Sugandha Srivistav

Dr. Sugandha Srivistav from Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment discusses the forgotten inventor George Cove who may have had a breakthrough in solar technology. They explore the possibility of Cove being kidnapped and how his disappearance impacted solar energy innovation. The podcast also delves into the impact of monopolies on innovation and the potential consequences of early solar dominance.

Sugandha Srivastav, a Researcher at the University of Oxford specializing in power purchase agreements in developing countries, joins the discussion to unveil the complexities of Pakistan's electricity contracts. She highlights how opaque PPAs lock the country into long-term, costly fossil fuel agreements, draining public resources. The conversation dives into the detrimental financial impact on Pakistan's economy, the shift from public to private sector management, and the urgent need for reforms towards sustainable energy solutions.