Energy Insights

In this episode of Energy Insights, we speak with Janna Smith about all things renewables growth, challenges and opportunities in Southeast Asia. Topics include Southeast Asia's renewables potential, where countries are doing well, what countries are leading and the challenges associated with accelerating clean energy growth in the region.
Janna Smith is a solar and wind researcher with Global Energy Monitor and the lead author of the organization's latest Race to the Top: Southeast Asia report. She has a master’s in defence and development from the University of Durham and has researched Southeast Asia for the past two years. She continues to work at Global Energy Monitor as the primary researcher for solar and wind development in Southeast Asia and North Sea countries.
Web: Global Energy Monitor

Energy Insights speaks with Afu Utami about the recent Indonesian elections and energy policy in one of Asia’s fastest-growing countries.

Afu is one of the founders of the technology-based political education movement Bijak Pemilu. This initiative aims to encourage voters to become politically engaged and educated, and it won the MIT Solve Global Competition in 2023.

Afu is also the founder and CEO of Think Policy, an organization that aims to encourage policy ecosystem improvement and innovation in public policy in Indonesia. It also supports the general public to understand public policy in an accessible way through an evidence-based approach.

Prior to these roles, Afu served as an environmental economist at the World Bank and a researcher at the World Resources Institute. She has also collaborated with the Indonesian government on several projects, including those related to energy and ecosystem management.

Topics include the recent Indonesian elections and the subsequent energy policies of the new incoming government, Indonesia’s coal use, nickel processing facilities, China’s influence, how young voters are perceiving the government’s energy policies and environmental issues in Indonesia and how voters are responding to current challenges and changes in Indonesia’s energy and political landscape.

X (Twitter): @Afutami

LinkedIn: Afu Utami

COP29 has concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, leaving the global community to grapple with its outcomes. In this episode of Energy Insights, we take a deep dive into the critical takeaways from this year’s UN Climate Change Conference. Was it the pivotal moment we hoped for, or yet another missed opportunity in the fight against climate change?
The discussion covers the ongoing challenges with climate finance, including the failure to meet the $100 billion annual commitment, and examines the persistent influence of fossil fuel lobbies, which continues to hinder progress on binding commitments to phase out fossil fuels. We also explore the fragile state of the 1.5°C target and the disconnect between global pledges and the urgent need for ambitious climate goals.
Additionally, we analyse the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund—a step forward for climate justice, though it raises critical unanswered questions about funding and implementation. Finally, we look ahead to what the future holds for global climate action and the role COP30 will play in shaping the next chapter of this urgent global effort.
With the clock ticking on climate action, this episode provides an in-depth analysis of COP29’s progress and pitfalls, leaving us to question whether the world is truly ready to take the bold steps required.

In this episode of Energy Insights, we speak with Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney, a leading energy transition consultant specialising in solar, wind, and hydrogen projects. With over five years of international experience, she shares her journey and insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in energy leadership.
Dr. Varshney discusses the critical role of gender inclusivity in energy transition strategies, the barriers women face in technical and leadership roles, and how gender-focused policies drive better decision-making and sustainability in the energy sector.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how women are shaping the future of clean energy and leading the charge for a sustainable future.

Follow Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney’s work and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from women in energy leadership.

LinkedIn: Dr. Utkarshaa Varshney

We speak with Katrin Wu about supply chain decarbonisation in the technology sector. We cover topics like what supply chains include, Apple's decarbonisation strategy and its new commitments, how Microsoft and Samsung compare to Apple with supply chain decarbonisation commitment, the price of consumer goods during the energy transition and other topics.
Katrin is a climate and energy campaigner at Greenpeace East Asia. She focuses on corporate energy transition and the technology industry's supply chain. She leads Greenpeace East Asia's campaign that calls for technology company suppliers to transition to renewable energy.