Navigating the Future of Energy Storage with Will Tope, CEO at LiNa Energy | Season Seven, Episode Sixteen

Welcome to Season Seven of Conversations in Cleantech!    From inspiring stories and words of wisdom, to financial foresight and investment insights: in this season, you can expect to learn all about the people and companies who are propelling us towards a greener tomorrow, with a spotlight on investing in a cleaner planet.   In this episode of Conversations in Cleantech, our hosts Nick McCullough and Olivia Morgan sit down with Will Tope, the visionary CEO of LiNa Energy, to explore the rapidly evolving world of energy storage systems.   Have you ever wondered what it takes to move from the traditional oil industry to the forefront of cleantech innovation? Will shares his personal journey and the pivotal moments that led him to help reshape energy storage.   LiNa Energy is pioneering a safer, more cost-effective battery technology using sodium instead of lithium. But what does that mean for the future of energy storage? Will discusses the challenges of disrupting an established market and the opportunities that come with innovation - especially in emerging markets like India, where the demand for sustainable solutions is skyrocketing.   How do you balance ambition with resilience in a rapidly evolving industry? Will offers candid advice on navigating the ups and downs of the cleantech sector, building investor relationships, and staying true to your mission. He also provides invaluable tips for those entering the space, reminding us that making an impact means more than just chasing titles.   Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the power of innovative thinking and the vital role energy storage plays in driving global decarbonisation efforts.   00:59 - Introduction to Will 01:24 - Would you like to share a bit about your story and journey? 06:30 - What is your role at LiNa Energy, and what is the company currently working on? 08:14 - How does LiNa Energy fit into the broader battery and energy storage ecosystem? 12:30 - What have been your biggest achievements so far in LiNA? 14:00 - What are some of the biggest challenges you've had to deal with along the way to get to where you are today?  16:12 - Do you have a specific coping mechanism for dealing with difficult days? 17:06 - What inspired your transition from oil and gas to clean energy and green technology? 19:00 - What lessons have you learned along the way that you can share to anyone shaping a journey in the cleantech space?  23:12 - What are your thoughts on the current trends and observations regarding investment in the clean energy sector? 25:55 - How do you see the investment landscape changing for the clean energy sector in the coming years? 30:00 - Based on your personal experience seeking investment, what advice would you give to other companies in the industry? 31:47 - What is your outlook on the future of the battery market, including its challenges and opportunities? 35:00 - Please tell us more about LiNa's presence in India and your vision for its future. 40:00 - What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the clean tech industry?   Connect with your hosts Nick McCullough and Olivia Morgan on LinkedIn. Find your guest Will Tope on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening to Conversations in Cleantech brought to you by Brightsmith. This is a Loaded Hype production.