Lisa Wang recently graduated from Harvard with a degree in Environmental Science & Engineering. During her undergrad, she started the Harvard Undergraduate Clean Energy group, conducted a lot of research on decarbonization and other related topics, and had numerous internships, such as with CTVC, Prime Impact Fund, and other venture backed startups. In addition to this, she Co-Founded a startup called Coolant which aims to protect and restore nature through carbon monitoring. In this episode, Lisa goes into detail about some of her experiences, while also providing students with advice on balancing commitments, prioritizing experiences, and more generally just getting involved in energy! For more information on Lisa’s projects, you can check out her website: https://shorturl.at/gouz8.

Keynotes:

- Using energy as a vehicle to address the climate crisis

- How to prioritize different types of experiences in college

- Resources and tips to get involved in climate/energy work

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How do we balance clean energy with energy that is secure, available, and affordable? One idea is the “Radical middle,” a concept pioneered by Dr. Scott Tinker to encourage people to find the middle ground in addressing energy challenges of today and of the future.

Dr. Tinker, better known by many of his students as “Doc T,” joins us on the show to discuss the hardest-hitting and most challenging issues of our energy world–and how we address those challenges with open mindedness and collaboration. In the show, we talk about energy access in developing countries, electric vehicles, energy education, the leapfrog model, and much more.

Listen in to learn why Dr. Tinker declined not one, but two offers to be Assistant Secretary of Energy; how to engage in productive conversations on tough energy topics; why he started his popular PBS talk show; and how we might actually solve the world’s most difficult energy issues.

Keynotes:

-The “Radical middle” of energy that is clean, secure, and available–and how we achieve it

-The balance between energy access and emissions in developing countries

-The importance of raising energy IQ in the general public rather than leaving it to the experts

-Strategies to get disagreeing groups to talk productively about challenging energy topics

Check out the following links:

Switch Energy Alliance:https://switchon.org/

Energy Switch on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/energy-switch/

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Today we spoke with Corey Donovan, a recent graduate from Rice University now working as a Financial Analyst at Cemvita, a biotech startup creating nature-inspired solutions to empower the energy transition. Corey told us all about how he got to where he is now, from the process of picking his unique major to getting real world experience as an undergrad. We also discuss the value of experiential learning and finding mentors to look up to, in addition to the most important hard and soft skills for success in the startup world. Finally, we spoke about Corey’s next steps and all of the exciting things in his future!

Keynotes:

- Hard and soft skills necessary for startup work

- Why startups instead of larger companies

- Getting real world experience as a student

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What is Energy Investment Banking? In this episode with Mark McDonald, Director at Marathon Capital, we learn why investment banking is different from other forms of finance, and how necessary it is in the energy transition. Mark walks us through a deal, describes how the current socio-economic climate is changing the market, and gives us insight on his own career in finance. A must listen if you are interested in investment banking, energy finance, or finance careers.

Resources to support listening:

https://www.wallstreetprep.com/knowledge/ultimate-guide-to-debt-leveraged-finance/

https://lev.co/blog/financing/preferred-equity-vs-mezzanine-debt/#:~:text=As%20the%20names%20imply%2C%20the,which%20we%27ll%20discuss%20later

Keynotes:

Investment Banking Deal Structure

Energy Financing Gaps

Investment Banking's Role in the Energy Transition

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Samir Chowdhury is a junior at Stanford University studying Management Science & Engineering. In 2020, he founded the Youth Climate Action Team, a global 501c4 climate justice advocacy nonprofit that focuses on community organizing and the power of young people. He initially dedicated himself to climate policy, but soon realized that this didn’t align with his personality and working style, which is how he found his way to energy and investment. More recently, he's completed various energy investment internships and is now starting a fund at Stanford. Samir emphasizes the importance of utilizing your strengths and values to dictate your path, and also encourages students to not be afraid to pivot. He finishes the episode by telling us how students can make a climate impact through energy and the best ways to get involved.

Keynotes:

- Making a climate impact through energy

- Following your strengths and values

- Getting involved in the sustainable and transition investing spaces

Imagine a world where microgrids rule and businesses and communities generate their own energy onsite–that’s the world that our guest on this episode envisions for the future of energy.

Joining us on the show is Bill Nussey: serial entrepreneur, fellow energy podcaster, author of Freeing Energy and founder of the Freeing Energy Project, and partner at Engage and Tech Square Ventures. Following a successful career as a tech entrepreneur with four exits, Bill found his new passion in promoting local energy: distributed energy generation and consumption, primarily with solar and batteries. Over the last seven years, he’s built the Freeing Energy Project into a best-selling book, a podcast with 100 episodes, and a platform to showcase the value of distributed energy to increase energy reliability while expanding energy access globally.

Bill joins us on the show to talk about the value of local energy, the key obstacles to implementation of local energy, how we’ll navigate regulatory red tape, and where the biggest opportunities in the energy transition are. Be sure to tune into this episode to learn more.

Keynotes:

-The value of local energy generation and consumption to reduce emissions and increase reliability

-Why battery and solar cell supply chains might not be as big of an issue as they seem

-Why the energy transition is the biggest opportunity for impact that the world has seen in the last 50 years

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Arina Khotimsky recently finished her undergraduate degree at MIT, where she studied Material Science & Engineering with a focus on climate and energy. She served as the Co-President of the MIT Energy and Climate Club, the organization which runs MIT’s EnergyHack, Energy Conference, and many other notable events. We spoke to Arina about her involvement in this club and the lessons she learned, such as the importance of overcoming the fear of reaching out to get involved in extracurriculars. She also gives students advice for making the most of on and off campus opportunities. We conclude the episode by talking about what’s next for her, which includes pursuing a Masters in International Energy at Sciences Po in France!

Keynotes:

- Getting involved in energy and climate on a college campus

- Overcoming the fear of failure when it comes to new opportunities

- Why energy is such an exciting field

For the last 70 years, Jones Power has been a leader primarily for midstream oil & gas projects, but now, they’re diving headfirst into renewable development and emerging as a top company for renewable project construction.

John Clark, CEO of Jones Power, joins us on the show to talk about the concept of energy transition vs. emissions transition and how we consider the balance of clean energy with energy that is reliable, secure, and affordable as we seek to both decarbonize and end energy poverty. We also discuss how to navigate such a bold transition with company culture, how to have productive conversations with people who don’t agree with you, and the changes John hopes other traditional energy companies make to promote sustainability.

Tune in for an insightful discussion with a pro-energy, anti-emissions leader with a big vision for our energy future. To learn more about Jones Power, check out their website here: https://jonespower.com/about-us/.

Keynotes:

-The difference between emissions transition and energy transition

-Balancing clean energy with energy security, reliability, and affordability

-How the shift toward working in clean energy affected company culture, and tips for managing such a transition within a company

-How to have productive conversations with energy dissidents

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Today we spoke to Mudit Agrawal. Aside from being Energy Terminal’s Director of Programs, Mudit’s experience in startups and clean energy is extensive. His energy journey began in climate advocacy, but then when he got to Duke he began getting involved in energy startups like Joules Accelerator, Ribbit Network, and Nextera. Mudit explains how he got these jobs, what it’s like to work at startups, and how important it is to network/build relationships. He also outlines the value of gaining startup experience, such as learning how to be a flexible and versatile individual. Finally, we conclude the episode by discussing his work at Energy Terminal, so give this episode a listen to learn more about our Emerging Leaders Program and Community Hub!

Resources Mentioned:

Ribbit Network

Climate Base

Emerging Leaders Program

ET Community Hub

Keynotes:

- The benefits of getting startup experience as an undergrad

- Networking and relationship building is critical in today’s job market

- How to find jobs at startups

“The energy transition is by far the largest mobilization of capital and the largest use of capital the world has ever seen.”

Wil Vanloh, Founder and CEO of Quantum Energy Partners joins us on the show to tell us not just why the energy transition is revolutionizing energy finance, but how to take advantage of the emerging opportunities.

Having founded his own investment bank at age 24 and Quantum at age 28, Wil has been at the forefront of major transitions in the industry from the shale revolution to the clean energy transition. In the conversation, we talk about how Quantum’s strategy has changed amid major energy events, how they think about impact alongside financial returns, and where the industry is heading. We also discuss the gaps in the market, the opportunities for young people to get involved, and why a career in energy can be more impactful than any other industry.

This is a special episode released in collaboration with Energy Dialogues Perspectives Series.

Keynotes:

-The biggest changes in the energy industry in the past 25 years

-The opportunities for global impact working in the energy industry

-Why we need diverse and flexible funding solutions for different energy companies

-How the energy transition is changing the way we think about investing

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“The energy transition is by far the largest mobilization of capital and the largest use of capital the world has ever seen.”

Wil Vanloh, Founder and CEO of Quantum Energy Partners joins us on the show to tell us not just why the energy transition is revolutionizing energy finance, but how to take advantage of the emerging opportunities.

Having founded his own investment bank at age 24 and Quantum at age 28, Wil has been at the forefront of major transitions in the industry from the shale revolution to the clean energy transition. In the conversation, we talk about how Quantum’s strategy has changed amid major energy events, how they think about impact alongside financial returns, and where the industry is heading. We also discuss the gaps in the market, the opportunities for young people to get involved, and why a career in energy can be more impactful than any other industry.

This is a special episode released in collaboration with Energy Dialogues Perspectives Series.

Keynotes:

-The biggest changes in the energy industry in the past 25 years

-The opportunities for global impact working in the energy industry

-Why we need diverse and flexible funding solutions for different energy companies

-How the energy transition is changing the way we think about investing

And follow us on:

Newsletter: https://www.energy-terminal.com/newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-terminal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energyterminal/

When you think of energy poverty, you probably think of rural areas far off the grid or halfway across the world. However, the often unseen reality is that there are people right here in the U.S., in our own communities, who struggle to keep the lights on in the face of surging energy prices.

In this episode, we engage in a panel-style discussion with returning guest Scott Tomlinon, CEO and Founder of Choir Power; Jade Davis, board member of Choir and Senior Vice President of Energy Policy at the Port of Cleveland; and David J. Neff, serial entrepreneur and partner at venture capital firm Ecliptic capital. Our guests bring together a unique mix of perspectives and experiences to tackle energy poverty from three main lenses: technology, policy, and investment.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on the causes of energy poverty and the solutions that will solve it.

Keynotes:

-The prevalence of energy poverty both domestically and abroad

-The side effects of energy poverty on health, education, and the economy

-How technology, policy, and investment can merge to end energy poverty for good

-The most impactful avenues to reduce energy poverty

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What would you do if your power went out for 3 months? Or if you had to time your studying to when the electricity grid was most reliable?

These real-life experiences inspired Promise Nwogu to found African Youths in Energy Network, an organization with the mission to put young people at the heart of energy conversations and to end energy poverty for all. Promise graduated from university in 2021 with a degree in petroleum engineering and joined a solar-powered appliance company. Through AYEN, he now helps other young people access careers and avenues to make their impact in energy.

In the episode, we discuss how Promise’s upbringing influenced his perspective on energy, the difficulties approaching energy conversations in developing countries, his goal for AYEN, and his future plans.

Keynotes:

-How youth perspectives on the energy transition differ between Africa and the U.S.

-The biggest obstacles to youth in developing nations accessing opportunities in the energy industry–and the solutions to address them

-Balancing energy transition with energy poverty and fossil fuels with renewables

-How international partnerships and funding can make energy opportunities more accessible

Partnerships, and often unconventional ones, are at the heart of meaningful progress in the energy transition. And what better way to explore this topic than with Monika Simoes, Founder and CEO of Energy Dialogues, Energy Terminal’s founding podcast sponsor and long-time partner.

Monika’s work at Energy Dialogues involves bringing together executives, thought leaders, and stakeholders from across the energy industry. Through their events, content, and network, they’ve facilitated many groundbreaking partnerships and conversations that have created incredible growth and progress. In the episode, we discuss the partnership between Energy Terminal and Energy Dialogues, navigating the tough conversations the energy industry needs to have, the perspectives of energy executives and nextgen leaders, and much more.

Keynotes:

-How to facilitate meaningful conversations on complex energy topics

-The ideas that top energy executives want the next generation to know

-The partnerships shaping the future of energy

-Creating a collaborative environment to advance emission-reducing energy solutions

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McKenna Dunbar is a recent college graduate, founder of MOCOKONO and the Ecological Justice Initiative, and Building Electrification Lead at the Sierra Club. When they were young, they had a passion for robotics and technology, which then grew into a desire to be involved in energy. We begin by delving into their long list of environmental experiences then dive into topics including energy burden, building electrification, and the importance of empathy in the energy space. The episode concludes with a conversation on climate mental health and supporting yourself while working towards such an urgent issue, in addition to McKenna’s post-grad plans.

Keynotes:

- More young people are needed in energy for the dialogue to truly be intergenerational

- Fostering open conversation and empathy in the energy space

- Climate mental health and energy burden

To create an energy transition that is not just clean, but also lasting and sustainable, justice and equity must be at the forefront of conversations.

Our guest Raya Salter, Founder of the Energy Justice Law and Policy Center and “Climate Auntie,” shines a light on the world of energy justice and how communities are a central part of a successful transition. Throughout her career as an activist, lawyer, and storyteller, Raya has worked to address harms caused by energy systems while promoting a transition to clean energy. In the episode, we discuss the origins of energy justice, how communities and individuals can have their voice heard, the role of policy in shaping equitable solutions, and much more.

Keynotes:

-The intersection between energy justice and environmental justice

-The importance of objective analysis and the trap of “good” vs. “bad”

-The role of fossil fuels and their complicated history relating to energy justice

-Opportunities for youth involvement and activism

Shikhar Verma is a student and the Founder and Chief Investment Officer at the Rice New Energy Fund (RNEF), a $200K energy fund managed by students. They focus on exposing students to investment management, involving students in the energy transition, and building and leveraging an industry network. Shikhar begins by outlining how he got his start in energy and made his way to Rice University, and then goes into detail about RNEF, from building the team and raising capital to his hopes for the fund moving forward. Finally, he shares his biggest lessons from his experiences so far, such as having clear goals and finding a balance between looking good and actually being good at what you are doing.

Keynotes:

- How to identify a niche and fill the gap

- The process of raising capital and building a team

- Balancing looking good and being good at what you do

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Brendan Duval, CEO and Founder of the Glenfarne Group, walks us through the importance of equitable investment, especially in the context of the energy transition. The Glenfarne Group LLC, an asset management firm, invests its assets into global energy infrastructure, looking to help decarbonize energy systems throughout the globe. But, investing in the energy transition does not mean just investing in renewables, it means taking a “fully engaged approach”, i.e. investing in coal plants for the purpose of decommissioning them, and looking at other traditional fuel sources more holistically to see how existing infrastructure can be appropriately altered. Brendan is a firm believer that appropriate investment is key in speeding the transition forward, and his insights on this are ones you don’t want to miss!

Keynotes:

Investment’s role in the energy transition

What is conscious capital allocation + why is it important

The importance of supporting and engaging local communities when working globally

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In the first episode of Energy Terminal’s SPARK series where we highlight Gen Zers working in energy, we talk to William Reynolds, a recent college graduate with extensive experience in clean tech startups and environmental work. Will took a non-traditional path to get to where he is today, moving away from his home in New Zealand at age 17 to work for startups in San Francisco, London, and China. His desire to work in technology began with a fear that the trajectory of biotech and AI could lead to a dystopian future for society, but he soon realized that climate underpinned our success in just about everything. He then decided to pursue his degree at Duke University, but is now back to his startup work with Cemvita, a Houston-based biotech company. Will tells us about his unique work experiences, but also shares his thoughts on individual action, gives tips for how to get involved in startups, and explains the importance of everyone linking their careers to the environment.

Resources mentioned:

Third Derivative

Greentown Labs

Climate Base

Keynotes:

-Taking a non-traditional career path

-Effect of individual vs. systemic action on climate change

-How and why you should tie your passions/career to energy and climate

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The electric vehicle is an icon of cleantech and the sustainable technology shaping our future. But how do we build the national charging network we need to support EVs across the country?

Joining us on the show is Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo, the company building one of the largest fast charging networks in the country. Cathy has worked across government and the private sector as the CEO of both public and private companies, an advisor to the White House, and the Assistant Secretary of Energy. Across her career, she’s worked to reduce emissions and enable sustainable energy technology deployment across the globe.

In the episode, we discuss the most pressing challenges to EVs and EV charging. How is EV charging economical? Are EVs actually sustainable? How do we address supply chain constraints? We then explore solutions to each of these challenges, drawing on a mix of technology, policy, and economic developments needed to address the growing EV market.

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