Energ’Ethic - Climate Justice and Energy Transition

In this final episode of 2024, Marine Cornelis welcomes journalist and moderator Anna Gumbau for a deep dive into the pivotal moments, challenges, and opportunities in energy policy this year. Together, they explore the progress made on the EU’s Fit for 55 package, the shifting focus from social equity to competitiveness, and the pressing need for modernising Europe’s energy grids. Anna shares her insights on emerging challenges like grid modernisation, digitalisation, and gender equity in the energy sector. Marine brings her expertise to the table, offering insights on energy poverty, trust-building in the energy transition, and why fostering inclusivity in the middle-class and SME sectors is vital. Anna also shares her plans to launch "Resonate," a new consultancy dedicated to amplifying changemakers’ voices. Highlights: A Year of Transition: Marine and Anna reflect on the EU’s achievements in climate policy, discussing how Fit for 55 solidified regulatory frameworks and set the stage for action while revealing cracks in competitiveness and social equity narratives. Marine on Energy Poverty: Marine draws attention to the progress made in shielding vulnerable consumers through EU directives but stresses the importance of involving middle-class households and SMEs to ensure a truly inclusive transition. Building Resilience Beyond Crisis: Both discuss the need for Europe to build just resilience, balancing social justice with industrial competitiveness. Marine argues that equitable energy transitions should be embedded into Europe’s DNA.Digitalisation & Trust: Marine highlights how digitalisation could either bridge or widen gaps, advocating for a European approach grounded in transparency, privacy, and governance. She warns of missing the "digitalisation bus" without swift action. Anna on Gender Equity: Anna underscores the urgency of addressing gender imbalances in the energy sector, championing initiatives like the Brussels Binder and the importance of visible representation in technical and leadership roles. Looking to 2025: Political fragility in Europe and growing polarisation are identified as risks to the energy transition. Marine challenges listeners to consider the role of SMEs and the middle class in rebuilding trust and delivering meaningful progress. Why You’ll Love This Episode: Anna’s insider perspective and Marine’s sharp observations combine to provide a candid, accessible, and inspiring look at the state of energy policy. Whether you are curious about the challenges ahead, eager to champion equity in the energy sector, or want to stay informed, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis or LinkedInMusic: I Need You Here - KamariusEdition: Podcast Media Factory Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic© Next Energy Consumer, 2024Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Marine Cornelis hosts Thomas Samuel, the visionary founder of Sunna Design and Moon, two transformative ventures aimed at extending clean, accessible energy to underserved regions. Thomas shares how his journey from a surfing trip in Senegal led him to revolutionize solar-powered solutions for remote and off-grid communities. He discusses his mission to empower regions worldwide with sustainable lighting and energy autonomy, blending idealism with pragmatism to create impactful, scalable solutions.Highlights:Path to Solar Innovation: Thomas’s journey to founding Sunna Design started with a transformative experience in Senegal, where he discovered the power of solar. This realization led to the creation of smart solar street lighting, bringing sustainable light to communities lacking reliable energy infrastructure.Community-Driven Design: Inspired by frugal innovation principles, Sunna Design focuses on creating affordable, efficient solar solutions that meet the specific needs of remote regions, from African villages to refugee camps, enhancing safety, education, and economic potential.Scaling with Purpose: Through Moon, Thomas introduces pre-electrification solutions like solar street lights and indoor lighting systems, enabling communities to thrive before full-scale grid connection arrives.A Local Mission with Global Insight: Bringing his solar mission home, Thomas has embarked on projects in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, emphasizing the need for energy autonomy through household solar installations, addressing energy security, and reducing consumption.A Pragmatic Approach to Energy Transition: Thomas shares his views on balancing energy autonomy with responsible land use, advocating for smaller, optimized installations over large-scale solar farms. He underscores the importance of not just producing renewable energy but also reducing overall consumption.Bridging Insights Across Continents: Thomas explains how his work in Africa informs his approach in Europe, where his solutions aim to create a global movement toward a frugal, responsible energy future.Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox: https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis or LinkedInMusic: I Need You Here - KamariusEdition: Podcast Media Factory Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic© Next Energy Consumer, 2024Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this compelling episode of Energ’Ethic, host Marine Cornelis sits down with William Brent, a true leader in climate solutions and energy justice. As the CMO of Husk Power Systems, a frontrunner in community solar energy, William shares his deep insights into the fight against energy poverty and the essential role of sustainable energy in the Global South. His journey—from early days witnessing China’s economic boom to shaping energy access initiatives in Africa—offers listeners a global perspective on systemic inequities in energy.William discusses the concept of “access-washing”—a reality check on global energy goals, where basic energy access is often mistaken for true energy equity. With candid examples, he explores how, despite advancements, millions in rural communities are still underserved, unable to access the full potential of energy that can transform lives. Reflecting on his article, William emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in how development finance institutions and private sector players approach energy access.Marine and William touch on the pressing need for inclusive and transparent partnerships in the energy transition. As we approach COP29, they call for international collaboration and bold leadership to rethink and adapt strategies that truly address the needs of the most vulnerable. Highlights:- William’s Aha Moment – From a career in China to leading energy access initiatives, William shares his experiences shaping his commitment to climate and energy justice.- "Access-Washing" in Energy – Why are basic energy solutions only the beginning of the push for truly modern, sustainable energy access?- Finance & Equity at COP29 – A deep dive into how energy access relates to climate finance and the role of multilateral institutions.- Advice for Changemakers – William calls young professionals to look to Africa for impactful careers and meaningful work in energy access.Links:- William’s LinkedIn- Read William's Article on Sustainable Development Goals and Energy Justice- Support Energ’Ethic on Patreon to keep these conversations alive.Connect with Us:Follow Energ’Ethic on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and insights from the frontlines of the energy transition.Tune in and let this episode inspire you to contribute to a sustainable and just energy future!Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox: https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis or LinkedInMusic: I Need You Here - KamariusEdition: Podcast Media Factory Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic© Next Energy Consumer, 2024Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The EU Fit-From-55 policy framework aims to balance climate goals with social objectives, but is it enough? Host Marine Cornelis sits down with Louise Sunderland, Managing Principal at the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP), to explore how Europe’s energy transition can become more equitable—and what lessons we can learn from global movements.The EU framework: a step forward, but…Europe has made strides with the Fit for 55 framework, but Louise raises an important point: Europe still has blind spots when addressing energy poverty and inequality.“The package does more than just cut emissions. There was a more significant than ever balancing of the climate and social objectives,” Louise explains. However, the real challenge is how these policies are implemented.Bringing civil society into the roomOne of the most groundbreaking elements of Fit for 55 is the involvement of civil society. “It’s about getting the right people in the room,” Louise says. For the first time, the framework ensures that civil society groups and national panels on energy poverty are part of the decision-making process. Learning from global movementsLouise shares her experience at New York Climate Week, where energy justice is part of a broader conversation about civil rights and environmental justice. “The conversation there feels much more visceral,” she notes. Unlike in Europe, where discussions are often technical, the U.S. approach is deeply rooted in addressing historical injustices faced by marginalized and indigenous communities.Louise urges Europe to adopt a similar global perspective, focusing on equity: “We’re talking about who controls energy, who benefits, and who’s left behind.”Key Takeaways:1. Fit for 55 is critical to balancing climate and social objectives, but it needs proper implementation.2. Civil society ensures that energy policies are fair and inclusive.3. Global lessons from places like the U.S. show that energy justice requires addressing historic and systemic inequities.4. Energy equity isn’t just about prices but control, access, and fairness.What’s next?In Louise's words: "We can either have a social lens when we change that infrastructure, or we can just deliver it for infrastructure's sake.”Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox.Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis or LinkedInMusic: I Need You Here - KamariusEdition: Podcast Media Factory Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic© Next Energy Consumer, 2024Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.