NLE11: Joseph Gibbons: An Expert's Journey in Renewable Energy and Research (from Environmental Engineering to Lunar Regolith)

In this episode, Tony and Jose sit down with Joe, a principal technical advisor and advisory lead for Natural Power Ireland, to discuss his extensive background in energy and environmental engineering. Joe shares his academic journey from undergraduate studies focused on converting natural energy into electricity, to his work in consultancy and asset management in the UK's energy sector. He delves into his groundbreaking postgraduate research on using lunar soil to create reflective surfaces for solar PV systems, which gained recognition from the European Space Agency and led to a PhD. Joe explains the intricacies of due diligence in renewable energy projects and reflects on the importance of passion in one's career #continue to our LinkedIn

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:19 Jose's Professional Background
01:24 Early Career in Energy Consultancy
02:06 Transition to Asset Management
03:06 Academic Pursuits and Teaching
03:34 Postgraduate Research and PhD Journey
04:06 Lunar Regolith Research
07:13 Teaching and Lecturing Experience
08:12 Challenges and Rewards of Teaching Mathematics
15:16 PhD Research and Its Impact
15:58 Lunar Regolith as a Construction Material
27:17 Complexities of Scientific Research
28:57 Reflective Surfaces and Solar PV Systems
35:24 General Misconceptions About Science
39:24 Efficiency in Engineering and Its Implications
42:15 Rebound Effects of Energy Efficiency Policies
47:39 Historical Context of Climate Change
51:14 Challenges in Renewable Energy Development
56:59 The Role of Due Diligence in Renewable Projects
01:08:40 Career Advice and Personal Reflections
01:23:42 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Music credit: DaFuq!?Boom! - YouTube

Show Notes NLE011 - Linkedln

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