Sustainable Edge

About Sustainable Edge

The Sustainable Edge podcast series, hosted by Position Green Co-Founder and Executive Chair Joachim Nahem, centres on a variety of guests who bring their unique perspective of corporate sustainability transformation and ESG, and how best to drive value creation and increase competitiveness by turning ESG data insights into targeted action.

Publisher

Position Green

Category

technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Aug 2023

Latest episode

26 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

36 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Oct 2026

   Sustainable Edge: Is near zero the new net zero? With Philip Fjeld, CEO of ReFuels

   War in Ukraine, disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and overloaded power grids have pushed energy security to the top of the agenda for Europe’s logistics fleets. In this episode of Sustainable Edge, ReFuels CEO and Co-Founder Philip Fjeld explains why heavy transport is turning to locally produced biomethane, and argues that “near zero” is not a retreat from climate ambition but the real-world pragmatism the industry needs. In this episode of Sustainable Edge Host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder at Position Green, sits down with Philip Fjeld, CEO and Co-Founder of ReFuels, the company building the Bio-CNG refuelling infrastructure that powers heavy transport fleets across the UK and Europe. For years, the corporate climate mandate was absolute net zero or bust, with every truck on the road expected to go fully electric. But fleet operators run on profit margins of just 2 to 5%, diesel prices have jumped by 40 to 50% in six months, and electric trucks, chargers and grid upgrades remain out of reach for many. Philip explains why the shift towards near zero is pragmatism, and why his customers, including eight of the ten largest supermarket chains in the UK, are not rowing back on their climate targets but accelerating them. Together, they explore whether biomethane is a temporary bridge or a permanent part of the energy mix, how the fuel can become carbon negative, why planning approvals rather than technology are the real bottleneck, how to avoid the food versus fuel trap, and what it takes to build a profitable green business. Philip also shares his best advice for founders after 20 years as an entrepreneur. Learn about Near zero as real-world pragmatism Why low-margin fleet operators cannot afford trucks that cost twice as much or grid upgrades costing millions, and why near zero is a workable alternative to an undeliverable vision. Climate pledges still matter Why, contrary to popular perception, Philip sees no customers abandoning their decarbonisation plans, and why waiting for future technology is not an option for companies with 2030 and 2035 targets. The real bottleneck is infrastructure How planning approval for a refuelling station has gone from around two months to as long as a year and a half, and why grid capacity, depot space and permits slow down the transition more than technology. Profitable sustainability How ReFuels spent close to a decade building a robust, fully backed-up station network before reaching profitability, and why customers need green options that cost no more than diesel. From 90% savings to carbon negative How biomethane captures methane from waste that would otherwise rot, why it currently cuts greenhouse gas emissions by about 90% compared to diesel, and how a growing share of supply is already carbon negative. Avoiding the food versus fuel trap Why most major UK supermarkets have moved away from biodiesel, and why locally sourced waste feedstocks under European regulation avoid threatening food security elsewhere. Energy security moves up the agenda Why fuel security now sits alongside cost and carbon in customers’ decisions, and why smaller hauliers risk ending up at the back of the queue in a diesel shortage. A scalable, homegrown resource How biomethane produced from European feedstocks could theoretically supply half of Europe’s gas demand, while creating new revenue for farmers and producing nutrient-rich fertiliser as a byproduct. Lessons from 20 years as a founder Why every founder needs trusted mentors with real life experience, and why bringing your partner along on the journey is essential for your relationships to survive. About Philip Fjeld Philip Fjeld has worked in the natural gas industry since 2002, when he joined the LNG ship owner Höegh LNG in Oslo. He went on to co-found Flex LNG, and in 2014 he started CNG Fuels, which combined with ReFuels in 2023 to form a fully integrated energy supplier dedicated to decarbonising Europe’s commercial fleets. He holds a graduate degree from the Norwegian School of Economics. Today, ReFuels is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and supplies renewable biomethane to some of the largest fleet operators in the UK. Philip has spent two decades as a founder and CEO, building businesses that make cleaner energy work in the real world. Why it matters As geopolitical conflicts drive up diesel prices and threaten supply, heavy transport needs solutions that cut emissions today without waiting for grid upgrades or new truck technology. Philip argues that biomethane offers fleets a rare combination: lower costs, significant emissions reductions and energy that is produced locally, out of reach of distant conflicts. This conversation offers business leaders a practical view of how decarbonisation targets can be met under real-world constraints, and why energy security is becoming as important as carbon in shaping transport strategy.

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   Sustainable Edge: Solar, energy security and capital discipline in emerging markets with Terje Pilskog, CEO at Scatec

   Solar has quietly become the single largest source of electricity in Europe, and in many emerging markets, clean energy is no longer a climate ambition but a matter of national energy security. In this episode of Sustainable Edge, Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog explains how renewables have moved beyond the ESG hype cycle into disciplined, profitable infrastructure, and why economics, not politics, is now driving the energy transition. In this episode of Sustainable Edge Recorded live at the annual Pareto Energy conference in Oslo, host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder at Position Green, sits down with Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec, which builds utility-scale solar, wind and storage in markets such as Ukraine, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil and the Philippines. Five years ago, renewable stocks rode an unprecedented valuation boom. Today, the hype has cooled, interest rates are higher, and developers have shifted their focus to profitability and sustainable cash flows. Terje shares how Scatec navigated that reset, from sharpening its focus on core markets and reducing corporate debt to lowering its cost of capital, and why he remains a climate optimist even as global political attention on climate has faded. Together, they explore why governments in emerging markets are choosing renewables without subsidies, whether recent Middle East conflicts mark a turning point for clean energy, what solar developers can learn from oil and gas majors, and how Scatec continues to operate in Ukraine amid ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure. Learn about From ESG hype to business fundamentals How Scatec responded to the post-2021 market reset by focusing on fewer markets, cutting debt and building a more resilient, profitable business. Why economics now drives the transition Why renewables no longer need subsidies, and how a single solar and battery project in Egypt saves the country hundreds of millions of dollars a year compared to LNG-fired power. Energy security as a strategic priority Why the war in Ukraine and the Iran crisis are stark reminders that dependence on imported fuel is a structural risk, and why more energy crises are likely ahead. The hidden cost of fossil fuel subsidies How subsidised electricity tariffs burden state budgets across Africa, and how renewables could free up resources for health and education. Managing risk in challenging markets How long-term power purchase agreements and sovereign guarantees protect revenues in high-risk countries. Lessons from oil and gas, and lessons back What renewable developers have borrowed from the oil majors on execution and risk assessment, and what the traditional energy sector could learn from a more nimble way of working. Responsible supply chains How Scatec uses due diligence, physical audits and full traceability to ensure its solar panels, batteries and turbines come from responsible value chains. Grid-friendly renewables in Europe How combining solar, wind and batteries creates a balanced 24/7 generation profile, supports grid stability and opens up new opportunities in markets like Romania and Poland. About Terje Pilskog Terje Pilskog was appointed CEO of Scatec in 2022, having joined the company as EVP Project Development in 2013. Before Scatec, he held management positions at Renewable Energy Corporation (REC), which he joined from McKinsey & Co With close to two decades in renewables, Terje has led Scatec through one of the most turbulent periods in the industry's history, steering the company towards profitability while continuing to build large-scale clean energy projects in some of the world's most complex markets. Why it matters As geopolitical instability exposes the risks of dependence on imported fossil fuels, renewables are increasingly being chosen for their cost competitiveness and their contribution to energy independence. Terje argues that the transition is now being driven by a strong business case, one that delivers climate benefits even when climate is not the primary motivation. This conversation offers business leaders a grounded view of how the renewable sector has matured, how risk can be managed in challenging marke

3. 

   28 Aug 2026

   Sustainable Edge: The business case for climate resilience with Johan Rockström

   Climate risk is no longer a future scenario. It is already reshaping supply chains, economies, and business resilience. In this episode of Sustainable Edge, world-renowned climate scientist Johan Rockström explains why sustainability is no longer about compliance or reputation, but about managing risk, driving innovation, and ensuring long term competitiveness in a rapidly changing world. In this episode of Sustainable Edge Host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder at Position Green, sits down with Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, IPCC contributor, and the scientist behind the Planetary Boundaries framework. As climate impacts accelerate and businesses navigate growing geopolitical uncertainty, Johan shares why companies must rethink sustainability through the lens of resilience and long term value creation. Drawing on decades of scientific research, he explains why climate is only one part of a much broader systems challenge involving biodiversity, freshwater, oceans, and the stability of the Earth's life-support systems. Together, they explore how science can help business leaders make better strategic decisions, where companies continue to underestimate risk, and why the transition to a more sustainable economy is becoming increasingly driven by competitiveness, energy security, and resilience rather than environmental ambition alone. Johan Rockström explains why businesses that understand planetary boundaries will be better equipped to navigate uncertainty, strengthen resilience, and remain competitive as the global economy continues to transform. Learn about: Why sustainability is fundamentally about business risk How climate change and planetary boundaries are creating operational, financial, and supply chain risks that boards can no longer afford to ignore. Beyond climate Why biodiversity loss, freshwater scarcity, healthy oceans, and ecosystem stability are becoming critical business issues alongside decarbonisation. Resilience as a competitive advantage How renewable energy, diversified supply chains, and systems thinking can strengthen businesses against geopolitical shocks and market disruption. The business case for planetary boundaries Why understanding environmental limits helps companies make smarter strategic decisions and build long term value. The importance of predictable policy Why businesses need stable regulatory frameworks to accelerate investment and innovation in the transition. The hidden risks leaders overlook Why intact nature and healthy oceans remain some of the biggest blind spots in corporate sustainability strategies. Innovation through constraints How sustainability challenges are driving new technologies, business models, and opportunities for growth. From quantity to quality Why the next generation of business success will depend less on increasing consumption and more on delivering greater value with fewer resources. About Johan Rockström Johan Rockström is one of the world's leading climate scientists and serves as Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). He is an author of the IPCC reports and internationally recognised for developing the Planetary Boundaries framework, which defines the environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate. For more than two decades, Johan has advised governments, businesses, and international organisations on climate science, resilience, and sustainable development. His work has fundamentally shaped how leaders understand the relationship between environmental stability, economic prosperity, and long term business success. Why it matters As climate impacts become more visible and geopolitical uncertainty reshapes the global economy, businesses face increasing pressure to build resilience while remaining competitive. Johan argues that sustainability should no longer be viewed as a separate agenda, but as an essential part of managing risk, driving innovation, and securing future growth. This conversation offers business leaders a science based perspective on how to navigate one of the defining challenges of our time and why understanding planetary boundaries may become one of the most important strategic capabilities for the decade ahead.

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