Nithya Menon
FUTURE LEADERS
Product Development Lead
WHICH TECHNOLOGY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO DISRUPT THE CURRENT STATUS QUO IN YOUR FIELD?
Battery technology - energy storage is one of the most expensive components in renewable energy infrastructure and is a large reason we are still dependent on dirty energy sources to compensate for variability in renewable energy generation. Cheaper, flexible energy storage solutions will reduce one of the biggest capex barriers in deploying renewable technology, especially in remote parts of the world.
Internet / Connectivity - without education and digital resources, energy access can't benefit last mile communities in the ways we know possible. Additionally, iot devices, which are breaking barriers in providing services to remote parts of the world, are reliant on cheap, broadly available connectivity to be beneficial and reliable. Solutions like Starlink will unlock opportunities both for rural communities and for the companies and technologies trying to reach them.
VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF ENERGY : My vision is driven by my commitment to universal energy access, first and foremost. Reliable and affordable energy shouldn't be the privilege that it is today. When I imagine how this goal will be achieved, I envision leapfrogging past dirty energy sources and outdated regulation and politics into a future where energy is clean, energy technology is modern and innovative, and energy policy incentivizes solutions that are good for the planet in addition to the economy.
EXCITING CURRENT PROJECTS : With Okra, we have developed an smart, solar charge controller that enables flexible, distributed micro grids to be deployed in some of the most remote parts of the world. Our systems are all managed by a suite of software tools to reduce costs and manage operations. We work with local partners, infrastructure companies, and governments, supporting them with our technology and services to ensure it's economically practical for them to electrify the last mile.
In the early days, I worked as one of just a couple people to build the product, write the smart, power-sharing algorithms, and design/build the software platform. As we grew and the initial projects launched, I have transitioned into leading product development and product strategy, making it my role to juggle our competing priorities, drive key product decisions, and make sure everyone knows why and what we're building as we scale into new markets and bigger customers.
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE LIKED TO KNOW WHEN YOU STARTED YOUR CAREER IN ENERGY?
As an engineer desperate to work on technically innovative and challenging problems while also empowering people and making a direct and immediate impact on the world, the field of energy, specifically energy access and/or renewable and clean energy, is where I ended up finding the perfect harmony.
Seeing someone get electricity for the first time, and knowing I helped make it happen, is a feeling like no other. And, many years later, it continues to be a powerful motivator and driving force for me every day.
I have been impressed by the collaboration and support within the international community of people dedicated to solving energy poverty. It can be daunting to find your way in a new field, but I have found time and time again that leaders within this field are willing to share and connect so openly.