. GUEST DETAILS: Bobby Smith is Director of Energy Storage Ireland, a representative body for the energy storage industry in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Since 2019, Bobby has worked with ESI members and policy makers to promote the development of energy storage on the island.  In previous roles, Bobby worked as Grid Manager in Wind Energy Ireland and as an analyst in the Commission for Regulation of Utilities where he was involved in areas such as electricity networks policy, security of supply and the development of the DS3 ancillary services market arrangements. MORE INFORMATION: About The Energy Canvas Podcast The Energy Canvas is brought to you by Celtic Dynamics, exploring the intersection of engineering innovation, sustainability, and business success in Ireland's evolving energy landscape. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving real climate action and decarbonisation solutions. Have a question about energy systems, hydrogen technology, or want to suggest a future guest? Contact us at www.celticdynamics.com or connect with Celtic Dynamics on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/celtic-dynamics. Produced by DustPod.io for Celtic Dynamics QUOTES I often describe energy storage as like a game changer, because traditionally, we haven't been able to store electricity. - Bobby Smith Batteries are very good at providing that, because a battery... if it has a charge, it can respond in milliseconds to one of these system issues. - Bobby Smith So the batteries were able to sort of enter the energy market over that Christmas period and resolve some of the issues, because they were able to supply energy into the market at those peak times. - Bobby Smith KEYWORDS #EnergyStorage #IrishEnergy #BatteryTechnology #GridStability #EnergyTransition

    50 min
  2. Climate Change Business Response Today

    FEB 2

    Climate Change Business Response Today

    Climate impacts no longer wait for future generations. Floods devastate Pakistan. Wildfires consume California. Temperatures shatter records globally. Meanwhile businesses face supply chain disruptions today not tomorrow. This episode explores how mainstream multinationals respond to climate biodiversity and inequality challenges. We examine regenerative agriculture at scale. Risk management beyond carbon tunnel vision. Why ambitious action creates competitive advantage. Where progress stalls despite mounting evidence. Zoe Le Grand is Managing Director UK and Europe at Forum for the Future. She advises multinationals including Nestle Unilever and Walmart on ambitious sustainability transformation. Fifteen years experience designing strategy processes using futures techniques and systems thinking. Things We Spoke About Climate impacts accelerating globally today Business case trumps moral arguments Regenerative agriculture mainstream adoption momentum Green hushing threatens industry transparency System change requires sphere influence GUEST DETAILS Zoe Le Grand leads UK and Europe operations at Forum for the Future whilst sharing strategic and operational responsibility as Senior Leadership Team member. Over fifteen years she advised over forty organisations including Unilever Kingfisher and Nestle delivering ambitious sustainability approaches.  She co-founded the Net Positive Project with BSR SHINE AT&T Target and Dell devising thought leadership and practical tools helping companies deliver net positive strategies. Career began in housing policy and sustainable buildings within built environment sector. MORE INFORMATION About The Energy Canvas Podcast The Energy Canvas is brought to you by Celtic Dynamics, exploring the intersection of engineering innovation, sustainability, and business success in Ireland's evolving energy landscape. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving real climate action and decarbonisation solutions. Subscribe and Connect To stay updated on the latest episodes and energy sector insights, visit celticdynamics.ie or search "The Energy Canvas" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Get In Touch Have a question about energy systems, hydrogen technology, or want to suggest a future guest? Contact us at www.celticdynamics.com or connect with Celtic Dynamics on LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/celtic-dynamics. Produced by DustPod.io for Celtic Dynamics creating compelling audio content that drives conversation and action in the energy and sustainability sectors. QUOTES It doesn't feel like it's a niche eco brand kind of issue anymore. I work with multinationals, really mainstream brands. They're talking about risks to their value chains. -  Zoe Le GrandWhat businesses get wrong is they'll assume that the context will remain stable, and what they're planning for is what their response should be. Whereas actually what we're seeing is the context is likely to be wildly different and moving at a really fast pace. - Zoe Le GrandI would always advise companies to look at the issues which are most material to them. It's those issues which either you're going to impact or where are your supply chains in the world, what kind of risks are they facing, and where can you impact on some of these issues the most as well. - Zoe Le Grand KEYWORDS #ClimateRisk #RegenerativeAgriculture #SystemChange #BusinessSustainability #JustTransition

    50 min
  3. Biodiversity: Essential for Sustainability

    JAN 5

    Biodiversity: Essential for Sustainability

    Ireland's journey towards a sustainable future is impossible without addressing the catastrophic decline in biodiversity, which underpins our very existence and economy. We must stop treating nature as a remote ecological issue. This episode explores how nature acts as our critical life support system from producing food and clean water to mitigating climate change through natural systems like bogs. We look at the misconceptions surrounding biodiversity, the tangible risks for businesses, and what practical, non-tokenistic actions can be taken today, especially for Ireland's endangered wild bee species. Joining host Dylan Walsh is Professor Jane Stout, a leading expert on pollinators and ecology. Jane is a co-founder of both Nature Capital Ireland and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, two initiatives that have transformed Ireland’s approach to protecting nature. Things We Spoke About Biodiversity is fundamental life support systemMisconceptions: Nature is not materialBiodiversity loss risks Irish agricultureThinking about risks and opportunitiesPollinators: One third of bees at risk GUEST DETAILS Professor Jane Stout is the Vice President for Biodiversity and Climate Action and Professor of Ecology at the School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin. Her expertise covers biodiversity and ecosystem services, natural capital, and pollination ecology. She is a co-founder and deputy chair of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and a co-founder and former Chair of the Board of Directors for Natural Capital Ireland. MORE INFORMATION About The Energy Canvas PodcastThe Energy Canvas is brought to you by Celtic Dynamics, exploring the intersection of engineering innovation, sustainability, and business success in Ireland's evolving energy landscape. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving real climate action and decarbonisation solutions. SUBSCRIBE AND CONNECT To stay updated on the latest episodes and energy sector insights, visit celticdynamics.ie or search "The Energy Canvas" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. GET IN TOUCH Have a question about energy systems, hydrogen technology, or want to suggest a future guest?  Contact us at www.celticdynamics.com or connect with Celtic Dynamics on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/celtic-dynamics. This podcast is produced by DustPod.io, creating compelling audio content that drives conversation and action in the energy and sustainability sectors. QUOTES So, you know, we can't become sustainable long term in Ireland or anywhere without looking after biodiversity. - Professor Jane StoutThe risks and opportunities for businesses are linked very much to finances. Biodiversity loss is a part of that financial risk. Biodiversity is not simply something that is ‘nice to have’. - Professor Jane Stout As a university, the biggest thing we can do is integrate biodiversity into our teaching and our research and create a generation of graduates that are ready for the workforce. - Professor Jane Stout  KEYWORDS Biodiversity, climate change, natural systems, pollinators, ecology, nature capital, Ireland, sustainability

    40 min
  4. Ireland Retrofit Challenge Climate Tech

    12/01/2025

    Ireland Retrofit Challenge Climate Tech

    Ireland's retrofit challenge demands innovative solutions combining strategic planning, robust data management, and community-level support to achieve decarbonisation targets.  Xavier Dubuisson is the RetroKit founder with 30 years sustainable energy experience across Europe. He explains how climate tech platform uses BER data and duration certificates assessing housing performance whilst modelling upgrade scenarios calculating investment costs for financial planning. He talks about why moving to Ireland in 2001 provided transformative opportunities developing renewable energy policies including Greener Homes Scheme and House of Tomorrow programme, and current barriers including affordability constraints, supply chain gaps, and political climate shifts threatening progress despite catastrophic climate change impacts already visible requiring maintained ambition and action. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT RetroKit platform BER data strategic planningIreland career move transformative policy developmentClimate change urgency maintaining political ambitionSocial housing sector holistic quality designCommunity grassroots advisory trusted voice supportGUEST DETAILS Xavier Dubuisson is CEO of RetroKit, an energy engineer bringing more than 25 years of sustainable energy experience in Ireland and Belgium. He moved to Ireland in 2001 to work with SEAI at their Renewable Energy Information Office and has been deeply involved in driving the energy transition ever since. His mission is to scale up and digitise the retrofitting process across Ireland and the EU through strong passion for innovation towards energy and climate goals, sharing experience gained over years through development of digital tools. MORE INFORMATION The Energy Canvas is brought to you by Celtic Dynamics, exploring the intersection of engineering innovation, sustainability, and business success in Ireland's evolving energy landscape. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving real climate action and decarbonisation solutions. To stay updated on the latest episodes and energy sector insights, visit celticdynamics.ie or search "The Energy Canvas" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Contact us at www.celticdynamics.com or connect with Celtic Dynamics on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/celtic-dynamics. Produced by DustPod.io for Celtic Dynamics QUOTES In the context of climate change, it's already here. Give us another 10, 20, years, it's going to be catastrophic. Really. We can't delay action, you know, and we can't reduce ambitions in that regard.- Xavier Dubuisson I realised there was very little tools for energy efficiency. Modelling for renewable energy technology is well established but for energy efficiency at the time there was very little or nothing. - Xavier Dubuisson We're not hitting the target of 50,000 homes for deep energy retrofits. Key constraints are cost. Not many people can afford it. Funding helps but affordability is a critical factor. - Xavier Dubuisson KEYWORDS #ClimateChange #EnergySolutions RetrofitChallenge #SustainableEnergy #Decarbonisation #EnergyEfficiency

    42 min
  5. Irish Energy Market Volatility Explained

    11/03/2025

    Irish Energy Market Volatility Explained

    One in four Irish businesses unknowingly pays 40-50% too much for energy by drifting out of contract—a costly mistake that energy broker Stephen King fixes daily.  From the Ukraine-Russia conflict driving prices from 17 cents to 80 cents per kilowatt, to solar PV systems now delivering 2-3 year returns with grant funding, discover why Ireland's €96 million energy spenders could save millions through centralized procurement.  Stephen explains the hidden non-commodity costs consuming 55% of bills, why generation is the ultimate price protection, and his controversial view that future generations must innovate us out of environmental crisis. Things We Spoke About How 20-25% of commercial customers pay 40-50% too much by staying out of contract. Why energy costs spiked from 16-17 cents to 75-80 cents per kilowatt during the Ukraine-Russia conflict.How solar PV systems now deliver 2-3 year ROI with 25-100% grant funding available.Why centralizing energy procurement for multi-site operators can reduce costs by 12-15%.How the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland provides €2,000 free audit vouchers revealing typical 30-40% reduction opportunitiesGuest Details:  Stephen King is the CEO and founder of Energy Matters Ireland, a company dedicated to helping businesses across Ireland transition to cleaner, more efficient energy systems. With a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Stephen combines academic knowledge with over a decade of practical experience in energy management, sustainability, and renewable technologies. Energy Matters Ireland provides tailored solutions in energy procurement, solar energy, EV charging infrastructure, and sustainability consultancy. The company’s mission is to empower organisations to reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and contribute to Ireland’s transition toward a low‑carbon economy. Through innovation, transparency, and results-driven strategies, Stephen has positioned Energy Matters Ireland as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to achieve environmental and financial sustainability, giving one hotel €242,000 annually and a multi-site retailer €180,000 just by switching suppliers.Stephen's Website: www.energymattersireland.ie About The Energy Canvas Podcast: The Energy Canvas is brought to you by Celtic Dynamics, exploring the intersection of engineering innovation, sustainability, and business success in Ireland's evolving energy landscape. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving real climate action and decarbonisation solutions. The podcast is produced by DustPod.io Get In Touch: Have a question about energy systems, hydrogen technology, or want to suggest a future guest? Contact us at www.celticdynamics.com or connect with Celtic Dynamics on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/celtic-dynamics Quotes: "We know the energy market, we know the suppliers, we know the tricks of the trade. We know what the best prices are." - Stephen King "We find that in general there's normally at least 30 to 40% reductions available, and they come from solar PV usually being quite a big driver of energy cost reductions." - Stephen King "If you are doing things sustainably, you will drive your business further forward. Every product that is sold is derived from the natural environment." - Stephen King KEYWORDS #energybrokerage #commercialenergy #solarPVROI #businessenergysavings #energyefficiency

    44 min
  6. Decarbonising Ireland: Hydrogen Valley Project

    11/03/2025

    Decarbonising Ireland: Hydrogen Valley Project

    In a world of rising energy costs and urgent climate targets, how do engineers lead real decarbonisation action?  Ou guest Professor Rory Monaghan explains how. He is from the University of Galway and coordinates SH2AMROCK—Ireland's first Hydrogen Valley—a €54 million project demonstrating hydrogen across transport, industry, and aviation. Discover why Ireland's electricity is actually expensive because of fossil fuels (not renewables), how excess wind energy can be stored as hydrogen for months, and why the planning system is the key infrastructure challenge to solve before 2030. Things We Spoke About: Engineers must design solutions with positive environmental impact from the outsetIreland's expensive electricity stems from fossil fuel backup, not renewable windSH2AMROCK demonstrates hydrogen across buses, trucks, industry, and small aircraftPolicy funding delays threaten first-mover hydrogen projects before timelines slip awayUnlocking Ireland's planning system is critical before 2030 for infrastructureGuest Details: Professor Rory Monaghan is Professor in Energy Systems Engineering at the University of Galway, where he leads the Mechanical Engineering Discipline and the Erin research group focused on energy system decarbonisation. He serves as Coordinator of SH2AMROCK, a 5-year, €54-million project to build, operate, and grow Ireland's first Hydrogen Valley.  He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Galway and both Master's and PhD degrees in the same field from MIT. His passion for hydrogen technology began over 20 years ago as an undergraduate student and has guided his entire research career.Connect with Professor Monaghan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorymonaghan/Website: https://sites.google.com/view/erinresearchgroup/homeAbout The Energy Canvas Podcast: The Energy Canvas is brought to you by Celtic Dynamics, exploring the intersection of engineering innovation, sustainability, and business success in Ireland's evolving energy landscape. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving real climate action and decarbonisation solutions. This podcast is produced by DustPod.io Get In Touch: Have a question about energy systems, hydrogen technology, or want to suggest a future guest? Contact us at www.celticdynamics.com or connect with Celtic Dynamics on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/celtic-dynamics Quotes: "The way we are consuming energy, we're moving energy, we're producing energy is not sustainable. We're robbing from the future." - Professor Rory Monaghan "We need to educate engineers in understanding what exactly society's needs are."  - Professor Rory Monaghan  "We make great plans, great strategies, really good policies in Ireland—but the inaction of it is really, really difficult."  - Professor Rory Monaghan KEYWORDS #hydrogenenergy #energydecarbonisation #climateaction #renewableenergy #engineeringinnovation

    39 min
  7. Trailer

    EPISODE 1

    Trailer

    If you're responsible for energy costs in your organisation, you already know the pressure on rising bills, compliance deadlines, and sustainability targets that seem impossible to hit. The Energy Canvas cuts through the noise to bring you what actually works in energy management. We're not here to sell you on the next big thing or drown you in jargon. We're here to show you how companies like yours are already winning. In each episode, we sit down with energy experts and the people doing this work every day: Energy brokers who've helped businesses navigate costs that spiked from 17 to 80c per kilowattIndustry leaders who found 30-40% savings with free €2,000 audit vouchers they didn't even know existed Facility managers capturing grant funding that delivers 2-3 year returns on solar installationsWHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER Why Ireland's expensive electricity actually stems from fossil fuel backup, not renewable wind How to avoid the costly mistake of drifting out of contract Where to find grant funding for energy projects with 25-100% support available How centralising procurement for multi-site operations reduces costs by 12-15% Why excess wind energy stored as hydrogen could solve long-term energy challengesWHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN The Energy Canvas is essential listening for operations managers, facility directors, sustainability leads, CFOs, and anyone who has to answer for energy spending. Whether you're managing a single facility or overseeing multiple sites, you'll hear practical advice on audits, compliance, grants, and savings that impact your bottom line today. Energy challenges don't wait and neither should your solutions. Press “Follow” now to automatically get our first two special episodes dropping this November on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.

    2 min

Trailer

About

The Energy Canvas breaks down what actually works in energy saving and compliance requirements. We bring you straight talk from energy experts with real stories from businesses that have cut costs and hit their sustainability targets. No jargon, no fluff—just practical advice on audits, compliance, grants, and energy savings that impact your bottom line today. Whether you're managing facilities, controlling budgets, or leading sustainability efforts, you'll hear how companies like yours are turning energy challenges into wins.

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