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.

July 16, 2024 – New Energy Nexus announces today the appointment of Jie Xiao as the new General Manager of China. Jie succeeds Andrew Chang, who has been promoted to Chief Growth Officer in the global team.

In 2016, Andrew launched New Energy Nexus’ operations in China and under his leadership, the team built accelerators, incubation and advisory services for clean energy startups and initiated commercial partnerships with key ecosystem partners such as Energy Internet and Research Institute, Tsinghua University (EIRI) and LG Energy Solutions. His relentless efforts empowered startups, driving their success and established New Energy Nexus as a key player in China’s clean energy innovation space.

Jie Xiao, New Energy Nexus China’s new General Manager.

As the new General Manager of China, Jie Xiao brings a wealth of experience in the environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) and innovation sector.

“I am excited to lead our team in China and expand our partnerships with key players across China’s clean energy landscape. Together, we’ll advance New Energy Nexus’ mission of empowering clean energy entrepreneurs and implementing our ‘China In, China Out’ strategy,” said Jie Xiao.

Jie Xiao began her career in finance and banking for multinational corporations, and later served as Secretary-General for the Shanghai United Foundation, founding CEO of Brilliance Camp, and Chief Growth Officer for CBi China. With over a decade of leadership experience, Jie excels in maximizing ESG outcomes through innovative partnerships and navigating complex landscapes.

“Jie Xiao brings a diverse and inclusive perspective that is crucial for our continued impact in addressing climate change. With her at the helm, I am excited to take on the new role of Chief Growth Officer and contribute to our global strategy, particularly in exploring new international opportunities,” said Andrew Chang.

“New Energy Nexus’ first operations outside of California started in China, and since then Andrew has taken the chapter from strength to strength. His drive and strategic vision will be critical in his new role, as we look to expand our impact in new markets, and build new partnerships around the world,” said Danny Kennedy, CEO at New Energy Nexus.

“With Jie’s international perspective and unique set of skills across the sustainability and innovation sector, I am confident in our continued growth and impact in China – a country that is the very engine of the global clean energy transition.”

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.

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.