Green Shift

♻️ Can Aloe Vera Power the Future? Inside the World’s First Aloe-Based Battery | Green Shift PodcastWhat if the batteries in your remote control, toys, or clocks were 100% eco-friendly, biodegradable, and even more powerful than regular alkaline batteries? 🌱🔋This episode of Green Shift welcomes Nimisha Varma, co-founder of Aloe E-Cell, and Kash Singh, founder of Primea.Earth, to explore one of the most intriguing sustainability innovations coming out of India: batteries powered by aloe vera.Aloe E-Cell has created a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to traditional household batteries—designed not only to perform better, but also to eliminate the massive e-waste problem created by the 89 billion batteries thrown away globally every year.In this episode, you'll learn:Why aloe vera is surprisingly ideal as a battery materialHow Aloe E-Cell batteries deliver 1.5x more performance than conventional AAsWhat “100% eco-friendly” really means in the context of battery chemistryHow discarded batteries can be upcycled into fertilizer through their patented processThe challenges of setting up a circular economy system across IndiaWhy human behaviour is hard to change—but products can be redesigned to make sustainability effortlessThe founders' journey: the setbacks, breakthroughs, and unwavering belief behind the innovationTheir plans for AAA, button cells, rechargeable batteries, and future high-energy applicationsWhether you’re interested in sustainability, circular economy solutions, climate tech innovation, or the entrepreneurial stories behind world-changing ideas, this is a must-listen.🔋 About Aloe E-CellAloe E-Cell is the world’s first aloe vera–based battery company, offering biodegradable, non-toxic AA batteries that outperform conventional alkaline options. They are currently expanding across India, Singapore, Mauritius, and beyond.https://www.aloeecell.com/🌿 About Primea.EarthPrimea.Earth distributes sustainable products—including Aloe E-Cell batteries—in Singapore and Malaysia while promoting circular economy solutions.https://primea.earth/🎧 Listen to Green ShiftA sustainability podcast hosted by David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian, featuring innovators and leaders accelerating the transition to a greener economy.

In this episode of Green Shift, we ask the hard questions behind Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), sustainable finance, and carbon disclosure with Professor Ben Charoenwong of INSEAD. His research digs into how markets, data, and politics shape what we call “sustainability” — and why the biggest challenge may not be money, but misaligned incentives and bad measurement.From greenwashing and carbon taxes to the role of sovereign wealth funds and banks in Asia’s energy transition, this wide-ranging conversation breaks down: ✅ Why the number one predictor of ESG scores is size, not sustainability ✅ How politics and policy distort what counts as “green” ✅ Why disclosure and rule of law matter more than PR ✅ And how the real challenge isn’t an abundance of capital — it’s allocation.🎙️ Hosted by David Austin, with co-hosts Dr. Victor Nian and Dini Sandys from the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources (CSER).#GreenShift #SustainableFinance #ESG #Greenwashing #ClimateFinance #EnergyTransition #Singapore #INSEAD #CSER

At the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), sustainability by design isn’t a slogan — it’s a mission.In this episode of Green Shift, hosts David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian speak with Ms. Corinna Choong, Chief Sustainability Officer and pioneer staff member at SUTD, about how the university is using design, technology, and research to drive sustainability impact — from AI-powered urban planning to biodiversity mapping and nature-based cooling on campus.Ms Choong also reflects on how thoughtful design can transform Southeast Asia’s cities — citing examples from Bangkok and Malaysia that illustrate how architecture, materials, and community planning can all contribute to resilience and decarbonisation.In this episode: 🌳 What “sustainability by design” means at SUTD 🤖 How AI, robotics, and research are reshaping urban systems 🏙️ Singapore’s role as a living lab for the region 💡 Real-world examples of sustainable design across Southeast Asia 💰 Breaking down barriers in green finance and policy 👩‍🎓 Advice for young innovators leading the next generation of change🎧 Listen, learn, and be inspired to design boldly, act locally, and collaborate regionally.#Sustainability #DesignThinking #GreenShift #Singapore #SUTD #EnergyTransition #SoutheastAsia #ClimateAction #UrbanDesign #Innovation #AI #SmartCities

Can Singapore Achieve 24/7 Carbon-Free Electricity? | Green Shift Podcast with Transition ZeroSingapore is exploring how to power the future—clean, round the clock. 🌞⚡🌙In this episode of Green Shift, host David Austin and co-host Dr. Victor Nian speak with Isabella Suarez, Policy Analyst at Transition Zero, about their new report on 24/7 Carbon-Free Electricity (CFE).They discuss: 🔹 How renewable energy certificates (RECs) and hourly matching actually work 🔹 Why the shift from annual to hourly carbon accounting matters 🔹 The role of batteries, interconnectors, and data transparency in Asia’s clean energy future 🔹 What it will take for Singapore to hit its 2050 net-zero targetTransition Zero’s research shows how modeling, transparency, and smart policy design can help countries decarbonize efficiently—without breaking the system.🔗 Learn about their webinar here: https://www.transitionzero.org/events/singapore-cfe🎧 Tune in to learn how 24/7 carbon-free energy could reshape Southeast Asia’s power markets and what it means for companies, policymakers, and investors.#GreenShift #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #Singapore #TransitionZero #CarbonFreeElectricity #CleanEnergy #NetZero #CSER #VictorNian #DavidAustin

🌏 Carbon Capture in Indonesia: Governance, Technology, and the Path to Net Zero | Green Shift PodcastDescription:Indonesia is the first country in ASEAN to introduce national carbon capture and storage (CCS) regulations — but can it turn ambition into action?In this episode of Green Shift, host David Austin and co-host Dr. Victor Nian (Founding Co-Chair, Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources) sit down with James Balzer, strategic foresight practitioner and CSER affiliated expert, to unpack Indonesia’s emerging CCS landscape.They explore:🔹 How carbon capture actually works — and why it matters for developing economies🔹 The governance challenges slowing CCS adoption in Indonesia🔹 Lessons from the Gundih CCS project and Presidential Regulation No. 14 (2024)🔹 The role of markets, regulation, and public trust in the just energy transitionWhether you’re a policymaker, researcher, or sustainability advocate, this deep dive offers a rare look at how climate governance, regulation, and real-world politics intersect in Southeast Asia’s energy future.To register for James' Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/workshop-diagnosing-governance-dysfunctions-in-ccs-regulation-in-indonesia-tickets-1814712426719Find James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-balzer/#EnergyTransition #CCS #CarbonCapture #Indonesia #ClimatePolicy #NetZero #Sustainability #GreenShiftPodcast #CSER #JustEnergyTransition

Is the world's petro-powerhouse going green? 🌱In this episode of Green Shift, we sit down with Dr. Aisha Al-Sarihi, a leading expert on environmental policy, to unpack the dramatic sustainability shift happening across the Gulf region. From Oman's net-zero pledge to massive investments in green hydrogen, the story is changing faster than you think.We explore:⚡️ Why Gulf nations like Oman and the UAE are aggressively pivoting to renewables and a circular economy.💧 The real strategy behind Oman's bid to become a global green hydrogen superpower.🤝 The surprising and powerful alliance forming between the Gulf and Southeast Asia—and what it means for the future of clean energy.💸 The role of massive sovereign wealth funds in financing a global green future.This isn't just about phasing out oil; it's about a multi-trillion dollar economic transformation. Join the conversation as we look beyond the headlines to the real policies, partnerships, and people driving the Green Transition in the heart of the energy world.#GreenShift #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #GulfCountries #Oman #Hydrogen #RenewableEnergy #ASEAN #ClimateAction #NetZero #CleanEnergyFuture #MiddleEast

🌍 Green Shift Podcast | Green Fuels with Clarence WooIn this episode of Green Shift, David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian sit down with Clarence Woo, Managing Director of the Global Centre for Green Fuels, to explore the critical role of biofuels and green fuels in Asia’s energy transition.We unpack key questions:What counts as a green fuel?Why is ethanol such an important piece of the puzzle?How do concepts like carbon intensity, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and drop-in fuels fit into the future of transport?What policies and technologies are shaping Southeast Asia’s green energy journey?From fraudulent feedstocks to food-vs-fuel debates, Clarence provides a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges of making fuels sustainable, affordable, and scalable.🔑 Highlights:00:00 – Intro: What are green fuels?05:00 – Clarence Woo on founding the Global Centre for Green Fuels08:30 – Why ethanol matters for Asia’s transport sector14:00 – Food vs. fuel: myths and realities20:00 – Sustainability criteria for biofuels25:00 – Effective policies in Asia30:00 – SAF & maritime biofuels35:00 – Governance and the ecosystem approach36:30 – Final thoughts: what most people don’t know about ethanol🎙️ About Green ShiftGreen Shift is a podcast about Asia’s path to a sustainable economy. Hosted by David Austin and Dr. Victor Nian, it brings you stories, insights, and conversations with leaders driving the transition to net zero.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on sustainability, climate, and the future of energy.#GreenShift #Podcast #GreenFuels #Biofuels #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #Ethanol #SAF

In this episode of Green Shift, we sit down with Dr. Mary Ann Franco, Senior Consultant and Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia at Aquatera and a global network expert at the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources (CSER). Dr. Franco shares her insights from years of research and fieldwork on how off-grid and island communities in Southeast Asia adopt renewable energy.We explore the misconceptions about “easy” renewable adoption, the social and cultural dimensions that often determine whether projects succeed or fail, and the importance of building not just hardware and software, but what she calls “orgware”—the community structures that keep projects running in the long term.From karaoke nights powered by diesel gensets to the role of women as household energy managers, this conversation uncovers the human side of energy transition and why community-led approaches are critical for lasting impact.Show Notes🎙️ Guest: Dr. Mary Ann Franco, Senior Consultant & Regional Coordinator (Southeast Asia) at Aquatera, and CSER Global Expert🌱 Topics Covered:What daily life really looks like in off-grid island communitiesWhy renewable energy projects often fail without social buy-inThe role of women and inclusion in sustainable energy adoptionHow to move from “donation projects” to durable community energy solutionsThe concept of orgware—and why it’s the missing piece in many energy projects🔗 Here are the links to the projects Dr. Franco mentioned:Rural Energy Hub: https://www.braeruralenergyhub.com/https://communityenergy.scot/projects/rural-energy-hubs/https://www.aquatera.co.uk/news/brae-rural-energy-hub-secures-significant-funding-boosting-its-community-impact Ayrton POWERE Project: https://www.ukri.org/news/projects-funded-to-propel-low-carbon-energy-transition/EC10 Wave-Powered Microgrid in Thailand: https://www.offshore-energy.biz/innovate-uk-grants-1-9-million-for-wave-energy-project-in-thailand/#RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #SoutheastAsia #Sustainability #GreenShiftPodcast