The session was chaired by Heather Thomson (CEO, The Data Lab), who guided a sharp discussion with an exceptional panel: Stephanie Earp (Head of AI, Space Intelligence), Nic Granger OBE (Chair of the Governance Board, The Data Lab), and Emily Sullivan (Co-director, Centre for Technomoral Futures).

If I had to summarise the mood, it wasn’t about “what new magic will AI do?” but rather, “how do we live, work, and stay safe with what we’ve built?”

Here are my key takeaways from the discussion.

1. The “Boring” Stuff Still Matters Most

One of the strongest themes, particularly championed by Nic Granger, was a return to fundamentals. There is a tangible risk for companies trying to push an “AI Agenda” without having their data house in order first.

We are seeing a move toward Data Sovereignty. There is growing concern regarding reliance on US-based cloud services and tech giants. The panel highlighted the risk of “grabbing off-the-shelf AI”—by doing so, are you handing over your proprietary insights to another company? To maintain a competitive advantage, businesses must integrate agents into their workflows while maintaining strict control over their own data.

2. The Shift from LLMs to SLMs (Small Language Models)

Is the AI bubble about to burst? The panel thinks not, but it is changing shape.

Stephanie Earp made a compelling point: if people are talking about a “burst,” it’s actually a sign of maturity. It means we are realising where AI is not appropriate. The future isn’t just massive Large Language Models (LLMs) that burn through energy; it’s about sustainability and Small Language Models (SLMs).

Stephanie used the example of satellite technology. You cannot run a massive model in orbit; you need energy efficiency and specific utility. The industry is moving toward making the smallest models possible to embed into products, solving specific problems rather than just asking “what can I do with AI?”

3. The Money is Moving: From Climate to Defence

A sobering insight from Stephanie was on the flow of capital. Previously, we saw a massive influx of investment into Climate Tech and Health Tech. However, in the current geopolitical climate, the priority—and the money—is shifting toward Defence and Security. We need to be mindful of which sectors might lose momentum as security takes centre stage.

4. The Human Element: Ethics, Literacy, and the Divide

Emily Sullivan brought the conversation back to the societal impact. We aren’t just dealing with code; we are dealing with people’s likenesses, deepfakes, and the safety of children (referencing the debate on social media bans for under-16s).

A major challenge identified was the Digital Divide. As noted in the discussion, perhaps only 5% of users are “power users,” while 95% use AI tools much like they use Google—surface level and unoptimized.

The solution?

• Education: It’s not just teaching kids how to use AI, but teaching them how not to use it.
• Practical Application: Nic highlighted how tech is making a real difference in social housing, using sensors for mould detection and predictive analytics to help the vulnerable.

5. Regulation is a Global Challenge

Regulation was the elephant in the room. Because AI is global, regulating it locally is incredibly difficult. The panel touched on the “Tech-Power Grab”—the tension between corporate capability and government guardrails.

As we look toward 2026, the challenge will be creating guardrails that prevent data leakage and protect digital identity without stifling the innovation that, as Stephanie noted, gives us “a lot of hope.”

Final Thoughts

When asked for a single word to describe the AI trend for the coming year, the panellists chose:

• Resilience
• Tech-power grab
• Accountability

These three words perfectly encapsulate the crossroads we are at. 2026 won’t just be about better chatbots; it will be about building resilient infrastructure, watching where the power (and money) flows, and holding the technology- and ourselves-accountable for how it is used.

(And yes, I told myself it was “research”. Mostly, it was an excuse to avoid writing.)

The internet, ever helpful, was full of people asking their children profound questions like: 

“What made you feel proud this year?”
“What did you learn about yourself?”

My teenager looked up from her phone, unimpressed: 

“Mum, I only remember yesterday’s ice-skating experience.”

Fair enough.

So we tried it ourselves. Not for wisdom. Just to remember.

We scrolled through our photos.

And suddenly — there it was.

Not grand events. Not milestones. Just… moments.

• Our family Costco haul!
• Her Christmas dance!
• My first parkrun — on a freezing Saturday. I ran (well, I walked!). But I finished.
• Wallace Monument from my home office window — photographed regularly. Same view. Different light. Different clouds. Always beautiful. A quiet ritual that reminds me: beauty doesn’t need fanfare. It just needs noticing.

I also remembered Chappel Roan’s concert in August — the kind of night you think will stay etched forever. Until it doesn’t.
It took flicking back through photos — glitter on our coats, the way the crowd swayed under neon lights — to feel it again. 

That’s what this year taught me: We don’t live just in the moment.
We live in the memory of it.
And if we wait too long to record it? The magic fades.

So I’ve started taking pictures. Not for Instagram. Just for us. For when the hype has settled, and all we have left is the feeling.

The Work That Moves Me

This year, I was lucky enough to speak at IMechE and IET events — standing in front of brilliant people who care as much about energy systems as I do. My team won the Strathclyde R&KE Impact Awards 2025. I co-authored two journal papers and four conference pieces — which, frankly, means I drank more Tea than water.

My work doesn’t change the world overnight.
But maybe — just maybe — it helps make the world feel a little less cold.

Books That Stayed With Me

I listened to 27 audiobooks this year. 

Some were life-changing. Some were… curious choices (How to Legally Rob Credit-Card Companies!). But every one was an act of self-care — quiet time in the car, during walks, while folding laundry, while cooking (yes, really).

I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time. And fell deeply in love with Elizabeth Bennet’s wit and Mr Darcy’s terrible social skills. It felt like meeting old friends after decades apart.

I devoured The Psychology of Money — not because I wanted to get rich, but because it finally explained why money feels so emotional.

And yes — I still haven’t read The Tibetan Book of the Dead.
It’s on my bedside table. Next to the art project I haven’t finished. And the book I started reading in January.

That’s okay.

Because sometimes, the best stories aren’t about finishing.
They’re about returning.

So here’s to 2026:

More walks.
More family nights.
More Costco chaos.
More photos of the Wallace Monument.
More conversations that make you feel seen.

More work that matters.
More books that linger.

And more permission — from myself — to simply be.

Thank you for reading these small, imperfect reflections.

Wishing you a New Year filled with warmth, wonder, and zero guilt about doing absolutely nothing at all.

With fondness,
Priya 🌅📚🧶

After last week’s heavy truths about the unseen labour women carry in male-dominated spaces, I promised we’d turn towards something hopeful: how to navigate it all with grace, strategy, and self-respect.

So let’s talk solutions — practical, human-centred ones. Because change doesn’t come from grand gestures. It comes from small shifts done consistently.

🔹 Reclaim Your Narrative

Stop waiting for permission to be seen. Start crafting your story — clearly, confidently.

“I’m Priya, R&D Leader at PNDC, leading whole-energy systems innovation with a focus on hydrogen integration and decarbonisation.”
No apology. No “just” or “maybe”. Say it like you mean it. Then say it again — in meetings, emails, even casual chats.

And yes — include your title everywhere. Even if it feels awkward at first. You’re not being flashy; you’re setting boundaries.

🔹 Build Reputation Through Connection (Not Just Performance)

You don’t need to work in isolation. Seek out communities — through hobbies, school events, friends-of-friends. These informal networks often lead to real opportunities.
(As someone who missed this window early on… I’ve learned: connections aren’t just professional. They’re personal too. And that matters.)

🔹 Reframe Authority — Own It

That instinct to downplay? Let it go.
It’s okay to say “This project was led by my team — and I’m proud of what we achieved.”
It’s also okay to say, “I’ve worked in clean energy policy for 12 years because I believe deeply in the transition.”

Yes, confidence can be warm. Yes, warmth can be confident. You don’t have to choose between them. Try saying both:

“I’m so excited to collaborate with you — I’ve been working on similar challenges for over a decade.”
See how that works?

🔹 Share Credit & Celebrate Others

Don’t hoard praise. When someone does great work, notice it. Say thank you. Acknowledge it publicly.
And when others do the same for you? Accept it with grace — not guilt.
Because here’s a secret: appreciation is reciprocal. The more you give, the more you receive.

Plus — pat yourself on the back too. Weekly reflection helps: What went well? What could I improve? This isn’t ego — it’s self-awareness.

🔹 Navigate Bias With Calm Clarity

If someone says something off-putting (a joke, assumption, remark), take a breath. It’s valid that you felt it.

You don’t owe anyone an education — but if you want to respond, use gentle probing.

“That comment made me pause — what specifically did you mean?”
“Can you help me understand why you said that?”
“That’s not okay with me. I’d appreciate it if we could avoid that kind of language.”

In extreme cases? Write it down. Document it. Protect your peace. You’re not responsible for fixing bias — only for protecting your boundaries.

🔹 Break the ‘Masculinity Contest’ Culture

Notice the room: Who’s dominating conversations? Who’s avoiding eye contact? Who stays silent during jokes?
Actively listen. Invite quieter voices in. Challenge assumptions when they arise. A diverse team doesn’t just happen — it’s nurtured.

And finally… don’t wait for permission to lead.
Even in rooms where women are present, decision-making can still feel like a boys’ club. That’s why mentorship and sponsorship matter — and why sharing stories about marginalisation isn’t a weakness. It’s essential.

✨ The Takeaway

We aren’t broken for needing more support. We’re brilliant for recognising where systems fall short, and then choosing to step forward anyway.

So let’s stop pretending “just doing our jobs” is enough. Let’s start redefining success on our own terms:
With clarity. With courage. With kindness to ourselves.

Because thriving isn’t about shrinking to fit in.
It’s about building spaces where you don’t have to.

I’m so grateful this book exists — not because it gave me answers, but because it gave me permission to speak up, ask questions, and keep going.

As we wind down toward the holidays, I want to take a quiet moment to say thank you — not just for reading, but for being here.

Whether you’re sipping tea by the tree, wrapped up in a blanket with an audiobook, or chasing toddlers through snow-covered streets (yes, even in the UK!), I hope this time brings you peace, laughter, and moments that feel like home.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me — I’m so glad we’re doing it together.

Wishing you all the best over Christmas and into the New Year. May 2025 bring you courage, clarity, and kindness — both for yourself and others.

Until then, stay kind, keep growing, and never forget:

💬 “You belong here — without changing.”

If any of this resonated with you, please share your thoughts. What small shift will you make next week?

Until then,
Warmly,
Priya ✨

There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that comes from knowing you’re working twice as hard just to be seen as on par.

It doesn’t come from long hours or tight deadlines — though those are part of it. No, this fatigue is quieter, deeper. It’s the slow burn of constantly proving yourself, of navigating assumptions about your role before you’ve even spoken, of adjusting your voice so it sounds confident but not “too much”, professional but not cold.

I’ve been thinking deeply about all this since finishing Thriving in a Male-Dominated Workplace (HBR Women at Work Series) — and honestly? It hit harder than I expected.

Because here’s the truth many of us know in our bones but rarely name out loud:

In some rooms, simply being present isn’t enough. You have to perform credibility—every single time.

Let me share a few moments that left me both unsettled and strangely relieved.

We’ve all felt it:

• Being mistaken for an admin, an assistant, or someone in support rather than leadership — despite having the title, experience, and impact. (This is called “role incredulity” — and yes, it happens more often than we admit.)
• That moment when your idea is ignored… until a man says it seconds later — and suddenly, it’s genius.
• The subtle expectation that if you’re assertive, you’re “aggressive”; if you’re warm, you’re “soft”. And there’s no middle ground where you can just be you.
• The invisible task of managing how others perceive you — while also trying to get work done.

And then comes the real kicker:
You start believing the narrative they write for you — not because it’s true, but because it feels safer to accept it than to fight every time.

I was struck by this line from the book: “Women are judged on warmth before confidence; men, the other way around.”
That one sentence explained so much about why I’ve spent years rehearsing my tone, softening my delivery, apologising too soon… all in service of being “likeable enough” to be heard.

There’s also the quiet cost of missed networks.
(I’ll confess: I wish I’d read this advice 10 years ago. I built my career through technical excellence — which served me well — but never prioritised widening my circle beyond professional peers. Now? I’m learning the hard way that reputation isn’t just what you do — it’s who knows you, trusts you, and speaks up when you’re not in the room.)

Then there’s the myth we’ve been taught: “My work should speak for itself.”
But here’s the truth no one tells us: If your work doesn’t align with the wider mission, if you don’t frame it clearly, if you don’t own your story — it will get lost in the noise.

And let’s talk about feedback.
How many times have we received vague or uninformed comments (“It’s a bit bold,” “Too ambitious”) without context? The book suggests taking a timeout: pause, reflect, ask clarifying questions — because not every critique is useful, and some are rooted in bias, not substance.

These aren’t small things. They’re cumulative. They wear down confidence. They make us question our place — even when we’ve earned it.

So yes… this part was heavy.
Because sometimes, being honest means admitting how much extra emotional labour women carry just to be seen as equal.

But here’s the thing:
Recognition is the first step towards change. And knowing these patterns exist? That’s power.

📌 Coming next week: Part 2 – Finding My Voice – And Keeping It.
We’ll explore how to build influence on your terms — from crafting an authentic elevator pitch to sharing credit (and praise!) generously, to reclaiming authority without apology.
Plus: simple tools for navigating biased remarks, building real networks, and creating space where everyone can thrive — not just survive.

I’m so glad I read this book — not because it gave me answers, but because it named what I’d been feeling all along.

And if you’ve ever felt like you’re doing more than your fair share of “just existing” at work… please know: you’re not alone.

Stay tuned for Part 2 — and feel free to reply with one word that describes how you feel after reading this. I promise, no judgment. Just solidarity. 💬

Warmly,
Priya ✨

It was a beautifully choreographed confluence of three distinct tracks: power systems, decarbonisation pathways, and innovation; each feeding into one another like well-oiled cogs in a grand net-zero machine. Truly a celebration of systems thinking, which, if you’ve read any of my previous ramblings, is rather close to my heart.

The keynote came courtesy of none other than Chris Stark, Head of Mission Control, whose calm, data-driven presence was both reassuring and slightly intimidating. He reminded us that progress isn’t measured in isolation; it’s about context. For instance, when we look at renewable electricity generation from 2000 to 2025, the UK made impressive strides between 2010 and 2020… only to plateau since then. Meanwhile, China’s growth has been nothing short of exponential across the same period. So, for the UK to catch up and truly join the global clean energy league table? We’ll need more than ambition—we’ll need cost trajectories that match the pace of change. (See attached figure—yes, it’s dramatic, but also very real.)

Chris also touched on the Clean Power Mission and how streamlining the connections process could unlock much-needed capacity. But what really caught my eye was the slide on consumer-led flexibility—a gap of around 8 GW. Now, back-of-the-envelope maths suggests that, if this relies solely on smart EV chargers, we’d need roughly 3 million households onboarded by 2027. That’s about 10% of all UK homes—or nearly every single EV in the country!

I’ll admit, I blinked twice. How on earth are we supposed to do that in under four years? Then I remembered: most new home chargers are already smart. So perhaps it’s not quite as daunting as it first seemed. A small victory for progress, perhaps?

🎤 On Stage: Why Hydrogen Isn’t Just a Technology Problem — It’s a Systems Challenge

In my session, titled “Why Hydrogen isn’t just a technology problem — It’s a systems challenge”, I shared PNDC’s whole-energy systems approach to hydrogen adoption. Let me be clear: it’s not enough to build better electrolysers or fuel cells. The real magic—and the real risk—lies in how these technologies integrate across production, storage, transport, and end-use.

Drawing from hands-on testing of a hydrogen fuel cell truck and analysis of green hydrogen injection into the UK gas grid, we explored how system-level thinking can uncover hidden interdependencies before they become costly failures. Spoiler: de-risking deployment isn’t just technical—it’s systemic.

The talk was warmly received, with several thoughtful follow-up questions (including one asking whether our model could scale to regional grids—yes, but only if we stop treating each sector like a silo!). Honestly, it felt like being part of a conversation rather than a lecture—a rare and lovely thing at conferences!

📸 Conference Snapshots

Other delightful nuggets from the day:

• 🏺 Archaeologists are now essential in nuclear development! Yes, before any site can be commissioned, there must be an archaeological survey. With a shortage of skilled archaeologists, these surveys risk becoming lengthy delays in an industry already known for its… let’s say, leisurely pace.
• 💻 The generational divide in AI perception is fascinating. Younger engineers seem to treat controllers like Xbox remotes—no second glance needed, just press play and trust the robot knows what’s up. It’s both charming and slightly terrifying.
• 🔋 And finally, CIGRE’s definition of resilience hit me right between the eyes: “The ability to limit the extent, severity, and duration of system degradation following an extreme event.”
  Quite poetic, really—like a power grid with emotional intelligence.

And because we’re all about balance here (and because no conference would be complete without a book or podcast recommendation), here are some gems I picked up:

• The Thinking Game (documentary) – described as “a masterclass in how decisions get made at scale” — very compelling indeed.
• The Rest Is Classified (podcast) – called “the hidden stories behind policy and security”, which sounds utterly gripping.
• Beyond the Wall by Katja Hoyer – recommended as “a vivid portrait of East Germany’s quiet revolutions” — already halfway through, and it’s brilliant.

I’ve added all three to my list, and honestly? They’re exactly the kind of content that makes you pause mid-cook, sip your tea slowly, and wonder how we got here—and where we go next.

So, dear reader — if any of these sound familiar, or better yet, if you’ve read them or listened to them already… I’d be absolutely delighted to hear your thoughts! What did you take away? Any others you’d recommend along similar lines?

After all, sharing ideas is half the fun — whether they’re about hydrogen systems or history told through the eyes of a former border guard. 😉

On my current reading list? Halfway through Thriving in a Male-Dominated Workplace (HBR Women at Work Series). It’s insightful, honest, and occasionally infuriating in the best way. Expect a proper blog post on it soon — unless something even more exciting comes along… like, say, a surprise garden gnome invasion. (We’ve had one before.)

So there you have it—a little science, a touch of whimsy, a sprinkle of reality check, and a whole lot of tea.

Thank you for being here. Whether you’re tuning in from a lab bench, your kitchen table, or somewhere between a crocheting session and an audiobook break—I’m so glad we’re sharing this journey together.

Until next time,
Warmest regards,
Priya

I’ve just finished the Managing Safely course run by John Constable at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), University of Strathclyde. And honestly? It changed how I see everyday risks.

One tiny moment stood out: while drying my hands in a public restroom, my smartwatch pinged: “High noise level.”
I looked up, a hand dryer blasting at around 90 dB.

That’s loud enough to damage hearing after just 30 minutes of daily exposure.

And then it hit me: the cleaners. The people who spend hours in those spaces, mopping floors, refilling supplies, cleaning toilets… they’re exposed to this noise day after day.

That’s not just inconvenient, it’s a health risk we overlook.

This course reminded me: safety isn’t just about big machinery or high-risk jobs. It’s about noticing what’s right in front of us.

🛑 Three Reasons Why Safety Matters (Even When You Don’t Think It Does)

1. Moral: No one should get hurt doing their job.
2. Legal: In the UK, you must assess reasonably foreseeable risks and reduce them “so far as is reasonably practicable.”
3. Financial: Fewer accidents = lower insurance costs, less downtime, better efficiency.

And remember: you can delegate responsibility — but never accountability.

⚠️ A Shocking Twist: Home Safety Isn’t Just About Thieves

If a burglar gets injured on your property, they could sue you. But here’s the twist:

• They probably won’t win.
• But someone else might, like a first-aider trying to help.
• Or even a cleaner hired to do the job, because once you pay them, you become their employer and have a duty of care.

That’s why home legal protection matters — especially when contractors skip PPE for speed.

💡 Tip: Always check access points, signage, and equipment safety — whether it’s a window cleaner or a plumber.

🔍 Risk Assessment Done Right

• Do it on-site, not at your desk.
• Make it task-specific — no fluff, no generic templates.
• Get it signed by the person doing the work. No signature? No proof. The legal burden falls on you.

And always use the Hierarchy of Control:

1. Eliminate
2. Reduce
3. Isolate
4. Safe systems
5. PPE (last resort)

🚗 Why “Reverse Park Only”? (Yes, It’s Real)

Back in factory days, shift workers all left at once. Cars reversed into traffic, causing chaos. Accidents happened. So companies introduced reverse parking: drivers could see where they were going before reversing. Safer. Smarter.

Today, many people arrive and leave at different times, but that rule still saves lives.

✅ Final Thought

Safety isn’t about fear. It’s about foresight.

Whether it’s a noisy hand dryer, an overlooked risk assessment, or a cleaning staff member exposed to long-term noise, small things matter.

Because when we look closely… we don’t just protect people from harm. We show them they’re valued.

Stay safe, stay aware — and next time your watch pings, maybe it’s not just warning you about noise… It’s reminding you to care.

With warmth,
✨ Priya

I don’t usually celebrate Onam. Not in any special way.

We did have sadya when we were in India — and we celebrated Pongal, Vishu, Deepavali, and others too. But since moving to the UK, it’s become less about the festival and more about what fits: time, availability, convenience.

So when I realised I’d missed it again — this year — I didn’t mind. It was just another Sunday.

Then came the message:

“You’re invited for Onam lunch this Sunday. No pressure. Just come.”

From a friend of my husband’s — someone I’d known for a long time.

I hesitated. I didn’t know any of the other invitees.

But I went.

The sadya was laid out — kerala-style, with care. We ate. We talked. No expectations. Just a meal, and a moment.

Later, I went to Jagruti’s for chaat — a different kind of comfort. We sat at the table, laughed, and swapped stories.

“Sometimes, the best way to feel at home is to eat something that reminds you of someone else’s kitchen.”

And that’s when it hit:

Belonging isn’t about rituals. It’s about being invited.

We went to look for the blood moon — but only caught twilight. No eclipse. No grand moment.

But it didn’t matter.

Sometimes, the quietest moments are the ones that stay.

Next up in the series: Part 4 – Sustainable Heating & Cooling in Lund

There’s a certain magic in Stockholm — not just in its canals, bridges, and archipelago, but in how the past and future coexist in quiet harmony. After a week of lectures, labs, and midnight brainstorming, I finally had time to breathe — and wander.

And what a journey it was.

🏛️ The Stockholm City Hall: Where History Meets Celebration

I began my city exploration with a tour of the Stockholm City Hall — a masterpiece of Swedish architecture and a symbol of civic pride.

Every year, the Nobel Prize Banquet is held here on December 10th, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. The ceremony begins at the nearby Konserthuset (Concert Hall), where the laureates are announced — and then, the guests make their way to the City Hall for the grand feast and dance.

But here’s the twist: the Blue Hall wasn’t always the venue.

In the early days, the banquet was held in the Golden Hall — a room so dazzling, you’d think it was made of solid gold.

🤯 Guess what? It is — but not in the way you’d think.

The entire room is covered in 16 kilograms of real gold, but not in sheets. Instead, it’s gold foil sandwiched between layers of glass — a technique that’s not only elegant but enduring. The result? A shimmer that’s lasted over a century — and will likely outlive us all.

🪷 The Blue Hall: When Space Runs Out, You Move Up

As the number of guests grew, the Golden Hall’s capacity was exceeded — so the banquet moved to the Blue Hall, a stunning space with a deep red hue and a dramatic, vaulted ceiling.

The stairs at the end? They’re reserved for guests of honour and royal family members — a subtle but powerful reminder that even in a democratic city, tradition still holds its place.

🪜 Climbing the City Hall Tower: 306 Steps to the Sky

No visit to Stockholm is complete without climbing the City Hall Tower — 306 steps, to be exact.

I made the climb on a clear, sunny day — and the view? Unforgettable.

The archipelago stretched like a necklace across the Baltic Sea. The city unfolded below — a patchwork of red roofs, green parks, and shimmering water.

And then there was the pyramid-shaped passage — a clever architectural trick that makes the tower feel taller than it is.

It’s not just a staircase. It’s a metaphor: the journey to insight is often longer than it seems — but the view is worth every step.

🎨 The Nobel Museum: Where Words Become Weapons and Wonders

Next stop: the Nobel Museum — small in size, but massive in meaning.

It’s not just about the prizes. It’s about the stories — the courage, the creativity, the quiet revolutions.

One object stood out: a pair of nail scissors from Herta Müller, the 2009 Nobel Laureate in Literature.

She didn’t just write poetry — she cut words from newspapers and magazines to create new texts and images.

A poet who reconstructed language — one snip at a time.

It made me think: innovation isn’t always about building new things. Sometimes, it’s about reimagining what already exists.

🎁 The Gift Shop: A Hidden Gem of Inspiration

And then… the gift shop.

Let’s be honest: I may have gone a little overboard.

But how could I resist?

• Magnets with quotes from Nobel laureates: “We should always explore the things that we are a little afraid of.”
• Tiny books with messages of hope.
• Unique games that turn science into play.
• Tote bags with messages like “Ideas Changing the World”

I walked out with more than souvenirs — I walked out with fuel for the soul.

✨ Final Thought

This week wasn’t just about energy systems or Python scripts. It was about humanity — the stories we tell, the spaces we build, and the moments we choose to pause and see.

Stockholm reminded me that innovation isn’t just technical — it’s cultural, emotional, and deeply human.

And as I stood by the Kungsträdgården (King’s garden), watching the sun dip below the archipelago, I felt it:

The future of energy isn’t just about decarbonisation — it’s about connection. Between people, places, and purpose.

Next up in the series: Part 3 – Onam, On the Other Side of the World
How a Kerala festival, a surprise lunch invitation, and a late-evening chaat dinner reminded me that home isn’t just a place — it’s a moment, a meal, and a shared laugh, even when you’re 4,000 miles from home.

I’m still buzzing from an incredible week in Stockholm, where I had the honour of serving as a visiting lecturer at KTH Royal Institute of Technology — a true epicentre of energy research and innovation.

As an R&D Leader at PNDC, my mission was clear: to share insights from real-world energy systems while learning from one of Europe’s most dynamic academic hubs. The week was packed — intense, inspiring, and deeply human.

🎓 Teaching the Foundations: Power Systems in Practice

I delivered a lecture on load flow analysis, contingency analysis, and optimal power flow — core tools for designing resilient, decarbonised grids.

The students were sharp, curious, and eager to connect theory with reality.

“How would this work in a grid with renewables?”
“Can we use this in islanded microgrids?”
“What happens when a line fails during peak demand?”

These weren’t just academic questions — they were the kind of challenges we face daily at PNDC. It was a powerful reminder: the future of energy is being shaped in classrooms, just as much as in labs and boardrooms.

💻 The Great Python Puzzle: When Versions Don’t Play Nice

We moved into a hands-on tutorial using pandapower, a Python library for power system analysis.

Now, here’s the twist: I’ve been using Python for years — but I’m not a coder by trade. I’ve kept my environment stable with older, tested versions.

But the students? Most were installing Python for the first time — and the latest version had broken compatibility with pandapower.

😱 Spoiler: It didn’t work.

We spent the night before the tutorial troubleshooting — trying different versions, virtual environments, and pip installs. The confusion was real. But the lesson was golden: version control is non-negotiable in applied research.

📌 Action Plan for Next Year:
We’ll provide a pre-configured virtual environment with exact versions of Python, pandas, and pandapower — along with a step-by-step setup guide. No more midnight debugging!

🔥 Inside the Labs: Where Sand, Solar, and Heat Meet

The real highlight? A tour of KTH’s High-Temperature and Low-Temperature Labs — two worlds of thermal innovation under one roof.

🔥 High-Temp Lab: Sand as a Supercharged Heat Carrier

• 700°C experiments using sand as a fluid medium to transfer heat from concentrated solar power (CSP) plants to steam generators.
• Fascinating detail: The diameter of pipe ends controls sand velocity — a simple, elegant way to manage flow and efficiency.
• Pyrolysis in molten chloride salts at 400°C — exploring ways to recycle PV panels and plastics at scale. A major step toward circular energy systems.
• High-temperature heat pumps (200–400°C) — pushing the limits of industrial decarbonisation.

❄️ Low-Temp Lab: “High” Temperature at 65°C?

• Here, “high temperature” means 65°C — a gentle reminder: context matters, even within a single department.
• Systems designed for district heating, building efficiency, and integration with renewables.

🌐 Beyond the Lab: Co-Creating the CETP Vision

Amidst lectures and lab tours, Jagruti and I also worked on shaping the broad objectives of the CETP (Centre for Energy Transition Partnership) — a large, multi-country consortium tackling real industry challenges.

It was intense. We worked late — Monday to Thursday, often past midnight — refining, aligning, and finding common threads across diverse partners.

There’s something deeply nostalgic about working late in a university building. It reminded me of my days at IIT Bombay, when I’d stay up until 2 a.m. finishing my thesis.

Coming out of the lab at midnight, lights still on, people laughing over coffee — it wasn’t lonely. It was alive.

(P.S. This isn’t KTH. I still haven’t taken a photo of KTH at midnight — but I promise: next year, I will.)

🚶‍♀️ Bonus: 15,000 Steps a Day in Stockholm

And yes — I did walk 15,000 steps every single day. Stockholm is a city built for walking: green spaces, canals, bridges, and a rhythm that invites exploration.

I didn’t just walk — I felt the city. The crisp air, the quiet hum of the metro, the way sunlight danced on the water.

It was a perfect blend of professional rigour and personal renewal.

✨ Final Thought

This wasn’t just a visiting lecture — it was a conversation across continents, disciplines, and cultures.

I came to teach. I left with new ideas, new connections, and a deeper belief in what’s possible when academia, industry, and passion collide.

And as I packed my bags, I carried with me not just notes and photos — but a renewed spark.

Next up in the series: Part 2 – The Golden Hall, the City Tower, and the Nail Scissors of Herta Müller
Coming soon: A journey through Stockholm’s cultural soul — where science meets art, and history whispers through every corridor.

From the first word from Principal Sir Jim McDonald (charming as ever, with that signature smile), the room buzzed with energy—not the tired kind, but the alive kind you feel when people genuinely celebrate shared purpose. And what made it unforgettable? The stories behind the honorees.

Four leaders received honorary doctorates:

• Basil Scarsella (UKPN CEO) — who pivoted from football community work to energy and relocated halfway across the globe for “good weather” (welcome to the UK!). Under his leadership, UKPN has achieved historic UK-firsts—and yes, he mentioned PNDC by name in his speech. Glad to see PNDC getting a shoutout. ✨
• Keith Anderson (Scottish Power CEO) — a quiet force in renewable transformation.
• Chris O’Shea (Centrica Group CEO) — whose career spans global energy innovation.
• Sian Lloyd Rees (Awen Solutions MD) — whose words stuck with me.

Why Sian? Because she spoke not just about success, but about the pivot: moving from oil and gas into renewables because opportunity called, trusting mentors at pivotal moments, and embracing roles others might’ve shied away from. She now is a member of six boards simultaneously—NMIS, NZTC, ETZ, Serica Energy, Ignitis Grupe, and Port of Aberdeen. As a woman in this field, I couldn’t help but smile. Yes, this is really fantastic.

But the real goosebumps came later. Sir Jim praised PNDC’s work in “enabling technology de-risking ahead of deployment”—ensuring safety for people and employees. And then… he said it again: “Whole system thinking.”

I lead PNDC’s dedicated team focused on decarbonising heat and whole energy systems—a mission central to our net-zero transition. When he tied that very work directly to the UK’s future? It wasn’t just recognition for me. It was validation for all of us. A moment where PNDC and Strathclyde’s systemic work stepped into the spotlight—not because of any single person, but because this is how real change happens: through teams building bridges between technology, policy, and people.

Basil joked about Australia’s weather, Keith shared quiet wisdom, Chris spoke of legacy—but Sian reminded us all:

“Opportunities don’t always knock—they appear as you move toward them.”

That’s what this ceremony meant to me: a reminder that the future isn’t built by staying put. It’s built by leaning into the next step, even when it feels uncharted.

And yes—I’m proud to be part of a team that turns “whole-system” from a buzzword into action.

🌱 Final Thought:

This wasn’t just an honor for four leaders. It was a mirror held up to all of us:
Your career path isn’t linear. Your impact isn’t limited. And your voice—especially when it speaks whole-system truth—is exactly what the energy transition needs right now.

P.S. Next week? I’m not sure what it will be, but it will surely be insightful. Stay tuned.

With gratitude and a little extra spring in my step,
Priya