INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of mission-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities and industries.
Jonathan (J.W.) Postal is the Founder & CEO of Nikola Power. Follow them on Twitter and Linkedin and learn more at nikolapower.com.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Nikola Power is an energy storage and solar company that develops clean energy projects and software products. Our products will have the capability to properly size batteries for grid-tied projects, and more accurately manage behind the meter, front of the meter, residential, and mobile energy storage assets. The key problem we are solving is the intermittent nature of renewable energy — how do you utilize energy from solar when the sun is not shining or wind when when the wind is not blowing? The key is to increase the adoption of energy storage. Our software tools can reduce the capex and opex of energy storage thereby increasing overall demand, extending the economic useful life of these assets, and making energy storage an easier decision for utilities and companies looking for new financial and operational solutions.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
We believe in the possibility of a world 100% powered by renewable energy and that energy storage is the missing element to achieve this goal.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
Our work will help modernize the grid, bring greater access to clean energy, and help us develop a more sustainable energy infrastructure.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
We are inspired by Nikola Tesla and the work he did to change the world — and by modern figures doing similar things to affect positive change like Bill and Melinda Gates.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
Nikola Power hopes to make energy storage ubiquitous and accessible for stakeholders around the world. Doing so will help use realize the possibility of a world powered 100% by renewables.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
Hard work, talented teammates, and for society to continue to demand for cleaner solutions to power our lives.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
To continue refining our technology. We currently own some patented battery management algorithms that can do amazing things, but we don’t want to rest on our laurels and will always need to innovate.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Making an impact is the culmination of a million small decisions. Find ways to move in a positive direction, maintain velocity, and embrace the failure/challenges that will inevitably come along the way.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
By continuing to learn about, engage in, and demand clean energy solutions for their businesses and communities.
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