Hot Off The Grid is the podcast exploring the people behind the UK’s most important industries, from energy and transport to water, nuclear and major infrastructure projects. Brought to you by Rullion, the show goes beyond the headlines to uncover the real challenges behind building, maintaining and scaling the systems society depends on. Each month, Sibel Akel, Rullion’s Marketing Director, speaks to the people delivering these projects — sharing honest insight on their careers, skills, workforce challenges, and what it takes to get work done.
Hot Off The Grid
Claim This Podcastby Rullion
11 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇬🇧
Podcast Overview
Hot Off The Grid is the podcast exploring the people behind the UK’s most important industries, from energy and transport to water, nuclear and major infrastructure projects. Brought to you by Rullion, the show goes beyond the headlines to uncover the real challenges behind building, maintaining and scaling the systems society depends on. Each month, Sibel Akel, Rullion’s Marketing Director, speaks to the people delivering these projects — sharing honest insight on their careers, skills, workforce challenges, and what it takes to get work done.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/8/2026
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Recent Episodes
May 28, 2026
From Coal Power to Clean Energy Innovation
<p>What does engineering really look like behind the scenes? Yasmin Ali shares how a childhood shaped by power cuts led her into energy, battery technology and public engagement, and why the industry needs to rethink how it attracts talent. <br /> </p><p>In this episode of Hot Off The Grid, we speak with Yasmin Ali about careers, clean energy and the human side of engineering: <br />• Growing up in Baghdad during the Gulf War and how early experiences shaped her perspective on energy <br />• Why she went from wanting to study medicine to becoming a chartered chemical engineer <br />• Writing her book during lockdown while working full time in energy <br />• Her journey from coal and gas power stations into clean energy and battery technology <br />• The recruitment and skills gap holding the energy industry back <br />• How volunteering, communication and saying yes to new opportunities helped shape her career <br /> <br />From power stations and government policy to BBC science journalism, book festivals and battery software innovation, Yasmin’s career shows just how varied engineering can be and why visibility matters in attracting the next generation into the industry. </p><p>Guest Bio: Yasmin Ali is a chartered chemical engineer, author and energy professional working at the forefront of battery and energy management technology at RWE. Across her career, she has worked in power generation, government, clean energy innovation and public engagement, while becoming a passionate advocate for widening access into engineering and helping more people understand the role energy plays in everyday life. </p><p>Follow the show for more conversations on critical infrastructure, including nuclear, energy and the future of the grid. <br /> </p><p>Yasmin Ali: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmin-ali-a9655426/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Yasmin Ali | LinkedIn</a> <br />Yasmin’s book: <a href="https://www.engineeryasmin.com/book.html" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.engineeryasmin.com/book.html</a> ‘Power Up: An Engineer's Adventures into Sustainable Energy’ <br />RWE: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/rwe-/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">(28) RWE: Overview | LinkedIn</a> <br />Rullion: <a href="https://uk.linkedin.com/company/rullion" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://uk.linkedin.com/company/rullion</a> </p>
April 16, 2026
The Hidden Problem Holding the Energy Industry Back
<p>Why is energy still seen as confusing from the outside? Daljeet Kaur shares why simplifying the sector could unlock better customer experiences, stronger talent pipelines and a more accessible future for energy.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Hot Off The Grid, we speak with Daljeet, COO of Valda Energy, about building a modern energy business and what it takes to scale in a fast-moving sector:<br>• How Daljeet went from apprentice to COO in the energy sector<br>• What it took to scale Valda Energy from 6 to 130+ employees<br>• Why culture and career progression matter more than ever in attracting talent<br>• Why simplifying communication could solve one of energy’s biggest challenges</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Guest Bio:</strong> Daljeet is the COO of Valda Energy, a leading UK business energy supplier focused on supporting SMEs. She joined the business as employee number five and has helped scale the company through rapid growth, disruption and digital transformation.</p><p><br></p><p>Follow the show for more conversations on nuclear, energy and the future of the grid.</p><p><br></p><p>Daljeet: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daljeet-kaur-6539b079/"><u>https://www.linkedin.com/in/daljeet-kaur-6539b079/</u></a><br>Valda Energy: <a href="www.valdaenergy.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">www.valdaenergy.com</a><br>Rullion: <a href="https://uk.linkedin.com/company/rullion" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://uk.linkedin.com/company/rullion</a></p>
April 8, 2026
Why Energy Doesn’t Have a Skills Shortage
<p>Is there really a skills shortage in energy, or is something else holding the sector back? Miguel Trenkel-Lopez shares why communication and education may be the real barriers to scaling the workforce. </p><p>In this episode of Hot Off The Grid, we speak with Miguel Trenkel-Lopez, founder of Megawatt, about the future of energy talent and how we attract, develop and retain the workforce needed to deliver critical infrastructure: </p><p>• How Miguel’s journey into nuclear started through a graduate scheme <br />• Why energy is one of the biggest challenges facing the global economy<br />• The difference between renewable and sustainable energy and why it matters <br />• How Megawatt is building energy literacy through interactive learning <br />• Why the sector’s biggest issue may be communication, not capability <br />• The importance of reaching talent beyond traditional STEM routes <br />• Why the energy workforce needs to nearly double in the next five years <br />• What the future workforce will look like across energy and nuclear </p><p>Guest Bio: Miguel Trenkel-Lopez is the founder of Megawatt, an education platform that has grown from a card game into a programme helping schools and organisations build energy literacy and inspire future talent pipelines. </p><p>Follow the show for more conversations on nuclear, energy and the future of the grid. </p><p>Miguel Trenkel-Lopez: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/migueltl" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/migueltl</a> <br />Megawatt: <a href="https://megawatt.game/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://megawatt.game</a> <br />Rullion: <a href="https://uk.linkedin.com/company/rullion" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://uk.linkedin.com/company/rullion</a> </p>
11 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Hot Off The Grid?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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