The ZENERGY Podcast: Climate Leadership, Finance and Technology

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! On today’s episode, host Karan Takhar has the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Vanessa Chan, Former Chief Commercialization Officer and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions at the U.S. Department of Energy and current Vice-Dean of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chan and I speak about the genesis of the Liftoff Reports and how the mantra the DOE has – ‘private sector led, government enabled’ – encourages the private sector to invest in early-stage technologies. They chat briefly about the pathway to commercial liftoff for various technologies and the challenges that come up as those technologies aim to reach widespread adoption. Dr. Chan shares insights she’s gleaned throughout her inspiring career and the advice she would have given herself 5 and 15 years into her professional life. Credits: Editing/Graphics: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! On today’s episode host Karan Takhar speaks with Jamila Yamani who is the Director of Climate and Energy at Salesforce. They begin by touching on the intersection of AI and sustainability, and Jamila sets the stage for us regarding Salesforce’s new platform, Agentforce. They then launch into Jamila’s day-to-day role and how Salesforce looks at tackling sustainability, including their attempt to drive down their Scope 3 emissions. They discuss the conversations they have with their suppliers and what ultimately drives Saleforce’s desire to lower their emissions. The interview is concluded with some fantastic advice from Jamila to young professionals and to her younger self.Credits:Editing/Graphics: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! Host Karan Takhar sits down with Terry Paule, CEO of Botanical Water Technologies to discuss how he stumbled into the idea of turning fruit and vegetable waste into water, just how much water can be extracted from these fruits and vegetables, and how vital it is for communities in need. They look at the average amount of water a single person uses to drink and cook on any given day and how Microsoft has teamed up with Botanical Water Technologies to create 60 million liters of water to gift to communities as a way to offset the water they are using in data centers. Terry shares what you and I can do to help support the mission of bringing clean water and sanitation to those in need and lets us in on some staggering statistics, including how 40% of the world does not have access to clean water at any given point. If you’d like to learn ways you can help with such a pressing and important need, visit www.wegrowwater.com for more information about Botanical Water Technologies’ efforts. Credits:Editing/Graphics: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

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/id1556215421Follow 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 PodcastConnect 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 - Welcome1:50 - How outdoor hobbies impact Amy’s passion for climate4:10 - Cross-country skiing5:35 - What initially drew Amy to climate journalism8:25 - Amy’s journalism process10:30 - The importance of building trust12:15 - Amy’s role as Executive Editor13:30 - The process of deciding which stories are covered16:30 - How the new administration will impact the climate field18:50 - How will the Inflation Reduction Act be impacted21:15 - Amy’s vision for Cipher23:25 -  How Amy keeps track of climate developments on a global level27:00 - Kaiser Health News28:40 - How Cipher can be objective and bring awareness to the climate problem31:40 - How Cipher makes complex topics relatable to a wide audience35:55 - Shifts in the audience’s priorities over time37:50 - Advice and insights41:20 - How Amy’s career was shaped Credits:Editing/Graphics: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

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/id1556215421Follow 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 PodcastConnect 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 DACC3:20 - Origin of DACC10:30 - The early days of DACC14:30 - What does it look like to participate in the coalition 17:45 - DACC’s 4 strategic pillars25:05 - How legislation has helped DACC30:45 - Details on carbon removal projects37:50 - Targets for DACC technologies 42:50 - How the election outcome will impact DACC45:20 - Why some in the climate community are not supporters of DACC50:00 - Antarctica52:05 - The place that has had the biggest impact on JasonCredits: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/id1556215421FollowThe 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 PodcastConnect with Ben:https://www.carbonbusinesscouncil.org/news/cdrpolicyguidehttps://www.carbonbusinesscouncil.orghttps://carbonfix.org/news/ Timestamps:0:00 - Intro 0:55 - Welcome1:15 - 5,000 mile bus tour with Global Climate Action Summit5:00 - Origin of the Carbon Business Council7:05 - The importance of collaboration 8:30 - Early days of the Carbon Business Council11:50 - How Ben put together his team 14:05 - Overview of the Carbon Business Council16:00 - Top 3 takeaways of CBC training 17:00 - Carbon Removal Policy Guide18:40 - 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 startups38:00 - Advice for those getting involved 39:30 - Fun factCredits: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