Shows
The Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp65 Financing strategies for Asia’s energy transition, ft Srini Nagarajan, British International InvestmentEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In this episode, Joseph converses with Srini Nagarajan, who heads Asia for British International Investment (BII). BII is the UK’s development finance institution. It is focused on investing in sustainable infrastructure and businesses in developing countries to promote economic growth and support the UK's development goals. Between 2022 and 2026, BII plans to allocate at least 30% of its total new commitments by value to climate finance. It already has investments in almost 1,500 businesses across 65 countries in emerging economies, with total assets exceeding $10.9 billion. The conversation covers the cr...2025-06-2249 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp64 From bunker to biofuel: CBL's maritime energy transition, ft Venus Zhao, CBL InternationalEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)Banle Group’s Venus Zhao discusses how CBL International is revolutionising the maritime industry through sustainable biofuels. Its B24 biofuel blend reduces GHG emissions by up to 25% compared to conventional marine fuels. With operations across 60+ global ports and recent ISCC certifications, CBL is positioned to capitalise on the projected 50% growth in the green marine fuel market despite current supply constraints. Venus outlines how tightening IMO regulations are accelerating industry-wide sustainability adoption and shares CBL's vision to lead the maritime sector's transition towards net-zero emissions through diversification in...2025-05-2930 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp63 Blowing strong: the surge of wind energy in Asia, ft Mark Hutchinson, Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)Email comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In this episode of the Asia Climate Finance Podcast, Joseph and Mark Hutchinson from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) discuss the latest developments in the offshore wind industry, especially in Asia. Mark highlights GWEC's role in promoting wind energy through government-industry collaboration and expanding office presence in key Asian markets such as China, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. He details the progress and challenges in specific countries, including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines, and underscores the importance of policy stability and technological innovation...2025-05-1229 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp62 Audio Blog: US Policy Shakeup: A Global Clean Energy Shift? ft Joseph Jacobelli, Bougie Impact Capital LtdEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In this special audio blog, host Joseph Jacobelli dives into the seismic shifts in US clean energy policy under the new administration. Discover how these changes are introducing uncertainty, leading to project cancellations, and potentially redirecting investments to Europe and Asia. With global clean energy markets expanding rapidly, could this shakeup fuel growth elsewhere? Join us as we explore the implications and opportunities arising from this pivotal moment in the energy transition.ABOUT JOSEPH: Giuseppe ‘Joseph’ Jacobelli is an Asia finance and ener...2025-04-2120 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp61 Asia's energy transition: where private capital sees value, ft Luke Edwards, BrookfieldEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)Asia is at the heart of the global energy transition, presenting a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity. In this episode, Luke Edwards of Brookfield discusses the crucial role of private capital in funding clean energy solutions, the challenges and opportunities in emerging markets, and how investors can navigate this evolving landscape. From large-scale renewables to business transformation strategies, discover what’s driving the shift to a low-carbon future — and why now is the time to act.RESOURCES:Brookfield Launches Emerging Markets Transition Fund with...2025-03-2746 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp60 Batteries and geopolitics: the race for battery supremacy, ft Tim Bush, UBSEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In this 60th episode of our podcast we talk with Tim Bush, an analyst at UBS and a top expert in batteries and energy, about the fast-changing world of battery production. Tim provides a clear view of the global battery industry's complex challenges and opportunities. Tim‘s insights include China leading the way with lower costs and big capacity, and the US and Europe facing tough choices as they try to build their own battery supply chains while dealing with China's dominance. Tim highlights th...2025-03-0644 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp59 The reshaping of recruitment in Asia, ft Seth Peterson, Korn FerryEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)Korn Ferry's Seth Peterson reveals how AI and in-house recruitment are revolutionizing executive search in Asia's energy transition sector. Despite the current market slowdown in China, demand for ESG and sustainability talent in Asia Pacific is quite strong. Corporate culture and purpose emerge as key differentiators in attracting top executives. Seth forecasts AI expertise and data science becoming critical skills, while emphasizing that traditional career-building remains fundamental. His insights highlight the dual challenge companies face: embracing technological innovation while maintaining strong organizational values to secure future...2025-02-1425 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp58 A corporate leader driving Asia’s energy transition, ft. Giorgio Fortunato, GoogleEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)This episode features Giorgio Fortunato who leads Clean Energy and Power at Google in Asia Pacific. He outlines Google's dedication to clean energy, including its ambitious 24/7 carbon-free energy target by 2030. Giorgio explores the Asia Pacific region's unique challenges and opportunities, such as grid infrastructure development, diverse clean energy procurement strategies, and the crucial role of data transparency. He also shares specific examples of Google's successful clean energy projects across Australia, India, Japan, and Singapore, emphasizing the need for customized solutions to effectively address the diverse needs...2025-01-2332 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp57 Asia's energy transition: hybrids rise, gas adapts, and markets reform, ft Mike Thomas, The Lantau GroupEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In Episode 57, leading Asia energy economist Mike Thomas of The Lantau Group shared insights on 2024 trends and the 2025 outlook. He highlighted improved investment fundamentals, growing demand for renewables, and significant market reforms in Malaysia and the Philippines. Looking ahead, Mike expects continued renewable growth despite geopolitical uncertainties, more solar-hybrid projects, and evolving challenges in gas flexibility. Mike also thinks that while nuclear power's future remains uncertain in Southeast Asia, small modular reactors show long-term promise.REFERENCES: TLG InsightsABOUT...2025-01-0344 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp56 Clean energy investing: Asia's transition, ft Gavin Adda, Peak EnergyEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In this episode, we delve into the world of climate business, climate finance, and the energy transition in the Asia Pacific region, as seen through the lens of a major investor. Our guest is Gavin Adda, CEO of Peak Energy Development, a Singapore-based company backed by the $70 billion global infrastructure investor, Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners. We begin by exploring the critical role of power market deregulation in accelerating the energy transition. We delve into specific challenges and opportunities within this space. Additionally, we discuss the markets that...2024-12-1349 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp55 Driving Change: Eco-Friendly Solutions in the Mining Industry, ft Don Weatherbee, Regenx TechEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of eco-friendly mining technology with Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx Tech, a company specializing in recycling precious metals from catalytic converters. Don shares the company's unique hydro metallurgic process, which is more environmentally sound than traditional mining and smelting. We discuss the market for platinum and palladium, the potential for growth, and the challenges in the recycling industry. Don also reveals Regenx Tech's journey from a junior mining company to a pioneer in catalytic converter recycling, with...2024-11-1225 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp54 Taiwan's Offshore Wind: Boom or Headwinds?, ft Scott Hsu, K2 ManagementEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In this episode we dive into Taiwan's offshore wind story with Scott Hsu. A veteran in Asia's wind power sector, Scott shares unique insights from Taiwan's remarkable journey to become an offshore wind powerhouse. From market dynamics to financing challenges, we explore how Taiwan is balancing ambitious renewable targets with local industry development.ABOUT SCOTT: Scott Hsu is the Country Director for Taiwan and the Philippines at K2 Management. Within this role, he advises clients on the development, construction, and management of...2024-10-2937 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp53 China's green gambit: deciphering its climate policies, ft Prof Christine Loh, HKUST Institute of the EnvironmentEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)This episode is the second part of the conversation with a truly exceptional guest: one of Asia’s pre-eminent thinkers on the environment and climate change, Professor Christine Loh. We explore climate policy and climate action in the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, examining the issues from a policy perspective. Given China's crucial role in global climate action, we began by discussing the nation's policies related to the environment, climate change, and energy.ABOUT CHRISTINE: Professor Christine Loh, SBS, JP, OBE, Chevalier de...2024-10-1543 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp52 Climate business & finance toolkit: skills for a changing world, ft Prof Christine Loh, HKUST Institute of the EnvironmentEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)This episode features a truly exceptional guest: one of Asia’s pre-eminent thinkers on the environment and climate change, Professor Christine Loh. We explore the crucial topic of climate business and finance education and capacity building. We started the conversation with Professor Loh on what exactly is the Institute for the Environment at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. And as you'll discover, the Institute's work goes far beyond that of a traditional think tank. It is the first of a two part discussion wi...2024-10-0838 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp51 The Climate Risk Modelling evolution: what we need to know, ft Martim Rocha, SASEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)Climate risk modelling plays a vital role in shaping informed decisions, managing risks, and driving strategic planning by empowering businesses, governments, and individuals to understand and quantify the impacts of climate change. It enables organizations to pinpoint and evaluate climate-related risks, meet regulatory requirements, safeguard financial stability, and fortify resilience. Furthermore, it underpins accurate insurance pricing and investment evaluations, while guiding public policy and resource allocation. In this episode, we are joined by renowned expert Martim Rocha. Together, we explore the high-level aspects of climate risk...2024-09-0351 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp50 Analysis of Asia national and corporate transition trends, ft Dr Sayuri Shirai, Asian Development Bank Institute Advisor of Sustainable PoliciesEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In this episode we analyse national and corporate transition trends in Asia. We have invited a distinguished guest to discuss this topic: Prof. Dr. Sayuri Shirai. Dr. Shirai is an Advisor for Sustainable Policies at the Asian Development Bank Institute. She is also a professor of economics at Keio University. We discuss areas such as adaptation and mitigation in Asia. We also cover the phase-down or phase-out of coal-fired power plants. Additionally, we explore corporate climate disclosure and transition planning.ABOUT DR SAYURI...2024-08-1540 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp49 Evaluating EVs, key minerals and China, ft Henry Sanderson, Benchmark Mineral IntelligenceEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)Episode 49 is about the related topics of electric vehicles, key minerals, and China. Our guest is Henry Sanderson. Henry is currently the executive editor of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a provider of supply chain and energy transition intelligence. This includes lithium, nickel, cobalt, electric vehicles, and the like. Henry and I first discuss his interest in EVs and the related minerals. Then we talk about his book Volt Rush, about EVs, about some of the key minerals, and finally on his thoughts about market developments over the...2024-07-2730 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp48 Three views on key aspects of climate finance in Asia, ft Dr Tim Cadman, Dr Tapan Sarker, Joseph JacobelliEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)This is a special episode. It is an abridged version of a webinar held in May 2024 on climate finance. There are three short presentations followed by a short Q&A session. You will hear the views from Dr Tim Cadman from the University of Southern Queensland, from Dr Tapan Sarker, from the same university, and from Joseph Jacobelli. Dr Cadman discusses some positive trends about action toward protecting the environment with some emphasis on biodiversity conservation. Dr Sarker focuses on the financing of the UN SDGs...2024-07-0354 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp47 Asia RE projects development “101”, ft Steve Shi, SungrowEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In this episode, we focus on a crucial part of climate-related business and finance: the creation of renewable energy projects. This is a significant step towards a cleaner energy future. Our expert guest, Steve Shi, is a seasoned professional in renewable energy project transactions, with experience in North America and Southeast Asia. He will enlighten us on the necessary steps to develop clean energy projects and share his insights on key Asian electricity markets, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.ABOUT STEVE....2024-06-0347 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp46 Climate finance addressing coal plants, ft Christoph Nedopil Wang, Griffith Asia InstituteEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)The phase-out of coal-fired power plants in Asia Pacific presents a significant challenge, requiring a delicate balance between environmental sustainability and economic feasibility. In this discussion, we are joined by Dr Christoph Nedopil Wang of the Griffith Asia Institute, who delves into case studies from Pakistan and Vietnam, offering valuable insights applicable to other Asian electricity markets. Notably, the conversation will explore innovative financial mechanisms that could facilitate the early retirement of coal plants while mitigating potential financial burdens.Resources: China coal...2024-05-1635 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp45 Offshore wind in 2023 and beyond, ft Mark Hutchison, GWECEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)The world’s offshore wind installed capacity reached 117 gigawatts in 2023, up 50% over 2022. It is projected to reach 320 GW by 2030. We discuss with Asia energy markets veteran Mark Hutchinson the recently released Global Wind Report 2024 by Global Wind Energy Council. We have a quick review of 2023, focus on a couple of the key take aways, share some thoughts on some key Asia Pacific offshore wind markets, discuss the state of capital investments and financing, and finally look beyond 2024. ABOUT MARK. Mark Hutchinson has ov...2024-05-0223 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp44 How innovative financing is powering energy efficiency, ft Alexander Ablaza, ClimargyEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)Scaling up energy efficiency can for 11 per cent of cumulative emissions reductions by 2030 according to the IEA. In this episode energy industry veteran Alexander Ablaza, explains why energy efficiency the most important pieces of the energy transition although it is often unjustifiably ignored. He discusses in detail business and finance trends in the sector as well as examining the many investments opportunities, and the challenges, with energy efficiency in the Asia Pacific region.ABOUT ALEXANDER: Alexander Ablaza is CEO of Climargy Inc...2024-04-1658 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp43 Climate business: fiction and reality, ft Genevieve Hilton & Steve WillisEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)In this episode podcast, we’re privileged to host two seasoned stalwarts of the heavy industry, Genevieve Hilton and Steve Willis. Their unexpected pivot has led them to channel their vast experience into a compelling work of fiction: ‘Fairhaven: A Novel of Climate Optimism’ (Habitat Press, 2024). This isn’t just a novel; it’s a beacon illuminating the pressing climate issues that our planet grapples with. Our conversation takes a deep dive into Genevieve’s and Steve’s transformative journey towards net-zero. We then shift our focus to three...2024-04-031h 01The Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp42 Boosting corporate clean energy purchases in Asia, ft Suji Kang, Asia Clean Energy CoalitionEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)One of the rapidly growing areas in climate business and finance is the purchase by corporations of clean energy. This is frequently referred to as corporate renewable energy procurement. Such purchases jumped 12% to 46 gigawatts in 2023 according to BNEF. Our guest is Suji Kang, the programme director of Asia Clean Energy Coalition, an organisation dedicated to corporate renewable energy procurement in Asia. Members include major multinationals such as Amazon, Google, Ikea, and many others. We discussed a variety of topics including the broad picture of what is...2024-03-1434 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp41 US and EU climate business and finance trends impacting Asia, ft Pamela Largue, Power Engineering Int'lEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)Some of the climate business and finance trends in Europe and the US are highly applicable to the Asian experience. In this episode, energy media specialist Pamela Largue provides some clarity on some of these trends. We first briefly chat about her organisation, Enlit World, an important source of sector news and trends through publications and conferences. We then discuss Pamela’s latest findings after participating at Enlit industry conferences in Europe (energy security) and the US (energy costs and the I.R.A.). Finally, we ha...2024-02-2724 min
Energy TransitionsHow to de-risk cleantech investments
The cleantech investment space is an ever-evolving and complex ecosystem, with increasing pressure to innovate and an increasing need for investment to bring new technology to fruition.
And while there have been some big investments over the past decade, a liquidity crunch, rising interest rates and geopolitical tumult are making the cleantech investment landscape tricky to navigate.
In this episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast, Joseph Jacobelli, managing partner of Bougie Impact Capital and host of The Asia Climate Capital Podcast, delves into identifying and mitigating the risks impacting...2024-02-0620 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp40 Asia climate business and finance: the progress in 2023 and the road ahead, ft Mike Thomas, The Lantau GroupEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)Our guest is Mike Thomas who heads The Lantau Group, a Hong Kong-based consultancy, and who is one of the leading energy economics thinkers in the Asia Pacific region. As it is the beginning of the year, Mike evaluates a small sample of the many developments in the region’s climate business and finance in 2023. He also shares a few thoughts on 2024 and beyond. We discuss some specific markets including Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and China as well as examine some of the major themes such as...2024-02-0550 minThe Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp39 Corporate transition strategies: what is the state now and what are the prospects, ft Summer ChenEmail comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)Corporates play a crucial role in driving the energy transition. Their role is critical to accelerating change and addressing the pressing climate change challenges. It is critical for corporates to formulate transition strategies, beyond climate risk and other types of reporting. It is a tough hurdle given all of this is very new. Our guest is Summer Chen who is a Principal Consultant with ERM, a leading multinational consultancy firm. Summer works with corporates on the strategy front, among other things. In the episode, first Summer...2024-01-1429 min