ECYP Open Mic Night Success
Big energy ideas took centre stage at the Energy Club Young Professionals' first ever Open Mic Night, with six speakers sharing their ideas on the energy transition.
Chevron Graduate Earth Scientist Emily Taylor won the People’s Choice Award, and Nicholas Allen, Director of Nano-Ecosystems & Co-Founder, Maisha Earth Solutions, took out the Judges’ Award.
Emily delivered a compelling presentation on social equity considerations in the energy transition, captivating the audience.
She highlighted the need for collaboration across the industry to ensure a smooth transition that does not leave anyone behind, and warned against widening the energy poverty gap, globally and locally, if diverse community needs are not considered.
Her message? We need to acknowledge different starting points and responsibly bridge the gap to renewable energy, while ensuring a global commitment to fairness for all. This transition, she stressed, is about long-term human survival – and we can't succeed if half the world is left behind.
Nicholas’ presentation was turning human waste into ecological gold, which shed light on a ground-breaking solution - converting human waste into ‘biochar’.
This revolutionary concept, sometimes referred to as ‘ecological gold’, enhances soil fertility and aids in environmental remediation by eliminating the need for costly chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Operating in regions with scarce plant matter for biochar conversion, Maisha engineered an ultra-efficient system that minimised energy consumption while maximising biochar production.
Through extensive engagement with communities in Northern Kenya, Southern Somalia, and South Sudan, Nicholas unearthed a fundamental truth: simplicity is paramount for success.
Biochar production, inherently straightforward, possesses immense potential to catalyse micro-economies, purify contaminated soil and water, regenerate depleted lands, and combat desertification.
In regions like Africa, where the scourge of water pollution claims the lives of 248 children under the age of five every hour, the imperative is clear: we must remove complexity in favour of practical solutions.
Driven by a desire to improve lives and combat climate change, research and development efforts continue with collaborations and partnerships with institutions including the University of Western Australia and guided by the strategic counsel of Maisha Geo-Political advisors.
Open Mic Night is intended to become a regular feature. Get ready for more inspiring voices like Emily and Nicholas, and maybe even take the stage yourself.