How to Launch Community Energy Projects with No Budget with Fahad Haider | Energy Sector Heroes

Energy Sector Heroes ~ Careers in Oil & Gas, Sustainability & Renewable Energy

For those of you working in—or trying to break into—the clean energy space, the question of impact often sits alongside career progression. In this episode, I spoke with Fahad Haider, a renewable energy consultant based in Sydney, who’s managed to combine his professional work with community-led energy access projects across the Global South.

We talked about the challenges of fundraising, working remotely with grassroots partners, and why having even basic technical knowledge can make a big difference—whether you’re in policy, design, or delivery. Fahad also shared how personal loss became the driving force behind the founding of his organisation, EMIH, and why he continues to offer free support to communities in need of clean, stable energy.

🎧 Three Key Takeaways:

🔋 Build practical skills early:

Whether you’re on the technical or policy side, take time to understand basic principles like watts vs kilowatts, solar system design, and energy variability. It’ll make you more useful in any setting.

🌍 Start your own small project:

Fahad recommends taking initiative—plant trees, lead an energy audit, or raise awareness in your community. Small projects build accountability, problem-solving skills, and real-world results you can point to.

🤝 Prioritise reliable partnerships:

When working internationally, especially in rural or off-grid areas, success depends on trustworthy local partners. Fahad highlights the importance of transparency, local knowledge, and mutual accountability.