Best Distributing Solar Podcasts (2025)

1
E270: Why the Future is Distributed, Decentralized, and Solar 55:05

4d ago55:05

55:05

In this episode, our guest is Danny Kennedy, a serial energy entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for distributed renewables. Danny shares his bold vision for a world powered entirely by solar energy and battery storage — a transformation he calls "Solar for Universal Need." Drawing on his experience leading startups and initiatives like the Califo…

1
E271: Designing for Circularity: Rethinking Solar and Batteries 53:08

17h ago53:08

53:08

In this episode, our guest is Laura Jones, an electrical engineer, social scientist, and co-founder of the Circular PV Alliance. Laura walks us through the pioneering work behind Australia's first certification scheme for circular solar farms, CPVA Certified. From integrating circular economy principles into planning and operation, to practical reu…

1
A New Coalition for a Distributed Energy Future — Episode 245 of Local Energy Rules 16:05

2h ago16:05

16:05

Learn about how Common Charge is fast-tracking a future where your distributed energy assets make the electric grid work better for everyone. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/common-charge-ler245 | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast…

1
Shortening the nuclear development cycle from decades to years 47:51

1d ago47:51

47:51

For decades, nuclear has struggled with cost overruns and delays — Georgia’s Vogtle plant being the latest example. Kairos Power co-founder and CEO Mike Laufer thinks the solution is to flip the script: focus first on non-nuclear demonstrations and then iterate quickly. It’s a counterintuitive and potentially risky strategy . Rapid iteration isn’t …

1
A new age of wind propulsion for cargo ships | Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower 22:36

4d ago22:36

22:36

In this episode of Climate Positive, Gil Jenkins and Kenny Gayles speak with Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower, about how rotor sails are helping the maritime industry cut fuel use and emissions. By harnessing the Magnus effect with spinning cylinders mounted on cargo ships, Norsepower is delivering 5–25% fuel savings today—sometimes even more. He…

1
E269: Community Batteries, Flow Tech, and the Future of Storage 54:24

8d ago54:24

54:24

In this episode, our guest is Glenne Drover, a passionate energy professional and currently the Company Secretary at Yarra Energy Foundation. Though semi-retired, Glenne remains deeply active in shaping Australia's energy landscape through consulting, advocacy, and public engagement. We discuss the evolving battery storage landscape, with Glenne pr…

1
E268: Batteries, Carbon Capture, and the Future of Energy Systems 49:41

11d ago49:41

49:41

In this episode, our guest is Yongping Zhai, former ADB energy leader and now Senior Advisor at Tencent, leading their carbon neutrality strategy. He shares his journey from early solar projects to driving green innovation in big tech—covering dramatic cost drops in renewables, the rise of AI in grid management, and why mindsets must shift for the …

1
E267: Energy as a Service: Rethinking Tariffs and Equity 37:28

15d ago37:28

37:28

In this episode, our guest is Gavin Dufty, National Director of Energy Policy and Research at St Vincent de Paul Australia. Gavin brings decades of experience advocating for consumer equity in Australia's energy transition. He shares valuable insights on evolving from kilowatt-based billing to energy-as-a-service models, rethinking subsidy framewor…

1
These Solar Tax Credits Are Still Standing — Episode 244 of Local Energy Rules 42:50

15d ago42:50

42:50

Learn how non-profit and public entities can still benefit from solar tax credits, and the three steps to getting them. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/solar-tax-credits-ler244/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, sha…

1
The sunk cost dilemma 32:35

14d ago32:35

32:35

Deep into engineering studies for Project Cormorant, 8 Rivers' massive low-carbon ammonia facility, the team discovered new efficiencies that would create a safer, more advanced version of their hydrogen technology. But there was one problem: they'd already invested heavily in the current design. CEO Damian Beauchamp faced a classic dilemma. Should…

1
E266: Navigating Knowledge: From ADB to AI 54:48

18d ago54:48

54:48

In this episode, our guest is Daan Boom, former Knowledge Management Specialist at ADB, who shares how knowledge systems have evolved—from early platforms like K-Map and E-Star to today's AI-driven environments. He reflects on building a culture of learning within development institutions, his current work on climate resilience in Bangladesh, and h…

1
E265: Electrifying Heavy Freight at Diesel Prices 39:16

22d ago39:16

39:16

In this episode, our guest is Daniel Bleakley, co-founder of New Energy Transport, who shares how his team is building a vertically integrated, zero-emission road-freight company that can compete at diesel price parity by pairing electric trucks with on-site generation and smart participation in Australia’s wholesale electricity market. He explains…

1
E264: Rethinking Electricity Like the Internet 55:22

25d ago55:22

55:22

In this episode, our guest is Bruce Nordman, a long-time researcher from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Bruce brings four decades of experience in energy efficiency and introduces his revolutionary vision for transforming how buildings use electricity, drawing strong parallels with the evolution of internet technology. We explore the concep…

1
E263: How This Startup is Fixing Online Content Noise 40:06

29d ago40:06

40:06

In this episode, our guest is Cheree Bonnici, a startup founder based in South Australia, and the driving force behind Topicks, a global content platform focused on community, education, and sustainability. Cheree shares the story behind creating a curated digital space where users choose what they learn—free from algorithms and noise. From solving…

1
The Town That Could Spark a Public Power Revolution — Episode 243 of Local Energy Rules 36:43

29d ago36:43

36:43

Slayton's public power takeover aims to improve reliability and safety. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/slayton-public-power-ler243/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation …

1
John Hickenlooper’s optimism in the face of opposition 34:22

28d ago34:22

34:22

Three years ago this month, the Inflation Reduction Act passed, marking the largest investment in climate policy in U.S. history. It included over $300 billion to address global warming and was expected to unlock nearly $3 trillion in private investment by 2032. But then came Donald Trump. Over the last eight months, the Trump administration has wo…

1
E262: AI in Practice—Tools, Workflows, and What’s Next 41:48

1M ago41:48

41:48

In this episode, our guest is Amie Vuyong. She works on AI-powered identity verification, AML, and fraud prevention, areas she frames as “compliance AI agents.” She also shares how she used modern AI coding companions to turn a manual spreadsheet into a sleek personal finance web app, with expense tracking, budgets, and net‑worth views, built throu…

1
E261: Solar to VPP: Powering the Future 38:43

1M ago38:43

38:43

In this episode, our guest is Clinton O’Neil, a distributed energy veteran whose journey began in Hawaii’s rooftop solar boom and evolved into driving innovation in grid modernisation and virtual power plants (VPPs). Clinton shares deep insights into the transition from net metering to non-export solar, the pivotal role of energy storage, and how D…

1
CAMCO’s $250M REPP 2 Fund: Building the African grid of the future 41:52

1M ago41:52

41:52

In this episode of The Energy Talk, we delve into the inner workings of the REPP 2 fund, a groundbreaking initiative managed by Camco, aimed at transforming the renewable energy landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa. We welcome Ben Hugues (Fund manager of REPP 2) and Ieva Indriunaite (former head of REPP 2’s technical assistance facility), to share insig…

1
E260: Electrifying Everything: The Role of EV Charging and Home Batteries 35:35

1M ago35:35

35:35

In this episode, our guest is Ned Funnell, a test engineer at Lincoln Electric and long-time electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast. Ned shares a decade of personal and professional insights from the EV world—discussing high-power chargers, grid resiliency, home batteries, and the evolving role of electrification in achieving net-zero goals. From transit…

1
E259: Australia’s Homegrown EV Journey 36:58

1M ago36:58

36:58

In this episode, our guest is Gregory McGarvie, founder of Ace Electric Vehicles—Australia’s pioneering homegrown EV startup. Gregory shares his eight-year journey building locally assembled EVs, from trolley collectors for Woolworths to advanced, grid-integrated vans. We explore the challenges of local manufacturing, the innovation behind Ace’s en…

1
The rogue idea that saved a hydrogen startup 38:07

1M ago38:07

38:07

In 2022, Zach Jones learned that his technical team at Graphitic Energy was secretly working nights and weekends on an unsanctioned approach to producing clean hydrogen from natural gas. It was an approach that abandoned the technology Zach and the company had spent years developing. And Zach wasn’t happy. With investors to answer to and a pilot pl…

1
A Public Power Struggle in Tucson — Episode 242 of Local Energy Rules 44:13

1M ago44:13

44:13

Affordability and clean energy are driving a public power campaign to take over Tucson’s investor-owned utility. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/tucson-public-power-ler242/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share wi…

1
California's Distributed Battery Network Shows Its Power in Recent Test 5:25

1M ago5:25

5:25

The rapidly evolving energy landscape of 2025 is bringing remarkable innovations across multiple sectors, from affordable electric vehicles to creative renewable energy solutions and unexpected comebacks in nuclear power. Ford's announcement of a $30,000 electric pickup truck represents what CEO Jim Farley calls a "Model T moment" for the company. …

1
E258: Batteries in a Box: From Off-Grid to Global Energy Solutions 57:32

2M ago57:32

57:32

In this episode, our guest is Marc Sheldon, CEO of Red Earth Energy Storage. Marc shares his journey from solar thermal to leading innovations in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems. He explains how Red Earth’s Australian-made, plug-and-play solutions are transforming energy access — from rural off-grid sheds to large-scale commercial inst…

1
Mobilizing local support for clean energy projects | Matt Traldi, Greenlight America 52:01

2M ago52:01

52:01

In this episode of Climate Positive, hosts Guy Van Syckle and Gil Jenkins are joined by Matt Traldi, co-founder and CEO of Greenlight America, to discuss how local dynamics are driving—or delaying—clean energy progress in the United States. Drawing on Matt’s background in grassroots advocacy and his transition to targeted climate action, the conver…

1
E257: Charting the Future of Offshore Wind in the Philippines 47:27

2M ago47:27

47:27

In this episode, our guest is Alma Roxas-Aguila, a seasoned renewable energy expert with over two decades of experience in the Philippine wind sector. Alma shares her journey from early project development at Alternergy, including involvement in Southeast Asia's first onshore wind farm, to her current focus on scaling up offshore wind. She provides…

1
US Energy Market Faces Data Center Boom, Fusion Breakthroughs & Offshore Wind Rollbacks 7:00

2M ago7:00

7:00

The digital revolution is fundamentally reshaping America's electrical grid, with data centers emerging as the dominant force driving unprecedented demand growth. American Electric Power's staggering forecast of 24 gigawatts of new load by 2030—18 gigawatts from data centers alone—signals a transformation that utilities across the country are scram…

1
E256: Energy Abundance, AI, and Human Potential 56:39

2M ago56:39

56:39

In this episode, our guest is Cameron Quin, a serial energy entrepreneur who reconnects with Sohail after years of impactful work across the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. Cameron shares his journey from launching off-grid solar ventures to exploring the deeper aspects of human energy and spiritual well-being. He offers unique insights into th…

1
E255: Responsible AI and the Future of Inclusion 50:04

2M ago50:04

50:04

In this episode, our guest is Xiaochen Zhang, a global innovation leader and the driving force behind AI 2030 and FinTech for Good. Xiaochen shares his journey from the World Bank to founding organisations that champion responsible technology. He dives into the six-pillar framework of responsible AI—transparency, accountability, fairness, safety, s…

1
Smart Homes, Stronger Grids, Thanks to Distributed Power Plants — Episode 241 of Local Energy Rules 44:44

2M ago44:44

44:44

Learn about how distributed power plants lower electric bills and stabilize the grid.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/distributed-power-plants-ler241/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a…

1
PJM Capacity Auction Results As Bad As Feared, Portending a Grim Future For Customers 5:53

2M ago5:53

5:53

The energy landscape is transforming rapidly, with remarkable developments across multiple sectors reshaping how we generate, distribute, and consume power. Oregon leads the charge in grid modernization with groundbreaking bipartisan legislation that will enable both private and community microgrids, creating designated zones where these localized …

1
E254: Hydropower’s Storage Role in a Solar Future 52:53

2M ago52:53

52:53

In this episode, our guest is Mike Westerman, who leads the hydropower team at GHD, a global consultancy with deep expertise in water, dams, and geotech. Mike shares fascinating insights on the evolution of hydropower—from its origins at Niagara Falls to today’s high-efficiency, computer-modeled turbines. He explains why pumped hydro remains the do…

1
E253: Orchestrating Australia's Home Battery Revolution 46:52

2M ago46:52

46:52

In this episode, our guest is part of a dynamic roundtable exploring the global trends, economic drivers, and regulatory challenges shaping the future of home battery storage. Building on Part 1, this continuation dives deep into the falling costs of battery production, market implications of subsidies, and the technical and policy complexities of …

1
E252: Beyond Backup: How Batteries Are Reshaping Australia’s Energy Future 1:05:26

2M ago1:05:26

1:05:26

In this episode, our guest is a diverse panel of Australia’s energy experts unpacking the rapid rise of home battery adoption. From manufacturing and policy to regulation and consumer behavior, they explore what’s driving the boom, including generous government subsidies, rising energy independence, and grid trading opportunities. The discussion di…

1
$20 Billion Energy Shockwave: Nuclear Revival, AI Grids & EV Takeover! 6:24

2M ago6:24

6:24

A potential nuclear revival emerges as Santee Cooper selects top contenders from fourteen proposals to complete the abandoned V.C. Summer nuclear reactors in South Carolina. After $9 billion spent and construction halted in 2017, the site remains in "mostly excellent condition" according to recent inspections, breathing new life into nuclear energy…

1
E251: The Virtual Energy Network: Solar Without the Storage 44:21

2M ago44:21

44:21

In this episode, our guest is Andrea La Nauze, an energy and environmental economist at Deakin University. Andrea discusses her research on Australia’s Virtual Energy Network, which allows households to trade excess rooftop solar energy. She explains how pricing can shift energy use patterns and reduce reliance on batteries, and explores the role o…

1
E250: From 3-Wheelers to Tesla Model Y: Equity and Energy Security 48:34

2M ago48:34

48:34

In this episode, Sohail Hasnie shares a personal monologue, offering an on-the-road reflection from behind the wheel of his Tesla in Metro Manila. He unpacks how electric vehicles—whether high-end Teslas or modest electric tricycles—can drive profound social, economic, and environmental change. From reducing fuel poverty in Bangladesh to transformi…

1
Why BlackRock Wants to Buy Your Electric Utility — Episode 240 of Local Energy Rules 44:16

2M ago44:16

44:16

Minnesota Power's sale would saddle captive utility customers with higher rates, but bring millions to shareholders. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/blackrock-utility-purchase-ler240/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscrib…

1
E249: Electrifying Mobility with Purpose 54:41

2M ago54:41

54:41

In this episode, our guest is Diana E. Páez, Senior Director of Energy and Mobility, William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan. Diana dives into the dynamic role that electric vehicles can play in decarbonizing transportation across emerging markets. She discusses how EVs—when supported by the right policies, financing tools, and loc…

1
E248: Bridging the Global Energy Talent Gap 48:24

3M ago48:24

48:24

In this episode, our guest is Jim Salter-Duke, founder of Spark Horizon, a talent solutions company working between Australia and the Philippines. Jim shares how the global clean energy transition is being hindered not by technology but by a chronic shortage of skilled labour. With 100,000 engineering graduates a year, the Philippines is a rich but…

1
U.S. Reverses Climate Bill, China’s Solar Surge & 7-Year Turbine Backlog 3:47

3M ago3:47

3:47

The energy landscape is experiencing a seismic shift with the passage of the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" into law. This dramatic policy reversal dismantles much of the Biden-era renewable energy initiatives, triggering the cancellation of tens of gigawatts of renewable projects and creating what promises to be persistently tight power markets for yea…

1
E247: Private Banking in China’s EV Surge 29:00

3M ago29:00

29:00

In this episode, our guest is Sonya Song, a seasoned private banking professional with 17 years of experience spanning Zurich, Beijing, and Singapore. Sonya shares unique insights into China's booming electric vehicle (EV) market, highlighting her views on leading players like BYD and Tesla. She discusses how private banks support ultra-high-net-wo…

1
Google, Gates & the Energy Tech Revolution: Fusion, Fission, and the Future 4:41

3M ago4:41

4:41

The clean energy landscape is transforming rapidly as major tech companies stake their claims in next-generation power sources. Google has made a significant move by signing a power purchase agreement with Commonwealth Fusion Systems for 200 megawatts from their planned Virginia facility, showing serious confidence in fusion technology's commercial…

1
From sky to soil: turning satellite data into carbon-rich farmland | Aadith Moorthy, CEO of Boomitra 42:18

3M ago42:18

42:18

In this episode of Climate Positive, host Hilary Langer speaks with Aadith Moorthy, founder and CEO of Boomitra, a global soil carbon marketplace that pays farmers for adopting regenerative agriculture. Boomitra’s AI-powered platform uses satellite data to measure and verify carbon sequestration, turning healthier soil into long-term income for far…

1
The Truth Behind California’s High Electric Bills — Episode 239 of Local Energy Rules 51:07

3M ago51:07

51:07

Utility overspending, not rooftop solar, is driving California’s rising rates – Richard McCann debunks the “cost shift” myth.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/truth-behind-CA-electric-bills-ler239/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget t…

1
Accelerating Capital Deployment in Distributed Renewable Energy: Odyssey’s Product Market Fit 30:50

3M ago30:50

30:50

In this episode, we sit down with Emily McAteer, CEO and Co-founder of Odyssey Energy Solutions, one of the most influential startups in the climate tech space for emerging markets. Odyssey is transforming how Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects are financed, procured, and managed—especially in emerging markets across countries in Africa, a…

1
E246: Powering the Future: Rooftops to Electro States 54:38

3M ago54:38

54:38

In this episode, our guest is Grant McDowell, a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for democratizing access to clean energy. Grant shares his 18-year journey—from dreaming of remote solar matching in Marrickville to launching “Adopt a Panel” in Italy, enabling urban households to access cheaper renewable energy. He discusses the technical and regu…

1
E245: Beyond Green Labels: Rethinking Agriculture from Soil to Shelf 47:07

3M ago47:07

47:07

In this episode, our guests are Sahil Nair and Pauline Smout, both sustainability consultants based in the Netherlands. They delve into the complexities of sustainable agriculture, highlighting how responsible sourcing, water use, and land conversion are critical to long-term ecological health. Pauline discusses her work bringing together banks, su…

1
E244: Is Australia Ready to Export Power from EVs to the Grid? 1:10:03

3M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

In this episode, our guest panel explores the opportunities and barriers to Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in Australia. We dive into policy frameworks, utility business models, customer behavior, and the technical potential of V2G to help stabilize the grid, lower energy costs, and accelerate EV adoption. The discussion brings together experts f…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Distributing Solar Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide