The 3GE Team, [RE]Power Hackathon First Place winner, presents their clean energy policy proposal.

Announced at New Energy Nexus Indonesia’s [RE]Power event, the policies will be shared with policy leaders who will formulate the upcoming 2025-2029 RPJMN (National Medium-Term Development Plan).

• First place: Encouraging private sector engagement through efficiency and transparency in a public-private partnership for renewable energy infrastructure project in Indonesia | 3GE Team (Nain M. Farchan & Elmaira Ferlita S) – Universitas Jember
• Second place: Establishing a Coordinating Ministry for Climate Change as a Solution for Data Integration and Roadmap Synchronization to reach Indonesia’s Net Zero Emission Goals | Invaluable Team (Azaria Ahmad Haykal, Gema Wachid Aryasatya, Rafi Ramadhan Seba) – Institut Teknologi Bandung & University of Tokyo
• Third place: Proposing strategies to strengthen the clean energy research and development ecosystem in Indonesia | Arindama Team (Rizka Fitria Utami & Herlina Pebria) – Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa
  These teams were selected after completing a rigorous bootcamp, developing capstone projects, and participating in intensive mentoring sessions. The winning teams will share a total prize of IDR45,000,000.

“Young people are not only one-quarter of the Indonesia’s population, but they’re also at the forefront of climate change impacts. That’s why we’re showcasing their ideas and solutions, providing them the opportunity to collaborate with entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers to influence future energy policy,” said Diyanto Imam, Program Director of New Energy Nexus Indonesia. “We’re so proud of the finalists and all the participants who demonstrated unyielding optimism to solve some of the world’s most intractable problems.”

According to the first-place winner 3GE Team, there are several key issues in Indonesia’s clean energy policies, particularly in relation to Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). These include a lack of transparency and persistent corruption within renewable energy projects, unclear risk-sharing mechanisms between the public and private sectors, and the absence of compelling incentives that limit the appeal of green energy initiatives under the current PPP framework.

“To address these challenges, we recommend improving public transparency and accountability through open reporting on project implementation, establishing clear risk-sharing mechanisms to strengthen public-private partnerships, and developing more attractive programs for investors with effective financing strategies,” said Elmaira Ferlita S, a member of the 3GE Team. “These measures are essential for driving sustainable development in Indonesia’s clean energy sector.”

“I never realized how much goes into creating a policy and how deeply it impacts our daily lives. While I’m thrilled that our team won, I’m even more grateful for the knowledge and networks we’ve gained through the [RE]Power Hackathon, especially the intensive discussions we had with our mentors and industry experts,” added Nain M. Farchan, also from the 3GE Team.

New Energy Nexus (NEX) Indonesia’s [RE]Power Hackathon is the country’s first youth-driven energy policy hackathon designed for young innovators to develop forward-thinking policies that will catalyze the adoption of clean technologies across Indonesia.

“I am pleased to see our youth dedicating their minds to creating policies that will drive Indonesia toward achieving its sustainable energy transition goals. The fact that dozens of young people applied to the [RE]Power Hackathon shows their deep interest in and commitment to these critical issues,” said Ir. Senda Hurmuzan Kanam., M.Sc on behalf of Eniya Listiani Dewi, Director General of New and Renewable Energy. “As someone who helps shape regulations, it gives me peace of mind knowing we are not alone in this journey. When my time ends, I am confident that our future leaders will take the reins and ensure Indonesia’s continued progress with just policies.”

The [RE]Power Hackathon also welcomed five startups from Bali showcasing products ranging from waste-derived innovations to eco-apps aimed at promoting sustainable tourism: Ambawarna, Kishara, Decoco Luminer, Ecous, Kelana Terra.

[RE]Power is proud to collaborate with eleven youth-led organizations: BEM FH Universitas Indonesia, Climate Rangers Jakarta, Economy for Ecology, Environmental Law Society FH Universitas Indonesia, Green Welfare Indonesia, School of Applied STEM Universitas Prasetya Mulya, Society of Renewable Energy ITB, Society of Renewable Energy ITK, Society of Renewable Energy Universitas Indonesia, Teens Go Green Indonesia, and Mindworks Lab. NEX Indonesia is also grateful for the support of our media partners, Changemakr Asia, Katadata.co.id, Katadata Green, and Zona EBT.

The support from Milkywire, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Ministry of National Development Planning has been critical in NEX Indonesia’s efforts to foster a vibrant cleantech ecosystem in Indonesia.

Makati City, Philippines, 18 September 2024 — The Philippines currently has 91 clean energy and climate startups, representing a six-fold increase since 2020 (from 15), according to a new report, It takes a village: Growing an ecosystem to support Philippines’ clean energy startups, from New Energy Nexus. Of these startups, 18 have raised almost US$1.3 million.

“The Filipino clean energy innovation ecosystem has shown huge progress and promise in the past years, but the nascent space runs the risk of stalling because of lack of access to networks, funding, testing facilities, and skills training,” said Brenda Valerio, Country Director at NEX Philippines. “Local entrepreneurs are best placed to understand how to deploy solutions in their communities and transition our economy more equitably to clean energy. It really does take a village to build and deploy these solutions.”

The study also found that while these startups are mostly in Metro Manila (34.1%), entrepreneurs from Northern Mindanao (14.5%) and CALABARZON (16.5%) are carving up space in the industry.

Industries for climate and clean energy startup companies and enterprises

Nearly half of startups (49%) are in the renewable energy generation sector, while others are in the sustainable transportation / e-mobility sector,  energy access sector (both at 8%), and waste management (7%).

These developments are due in part to more opportunities for clean energy businesses to scale, with over 100 national energy policies and incentives easing the burden on entrepreneurs, increasing opportunities in the private sector, and incubator and accelerator programs run by organizations such as New Energy Nexus—which is still the only non-profit clean energy accelerator in the country. New Energy Nexus has directly supported over 90 percent of these startups since 2019.

Despite significant progress, the report outlines how public, private, and advocacy stakeholders can build an innovation ecosystem to support more thriving startups and accelerate the adoption and deployment of clean energy innovation.

• Among the gaps seen are in the public sector. Unstreamlined bureaucratic processes, lack of resources at the local level, and potential policy changes make it tough for many entrepreneurs to access the funding and incentive programs that the government provides. There is also a lack of research, testbeds, and facilities in the country that could accelerate the development of clean energy technologies.
• Another concern is private investments. Of the US$ 1.3 million in funding mentioned above, only 13 percent came from private loans and investments. Furthermore, some startups require substantial upfront investment,  yet many are not ready to meet the demand of managing large capital injections. This is where support from the private sector, government, and nonprofits is required—beyond early-stage funding, startups need to access venture capital and growth-stage funding in order to scale and access new markets.

“In my observation, most startups are not yet ready for the type of funding that’s currently available. We have to recognize that many of these companies are still at an early stage in their development,” said Rachel Santiago-Sacro of venture fund Clime Capital, which invests in sustainability and clean energy ventures. “It’s crucial that we provide support at every stage of a startup’s journey, not just when they’re ready for significant investment.”

• On the scarcity of capital, the report recommends experimenting with diverse funding mechanisms and de-risking strategies to create a more investor-friendly environment for both institutions and innovators. These include public-private partnerships, venture capital, and crowdfunding, which could boost financial support for energy innovation in the country.

Furthermore, the report calls for streamlining regulatory processes for ease of business, enhanced support on market access, integration of energy innovation and entrepreneurship topics in academic curricula, and fostering a community of various stakeholders to facilitate mutual learning.

“Many of these gaps could be filled by addressing fragmentation in the clean energy sector,” Valerio said. “Instead of working independently, government agencies, think tanks, and non-government organizations must collaborate to make processes more efficient for startups and to catch up with the country’s growing startup space.”

Sydney, 18 September 2024 – The second annual Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge announces today a new cohort of 12 startups with solutions to rapidly convert half the Australian vehicle fleet to electric vehicles (EVs), equivalent to more than 10 million vehicles.

The Challenge aims to find solutions that can deploy up to 1.3TWh of batteries that would be required to reach this goal, starting with approximately 600GWh of heavy truck and bus batteries (plus up to 25GWh for  mining), 400GWh for light trucks and commercial vehicles and 260GWh for passenger vehicles [1].

The startups selected for the cohort are:

• Australian EVS, Newcastle, NSW: light commercial EV retrofits for councils and fleets.
• Cuedo Controls, Melbourne, VIC: efficient EV software control systems for the entire retrofit market.
• Eclass Outboards, Kiama, NSW: electric outboard and marine hybrid retrofits for pleasure craft and fishing fleets.
• Electric Power Conversions Australia (EPCA), Hazelmere, WA: EV retrofitting mining haul trucks from 100 tonnes and up
• Electromotiv, Canberra, ACT: EV retrofitting buses for public transport and private fleets
• Evans Electric, Sydney, NSW: EV powertrain hardware and software developer specialising in axial flux motor development including e-axles
• IonDNA, ACT and NSW: power electric ATVs, utility vehicles, and farm tools from electricity generated via on-site solar power infrastructure.
• Jaunt, Melbourne, VIC: EV conversion systems for classic cars and specialist commercial vehicles.
• Net Zero Engineering Solutions, Adelaide, SA: bi-directional EV charging solution.
• OZ Electric Vehicles, Logan City, QLD: battery upscaling and “flat pack” EV retrofit kits.
• “Project Midas,” Sydney, NSW: next-generation graphene anode technology, improving lithium-ion battery performance and safety.
• REVR, Melbourne, VIC: Minimised installation requirement mass EV retrofit kits.

“This is the first innovation challenge of its type in Australia to focus on mass EV retrofitting vehicles. With the incredible increase in battery demand this would generate, we aim to change the conversation on the viability of battery and cell manufacturing in Australia, taking advantage of our huge competitive advantage in the lithium battery supply chain,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager for Supercharge Australia.

“Not only would retrofitting half the Australian vehicle fleet to electric vehicles rapidly reduce emissions from transport, it would also support a big capacity uplift in our startup innovation ecosystem and clean energy advanced manufacturing,” said Megan Fisher, CEO of EnergyLab.

Participants in the inaugural Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge in 2023 raised over AU$48 million in funding subsequent to the first Challenge. Applicants this year will benefit from technical support, networking, mentoring, wide exposure and introductions to investors and customers in an industry roundtable to accelerate their success.

Delivered over two months with most sessions online, startups will receive advice from international and domestic experts in finance, IP and business growth, and pitching the opportunity to investors. This will culminate in the second Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge Awards event, in Sydney on November 7.

The winning startup will also have the opportunity to join an expert guided visit by Danny Kennedy, EnergyLab Director and Venture Partner at New Energy Nexus Ventures, to California’s startup ecosystem, centred in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“It’s a perfect time to showcase the world-beating ambition and technical know-how this team has to decarbonise half Australia’s vehicle fleet, all with Australian-made lithium batteries,” said Danny Kennedy.

The Challenge aims to rapidly decarbonise the transport sector and accelerate battery demand.  In 2022 the transport sector contributed to 19% of Australia’s emissions, with trucks, buses and light commercial vehicles accounting for about 40% of the total transport figure. The potential CO2 savings are critically important; and vehicle acquisition cost savings of up to 50% per vehicle in comparison to new purchases have been identified in overseas markets.

Supercharge Australia is accelerating the lithium battery value chain in Australia, and is a joint project of not-for-profit cleantech startup support organisations New Energy Nexus globally and EnergyLab in Australia and New Zealand.

Notes:

Photos are available here.

[1] Calculations apply expert-advised current and at-scale estimates of lithium battery, electric motor, software control systems, wages and ancillary design and other costs to the Australian vehicle fleet data from Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics. “Motor Vehicles, Australia, January 2022 (First Issue).”

About New Energy Nexus

New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.

NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. More at www.newenergynexus.com

About EnergyLab

EnergyLab is Australia’s largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation network dedicated to reaching net zero emissions. EnergyLab connects talented founders to the mentors, advisors, partners, peers and investors they need to succeed and has so far supported over 195 startups and 140 aspiring founders through its various programs.

In addition to running 10 programs, EnergyLab operates a climate focused angel investor network with over 200 angel investors, a mentor network with over 400 experts, coworking and events space at UTS in Sydney all of these services are leveraged to support the clean energy and decarbonisation startup ecosystem in Australia.

July 31, 2024 – New Energy Nexus is expanding its impact into Pakistan through a partnership with Renewables First, the country’s leading think tank for energy and the environment.

From left: Zeeshan Ashfaq, CEO of Renewables First, and Stanley Ng, Global Partnerships Director at New Energy Nexus

The partnership, announced at the Pakistan Cleantech Forum in Islamabad, will set the stage for economic growth, job creation, and increased international investment in Pakistan’s burgeoning climate tech sector.

Recognizing Pakistan’s climate vulnerability and substantial climate financing gap, the partnership aims to catalyze change in the climate tech space by combining New Energy Nexus’s global expertise in accelerating clean energy businesses and startups with Renewables First’s deep understanding of local challenges. This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment, as Pakistan strives to meet its ambitious Paris Agreement commitment of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030.

Stanley Ng, Global Partnerships Director at New Energy Nexus

“Our partnership with New Energy Nexus marks a significant milestone in Renewables First’s mission of accelerating Pakistan’s energy transition,” said Zeeshan Ashfaq, CEO of Renewables First.

“Pakistan presents an ideal market for cleantech growth, where potential is aplenty, and our youth deserves opportunities to flourish and mainstream their ideas. We remain committed to investing in the future of Pakistan’s cleantech ecosystem.”

Stanley Ng, Global Partnerships Director at New Energy Nexus, said: “Pakistan is the world’s fifth most populous nation, with its largest industries in high carbon-emitting sectors like textiles, agriculture, automotive, cement, steel, and chemicals. Here lies an immense opportunity to ignite the development of groundbreaking climate tech innovations.

“New Energy Nexus, with its vast experience in ecosystem building, and Renewables First, with its deep energy market insights and network, are coming together to unlock this potential. Together, we will identify critical areas where climate entrepreneurs can craft impactful solutions, deploy them, and scale their efforts to enable a low-carbon economy.”

Ahtasam Ahmad, Energy Finance Associate at Renewables First

New Energy Nexus and Renewables First will launch programs in the next 12 months focusing on developing a strong pipeline of clean energy startups and enhancing their success through tailored training programs, as well as collaboration with other ecosystem stakeholders and policy advocacy to support an enabling environment for climate tech innovation.

About Renewables First

Renewables First (RF) is a think-and-do tank for energy and the environment. RF’s work addresses critical energy and natural resource issues with the aim of making energy and climate transitions just and inclusive through impactful research, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. More at: www.renewablesfirst.org

Jakarta, Indonesia, July 18 – New Energy Nexus Indonesia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Directorate General of Small and Medium Industries, Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, to partner on a program that will empower clean technology entrepreneurs in the country to scale.

The MoU signing, officiated by Dr. Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, M.Si, Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, is for a Clean Technology Startup Development Program, which will focus on the development, capacity-building, and promotion of cleantech startups.

NEX ID signing an MoU with the Directorate General of Small and Medium Industries, Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, officiated by Minister of Industry Dr. Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, M.Si.

Diyanto Imam, Program Director of New Energy Nexus Indonesia, said the partnership is an “honor,” and will significantly contribute to the growth and success of the emerging cleantech space in the country.

“This partnership will provide invaluable support to clean technology startups, empowering them to thrive through comprehensive training, mentorship, and market opportunities – enabling more innovative minds to catalyze cleantech solutions,” he said.

The program will include training, workshops, and certification assistance for The Domestic Component Level (Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri/TKDN). Obtaining TKDN certification will increase startups’ visibility and enable them to join the Indonesian government’s e-catalog, which allows the government to be an early adopter of the startups’ products.

Through services such as business matchmaking and integration with the Directorate’s programs, NEX ID will also provide cleantech startups access to a broader market of industries eager to transition into green, eco-friendly operations. These startups will serve as crucial tools, assisting industries in their conversion to sustainable practices.

The partnership will run for two years, during which time NEX ID hopes to foster innovation in the cleantech industry and contribute to a sustainable future—in Indonesia and beyond. To learn more about opportunities for Indonesian startups, check out our website.

About New Energy Nexus Indonesia

In Indonesia, New Energy Nexus works to support the development of ecosystems that can support the needs of not only innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs, but also other stakeholders in the clean energy and climate solutions sectors.

From left: Mujab (Founder, Generasi Perintis), Sripeni Inten Cahyani (Expert Staff for the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources), and Mulya Amri (Faculty Chair, Golkar Institute) discuss Indonesia’s energy policy and the role of young people in shaping the country’s sustainable energy future.

Jakarta, 15 July 2024 – New Energy Nexus (NEX) Indonesia is today launching [RE]Power, Indonesia’s first youth-driven energy policy hackathon. The initiative convenes the next generation of Indonesian policymakers and thinkers to accelerate the development of future-proof policies for the country’s clean energy transition.

“The [RE]Power Policy Hackathon is a platform where young minds can engage with real-world energy challenges. It also represents a significant step in empowering Indonesia’s youth to actively participate in shaping our energy policies,” said Diyanto Imam, Program Director at New Energy Nexus Indonesia.

“By bringing together aspiring policymakers and experienced mentors, we aim to spark innovative ideas that will shape Indonesia’s sustainable energy landscape. We’re eager to see the creative and impactful solutions that will emerge from this initiative.”

As the first youth-driven policy hackathon, the program focuses on empowering young people through an innovative approach that actively engages them in energy policy. Participants will delve into critical topics in the clean energy space, such as financing and investment, planning and roadmap making, research and development, infrastructure and technology, and public-private partnerships.

They will also benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities with policymakers and experts, and have the chance to win a total prize of IDR 45,000,000 (US$2,780). Participants will also have the opportunity to present their policy recommendations at the final pitch day in September.

Mujab (Founder, Generasi Perintis), Sripeni Inten Cahyani (Expert Staff for the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources), and Mulya Amri (Faculty Chair, Golkar Institute) sit with attendees of the [RE]Power Policy Hackathon launch.

Sripeni Inten Cahyani, Expert Staff for the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, said: “The [RE]Power Policy Hackathon represents a powerful opportunity for Indonesia’s youth to contribute to a sustainable and inclusive energy future, By empowering young leaders to engage in policy-making and innovation, we are ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are included in the decision-making process, and we are honored to support this initiative:”

The hackathon is the highlight of six sub-national workshops NEX Indonesia has organized in 2024. With over 260 applicants across the first four workshops, it is evident that the youth are eager to shape Indonesia’s future energy policies. This hackathon serves as an ideal platform for them to kickstart their journey in the energy policy sector.

NEX Indonesia is proud to partner with over 10 youth-led communities such as BEM FH Universitas Indonesia, Climate Rangers Jakarta, Economy for Ecology, Environmental Law Society Fakultas Hukum Universitas Indonesia, Green Welfare Indonesia, School of STEM Universitas Prasetya Mulya, Society of Renewable Energy Institut Teknologi Bandung, Society of Renewable Energy Institut Teknologi Kalimantan, Society of Renewable Energy Universitas Indonesia & Teens Go Green Indonesia, whose instrumental support has sparked exciting discussions and engagement. The support from Bappenas and KESDM has also been pivotal in ensuring the success of this initiative.

Applications are open until August 15th, 2024 to Indonesian youth aged 18-24 who are dedicated to clean energy and climate solutions. Those interested can apply here.

Selected photos here.

About New Energy Nexus Indonesia

In Indonesia, New Energy Nexus works to support the development of ecosystems that can support the needs of not only innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs, but also other stakeholders in the clean energy and climate solutions sectors.

June 4, 2024 – New Energy Nexus is supporting LG Energy Solution’s launch of its fourth Battery Challenge, a global startup competition to discover and support innovative early-stage startups to develop next-generation battery technologies.

The Battery Challenge is LG Energy Solution’s mainstay open innovation initiative. While helping the growth of the distinguished companies, LG Energy Solution also aims to pioneer next-generation technologies through partnerships.

As the manager and facilitator of this program, New Energy Nexus is supporting overall operation.

This year’s Battery Challenge is recruiting early-stage battery startups in: battery materials, battery management system, battery manufacturing and quality control, battery maintenance, battery recycling and reuse technology, smart factory solutions, and newly added metal sourcing, as well as ‘New to LG’. The new category called ‘New to LG’ has been established to encourage participants to explore various novel energy-related ideas, not necessarily linked to batteries.

The winners will be selected through comprehensive business plan evaluations, in-depth interviews, and technology verification, and will receive up to US$30,000, an increase of US$10,000 from the previous program. Awardees will also be reviewed by LG Energy Solution for potential investment.

New Energy Nexus is uniquely positioned in sectors and regions critical in the global battery supply chain. Our “Just Batteries” initiative aims to build an interconnected ecosystem to support a more inclusive and resilient battery sector. In the past ten years, we have operated seven programs across five countries or regions globally. We aim to build more equity into the battery supply chain – wealth, social benefits, jobs, among others – for all regions of the world that will benefit from this growing industry.

“At New Energy Nexus, we are dedicated to not only growing the EV industry but also accelerating the development of integrating cutting-edge battery solutions into the broader energy ecosystem. By collaborating with LG Energy Solution, we aim to drive global advancements in battery technology, support the adoption of EVs, and ensure a sustainable and resilient clean energy future.” said Andrew Chang of New Energy Nexus, who manages the global partnership with LG Energy Solution.

The Battery Challenge 2024 application window is from June 4 to June 30. For more information and to apply, please visit www.lgesbatterychallenge2024.com

Berkeley, California, USA – New Energy Nexus announces today that social impact expert Henri van Eeghen will become CEO effective 15 August 2024. He will assume leadership from outgoing CEO Danny Kennedy, who, after eight years of service, shaped New Energy Nexus into the world’s leading organization supporting clean energy entrepreneurs.

Henri van Eeghen has extensive international experience, both in the private sector and as a director of non-profit organizations such as the Dutch development organization Cordaid, Mercy Corps, and the New York-based Synergos Institute, an international philanthropy network.

Henri van Eeghen, incoming CEO of New Energy Nexus.

“Danny and the New Energy Nexus team have built a global organization that is at the forefront of supporting entrepreneurs to address climate and energy challenges. I am deeply impressed by everything New Energy Nexus has achieved so far and am energized to lead it in its next stage of growth and impact,” said Henri van Eeghen, incoming CEO of New Energy Nexus.

“My priority will be to build on this success, leveraging my experience in forging collaboration between private and public sectors around the world, and navigating ways to expand our support for clean energy entrepreneurs in new geographies. I’m looking forward to working alongside our team in over a dozen countries, as well as our partners and donors who are so critical to our vision of 100% clean energy for 100% of the population.”

Henri van Eeghen brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this role, with substantial experience setting up private and public joint ventures, as well as investment funds through his work with Cordaid, IFC, and Rabobank. He has lived and worked across Asia, Africa, and North America, and is currently based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, where he most recently served as CEO of KIT Royal Tropical Institute. In this role, he led the creation of deeply collaborative partnerships with institutes across Africa, Asia, and South America.

“After an extensive global search, we are delighted to welcome Henri van Eeghen as our incoming CEO at New Energy Nexus. Henri’s experience building businesses and organizations uniquely positions him as a champion of clean energy entrepreneurs,” said Julie Blunden, Chair of the Board.

“After Danny Kennedy’s tremendous success, New Energy Nexus is marking 20 years of accelerating the clean energy transition. Henri joins at a moment of great opportunity to rapidly grow the clean energy ecosystem New Energy Nexus has built. Our planet needs more businesses and startups driving inclusive climate solutions, and we are fortunate to have Henri’s experience and leadership.”

Henri assumes leadership of New Energy Nexus from Danny Kennedy, the outgoing CEO. In 2015, Danny accepted the role of Managing Director of the California Clean Energy Fund, which was renamed New Energy Nexus in 2018 to align with the expansion of its vision and mission around the world.

“New Energy Nexus, and its tremendous team and community, is poised for the next stage of growth and impact under Henri’s leadership. He will be supported by over 150 wonderful staff across the world, and I can’t wait to see what they achieve together,” said Danny Kennedy.

Sydney, 16 May 2024 – The second annual Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge, “Retrofit Nation”, is launching today in Sydney during Climate Action Week. The Challenge is calling on startups to rapidly convert half the Australian vehicle fleet to electric vehicles (EVs), which is over 10 million vehicles.

One of the immediately viable opportunities lies in retrofitting existing heavy vehicles with lithium batteries to support the move to an electric vehicle fleet. In 2022 the  transport sector contributed to 19% of Australia’s emissions. Trucks, buses and light commercial vehicles account for about 40% of the total transport figure and the industry comprises a relatively small group of decision makers that can accelerate change.

A recent report from Beyond Zero Emissions shows that battery technologies are emerging as one of the most promising sectors for Australia’s economic growth and decarbonisation efforts, potentially creating up to 20,000 jobs and AU$114 billion revenue by 2035.

The Challenge is open to startups, entrepreneurs, scientists and researchers are to develop and present solutions to questions such as:

• What are the next-generation drivetrain solutions and battery technologies we can apply and how do we produce them at scale?
• How do we invent and apply advanced manufacturing techniques?
• What are the software solutions to integrate drivetrain upgrades with existing vehicle technology, to add advanced driver-assist technologies and to maximise their energy storage benefits (Vehicle-to-Grid)?
• How do we most efficiently train and upskill the workforce required to complete the retrofits and adhere to safety compliance?

Startups receive prizes, support, networking and mentoring to accelerate their success.

“Transport is an obvious target for reform, particularly in Australia with our reliance on road freight and use of mining vehicles. We need to encourage the supply of more EV’s sooner into the Australian and global markets. Putting electric motors and batteries into existing vehicles at scale and massively increasing Australian battery demand is a sure-fire and fast-track way of getting it done,” said Danny Kennedy, CEO New Energy Nexus.

“The mass EV retrofit opportunity can help to upskill the Australian workforce including electricians, mechanics, software developers with critical skills in advanced manufacturing, batteries and EV’s – essential for our economy in the future. The Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge will unleash innovation from the startup community  and capture ideas that show how we can make this mass EV retrofit opportunity a reality,” said Megan Fisher, CEO EnergyLab.

“Australia produces half of the world’s lithium yet retains less than 1% of the value it produces. We can’t just keep sending our lithium offshore where others capture its value. It’s time we change this, together,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager Supercharge Australia.

“We’d need AU$181 billion worth of batteries to retrofit half the Australian vehicle fleet, or 20x our current near term forecast demand to 2030. This quantity would de-risk and incentivise lithium battery and cell production in Australia, in the best case using our world-class renewable energy resources.

“So, in support of the Prime Minister’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiative, there’s even broader advanced battery manufacturing ecosystem advantages as reasons to proceed and we look forward to seeing the innovative solutions that we know Australian startups are so good at.”

Participants in the inaugural Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge raised over AU$40 million in funding subsequent to the first challenge. The second Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge will uncover more opportunities for rapid support and growth for Australian solutions.

The second annual Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge, “Retrofit Nation”, will launch on Thursday 16 May at 3pm (AEST) at EnergyLab Sydney: 4-12 Buckland St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia. Journalists are welcome to attend.