PR: Kärnfull, the 100% nuclear electricity provider, adds Eric Ingersoll and Johan Carlsson to advisory board
Singer/songwriter José Gonzalez, researcher Klara Insulander Bjork, professor Christian Ekberg and climate-activist Kirsty Gogan welcomes two new colleagues to Kärnfull Energi’s advisory board. Sweden’s first 100% nuclear electricity provider today added award-winning entrepreneur Eric Ingersoll, founder of Energy Options Network, and LA-based Swedish songwriter and producer Johan Carlsson (Ariana Grande, One Direction, Flo Rida et al) to the panel.
The world of nuclear has seen both business and political success recently. Technology breakthroughs are announced on a weekly basis, not least within the field of small, modular reactors (SMRs) that provide cost-effective, scalable and flexible clean energy production.
On a European parliament level a number of progressive countries are open to add nuclear to the upcoming EU Sustainable Investments taxonomy, not least based on its low-carbon (6g CO2/kWh, EPD Sweden) and high-capacity characteristics. Germany, however, are leading a group of countries opposing — trying to ban nuclear altogether in order to instead drive investments to natural gas (490g CO2/kWh, IPCC).
In Sweden, Kärnfull’s home market, nuclear is also being actively discussed following last weeks pre-mature closure of Ringhals 2 after 43 diligent years and 215 TWh of clean energy production. By year end, Ringhals 1 too will face its final curtains — resulting in a combined eight extra million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Failing to keep these reactors operational is nothing short of bizarre climate- and capital destruction.
Kärnfull, providing 100% nuclear electricity to Swedes as well as sharing energy facts and news via social media outlets, has so far presented four out of eight advisors over the past month. This panel has gained global attention, not least in Australia, the U.K. and France. Today’s announcement adds two new names to the list — both from the U.S.
Eric Ingersoll is a strategic advisor and entrepreneur with deep experience in the commercialization of new energy technologies. He has extensive project and policy experience in renewables, energy storage, oil & gas, and nuclear, with a special emphasis on advanced nuclear technologies. Eric develops commercialization and market entry strategies for advanced energy technologies that can help solve climate change, such as advanced nuclear power generation, carbon capture, and zero-carbon liquid fuels.
He has led an array of projects related to regulatory, financing, and project delivery barriers in the nuclear sector for a variety of clients, including government agencies in the US and abroad, including the development of a definitive cost study on advanced nuclear technology. His company, LucidCatalyst, maintains one of the industry’s most comprehensive advanced nuclear cost models.
Eric has been an interim leader or strategic advisor to over 30 startups. He raised over $100 million of private equity for General Compression, of which he was a founder, CEO,and the lead inventor of the technology. Because of his unique strategic vision, focus on addressing climate change, and experience developing and commercializing new technologies, Eric was a member of the renewable energy advisory group of US National Commission on Energy Policy (NCEP), and was honored by the Obama White House as a Champion of Change for Renewable Energy.
Working for foundations, such as the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the MacArthur Foundation, as well as innovative programs at the World Bank, the IFC, the US Department of Energy, Eric has led the way with innovative business approaches to energy and environmental challenges.
“I am very pleased by the invitation to join Kärnfull Energi’s Advisory Board. By accepting this position, I am choosing to publicly support nuclear energy as a consumer choice. Now, thanks to Kärnfull Energi, you also have this choice. Although we may understand the merits of nuclear energy as a scalable ecological solution, it is important that we find ways to act upon and express this understanding in ways that will have practical positive impact for the world. By choosing to have your life powered by nuclear energy, you are actually making a powerful intervention for a sustainable future.
Your choice has power because you will actually be buying clean energy for your household or company. But you are also showing a very important kind of leadership, leadership that makes it easier for others to follow in your footsteps. And, as more of us express our commitment to a clean energy future in this practical way, it provides an easy way for politicians and policymakers to also express their support for nuclear energy as well.
Climate change and the discussion about the steps we need to take to address it can be complicated and overwhelming, but we should not let that prevent us from taking simple and sensible steps that contribute to the solution. We will need a lot more nuclear energy—in combination with other clean energy sources—to enable the clean, safe, and prosperous future that we want for all of us. Thank you for being part of making this happen.”
Johan Carlsson is an award-winning songwriter and music producer based in Los Angeles. He was discovered by leading hitmaker Max Martin back in 2010 and the two have worked on numerous projects since. Johan has written and produced over 20 hit songs for the likes of Ariana Grande, Michael Bublé, One Direction, Katy Perry, and Flo Rida to name but a few.
He has always held a sincere interest in climate change and energy solutions, intensified by the recent wildfires and electricity black-outs in California. Johan typically avoids media attention, and working with Kärnfull is his first corporate engagement.
“I’m very honoured and inspired to join such a renowned panel and to support one of the most exciting Swedish energy sector start-ups. Kärnfull stands for a future full of hope, based on facts and smart solutions. Their main challenge is to bring attention and understanding to the importance of nuclear energy for a thriving planet. They help by putting the spotlight on the importance of consumers making an active choice to support clean nuclear energy.
We are heading into the age of full-scale electrification, where we really cannot create too much clean, reliable energy. The more areas electrified — industry, transport etcetera — the better. The role of nuclear has been discussed quite a lot here in California too, not least since we’re seeing planned electricity black-outs taking place. I’ve been fortunate to learn more about this topic from some of the world’s leading experts.
Personally, I’m really enthusiastic about the progress made within advanced nuclear, particularly small modular reactors, waste recycling, and isotopes for medical purposes. Nuclear energy for city heating and hydrogen for synthetic fuels are also really exciting developments. I’m far from an energy expert — luckily there’s plenty of those in the advisory board as is — so my role will likely more be in finding ambassadors and helping spread the good word. I’ve seen their plans for coming months and I’m very impressed by what they are planning to achieve.”
Kärnfull welcomes both Eric and Johan to the board, and with that six out of eight advisors have been revealed. The board’s key responsibility will be to allocate the yearly kilowatt hour donation but they will also help support the team with strategic advice and public relations.
“We are delighted to be able to associate our young brand to experts with this level of expertise and network. We’ve actively decided to gather a dynamic group of advisors with complementary competencies. Our current focus is on enrolling enough Swedish customers to ensure that the voice of reason continues to be heard loud and clear” says John Ahlberg, founder Kärnfull.
______________________________________________________________________
About:
Kärnfull Energi is a part of Kärnfull Future AB, a wholly-owned company by founders Christian Sjölander and John Ahlberg. Kärnfull Energi is an electricity supplier, and hence not an electricity producer that can influence supply and demand of the electricity market. The company, on top of proving market demand and civil action thru electricity sales, aims to improve dinner conversations everywhere by making nuclear power, and its key role in fighting climate change, more understandable and likeable. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, @karnfull.
Contact:
Christian Sjölander, founder – christian@karnfull.se / 0739-435605
John Ahlberg, founder – john@karnfull.se / 0734-387347