1 00:00:04,110 --> 00:00:05,850 This is Power Onward, 2 00:00:05,880 --> 00:00:10,740 the podcast that unveils how power technology shapes your everyday life. 3 00:00:16,590 --> 00:00:18,120 You are listening to Power Onward. 4 00:00:20,250 --> 00:00:24,000 What is power in your world? Power Onward. 5 00:00:26,160 --> 00:00:27,750 This is Power Onward, 6 00:00:28,020 --> 00:00:32,250 the podcast that unveils how power technology shapes your everyday life. 7 00:00:33,690 --> 00:00:37,440 You're sitting on a beach and the sound of waves are gently crashing. 8 00:00:37,890 --> 00:00:42,360 A warm breeze is in the air and the feeling of total relaxation is upon you. 9 00:00:43,050 --> 00:00:44,910 It's the perfect vacation, right? 10 00:00:45,840 --> 00:00:48,870 But here's something you might not think about while you're soaking up the sun. 11 00:00:49,590 --> 00:00:53,160 How is all of this powered in places like the Maldives? 12 00:00:53,160 --> 00:00:57,420 With over a thousand islands, each island relies on its own microgrid, 13 00:00:57,600 --> 00:01:01,590 keeping everything running smoothly from the lights in your resort to the air 14 00:01:01,590 --> 00:01:02,610 conditioning in your room. 15 00:01:02,880 --> 00:01:06,270 All of it depends on the energy solutions that are shaping the way we think 16 00:01:06,270 --> 00:01:08,310 about power. Today, 17 00:01:08,520 --> 00:01:11,790 we're diving into how these innovations are pushing the boundaries of what's 18 00:01:11,790 --> 00:01:13,380 possible in the energy transition. 19 00:01:13,890 --> 00:01:18,360 And the big question is how do we power the world's growing demand for energy 20 00:01:18,510 --> 00:01:22,020 without tipping the scales on our planet? Hi, I'm Kim. 21 00:01:22,680 --> 00:01:23,520 And I am Sherif. 22 00:01:24,210 --> 00:01:24,960 Hi Sherif. 23 00:01:24,960 --> 00:01:28,230 Let's talk a little bit more about the energy transition where you are. 24 00:01:28,440 --> 00:01:32,790 So tell us where are you based and how does power generation come to life in 25 00:01:32,790 --> 00:01:33,623 your region? 26 00:01:33,810 --> 00:01:37,740 First of all, thank you Kim for having me. I'm based in Melbourne, Australia, 27 00:01:38,310 --> 00:01:40,900 across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. 28 00:01:41,130 --> 00:01:45,210 We are seeing battery energy storage systems making a real difference. 29 00:01:45,510 --> 00:01:49,920 It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, supports renewable integration, 30 00:01:50,520 --> 00:01:55,110 improves network resiliency and helping saving cost. Across Asia Pacific, 31 00:01:55,110 --> 00:01:59,850 we see applications like peak shaving, demand response, load management, 32 00:02:00,030 --> 00:02:01,800 backup power, and EV charging, 33 00:02:02,310 --> 00:02:04,920 and they are all transforming how energy is managed. 34 00:02:05,850 --> 00:02:09,240 That is so much when you hear battery energy storage, 35 00:02:09,240 --> 00:02:11,160 sometimes you think of just storage, 36 00:02:11,370 --> 00:02:16,170 but there are so many more utilities to this product. Earlier in the season, 37 00:02:16,170 --> 00:02:17,370 when I talked to Aaron Gold, 38 00:02:17,940 --> 00:02:21,750 it was like an introduction to be and I was learning a little bit more and we 39 00:02:21,750 --> 00:02:24,810 were all just in awe of how impactful it can be. 40 00:02:25,080 --> 00:02:28,950 But you're already seeing best in action in your region, which is amazing. 41 00:02:29,610 --> 00:02:33,270 Tell us some of those common applications of bests in Asia Pacific. 42 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:35,970 Yeah, across Australia and Asia Pacific, 43 00:02:36,060 --> 00:02:38,850 battery energy storage systems is used in many ways, 44 00:02:39,270 --> 00:02:41,940 but in the commercial and industrial applications, 45 00:02:42,090 --> 00:02:44,370 three applications truly stand out. 46 00:02:44,760 --> 00:02:48,690 Remote energy shifting of grid and hybrid applications and peak shaving. 47 00:02:49,320 --> 00:02:51,510 Do you mind if we dig into each of these a little bit deeper, 48 00:02:51,510 --> 00:02:53,970 starting with renewable energy shifting? 49 00:02:54,450 --> 00:02:58,290 Energy shifting is about optimizing renewable energy resources. 50 00:02:58,710 --> 00:03:02,770 Australia has one of the highest rooftop solar penetrations globally. 51 00:03:03,190 --> 00:03:06,760 During the day, we often produce more energy than we can use, 52 00:03:06,850 --> 00:03:11,080 but in the evening when demand peaks, the sun has already set this, 53 00:03:11,080 --> 00:03:14,560 captures that excess solar energy and releases it later, 54 00:03:14,710 --> 00:03:19,240 cutting down grid demand, lowering bills, and easing pressure on the network. 55 00:03:19,660 --> 00:03:22,390 It's like having a time machine for energy, 56 00:03:22,480 --> 00:03:26,860 store it when it is cheap and clean and use it when it is expensive and 57 00:03:26,860 --> 00:03:31,180 critical. We are seeing this across houses, commercial buildings, 58 00:03:31,240 --> 00:03:33,160 schools, and regional councils. 59 00:03:34,180 --> 00:03:36,460 Everyone is looking for smarter ways, 60 00:03:36,470 --> 00:03:38,110 smarter ways to manage their energy profile. 61 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:43,000 I really like the analogy of a time machine because storing it and dispersing 62 00:03:43,000 --> 00:03:46,690 and distributing it when it's needed most is very integral and the applications 63 00:03:46,690 --> 00:03:49,570 are things that we can sometimes take for granted. Like you said, 64 00:03:49,570 --> 00:03:52,360 commercial buildings, universities and schools councils, 65 00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:56,470 like there is a lot of great applications for best. Very brilliant. 66 00:03:57,160 --> 00:04:01,660 I think you had mentioned something about off-grid and remote applications as 67 00:04:01,660 --> 00:04:03,700 well as peak shaving. Can we dig into those? 68 00:04:04,030 --> 00:04:08,800 Across Asia Pacific Diesel has long been the go-to power source because it's 69 00:04:08,800 --> 00:04:12,910 reliability, but it's also expensive and carbon intensive. 70 00:04:13,240 --> 00:04:17,980 By combining BESS with renewables and gen sets, we can hybridize those systems. 71 00:04:18,430 --> 00:04:21,190 That means running generator sets less often, 72 00:04:21,190 --> 00:04:24,670 sometimes cutting fuel consumption by 30 to 50%. 73 00:04:25,270 --> 00:04:27,640 It's not just the environmental benefits, 74 00:04:27,640 --> 00:04:31,180 it's also about the operational efficiency in fuel. 75 00:04:31,180 --> 00:04:34,840 Trucks have to drive hundreds of kilometers into remote areas. 76 00:04:35,050 --> 00:04:36,640 Every liter saved matters, 77 00:04:37,120 --> 00:04:41,650 and our customers are realizing that sustainability can lower their total cost 78 00:04:41,650 --> 00:04:42,483 of ownership. 79 00:04:42,970 --> 00:04:44,560 I really like that note. 80 00:04:44,830 --> 00:04:47,650 It's not just about environmental benefit that is massive, 81 00:04:47,650 --> 00:04:49,480 but it's also about operational efficiencies, 82 00:04:49,480 --> 00:04:53,140 which really help our customers understand the importance of these products and 83 00:04:53,140 --> 00:04:55,090 how it impacts their bottom line. 84 00:04:56,350 --> 00:04:59,650 So earlier you touched on remote communities and I feel like this is something 85 00:04:59,650 --> 00:05:01,030 near and dear to your heart, isn't it? 86 00:05:01,460 --> 00:05:02,293 It truly is. 87 00:05:02,860 --> 00:05:07,420 Many communities are still demand on small stations and face frequent 88 00:05:07,420 --> 00:05:11,230 outages. This gives them energy independence, 89 00:05:11,410 --> 00:05:14,860 steady power for schools, clinics, and local businesses. 90 00:05:15,760 --> 00:05:17,770 One example that stays with me, Kim, 91 00:05:17,830 --> 00:05:22,420 is a Pacific Island project I'm working on where integrating solar and BESS can 92 00:05:22,450 --> 00:05:27,160 cut diesel usage by 40%. The impact is not just on emissions; 93 00:05:27,250 --> 00:05:30,640 it changes daily life. Lights will stay on at night, 94 00:05:30,820 --> 00:05:33,820 clinics and hospitals will have uninterrupted power. 95 00:05:34,510 --> 00:05:36,700 That's when technology meets our purpose. 96 00:05:37,330 --> 00:05:39,610 Very strong technology meeting purpose, 97 00:05:39,610 --> 00:05:43,660 and that is when you get down to the basics of it, that is the purpose of it, 98 00:05:43,660 --> 00:05:47,800 right? To serve us in ways that makes our lives more convenient. So Sherif, 99 00:05:47,800 --> 00:05:51,370 what about Fiji or the Maldives where these resorts heavily rely on diesel for 100 00:05:51,370 --> 00:05:52,960 24 7 applications? 101 00:05:53,230 --> 00:05:57,890 That's a great point. Resorts and islands destinations have a unique challenge. 102 00:05:58,580 --> 00:06:01,670 They need uninterrupted power for their guest comfort, 103 00:06:01,760 --> 00:06:06,020 but they also are operating in a very delicate environment where 104 00:06:06,020 --> 00:06:07,820 sustainability is part of their plan. 105 00:06:08,450 --> 00:06:12,530 This is becoming a game-changer here by integrating with solar, 106 00:06:12,740 --> 00:06:14,330 with existing diesel systems. 107 00:06:14,360 --> 00:06:18,710 Resource can cut diesel usage dramatically while keeping operations 108 00:06:19,040 --> 00:06:21,050 seamless. It's clean, 109 00:06:21,080 --> 00:06:25,160 quiet and reduces environmental footprint that visitors can care about. 110 00:06:25,370 --> 00:06:29,810 Some resources are now advertising their renewable microgrids as part of their 111 00:06:29,870 --> 00:06:30,800 guest experience. 112 00:06:31,400 --> 00:06:34,520 This is proofing that Sustainability can also be a differentiator. 113 00:06:35,510 --> 00:06:38,780 That is amazing. Also, what a flex to be able to say like, oh, 114 00:06:38,780 --> 00:06:41,210 we have our own personal microgrid on our resorts. 115 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:45,950 Something that we don't realize is that reliable technology actually can lead to 116 00:06:45,950 --> 00:06:49,010 luxury, especially when we're talking about vacations and resorts. 117 00:06:49,520 --> 00:06:52,760 So we've discussed remote communities, touristic islands. 118 00:06:53,360 --> 00:06:56,990 Let's switch gears for a moment because a recurring theme on this season of 119 00:06:56,990 --> 00:07:00,860 Power Onward has been how Cummins is deeply ingrained in the AI expansion and 120 00:07:00,860 --> 00:07:02,000 digital transformation. 121 00:07:02,330 --> 00:07:05,030 What products are you seeing making an impact in this space? 122 00:07:06,140 --> 00:07:10,970 Absolutely. In fact, that's one of the fastest growing segments, data centers, 123 00:07:10,970 --> 00:07:15,710 and now the heartbeat of the digital world from streaming to cloud computing to 124 00:07:15,710 --> 00:07:20,270 artificial intelligence and they demand both reliable energy and sustainable 125 00:07:20,270 --> 00:07:23,270 energy. This plays a revolutionary role here. 126 00:07:23,540 --> 00:07:27,950 It acts as a backup and grid support system by supplying power, quality, 127 00:07:27,950 --> 00:07:29,000 managing peaks, 128 00:07:29,390 --> 00:07:33,710 and even allowing data centers to participate in the demand response markets. 129 00:07:34,070 --> 00:07:36,530 That's why data centers are turning to come. 130 00:07:37,130 --> 00:07:42,050 Data centers already trust our gen sets and they are asking to bear 131 00:07:42,230 --> 00:07:45,500 the same dependability with our clean, silent, 132 00:07:45,530 --> 00:07:48,080 and fast responding energy storage units. 133 00:07:48,860 --> 00:07:51,500 It's not just a backup power anymore. 134 00:07:51,560 --> 00:07:55,970 It's becoming a core part of energy strategy for critical facilities. 135 00:07:56,510 --> 00:07:57,320 And for Cummins, 136 00:07:57,320 --> 00:08:01,910 it is exciting to help you to shape that transition from conventional backup 137 00:08:01,910 --> 00:08:06,470 power to integrated low emission systems that keep digital infrastructure 138 00:08:06,650 --> 00:08:07,483 running. 139 00:08:07,580 --> 00:08:12,350 So Sherif, we've got energy shift, diesel savings, remote empowerment, 140 00:08:12,740 --> 00:08:16,160 power independence. Where do you see this going in apac? Next? 141 00:08:16,550 --> 00:08:20,660 We are moving from demonstration to deployment and we are moving fast. 142 00:08:21,050 --> 00:08:22,490 Over the next five years, 143 00:08:22,610 --> 00:08:26,330 I think BESS will become as essential as generators. 144 00:08:26,330 --> 00:08:28,280 Once were in Australia, 145 00:08:28,280 --> 00:08:32,210 that means energy independence and decarbonization hand in hand. 146 00:08:32,480 --> 00:08:35,210 Across Asia-Pacific, it means the resilience, 147 00:08:35,660 --> 00:08:40,250 the ability to keep lights on through stones, distance or demand peaks. 148 00:08:41,120 --> 00:08:44,180 And for Cummins, it's about using our heritage, power, 149 00:08:44,180 --> 00:08:46,520 reliability to shape the clean energy air. 150 00:08:47,390 --> 00:08:48,500 Well, before we wrap, 151 00:08:48,500 --> 00:08:52,370 I'd love to know what you find most rewarding working in this industry. 152 00:08:52,370 --> 00:08:54,350 You've been in power generation for so long. 153 00:08:54,900 --> 00:08:55,500 Honestly, 154 00:08:55,500 --> 00:09:00,120 it's seeing the change firsthand when a site that used to rely purely in 155 00:09:00,120 --> 00:09:04,500 diesel switches to hybrid power or when a community realizes that they can 156 00:09:04,500 --> 00:09:08,040 control their own energy future, it's those moments. 157 00:09:08,610 --> 00:09:12,000 It's not about technology, it's about people. You can see pride, 158 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:13,740 you can see independence, you can see hope, 159 00:09:14,400 --> 00:09:17,490 and that's what keeps me excited about what we do at Cummins. 160 00:09:18,390 --> 00:09:22,530 Well, there you have it. From sunny beaches to bustling data centers. 161 00:09:22,740 --> 00:09:26,010 One thing is clear for us and that's the energy transition and how it's making 162 00:09:26,010 --> 00:09:27,990 waves. So Sherif, 163 00:09:27,990 --> 00:09:30,870 thank you so much for taking time out of your evening to share some insights on 164 00:09:30,870 --> 00:09:33,000 how power generation is evolving in APAC. 165 00:09:33,930 --> 00:09:34,763 Thank you so much, Kim. 166 00:09:35,730 --> 00:09:38,130 Alright, so what's the big idea for this episode? 167 00:09:38,520 --> 00:09:43,140 Remote Islands luxury resorts and data centers all have one thing in common. 168 00:09:43,500 --> 00:09:47,460 They depend on innovative energy solutions to keep everything running smoothly. 169 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:50,250 As Sherif shared with us, microgrids, 170 00:09:50,280 --> 00:09:54,180 solar and battery storage aren't just about providing power where it's needed 171 00:09:54,180 --> 00:09:57,360 most. They're pushing the energy transition forward, 172 00:09:57,630 --> 00:10:01,140 making sustainability and reliability work hand in hand. 173 00:10:01,860 --> 00:10:06,780 The big idea we have to build the future of energy in a way that protects our 174 00:10:06,780 --> 00:10:10,350 planet in. The more we embrace innovative technologies, 175 00:10:10,530 --> 00:10:14,940 the closer we get to a world where we can power everything we need without 176 00:10:14,940 --> 00:10:16,200 compromising the future. 177 00:10:25,650 --> 00:10:27,420 Power Onward. Thank you for listening to Power Onward. 178 00:10:27,720 --> 00:10:31,590 Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed this episode, 179 00:10:31,620 --> 00:10:33,360 please don't forget to subscribe, 180 00:10:33,390 --> 00:10:36,270 rate and review on your favorite podcast platform. 181 00:10:36,750 --> 00:10:38,880 If you want to dig deeper on what we covered today, 182 00:10:39,120 --> 00:10:41,820 check out the show notes for additional links or go to 183 00:10:41,820 --> 00:10:45,430 cummins.com/podcast. Until next time, 184 00:10:46,260 --> 00:10:47,520 Power Onward. 185 00:10:51,630 --> 00:10:52,710 We are from Cummins, 186 00:10:53,070 --> 00:10:56,700 the company that's been innovating toward the future for more than a hundred 187 00:10:56,700 --> 00:10:59,610 years. We're no strangers to rapid change, 188 00:10:59,730 --> 00:11:02,070 global shifts and economic uncertainty. 189 00:11:02,670 --> 00:11:07,200 We want to be your constant during the energy transition. Whenever, 190 00:11:07,620 --> 00:11:11,280 wherever, forever Power Onward.