Hardware to Save a Planet

Globally, we burn as much fossil fuel heating homes as we do driving cars, yet home heating rarely gets climate attention, even though it drives massive energy use, grid strain, and raises household costs.In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett speaks with Dan Yates, CEO and Chairman of Dandelion Energy, about why geothermal heat pumps may be the most overlooked solution in residential decarbonization. Dan explains how tapping the stable temperatures beneath our feet can slash home energy consumption, dramatically reduce peak electricity demand, and outperform air source heat pumps during extreme weather. He shares how Dandelion cut system costs through builder partnerships, making geothermal viable at scale, and why utilities increasingly see it as a grid-stabilizing asset. The conversation explores how hardware innovation, smart incentives, and new business models can align to make clean, electric home heating both affordable and practical.What you will learn:How to cut residential heating energy consumption in half with geothermal energyWhy peak load reduction is the grid's real crisis, and geothermal can cut it by 75%The mobilization cost breakthrough that unlocked geothermal affordabilityHow federal tax credits combined with state incentives are creating opportunitiesThe hidden retrofit challenge blocking decarbonizationWhy behavioral economics from Opower predicted geothermal's current riseDan is a mission-driven entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to the environment. Dan is the CEO and Chairman at Dandelion, the largest and fastest-growing residential geothermal company in the US. He is also a board member of NRDC (the leading US environmental advocacy organization), co-owner of e-commerce company The Spice House, and an active tech investor. Previously, Dan was co-founder and CEO of energy efficiency software company Opower. Dan led Opower through a $1Bn+ IPO (NYSE:OPWR) in 2014 and its sale to Oracle in 2016. Opower has helped consumers save more than 35 terawatt hours of energy, making it a top-five residential clean energy company. Dan has been recognized as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, one of Fortune's 40 under 40, and a Washingtonian Tech Titan.Episode Resources:Dan Yates on LinkedInDandelion Energy WebsiteDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse Podcast WebsiteSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet Spotify  Hardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

In this special year-end episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett explores how the rapid expansion of technology and data centers to support it is accelerating some of the most important climate tech breakthroughs of the decade.Dylan revisits insights from eight innovators shaping the future of grid capacity, renewable power, long-duration storage, hydrogen backup systems, thermal batteries, and low-carbon construction materials. As energy demand from technology infrastructure and data centres surges, these technologies are proving essential for building resilient, sustainable infrastructure. This recap highlights the hardware, economics, and engineering advances that will define how data centers can scale, without overwhelming the planet.Here’s a list of guests featured in this episode:Arch Rao, Founder and CEO of SpanAnders Korsgaard, Co-founder and CEO of Blue World TechnologiesInna Braverman, Co-founder and CEO of Eco Wave PowerTed McKlveen, Co-founder and CEO at Verne GlobalNehali Jain, VP of Strategy and Growth at Antora EnergyCurtis VanWalleghem, Co-founder and CEO of HydrostorSandeep Nijhawan, Co-founder and CEO at ElectraGreg Williams, VP of Products at Sublime SystemsArch Rao is unlocking hidden grid capacity through real-time digital load management, proving that smart controls, not costly upgrades, can support rising data centre demand. Anders Korsgaard is tackling the complex system integration challenges of fuel cells and electrolyzers, showing why hardware innovation requires longer, more deliberate development cycles. Inna Braverman is transforming underused coastal breakwaters into wave-energy generators, aligning clean power production with the surge of coastal data centre buildouts. Ted McKlveen is replacing polluting diesel backup generators with hydrogen systems, turning data centres into clean, grid-supporting power assets. Nehali Jain is advancing thermal batteries that charge rapidly on cheap renewables and discharge steadily over 24 hours, smoothing data centre demand with far lower storage costs. Curtis VanWalleghem is deploying long-duration compressed air storage that delivers both cost-effective energy and critical synchronous inertia, solving grid stability challenges that batteries cannot address. Sandeep Nijhawan is achieving cost-parity green steel by leveraging low-grade ore, flexible renewable consumption, and ultra-pure iron pricing to eliminate the traditional cost premium. Greg Williams is delivering cost-competitive green cement by avoiding emissions through process innovation rather than relying on expensive, incomplete carbon capture.Episode Resources:Arch Rao, Founder and CEO of SpanAnders Korsgaard, Co-founder and CEO of Blue World TechnologiesInna Braverman, Co-founder and CEO of Eco Wave PowerTed McKlveen, Co-founder and CEO at Verne GlobalNehali Jain, VP of Strategy and Growth at Antora EnergyCurtis VanWalleghem, Co-founder and CEO of HydrostorSandeep Nijhawan, Co-founder and CEO at ElectraGreg Williams, VP of Products at Sublime SystemsDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse Podcast WebsiteSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

Recycling human waste rarely makes the sustainability spotlight, yet our current recycling system flushes away 32 billion gallons of fresh water and the nutrients that could replace a quarter of global fertiliser demand.In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett speaks with Taylor Zehren, co-founder and CEO of Wasted, about how rethinking human waste can unlock a powerful circular sanitation economy. Zehren explains how urine-diversion technology turns porta-potties into nutrient-recovery hubs, reducing water waste, cutting emissions, and replacing a significant share of global fertilizer demand. She highlights why separating waste at the source outperforms traditional wastewater treatment, how Wasted’s model transforms disposal costs into revenue, and why cultural shifts, starting with educating children, are essential for scaling sustainable, nature-inspired sanitation systems across homes, venues, and communities.What you will learn:Why urine diversion at the source outperforms end-of-pipe nutrient recoveryHow to leverage existing logistics infrastructure to scale nutrient collectionThe biomimicry principle behind separating waste streamsHow to design for adoption without requiring behavioral changeWhy circular business models create better unit economics than linear waste disposal The cultural and psychological power of making nutrient cycles visibleTaylor Zehren is the cofounder and CEO of Wasted, a circular sanitation company reimagining how we collect, treat, and repurpose human waste. With a background in biology and international development work through her Fulbright scholarship, Taylor founded the nonprofit Do Good Shit to deploy sustainable waste management systems in remote outdoor locations before scaling her impact through Wasted. She combines scientific rigor with biomimicry principles to tackle one of society's most overlooked climate challenges: transforming sanitation infrastructure into a nutrient recovery system.Episode Resources:Taylor Zehren on LinkedInWasted WebsiteDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse Podcast WebsiteSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

Decarbonizing maritime shipping is critical for a sustainable future, but conventional engines and fuel systems have long been a bottleneck. Anders Korsgaard and his team at Blue World Technologies are on track to change that. Join Dylan Garrett on this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, as he welcomes Anders Korsgaard, Founder and CEO of Blue World Technologies, to discuss how methanol fuel cells are transforming the industry. Drawing on decades of expertise in fuel cell systems, Anders explains how high-temperature PEM fuel cells convert liquid methanol into clean electricity with 20–25% improved efficiency over conventional engines. He shares why methanol is emerging as the preferred green fuel for shipping, how waste heat recycling boosts system performance, and the practical challenges of retrofitting versus new-build vessels. From forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Maersk to scaling hardware solutions for hard-to-abate sectors, Anders reveals what it takes to make sustainable maritime shipping both economically viable and technologically feasible.What you will learn:How methanol fuel cells achieve higher efficiency than conventional maritime engines Why methanol is emerging as the preferred green fuel for maritime shipping The technical breakthrough of using waste heat to improve overall system efficiencyHow fuel cells can reduce green fuel consumption by 20-25%Why retrofitting existing ships presents different challenges than new builds The critical role of industrial partnerships in scaling hardware climate solutions Why liquid fuels will likely remain crucial for long-distance maritime shipping How the intersection of renewable energy infrastructure and fuel cell technology enables reliable power generation in remote locationsAnders Korsgaard is the Founder and CEO of Blue World Technologies, a leading innovator in methanol fuel cell technology for maritime and stationary power applications. With a PhD in fuel cell systems and over two decades of experience in sustainable energy, Anders has dedicated his career to advancing clean, efficient alternatives to combustion engines. Under his leadership, Blue World is partnering with global industry leaders like Maersk to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors and enable the transition to sustainable shipping.Episode Resources:Anders Korsgaard on LinkedInBlue World Technologies WebsiteDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse Podcast WebsiteSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet Spotify  Hardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

Updating home electrification is key to a sustainable future, but outdated electrical infrastructure has long been a bottleneck. Arch Rao and Span are out to change that.Join Dylan Garrett on this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, as he welcomes Arch Rao, Founder and CEO of SPAN, to discuss how his company is reinventing the humble electrical panel for a modern, electrified home. Drawing on his experience at Tesla Energy, Arch explains how SPAN’s smart panel enables homeowners to monitor, control, and optimize their energy use, without costly service upgrades. He shares how SPAN is helping accelerate the adoption of solar, EVs, and batteries through intelligent load management and design aesthetics. From forging utility partnerships to scaling hardware manufacturing, Arch reveals what it takes to build climate-impactful hardware and unlock the next era of smart home energy systems.What you will learn:How SPAN's smart panel eliminates the need for expensive electrical service upgrades Why the electrical panel is the key integration point for managing home energy loadsHow SPAN achieved product-market fit through both utility partnerships and direct consumer adoptionThe "Systems Architecture" approach to avoiding over-engineering Why design aesthetics in industrial design matter for infrastructure products How digital power control systems can unlock 1.4x more backup power from existing home batteriesWhy infrastructure solutions should deliver economic value independent of policy incentivesThe importance of deep domain expertise and conviction when building hardware How utilities are embracing smart panels as cost-effective alternatives Why focusing on designing interoperable products vs. closed ecosystems leads to broader market impactArch Rao is the Founder and CEO of SPAN, a pioneering company revolutionizing home electrical infrastructure through smart panel technology. With a background in mechanical and automotive engineering, Arch previously served as a leading product executive at Tesla Energy, where he played a crucial role in developing the Powerwall and other energy storage solutions. His expertise spans energy conversion technologies, product development, and sustainable infrastructure design. Under his leadership, SPAN has transformed the traditional electrical panel into an intelligent energy management system that enables widespread adoption of solar, batteries, and electric vehicles in homes.Episode Resources:Arch Rao on LinkedInSPAN WebsiteDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse Podcast WebsiteSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet Spotify  Hardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

Inna Braverman is the founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power, where she pioneers onshore wave energy solutions. In this discussion, she reveals how surviving the Chernobyl disaster inspired her clean energy mission. Inna shares the advantages of onshore wave systems over costly offshore projects, emphasizing their compatibility with existing infrastructure. With a remarkable 90% availability, wave energy stands to meet 66% of U.S. electricity needs. She also highlights strategic partnerships and regulatory pathways that can accelerate the adoption of this innovative technology.

Pavel Molchanov, an Investment Strategy Analyst at Raymond James with two decades in energy markets, shares compelling insights on climate tech economics. He discusses the staggering 90% drop in solar panel costs, highlighting its role in making clean energy viable. Pavel emphasizes that economic viability matters more than mere technical advancements. He explores the dual impact of AI on energy demand and grid management, the importance of geography in solution selection, and consumer actions like adopting EVs and solar power. His cautious optimism about net zero underscores the urgency for adaptation.

Zahlen Titcomb and Kristen Albrecht, co-founders of Ravel, are transforming the fashion industry with their innovative recycling technology. They discuss how Ravel’s method reduces environmental impact by 93% while achieving price parity with traditional materials. The duo explains the challenges of textile waste, industry adoption, and the importance of maintaining material value in recycling processes. They highlight the significance of collaboration within the supply chain to drive sustainable practices and share their cautious optimism for the future of sustainable fashion.

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett welcomes Ted McKlveen, co-founder and CEO of Verne, to discuss hydrogen’s rising role in clean power generation. They dive into Verne’s cryo-compressed hydrogen storage technology and its potential to replace diesel generators, especially in data centers and remote areas. Ted explains why hydrogen may be a practical and scalable solution for supporting the electrical grid and decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, like trucking, by offering both economic and environmental benefits in the race toward a cleaner energy future.What you will learn:Why hydrogen is essential for complementing the electrical grid rather than replacing itHow cryo-compressed hydrogen storage achieves higher density at lower costs Why data centers represent a massive opportunity for clean backup powerThe economics of hydrogen power generation and why it's becoming cost-competitive How novel hydrogen production methods can achieve costs between $1-3 per kilogramWhy power generation applications offer better economics for hydrogen adoption How advances in materials science enable safe storage of hydrogen Why replacing diesel generators with clean alternatives is becoming increasingly urgent Ted McKlveen is the Co-founder and CEO of Verne, a company innovating in hydrogen storage and transportation technology. With a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Harvard and an MBA from Stanford, Ted brings deep expertise in renewable energy and climate solutions. His background includes roles at Advanced Microgrid Solutions and Bain & Company, along with recognition as a Breakthrough Energy Business Fellow.Episode Resource:Ted McKlveen on LinkedInVerne WebsiteDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse Podcast WebsiteSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett welcomes William Foiles, CEO of Project Canary, to discuss how advanced sensors and AI software are transforming methane emissions detection. They explore the evolution from custom hardware to integrated data platforms, the urgency of addressing methane's climate impact, and pragmatic strategies for change. William shares how precise, real-time monitoring empowers industrial operators to reduce emissions, proving that actionable data is a powerful tool in the climate tech arsenal.What you will learn:Why does methane represent 25-33% of human-induced climate change How Project Canary evolved from a hardware-focused startup to a software platform The crucial role of high-precision sensors in detecting methane leaksWhy combining operational data with emissions monitoring creates actionable intelligence How utilities are using advanced mobile sensing technology to detect local gas leaks The "pragmatic approach" principle for driving climate solutionsWhy regulatory changes, business incentives, and technological advances are converging to make methane emissions management increasingly important William Foiles is the Co-Founder and CEO of Project Canary, where he leads day-to-day operations across product development, field systems, supply chain, growth strategy, and data initiatives. With a background in energy finance and data acquisition technologies, he plays a key role in aligning resources to drive innovation and customer success. Will holds an MBA and MS from Stanford, an MS in Finance from Villanova, and a BBA from the University of Georgia. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).Episode Resource:William Foiles on LinkedInCanary Project WebsiteDylan Garrett on LinkedInSynapse Podcast WebsiteSynapse WebsiteHardware to Save a Planet Apple PodcastsHardware to Save a Planet SpotifyHardware to Save a Planet is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soIf you are interested in sponsoring Hardware to Save a Planet, please see our sponsorship offer here.Previous guests include: Peter Reinhardt of Charm Industrial, Carlos Araque of Quaise, Noah McQueen of Heirloom, Areeb Malik of Glacier, Jeff Satwicz of Bigbelly, Abe Schneider of Natel Energy, Insiya Jafferjee of Shellworks, Paul Gross of Remora, Erika Boeing of Accelerate Wind and Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:Going Big on Clean Energy with Small Fusion Reactors with Robin Langtry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalanche EnergyThe Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESSMarine Electrification to Reduce Costs and Environmental Damage: A Conversation with Marcelino Alvarez, CEO of Photon MarineIf you have an interesting hardware solution to the climate crisis and would like the opportunity to share this with our audience, please complete this Guest Application form: https://fame.so/syn