040 | "Creator of UK's Largest Energy Storage Site" (Marek at Fluence)

Feb 21

Today’s guest on the “Phil with F30” podcast is Marek Kubik – Market Director of Fluence

Forbes List: Europe
Year: 2017
Category: Industry (Energy)

Marek Kubik is a recognized influencer and leader in the energy industry. Early in his career, Marek had an instrumental role in developing the 10MW Kilroot Energy Storage Array. It was the first utility-scale commercial battery energy storage project in Europe, and one of the largest systems in the world.

Marek is a director and founding member of energy storage tech powerhouse Fluence, a company that delivers a fleet of nearly 2000MW of energy storage solutions on six continents.
Marek has a passion for accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. And he’s great at putting high-tech issues in easy-to-understand terms.

In our conversation we discussed energy storage:

What it is.
How it solves the problem of limited fossil fuels.
How it can quickly reduce emissions leading to climate change.
Understanding grid infrastructure and how to reimagine it.
The joint venture with Siemens and an alternative method of supporting entrepreneurs.
You can read more of Marek’s thought leadership ideas on LinkedIn. Enjoy the show!

“Under 30 Seconds Round”

1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?

Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman. It’s a fascinating insight into human psychology.

2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?

Best - My Apple watch. It’s great for data collection.
Worst - A gym membership. I found other tools to exercise that lead to my exercising more.

3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning and Evening routines?

AM - I make my bed first thing in the morning because of the science of doing this task every day.
PM - I shut off my phone before bed because I’m a workaholic.

4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?

I’d explore my interest in sustainable aviation.

5. What’s something you never knew you needed?

Flight radar. I like how you can track the plane and figure out where it is so I know ahead of time if it’s delayed.

In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…

The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Marek Kubik’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!

GUEST INFO: Marek Kubik – Market Director - Fluence