High Energy Planet

The hosts dive into the consequences of dismantling USAID, revealing its effects on global energy investments. They share personal insights from their government experience while stressing the importance of African agency in development aid. The discussion highlights the shift in U.S. foreign policy and advocates for humanizing aid narratives. Community resilience and support for public servants amid layoffs are also emphasized, alongside a call for renewed bipartisan backing for foreign assistance, all framed within the context of evolving global challenges.

Kanika Chawla, Chief of Staff at SEforALL, joins Rose and Katie to discuss what to expect from the 2025 SEforALL Global Forum, how SEforALL builds trust with governments, and what’s next for SDG7. Plus, why she calls London her favorite Indian city (yes, really).

Faten Aggad, the founder and executive director of the African Future Policies Hub, discusses the future of climate diplomacy, Africa’s green industrialization, and how she’s helping build Africa’s policy negotiation capacity.   Visit our website for more information, including the full show notes and transcript. Follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter.

What might a second Trump presidency mean for energy access and energy investment? In this special episode, we share a recent conversation between Katie and Ramsey Day, former Trump official and current Hub advisor, on the future of US development assistance and energy poverty. Visit our website for more information, including the full show notes and transcript. Follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter.  

Mark Thurber, associate director at Stanford’s Program on Energy and Sustainable Development, dives into the complexities of integrating renewables into energy markets. He shares insights on regulatory challenges and the importance of innovative educational tools to navigate these dynamics. Mark emphasizes the need for risk-taking in both career growth and advancing battery energy storage technologies. He also reflects on the balance of hope and concern regarding global energy and climate change, advocating for transparency and proactive engagement.

Kate Steel, co-founder and CEO of Nithio, discusses her mission to finance clean energy in Africa. She shares insights on the evolving landscape of energy access funding, emphasizing the need for public investment in underserved markets. Kate reflects on her transformative experiences in Kenya and highlights the resilience of the off-grid sector during the pandemic. They delve into trends in electric mobility financing and the significant role of data analytics in building consumer trust, while expressing optimism for future energy initiatives across the continent.

Joel Nana, program manager at Sustainable Energy Africa and Hub fellow, joins the show to talk about climate action planning, the importance of energy planning at a subnational level, and Africa’s solar revolution. Visit our website for more information, including the full show notes and transcript. Follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter.

Welcome to the last episode of Season 3! Hosts Rose Mutiso and Katie Auth sit down together to revisit their favorite moments from the past season. They share standout clips from this season’s interviews, highlighting conversations with this season’s guests on everything from Nigeria’s net zero model to the importance of humility. Listen in to relive the laughter, lessons, and unforgettable conversations of this season of High Energy Planet.  Visit our website for more information, including the full show notes and transcript. Follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter.

Benjamin Attia, energy transition researcher, delves into blended finance for renewable energy projects in emerging markets. He discusses the challenges, solutions using innovative financial structures, and the need for private investments. The podcast also explores his career shift from law to the energy industry and his passion for working in energy and environmental policy.

Sheila Herrling, international development expert, discusses challenges in development finance, supporting diverse entrepreneurship, and building organizational culture. Topics include safe spaces for curiosity, aligning funds with community needs, and fostering diversity in decision-making. The conversation also touches on quantifying impact in policy work, building relationships, and entrepreneurship challenges. Sheila emphasizes the importance of empathy in problem-solving and shares personal reflections in a rapid-fire round at the end.