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.

London, 6 October 2022 – Audible, a world-wide leader of spoken-word entertainment, has today announced the return of Climate of Change with Cate Blanchett and Danny Kennedy (CEO of New Energy Nexus), as the long-term friends explore anxiety and optimism in the face of the climate crisis for a second series, launched today.

The podcast follows the pair – award-winning actor, producer and environmental advocate, Cate Blanchett and climate entrepreneur and activist, Danny Kennedy – as they speak directly to visionaries and trendsetters who are making innovative strides to turn the tide on climate change.

Across six new episodes, the duo delves into a fresh round of eye-opening topics, with Series 2 travelling to a Jordanian refugee camp where its first solar plant is revolutionising the lives of its inhabitants, to Delhi, where electric rickshaws are dramatically reducing the bustling city’s pollution, and to Northern Australia, where indigenous know-how is transforming fire management.

Following hot on the heels of the first series that welcomed HRH The Prince of Wales, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and director Adam McKay, Series 2 will welcome renowned special guests* such as the diplomat and climate change leader Christiana Figures, environmentalist and activist Bill McKibben, anthropologist Tim Ingold and author Lucy Siegle (Turning the Tide on Plastic), alongside people on the ground who are transforming lives through their innovations.

Co-hosts and co-creators of Climate of Change, Cate Blanchett and Danny Kennedy, said: “So much has happened since we first recorded the first season of Climate of Change, but what remains consistent is the relentless march of clean energy solutions. Nearly US$1 trillion has now been invested in climate tech and the clean energy transition, and one of the challenges will be making sure that the 770 million people without electricity are not left out of this transition. That’s why we need more innovators from all corners of the world to be part of this movement. From Uganda to Australia, this season of Climate of Change will fill you with hope that it’s possible and point you in the direction we need to move the world towards.”

Those captivated by the podcast may be interested to hear that companion podcast, Reflections on Change, is also available now. Featuring compositions originally created as the soundtrack to Series 1 of Climate of Change, Reflections on Change takes wildlife and environmental sounds hand-picked by filmmaker and biologist Dan O’Neill and turns them into a musical landscape through the skilled hands of Grammy award winner Imogen Heap.

Reflections on Change carries an impactful message and hopes to provide an immersive space for audiophiles to do just that – reflect – as its creators compel audiences to appreciate the variety and magnificence of the environmental sounds at risk from climate change.

Both Audible Originals, Climate of Change with Cate Blanchett and Danny Kennedy Series 2 and Reflections on Change are available from Thursday 6th October, exclusively on Audible.* See full list of contributors to Series 2 in the notes to Editors.

— ENDS —

For further information please contact:

Camilla Mosley, for Audible cammosc@audible.co.uk

Climate of Change with Cate Blanchett and Danny Kennedy Episode Descriptions

Episode 1: In a “Persistence of Positivity” Canny and Cate hear from Christiana Figueres on why she is a “stubborn optimist”, anthropologist Tim Ingold on how everything is connected, and we go to Northern Australia to hear how indigenous know-how is transforming fire management.

Episode 2: In ‘A Mayhem of Cars’ Danny discovers he is rather good at imitating the sound of a horse while Cate consults her book on collective nouns for inspiration as the duo delve into the world of transport and look at how we are going to be getting around in the future. They find out about electric rickshaws in Delhi and all about India’s first solar ferry. How parents and school kids in Barcelona are taking over the streets and they discover the first city in the world where all the public transport is already electric.

Episode 3: In ‘Fire in a Wire’ Cate and Danny discover how simple and straightforward it can be to provide clean, green energy to everyone. In Nigeria the answer is to use solar and batteries to power generators. Another innovator is helping remote communities in Cambodia who aren’t even connected to the grid. And the first solar plant is built in a refugee camp in Jordan revolutionizing the lives of those now living there.

Episode 4: In ‘The Buffalo in the Room’ Cate and Danny address the climate question that nobody ever seems to talk about – how do we pay for the fossil free future we need today? The answers are surprising. Professor Eric Beinhocker explains why we could all be richer

if we switch quickly. Find out how to own your own wind farm and how small loans can create huge change.

Episode 5: One word can really cause Cate to explode in fury – plastic. We find out how to tackle the scourge of the planet and how decreasing plastic production would also dramatically reduce emissions from fossil fuels. Two big problems with some very clever solutions. Refill deliveries from Chilean start-up Algramo, Econyl fabric made from the nylon nets and fishing gear left in our oceans and two activists on a mission to stop cucumbers or anything else being wrapped in pointless plastic.

Episode 6: ‘Is Anyone Listening’ is the final episode and Cate and Danny are on fire. Leading activist Bill McKibben gives us reasons to hope in dark times, Professor Saleemul Huq offers proof that we can adapt to a changing climate from Bangladesh and Oluwadabira Abiole-Awe brings positive energy and innovation from the youth movement now working on climate solutions. All the hope you can handle in real world technicolour… hopefully.

Climate of Change series 2 guest list and contributors:

• Christiana Figueres – Diplomat, climate change leader and member of the Earthshot Committee – Costa Rica
• Tim Ingold – Social anthropologist – Aberdeen
• Dean Yibarbuk – Warddeken Land Management, helps develop and deliver carbon projects through savanna fire management – Northern Australia
• Terrah Guymala – Ranger with Wardekken Land Management – Northern Australia
• Shaun Ansell – CEO of Wardekken Land Management– Northern Australia
• Anna Boustead – coordinator of the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network
• Mireia Boix – co- founder of Bicibus the “Bike Bus”- Barcelona
• Silvia Valero – expert in sustainable mobility with Barcelona Metropolitan government
• Rupinder Singh – drives e-rickshaw – Delhi
• Palash Roy Chowdhury – SmartE co-founder/MD electrifying India’s iconic three-wheeler
• Sandith Thandassery – founder/CEO of NavAlt solar/electric boats – Kochi
• Mia Gu – works at BYD in Shenzhen where all public transport are EVs (16,000 buses, 22,000 Taxis) – China
• Ugwem Eneyo – Engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur at Shyft Power – Nigeria
• Rebekah Shirley – Director of Research, data & innovation, at World Resource Institute – Sub Saharan Africa
• Afnan Hannan – delivering electricity to rural households with Okra Solar – Cambodia
• Andrew Harper – UNHCR Special Advisor Climate Action
• Dave Mozersky – Energy Peace Partners, energy credits support those affected by climate
• Professor Eric Beinhocker – Professor of Public Policy Practice, University of Oxford
• Sarah Merrick – CEO Ripple Energy – Wales
• Simon Peltonberg – Chief Project Office, Ripple Energy – Wales
• Mackline Banaga – incubator and accelerator for sustainable clean energy enterprises at New Energy Nexus – Uganda
• Rosemary Nakasanga – Women’s Support Initiative assisting women with microfinance
• Lucy Siegle – Author of ‘Turning the Tide on Plastic’
• Delphine Levi Alvares – Explains how plastic impacts climate at every level from production to disposal
• Guilio Bonazzi – CEO of Econyl that use regenerated nylon made entirely from ocean and landfill waste – Italy
• Fred Nunn – Volunteer diver at Ghostfishing – UK
• Jose Manuel Moller – Algramo CEO creating a refillable solution for all our basics groceries – Chile
• Cristobal Underraga – demonstrates Algarmo delivery system – Chile.
• Bill McKibben – author, educator, environmentalist written extensively on the impact of global warming and Co-founder of 350.org
• David Harland – Eden Project CEO innovating tech promote biodiversity and
  Education – UK
• Gus Grand – Eden GeoThermal Executive Director a company trailing tech to heat and power the biomes – UK
• Professor Saleemul Huq – Director of the International Centre for Climate Change & Development – Bangladesh
• Qasa Alom – BBC Asian Network Correspondent – UK
• Oluwadabira Abiola-Awe – Student Energy representative discussing the energy of the global youth movement.

About Audible

Audible, an Amazon company, is a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day.  Audible.co.uk content includes more than 700,000 audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. Audible has millions of members around the world who subscribe to one of 10 localised services designed for customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK, and the US. Audible members download nearly 4 billion hours of content annually and listen across a wide range of supported devices.

About Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett is an internationally acclaimed, Academy award-winning actor, producer, artistic director, and humanitarian. She is a Global Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and a lifetime member of the Australian Conservation Foundation. Blanchett is also a strong supporter of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and received a Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos for her work with UNHCR. In 2012, Blanchett was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture. She has presided over the festival juries in Cannes (2018) and Venice (2020). She has received Honorary Doctorates of Letters from the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney, and Macquarie University as well as the Companion of the Order of Australia in the General Division in recognition of her continued advocacy for the arts as well as humanitarian and environmental causes. Blanchett plays the titular role and executive produces Todd Field’s highly anticipated feature film “TÁR,” which marks the writer-director-producer’s first film in over 15 years. This fall, Blanchett will appear in Guillermo Del Toro’s latest film, “PINOCCHIO,” and the mockumentary hit series “Documentary Now!” She will also begin production in Australia on Warwick Thornton’s “The New Boy,” in which she stars and produces via her production company Dirty Films. She most recently wrapped production on “Disclaimer,” directed by Alfonso Cuaron, in which she also stars and executive produces.

About Danny Kennedy 

Danny Kennedy is the CEO of New Energy Nexus (NEX), the world’s leading ecosystem of funds and accelerators supporting clean energy entrepreneurs. NEX started in Silicon Valley and now runs programs in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and the USA. Since 2004, it has accelerated over 600 clean energy startups, supported over 3000 entrepreneurs, and mobilised over US$1.5 billion in investment. Danny is also an advisor to clean energy companies in Australia, China, Kenya, the Philippines, USA and elsewhere. Danny co-founded Sungevity, a solar pioneer in 2007, was the first backer of a now US$6 billion solar loan provider Mosaic in 2011, as well as an author of a book on rooftop solar. He speaks regularly to media and at major conferences and is co-host of a forthcoming podcast on Audible.