The ClimateTech Podcast has released three new episodes that highlight practical, inclusive technologies driving climate action with a focus on sustainable energy solutions. From biogas and waste-to-energy to electric cooking, the episodes feature expert insights and on-the-ground experiences that demonstrate how these solutions can support emissions reductions, energy access, health, job creation and overall sustainable development.
The three episodes are produced through the Smart Energy Solutions for Africa or SESA project aiming at providing energy access technologies and business models that are easily replicable, funded by the European Union, with one of the episodes co-produced through UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre’s work on providing clean cooking in last mile communities, funded by the Ikea Foundation.
All three episodes are available now and offer practical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and anyone interested in scalable climate solutions
Biogas – from household to industrial scale
The first episode focuses on the potential of biogas as a renewable energy solution. Drawing on Brazil’s national biogas strategy and research from South Africa, the discussion explores how biogas systems—from household to industrial scale—can reduce emissions, improve waste management, and support energy access.
It features Yuri Schmitke, President of the Brazilian Association of Waste Energy Recovery, and Dr. Solomon Eghosa Uhunamure, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cape Town as guests.
Turning waste into power
The second episode examines how waste, often seen as a challenge, can be transformed into a resource for clean energy and local development. It explores the growing waste crisis, the role of waste-to-energy solutions in reducing pollution and creating jobs, and practical innovations in refugee settings and informal waste collection.
Guglielmo Mazzà, CEO of ReFuse, and Claudia Schröder, Senior Professional Officer at ICLEI Africa, share lessons from the field and from the SESA project’s work on capacity building and inclusive planning.
Clean cooking and last mile impact
The third episode turns to clean cooking, with a focus on electric cooking powered by renewables. The conversation highlights Uganda’s national efforts to scale clean cooking, the co-benefits for health and gender equality, and the financing barriers that remain. It also explores how carbon markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement could unlock new investment.
The guests in this episode are Herbert Abigaba, Head of the Clean Cooking Unit in the Ugandan Ministry of Energy, Ruth Akiiki Komuntale, Managing Director at ECOCA East Africa, Ben Jefferies, Managing Director at ATEC, and Sandra Cavalieri, Clean Cooking Lead for the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.
Welcome to the ClimateTech Podcast
The ClimateTech Podcast brings you real stories from the frontlines of climate action – where technology, policy, and finance meet to drive low-carbon development. Hosted by the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, each episode dives into practical solutions and the latest climate science.
Featuring experts and practitioners from around the world presenting their views and insights on specific technologies or sectors, the podcast looks at how we can address the climate crisis, and how we can speed up implementation.
