In this episode, Marine Cornelis sits down with Rune Kirt, industrial designer, futurist, and co-founder of Kirt & Thomsen (https://www.kirt-thomsen.com/company). His mission? To make the invisible visible. Rune helps clean tech innovators, policymakers, and communities turn energy projects from abstract concepts into tangible, visually compelling narratives that drive trust and acceptance. Takeaways: 🎨 Seeing is Believing: How Visuals Transform Energy Perception Energy projects—wind farms, solar parks, and grid infrastructure—often feel distant or abstract. Rune explains how immersive 3D renderings, VR, and data-driven visualizations make these projects real, relatable, and easier to support. 🤝 Building Public Trust Through Design People are more likely to resist energy projects when they cannot fully grasp their impact. Rune’s approach fosters transparency, giving communities a clear visual understanding of proposed developments—turning skepticism into informed support. 🏗️ From Opposition to Engagement: How Storytelling Drives Acceptance Infrastructure changes landscapes and daily lives. Rune’s firm collaborates with municipalities, businesses, and citizens to co-create visual narratives, ensuring projects feel inclusive rather than imposed. ⚡ Molten Salt Energy Storage: An Award-Winning Vision Rune’s team won the Danish Design Award for their work on molten salt energy storage, a revolutionary solution for renewable energy storage. Their visual storytelling helped investors, policymakers, and the public see its potential and accelerate its adoption. 🌍 Beyond User-Centric: Designing for the Planet Traditional design thinking focuses on users, but the energy transition requires a broader, planet-centric approach. Rune ensures that clean energy solutions are designed to serve both people and the planet, aligning technology with real-world needs. 📢 Why Seeing the Future is Key to the Energy Transition The biggest challenge in clean energy is not just technology—it’s communication. If people can see and understand the energy transition, they are far more likely to support it. Rune’s work proves that compelling visuals can turn bold ideas into reality, making the transition smoother, faster, and more inclusive. 👉 Listen now to explore how visual storytelling is shaping the future of clean energy! Energ' Ethic goes out every other week. Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox (?s=1) Reach out to Marine Cornelis via BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/marinenextenerg.bsky.social or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis) Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic (https://patreon.com/Energethic) © Next Energy Consumer (https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/), 2025 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do we make cities truly climate-neutral, according to science? In this episode, Marine Cornelis welcomes Giulia Ulpiani, a Scientific Project Officer at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, who is at the forefront of urban climate adaptation and mitigation. With a background in applied physics and energy efficiency, Giulia’s career has spanned building optimisation, urban overheating, and now large-scale climate governance. She shares her fascinating journey—from becoming a drone pilot in Australia to studying how cities can cool down and reduce emissions. Now supporting the EU’s 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, Giulia explains the biggest barriers cities face in reaching net zero and why climate governance is often as complex as thermodynamics! She also dives into the role of trust, storytelling, and public engagement in ensuring climate policies translate into real action. Key Takeaways: ✅ From Buildings to Cities: Giulia's journey from smart building optimisation to tackling urban overheating in Australia. ✅ The Power of Implementation: Why local projects—like greening school streets—are crucial in winning hearts and minds. ✅ Breaking Down Barriers: Cities struggle with funding, fragmented responsibilities, and bureaucratic inertia—but collaborative governance models and new financing approaches offer hope. ✅ Science and Storytelling: Climate science needs compelling narratives and trusted messengers to drive action. ✅ Empowering the Next Generation: The future of climate action lies in young leaders and community ambassadors. Energ' Ethic goes out every other week. Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox (?s=1) Reach out to Marine Cornelis via BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/marinenextenerg.bsky.social or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis) Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic (https://patreon.com/Energethic) © Next Energy Consumer (https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/), 2025 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Marine Cornelis hosts Christoph Malzer, Business Development Manager at Navitasoft (https://navitasoft.com/en), to discuss one of the most significant shifts in European energy history: the Baltic synchronisation. On 8 February 2025, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania officially disconnected from Russia’s BRELL system, marking the end of their reliance on Russian-controlled electricity operations and fully integrating into the European grid. This transition took 18 years of planning and €1.6 billion in investment, with the goal of strengthening European energy security. But beyond infrastructure and technical success, the real challenge is public trust. As disinformation campaigns attempt to paint the shift as a risk to stability and affordability, the question remains: how do we ensure the public stays on board? Highlights: 🔌 Breaking Free from Russia – What does the Baltic synchronisation mean for European energy independence, and how did it happen? ⚡ Balancing the Grid in a New Era – With volatile renewables replacing Russian baseload power, how will Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania ensure grid stability? 💰 The Price of Independence – While the estimated cost impact is minimal (~€1 per month per household), Russia has spread disinformation suggesting soaring prices and blackouts. How do we counteract these narratives? 🗣️ Public Trust is Key – Marine was the only policy expert in the room during a panel discussion on the transition, highlighting how public engagement is often missing from technical conversations. Without trust, even the best-designed projects face resistance. 📉 The Energy Trilemma in Action – The synchronisation is a case study in balancing security, sustainability, and affordability. It worked remarkably well, but ongoing efforts are needed to keep consumer confidence high. Why It Matters: The Baltic synchronisation isn’t just about cutting ties with Russia—it’s about proving that European energy independence can work for people, not just markets. The next few months will be crucial in ensuring that this transition remains a success, keeping energy affordable, reliable, and resilient against disinformation. 🎧 Listen now to hear how this shift unfolded, what it means for the future of European energy, and what lessons we can learn from it. Energ' Ethic goes out every other week. Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox (?s=1) Reach out to Marine Cornelis via BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/marinenextenerg.bsky.social or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis) Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic (https://patreon.com/Energethic) © Next Energy Consumer (https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/), 2025 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Marine Cornelis sits down with Duygu Kutluay, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/duygu-kutluay/) a campaigner at Europe Beyond Coal/Beyond Fossil Fuels (https://beyondfossilfuels.org), to explore her inspiring work in renewable energy and local solutions. Originally from Istanbul and now based in Berlin, Duygu brings a unique global perspective to the fight against fossil fuels, shaped by her journey from sustainable agriculture in Anatolia to advocating for community-driven energy projects across Europe. Highlights: Building Local Power: Duygu shares how projects like London’s Energy Gardens are transforming railway stations into vibrant hubs for solar energy and urban farming, improving air quality and empowering communities. Breaking Barriers for SMEs: With SMEs forming the backbone of Europe’s economy, Duygu reveals the challenges they face in accessing funding, technology, and knowledge—and the solutions needed to bring them into the energy transition. Lessons from Turkey: Insights into how rooftop solar and renewable energy initiatives are gaining momentum in Turkey, and what Europe can learn from these dynamic efforts. A Vision for 2035: Duygu discusses her mission to achieve a fossil-free power sector by 2035 while ensuring the transition benefits everyone, from urban neighbourhoods to rural communities. Join us as we dive into Duygu’s inspiring journey, the challenges of creating inclusive energy solutions, and her vision for a cleaner, fairer world. Resources and Links: Explore Duygu’s work and examples of local energy solutions on the Beyond Fossil Fuels website (#). Learn more about London’s Energy Gardens and how they’re turning railway stations into hubs for clean energy and community action. Listen now on your favourite platform and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more stories about the people powering the energy transition. Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox (?s=1) Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis (https://twitter.com/MarineCornelis) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis) Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic (https://patreon.com/Energethic) © Next Energy Consumer (https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/), 2025 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Marine welcomes Olivia Sicurani (https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviasicurani/), Head of Innovation at Sympower (https://sympower.net), a flexibility aggregator leading the way in creating a renewable energy future. Olivia shares her journey from being inspired by An Inconvenient Truth to driving innovation in the energy sector. With Sympower’s mission to balance the grid through smarter use of energy assets, Olivia offers insights into the challenges and opportunities in the energy transition. Highlights: - A Mission to Disrupt: Olivia reflects on her journey into the energy sector, leveraging her engineering background and startup experience to challenge the status quo. - What is an Aggregator?: Discover how Sympower balances the electricity grid using flexibility from industrial and distributed assets, creating value and stability in renewable energy systems. - From 10 to 220: Sympower’s growth story highlights the impact of favourable regulations and the company’s ability to scale solutions across Europe. - Lessons in Leadership: As a woman in energy leadership, Olivia shares her experiences, challenges, and the importance of paving the way for others. - Innovation in Action: Olivia discusses Sympower’s ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. Quote to Inspire: "Innovation is about trying, failing, and starting again with a smile on your face." — Olivia Sicurani Why Listen? This episode offers a unique perspective on the energy transition from someone at the forefront of innovation. Whether you're curious about the role of flexibility in balancing the grid or inspired by stories of leadership in male-dominated fields, Olivia’s journey showcases how determination and creativity can drive meaningful change in the energy sector. Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox (?s=1) Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis (https://twitter.com/MarineCornelis) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis) Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic (https://patreon.com/Energethic) © Next Energy Consumer (https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/), 2025 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Marine Cornelis welcomes Monica Vidal (https://www.linkedin.com/in/m%C3%B3nicavidalsanchez/), the powerhouse behind CAN Europe (https://caneurope.org)’s Build Better Lives (https://buildbetterlives.eu) campaign, to discuss the intertwined challenges of energy poverty, housing crises, and climate change. Monica shares how her science-driven background shaped her approach to advocacy and policy-making, focusing on collaboration and practical solutions. Together, Marine and Monica explore the pressing need for energy-efficient homes and the importance of policies that ensure no one is left behind in the energy transition. Highlights: - Tackling the Housing and Climate Crises: buildings contribute to 40% of EU energy consumption. Retrofitting and repurposing spaces are key for sustainability. - Building Bridges for Better Lives: Monica discusses uniting 92 organisations to drive ambitious, socially just building policies. - Energy Efficiency in Everyday Life: From old fridges to affordable solutions, why efficient appliances matter for vulnerable households. - Policy with a Purpose: Learn about the Build Better Lives campaign’s role in shaping inclusive national renovation plans and engaging with the EU’s new housing and energy initiatives. Why Listen? This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating a sustainable, equitable future. Monica offers a compelling vision for achieving energy-efficient, affordable homes for everyone, demonstrating that collaboration is key to driving the energy transition forward. Join the Conversation: Listen now on your favourite platform and follow Energ’Ethic on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/energ-ethic-podcast/). Let’s unite to build better lives! Keep up to date with new episodes straight from your inbox (https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1). Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis (https://twitter.com/MarineCornelis) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis) Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic (https://patreon.com/Energethic) © Next Energy Consumer (https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/), 2025 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this final episode of 2024, Marine Cornelis welcomes journalist and moderator Anna Gumbau (https://www.linkedin.com/in/annagumbau/) 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 (https://twitter.com/MarineCornelis) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis) Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic (https://patreon.com/Energethic) © Next Energy Consumer (https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/), 2024 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Marine Cornelis hosts Thomas Samuel, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassamuelfr/?originalSubdomain=fr) the visionary founder of Sunna Design (https://www.sunna-design.com) and Moon (https://moon.community), 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=1 (https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1) Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis (https://twitter.com/MarineCornelis) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis) Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic (https://patreon.com/Energethic) © Next Energy Consumer (https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/), 2024 Hosted 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/williambrent/) - Read William's Article on Sustainable Development Goals and Energy Justice (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/insiders-view-why-sdgs-miss-mark-william-brent-lmdce/) - Support Energ’Ethic on Patreon (https://patreon.com/Energethic) 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=1 (https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1) Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis (https://twitter.com/MarineCornelis) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis) Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic (https://patreon.com/Energethic) © Next Energy Consumer (https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/), 2024 Hosted 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 room One 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 movements Louise 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 implementatio (https://www.raponline.org/knowledge-center/new-action-on-energy-poverty-implementing-the-new-eu-provisions/)n. 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 (https://podcast.ausha.co/energ-ethic-climate-justice-and-energy-transition?s=1). Reach out to Marine Cornelis via X @MarineCornelis (https://twitter.com/MarineCornelis) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinecornelis) Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius Edition: Podcast Media Factory  Support Energ'Ethic on Patreon https://patreon.com/Energethic (https://patreon.com/Energethic) © Next Energy Consumer (https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/), 2024 Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.