On January 29th, I attended the inaugural Circuit Energy Community Breakfast Briefing. The goal? Bringing together a multidisciplinary mix of SMEs, academics, and policymakers to tackle the gargantuan challenge of decarbonisation. It was a fantastic launch, with plenty of time for the kind of networking that actually moves the needle.

But as the coffee was poured, the data started to flow—and it was a wake-up call.

The Technical Reality Check: Adequacy vs. Security

Professor Keith Bell (University of Strathclyde) kicked things off with a “Beginners’ Guide to Energy Supply Resilience.” He drew a crucial distinction that often gets blurred in policy papers:

1. Adequacy: The “slow-burn” threats. Think fuel extraction disruptions, supply chain hiccups, or long-term adverse weather.
2. Security: The “fast-burn” threats. Sudden asset failures, comms breakdowns, or human error.

The Storage “Math” Problem

Keith’s slides on residual energy requirements to ‘meet the peak’ were particularly eye-opening. If we look at historical weather events (like the 2006 peaks) and project them onto our future system, the numbers for required storage are staggering:

• 1 Day of Peak Demand: ~1 TWh
• 1 Week of Peak Demand: 5.9 TWh
• 4 Weeks of Peak Demand: 14.5 TWh

To put that in perspective, our current UK Gas Storage capability is about 10 TWh. However, under the Clean Power 2030 (CP30) estimates, non-fossil storage is pegged at just 0.13 TWh.

The question we have to ask: Have we missed something in CP30? Are the assumptions incoherent, or are we vastly underestimating the “energy gap” during extreme weather events?

A View from PNDC: The Local Transformer Crisis

At PNDC, our analysis of 1-in-20 extreme weather events adds another layer of complexity: the local level. When the temperature drops, heat pumps (HPs) don’t just run; they run at full capacity.

• With 20% HP penetration on the network: We see 20% transformer overloading.
• With 50% HP penetration: Transformers overload by 60%, pushing hotspot temperatures to 150°C.

This isn’t just a technical glitch; it’s a recipe for significantly reduced asset life and potential failure. The mismatch isn’t just national; it’s happening on your street corner.

How Quickly Can We Flip the Switch?

One of the most jarring moments of the morning was comparing UK restoration standards to our European neighbours.

We are aiming for 60% restoration in 24 hours, but a full recovery could take nearly a week. In a world where we are asking everyone to switch to EVs and electric heating, a 5-day outage isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a systemic failure. This “interruption anxiety” is a massive, often overlooked barrier to the EV transition.

The Social & Political Pillar

Following Keith’s data-heavy session was a tall order, but Fraser Stewart (GB Energy) brought it home by focusing on social resilience.

His message was clear: Bills matter. While we know long-term costs should be lower in a decarbonised system, we have to be honest about the “middle bit.” Who foots the bill now, and how is that cost distributed?

Fraser’s Key Takeaways:

1. A Just Transition: This isn’t a “nice-to-have”; it is the foundation of political resilience.
2. Local Ownership: People accept renewables much more readily when they own them, rather than when a developer drops them in.
3. Honesty: We need an honest conversation about the costs and the timeline.

Final Thoughts

The Circuit Energy launch was a reminder that while the “Idea” of decarbonisation is great, the “Engineering” and “Equity” of it are incredibly hard. We have a lot of work to do to bridge the gap between 0.13 TWh of planned storage and the 14.5 TWh we might actually need when the North Wind blows.

Let’s keep the conversation—and the coffee—flowing.

I’m so excited to share a new publication that’s right up my alley—“Grid-Aware Electrification for Decarbonising Port Logistics: A Case Study from Sweden”, co-authored by Sankar Mangalath Ramasan, Jagruti Thakur, and Björn Laumert. As someone deeply passionate about whole-system decarbonisation and the real-world integration of clean technologies, this paper resonates with both my professional focus and personal curiosity.

Ports are critical nodes in global supply chains, and their electrification—especially of shore-side vehicles (ESVs)—is a powerful lever for reducing emissions. But here’s the catch: electrification isn’t just about swapping diesel for power—it’s about managing the grid impact. This study dives into that very challenge, using the Port of Oskarshamn (Sweden) as a living lab.

🔍 One key insight?
Unmanaged (“dumb”) charging, where ESVs plug in and charge whenever they can, puts massive stress on the local grid. In fact, it can push transformers beyond safe limits up to 10% of the time, potentially forcing costly, immediate infrastructure upgrades.

💡 The game-changer? Smart charging.
When we optimise charging schedules, aligning them with grid capacity and operational breaks (like lunch breaks), we dramatically reduce peak demand. The study shows this can defer major grid investments by up to three years, which is huge for budget-conscious ports and energy planners.

☀️ Even better? Pairing smart charging with solar PV.
Adding on-site solar not only cuts grid dependency but also helps smooth out peak loads. It’s a win-win: improved grid stability, greater energy independence, and even the potential for energy export from port systems in the future.

This isn’t just theory—it’s grounded in real port operations, real schedules, and real data. It’s a powerful example of how technology, planning, and renewables can work together to make decarbonisation not only possible but practical.

👉 If you’re working in energy systems, port logistics, or smart grid integration, I highly recommend reading the full paper. It offers actionable insights into how real-world electrification challenges can be addressed through smart charging and renewable integration—making it a valuable resource for those navigating the practical side of the energy transition.

Stay curious, stay green, and let’s keep building smarter energy futures—together.

Warmly,
Priya 🌍🔋🌱

We decided — on a whim — to do a pure digital detox: 2 days, no screens, no emails, just us, the hills, and a glamping pod on the Isle of Mull. The only thing we checked? “Will there be a storm?”
Answer: Yes — but only on the day we leave.
So we packed: boots, books, snacks (so many snacks), and a hopeful heart.

Day 1:
The drive was lovely — winding roads, misty hills, and then… a herd of deer.
But the roads were narrow, the light fading, and we had to keep going.
Disappointed? A little.
But we reached our pod, played board games, and slept like logs.

Day 2:
Woke up to a view that made me gasp — lake, hills, mist, peace.
And then — three deer — right at the front of the pod, grazing like they owned the place.
I squealed. My daughter laughed.

We spent the day exploring the north of the island — stopping at every scenic spot, snapping photos, and watching people swim in the sea and lakes.
Inspired? Absolutely.
So on Day 3, we braved the cold.
Knee-deep in icy water? Check.
Shivering? Check.
Regret? Nope.
We’d done it. And next time? Deeper.

Day 3 (Evening):
Still no eagles.
We were starting to think the island’s nickname was just a marketing ploy.
Then — whoosh — a golden eagle flew so low in front of the car, just a few feet away.
We all screamed.
“EAGLE!”
“YES! IT’S REAL!”
“THE UNIVERSE HEARD US!”

And just as we were still buzzing…
Three deer — two females, one male — leapt across the road right in front of us.
No photo. No time.
But the moment? Priceless.

Day 4:
We drove home through the storm.
Our prayers — “Please, let it wait until we’re back” — were answered.
The rain came after we’d left.
Perfect.

🌟 The Takeaway (Because I Can’t Resist):

When you really want something — not just “I’d like to” but “I need this” — the universe leans in.
It doesn’t always give you what you expect.
But it gives you something — often better.
Deer. Eagles. Cold water. A storm that waits.
And a reminder:

Sometimes, the best plans are the ones you don’t make at all.

P.S.
Still not cleaning up the garden bits.
But I did bring back a little piece of Mull.
And a whole lot of peace.

I started Shape thinking: “Right, this is about geometry. Probably boring.”
Then I was halfway through and thought: “Wait… is this about Covid? And politics? And why my teenage daughter’s art looks like a fractal?”

By chapter four, I was genuinely lost.
The book was hopping from Fibonacci to famine, from voting systems to viral spread — like a very clever, slightly chaotic squirrel on a caffeine high.

I nearly put it down.
Then I thought: “Maybe I’m missing the point.”

So I carried on.
And then — boom — it clicked.

You prove one thing… and suddenly, the world gets bigger.

It wasn’t a single idea. It was a pattern.
One truth opens a door. Then another. Then another.
And before you know it, you’re standing in a whole new landscape — full of questions, wonder, and the occasional crooked Fibonacci spiral.

Here’s what I’m taking from it — not from grand projects, but from thinking differently:

1. All hype isn’t true. Be a bit sceptical.
   Just because it looks elegant doesn’t mean it’s right. (Cough, revolutionary energy tech.)
2. Maths is hard. Let’s admit it.
   If we pretend it’s easy, students won’t ask questions. And if they don’t ask, they’re not learning.
   So: “This is tricky. Let’s figure it out.”
   (Even if I’m still figuring it out myself.)
3. Fibonacci wasn’t the first. And we’re still reinventing wheels.
   The sequence was known in India centuries before Fibonacci. Now? We’re doing the same thing with clean tech — in labs across the globe.
   Is that progress? Or just a very expensive game of “Who’s got the same idea?”
4. If you’ve never guessed wrong, you’re not guessing hard enough.
   I’m going to try to be wrong more often.
   (Even if it means my energy model fails spectacularly. Progress!)
5. I don’t want AI to give answers — I want it to ask better questions.
   “Why are we assuming the grid is centralised?”
   “What if people don’t want to change?”
   Now that’s the kind of thinking that moves mountains.
6. Even Nobel winners can be petty.
   Ronald Ross spent years grumbling about recognition — and honestly? I get it.
   But the real win? The work. The curiosity. The trying.
   So keep going. Even if no one’s watching.

Final thought:
Shape didn’t change my projects — not yet.
But it changed how I think.
And that’s the best kind of shift: quiet, slow, and full of potential.

So if you’re into maths, meaning, or just want to feel slightly more human while sipping tea — go read it.
Just don’t expect it to be easy.

(And if it is? You’re probably missing the point.)

Until next time,
Priya
📍 R&D Leader, Mum, and Future-Thinker-in-Training

Coincidentally, it came just after my week teaching at KTH — a perfect bookend to a week that began with theory and ended with real-world innovation.

🏭 Kraftringen: 4G District Heating, Net Zero by 2030

We started at Kraftringen, a regional energy provider delivering electricity, heating, cooling, and fibre internet across southern Sweden.

“In Sweden, electricity is 140 TWh, heat is 100 TWh — but there’s no market for heat.”
— Sezgin Kadir, Group CEO, Kraftringen

That sentence stuck with me. It’s a system that works — but one that’s still disconnected from the market economy. Yet, Kraftringen is pushing forward:

• Net zero CO₂ emissions by 2030
• 4G district heating system
• A major demonstration project: Brunnshog, where recycled residual heat will become district cooling — set to launch Q1 2026, with a first-phase investment of 200 million SEK

We saw the spring systems supporting compressors — designed to reduce vibrations across the entire building. Small detail. Big impact.

🌐 E.ON Ectogrid: 3 Global Demonstrations, One Vision

Next stop: E.ON Ectogrid, a pioneer in smart, flexible district energy systems.

They’re running three live demonstrations — each tackling heat decarbonisation differently:

1. Medicon Village, Lund, Sweden
   • Type: Balanced energy
   • Size: 16 GWh demand, 23 buildings
   • Source: Air-to-water heat pumps
   • System: 5G district heating and cooling
2. Silvertown, London, UK
   • Type: Waste heat
   • Size: 40 GWh, 6,500 apartments
   • Source: Industrial waste heat
3. Magasins Généraux, Reims, France
   • Type: Ambient heat
   • Size: 6 GWh, 400 apartments
   • Source: Geothermal

We visited the Medicon Village site — a living lab of efficiency. The large thermal storage tank stood out: a quiet, massive presence, storing heat for when it’s needed most.

🏭 Alfa Laval: Where Heat Exchangers Are Engineered, Not Just Built

The final stop was Alfa Laval’s heat exchanger manufacturing facility — a vast, high-tech site where innovation is built into every component.

I hadn’t realised the depth of R&D behind a single heat exchanger. With hundreds of patents, this isn’t just a factory — it’s a research hub.

The scale was impressive. The precision, staggering. And the quiet hum of a system designed to move heat with maximum efficiency? That’s the future.

🌆 A Final View: Lund from the Rooftop

We ended day 1 at a rooftop bar in Lund — a quiet moment to reflect.

The city stretched below, bathed in golden light. The air was cool. The conversation, still buzzing with ideas.

✈️ The Last Word: “Time flies when you’re exploring the world”

As I boarded my flight from Copenhagen Airport, I passed a the followign sign:

It felt like the perfect closing line.

Ten days in Sweden — a week teaching at KTH, a study tour in Lund, meetings, labs, sadya, chaat, golden halls, and midnight walks.

I came for energy systems. I left with ideas, connections, and a renewed sense of what’s possible.

And one clear takeaway:

Heat decarbonisation isn’t just about technology. It’s about systems, markets, and the courage to pilot what’s next.

The UK has much to learn — and much to offer.

My daughter is deeply in love with Chappel Roan (and honestly, I get it — the vibes are electric). So when the concert tickets landed, we were in. She’d been on repeat: “Good Luck, Babe,” “Super Graphic Ultra Modern,” and “HOT TO GO — non-stop. I half-joked, “If I hear it once more, I’ll start hating it.”

Spoiler: I didn’t hate it. I loved it.
Turns out, singing along — really singing along — is the secret ingredient. The energy, the crowd, the shared joy… it’s magic. Lesson learned: listen to the songs in advance. Not just to prepare, but to feel the moment.

We arrived early — smart move, right? Well, not so much. I’d been battling a migraine all day. By the time we hit the venue, my head was doing the cha-cha. I bent over, hands on temples, trying to look like I wasn’t about to faint. My husband vanished in search of water (a hero), my daughter stood like a sentinel near the front row, guarding our spot like a tiny concert warrior.

Then — two kind strangers, latecomers like us — stopped. Not just glanced. Stopped.
“Are you okay?” one asked. “Can we get you water?”
I was stunned. Not just by the offer, but by the genuine concern. I explained it was a migraine, and thanked them for their kindness.

In that moment, I felt seen. Not just as a mom, not just as a migraine sufferer — but as a person. And in a sea of strangers, that meant something.

So yes, I might survive another concert. Maybe. But not anytime soon.
For now, I’ll be sipping tea, listening to softer music or even Chappel Roan, and mentally preparing for the next one — with a better migraine plan and a stronger playlist.

P.S. If you’re thinking of going to a concert solo — don’t worry. There are kind people out there. And sometimes, a little kindness is the best encore.

Hi everyone,

Last week was a whirlwind of learning and inspiration! I had the fantastic opportunity to attend the CIRED conference and even present a paper. My topic, “Reducing Peak Demand of EV fast charging stations using solar power streetlights,” focuses on bringing clever energy solutions to developing countries in Africa, especially where we have lots of sun but grids need a bit of extra strength. It’s all about making renewable integration smoother!

The conference itself was a packed five-day schedule. We started with insightful tutorials, then dived deep into technical sessions over the next three days – it was great exchanging ideas with energy experts from around the globe.

But, honestly, one of the absolute highlights for me was the site visit on the final day. We got to see the Alpiq Pumped Storage Power Plant in action, which is Switzerland’s second-biggest facility of its kind. It was way more than just looking at machinery; it felt like stepping into a history book of energy innovation!

Let me share just a few mind-blowing facts about the place:

• It started operations back in 1971.
• The plant has evolved significantly. Originally, Veytaux 1 had four turbines (60 MW each), totalling 240 MW. Then, in 2017, they added two more powerful units (120 MW each), boosting the total capacity to 480 MW!
• This plant is incredibly flexible – it can switch from pumping water (storing energy) to generating power (releasing energy) in just 4 minutes!
• It can respond to grid frequency changes super fast – in less than 0.5 seconds! That’s crucial for grid stability.
• It can store a massive amount of energy – 100 million kWh – equivalent to what 2 million electric vehicles could hold!
• There’s even a clever trick called a “hydraulic short circuit.” Sometimes, when they need to get water out of a lake but don’t need the extra energy right away (or the grid can’t take it), they can adjust the system so the turbines keep spinning to handle the water flow without actually drawing power from the grid. Smart, right?

Figure 1: Just a glimpse of the incredible engineering we saw at Alpiq.

During the tour, which took us through all the key parts – the generator/motor units, the impressive Pelton wheels, the couplers, and the pumps – I felt this cool connection to my past. The sight of those Pelton turbines, especially, brought back vivid memories of an industrial visit way back during my undergraduate days in India, nearly twenty years ago!

It made me realise how much stays with you from those foundational experiences. I remembered the Sengulam Hydro Power Plant we visited. That plant was commissioned even earlier than Alpiq – way back in 1954! It was a significant part of my early engineering education. The Sengulam plant is fed by a balancing reservoir, the Sengulam Reservoir, formed by constructing a dam. Its storage capacity might seem modest compared to Alpiq’s overall system – it’s around 2.31 Million Cubic Meters (MCM) total, broken down into dead storage (1.61 MCM) and effective storage (0.70 MCM). But the engineering was impressive for its time and scale. The plant housed 4 generating units, each with a capacity of 12.7 MW, and notably, they used horizontal-axis double runner Pelton turbines. Seeing the vertical Pelton turbines at Alpiq, with their improved efficiencies (around 4-5% better than older designs), put those old engineering lessons into sharp perspective. It was fascinating to contrast the older horizontal design I remembered from Sengulam with the newer, more powerful vertical units at Alpiq.

It really got me thinking about how powerful visual cues are for memory. As I stared at the turbines, it reminded me of Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Blink,” where he talks about our instant, intuitive responses – how sometimes seeing a picture or object can tell us something much faster and deeper than words can describe. It’s like trying to explain someone’s face versus just looking at a photo – the impact is different. We’ll definitely dive deeper into the insights from “Blink” in another post soon!

Figure 2: A close-up look at a spare Pelton turbine – a piece of engineering history!

So, the CIRED conference wasn’t just about presenting new ideas; it was also about seeing incredible real-world applications and, unexpectedly, reconnecting with my own educational journey. It’s amazing how technology evolves and how past experiences can resurface with just the right trigger!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you found these glimpses as interesting as I did.

Warm regards,
Priya

Here are some of the key takeaways that struck me:

1. The Spectrum of Improvement: Incremental vs. Phenomenal

Syed highlights the difference between incremental improvements and the rare, but crucial, instances of phenomenal innovation. Both are vital, but they operate differently. Incremental improvement is about refining what we already do, making it slightly better, faster, or more efficient over time. Phenomenal innovation, on the other hand, is the breakthrough – the game-changer that shifts paradigms.

The book underscores that both have their place. We need the steady progress of incremental improvements to build a strong foundation. But we also need the audacity of phenomenal innovation to leap forward into the future. It’s about recognising when to fine-tune and when to think big.

2. Embracing Failure for Faster Learning: Randomised Controlled Trials

One concept that particularly resonated was the idea of using randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to embrace failure as a learning tool. The principle is straightforward: “Be wrong as fast as we can.” By actively seeking out what doesn’t work, we can quickly identify flaws, learn from them, and pivot towards more effective solutions.

This approach contrasts sharply with cultures that fear failure or stigmatise mistakes. In environments where errors are seen as opportunities for growth, rather than reasons for blame, progress can accelerate significantly.

This also ties into creativity, which happens when you are away from the desk or when you receive conflicting information. Don’t restrict brainstorms to no criticism. Criticism can fuel creativity, in turn resulting in progress. Taking a break in that case seems only wise personally, which is why I ended up binge-watching the Netflix series ‘Department Q’ after absorbing all this thought-provoking material!

3. The Destructive Blame Game vs. Constructive Learning

Black Box Thinking powerfully illustrates the difference between cultures that foster a blame game when things go wrong and those that prioritise learning from errors. The former often leads to stagnation and hidden problems, while the latter can drive remarkable improvements and safety.

It’s easy to blame the system, or the actions or inactions of those around us, when we don’t succeed. Syed points out that the higher the status of the decision or the person, the harder it becomes to accept mistakes. There’s often a strong desire to maintain the status quo, leading to the dismissal of evidence that contradicts initial decisions, especially after mistakes have been made.

Decisions always look different with perfect hindsight. However, the key takeaway is that fostering an environment where failures are analysed constructively, rather than covered up, is crucial for growth and innovation.

4. Mindset Matters: Fixed vs. Growth

The book delves into the concept of mindset, specifically, the contrast between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Research mentioned by Syed showed an interesting electrical brain signal difference between the two. Individuals with a growth mindset exhibited a higher magnitude signal when processing errors, suggesting a more active learning response.

This aligns with observations in children. When faced with difficult problems, kids with a fixed mindset might respond with thoughts like, “I guess I’m not very smart,” or “I don’t have very good memory.” This often leads to deteriorating strategies even when faced with simpler problems later. Conversely, children with a growth mindset often react with, “I love a challenge,” or view mistakes as “our friend.” In studies referenced by Syed, over 80% of kids with a growth mindset improved their strategies after encountering a challenge.

This made me ponder the educational environment. I previously blogged about my vertical planter experiment (“Can Vertical Planter help beat the slugs?”). The early result is that the vertical planter might have beaten the slugs, but the birds still beat me by nipping the first ripe strawberry before I could even see it turn red! It’s a small victory, but a learning experience nonetheless.

This gardening anecdote mirrors a broader question I have about education: particularly in the UK, schools are often highly encouraging and rarely provide negative feedback or significant challenges. If a child is struggling, the work is often adjusted to ensure they “enjoy” it. While this approach aims to build confidence in the short term, are we inadvertently setting children up for future challenges when the real world might not adjust its difficulty level just because you are struggling? It’s a delicate balance between nurturing confidence and preparing for real-world adversity.

Similarly, Syed discusses the concept of self-handicapping – consciously creating obstacles or making excuses before an action, so that whatever the outcome, there’s something to blame (like “I only got this grade because I was up all night partying”). This preemptive move shields one’s self-esteem but hinders genuine learning and improvement.

Conclusion: Learning from the Journey

Black Box Thinking has been a thought-provoking journey. It challenges us to look at errors not as failures to be hidden, but as invaluable data points for progress. Whether it’s improving energy systems in my R&D work, fostering creativity in card-making with my daughter, or learning from the quirks of nature in my garden, the principle remains: understanding why things go wrong is often the key to making things go right.

Let’s strive to cultivate a ‘black box’ mindset in all areas of our lives – one where we learn relentlessly from every experience.

I’m truly excited to share that a paper I co-authored with Soumia Ayyadi and Ryan Sims has recently been published, focusing on the lifetime cost analysis of zero-emission refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) in Scotland. This research is particularly timely as we continue to explore sustainable solutions for urban and rural environments alike.

Let’s delve into some of the key findings from our study.

Comparing Powertrains: Fuel Cell vs. Battery vs. Diesel

Our research compared the tank-to-wheel lifetime costs of zero-emission RCVs powered by hydrogen fuel cells and electric batteries against traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) RCVs. We looked at the complete waste collection operation, daily driving mileage, and crucially, the social costs involved in both rural and urban settings. We also examined how the connection of the hydrogen plant to the energy source impacts overall costs.

Here are some standout findings:

1. FCRCV Competitiveness: In our base case scenario, where hydrogen is produced centrally, the fuel cell RCV (FCRCV) demonstrated strong competitiveness against the traditional ICE RCV. Specifically, the lifetime cost of the FCRCV was found to be 8.34% lower in urban areas and nearly 20% lower in rural areas compared to the ICE RCV.
2. Impact of Hydrogen Production Method: When we shifted to considering the hydrogen cost from a decentralised pathway (where the hydrogen plant is directly connected to renewable energy sources), the results were quite interesting. In urban areas, the FCRCV’s lifetime cost was slightly higher, at 5.4% more than the battery RCV (BRCV). However, in rural areas, the FCRCV came out ahead, being 6.63% less expensive than the BRCV. This difference can largely be attributed to the anticipated maturity of hydrogen production technology, which is expected to lower hydrogen prices, coupled with the expectation of rising electricity prices over time. Additionally, the BRCV’s high electricity consumption in rural areas plays a significant role in this cost difference.
3. Sensitivity to Fuel Costs: Our sensitivity analysis on fuel costs revealed significant variations, showing how sensitive the economics are. You can see the impact in this figure:

The analysis showed that under centralised production scenarios (Scenario 1), the FCRCV’s lifetime cost increased by 17.6% and 21.23% in urban and rural areas, respectively, compared to the base case. Conversely, in decentralised production scenarios, the FCRCV’s lifetime cost decreased by 8.22% and 10.37% for urban and rural areas, respectively.

Beyond the Numbers: Social Benefits

Beyond the economic considerations, it’s vital to highlight the broader social benefits of transitioning to low-emission vehicles. These benefits include long-term savings, improved public health (especially in areas close to residential zones, schools, and hospitals), and a significant reduction in environmental impact. Including these ‘hidden’ social benefits in the lifetime cost analysis provides a clearer picture of the real advantages of zero-emission technologies.

Conclusion

The insights from this research underscore the importance of considering both economic and social factors when evaluating the transition to zero-emission technologies. By understanding the full lifecycle costs and benefits, including the nuances of hydrogen production pathways and regional differences, we can better support policies and initiatives that promote sustainable and healthy environments for all.

I hope you find this information as exciting as I do. As always, I’m here to discuss any thoughts or questions you might have. Let’s keep the conversation going! 🚀

Further Reading

For those interested in diving deeper into the research, methodology, and detailed findings, you can find the full paper here.

1. “People Matter”—But Do You Let Them Know It?

Zach’s interview starts with a simple truth: We all crave to feel seen and valued. But here’s the twist—being around people isn’t the same as noticing them. Whether you’re a manager leading a team or a teammate in a project, the act of deliberately noticing someone’s effort, style, or contribution can shift their entire day.

2. Observe, Note, and Share—The Rhythm of Recognition

Zach emphasises a three-step practice that anyone can adopt:

• Observe: Take a moment to truly see what someone is doing.
• Note: Write down or mentally catalogue that observation.
• Share: Communicate it in a way that makes them feel heard.

This isn’t just for leaders—it’s for anyone who wants to build stronger connections. It’s surprising how often team members feel validated when their work is highlighted, even if it’s not part of a formal review.

3. Common Sense ≠ Common Practice

Zach’s blunt truth hit home: Acknowledging people is common sense, but it’s not a common practice. Why? Because it requires intentionality. In a world of back-to-back Zooms and inbox overload, it’s easy to default to transactional interactions. But creating a culture where people feel significant takes effort and consistency.

Actionable insight: During Covid times, when in-person interactions were almost inexistent, I created ‘virtual coffee’ meetings. No agenda, just time to check in with colleagues beyond the usual project updates. Note to myself to restart these!

Your Turn: Make Time for the Unplanned

Zach’s challenge? Schedule the unexpected. Block out 10 minutes in your calendar for a non-work-related check-in. Or better yet, let it happen organically—ask a colleague about their weekend hobby, or share a funny meme from your crafting journey. Small moments add up to a big culture shift.

And here’s my favourite takeaway from the episode, which I’ve tucked into my notebook:

“I cannot change the way I look, but maybe just maybe you can change the way you see.”

This line stuck with me because it’s a call to action for all of us. Whether you’re leading a team, collaborating on a project, or even bonding with your teen over cardmaking, the way you “see” someone’s value can redefine their day.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on this episode, I’m reminded that innovation isn’t just about technology or policies—it’s about people. At PNDC, we’re building the future of energy systems, but the human connections we nurture along the way are equally vital. And outside work, my garden, kitchen, and craft table thrive on the same principle: noticing the small, meaningful details.

What’s one person or moment you’ve noticed recently that made you feel seen? Let’s keep the conversation going—drop a comment, or share your “notice” story on social with the hashtag #PowerOfMattering. 

Until next time, stay curious, stay connected, and keep your eyes (and ears) open!

—Priya