Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 22/06/2026"My name is Saththiyasri. I am the Treasurer of the Puthumai Women Farmers' Society. We have provided revolving loans to 35 women for farming. Thanks to this fund, our women no longer need to turn to profit making credit companies. With your support we can go further" chuffed.org/project/trinco 011
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 19/06/2026Help @empowerprojects.bsky.social support this women's agricultural cooperative in #SriLanka - their efforts to rebuild post-Cyclone Ditwah have been incredible: chuffed.org/project/trincochuffed.orgHelp Kadakaraichenai Women's Cooperative growTRINCOMALEE DISTRICT, SRI LANKA — After Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025, the women of Kadakaraichenai have shown extraordinary resilience. With support from Empower Projects, their cooperative has already... 131
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonKetan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 15/06/2026If you build three gigawatts of solar in the desert, and then use all of that to power the melting of computer chips to run GenAI (instead of helping to push fossil fuels out of the system through an undersea cable to Asia), what's the benefit to climate, or biodiversity or environment? 516243
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonRebecca Solnit @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social · 15/06/2026My hundredth essay at my newsletter (in just under 500 days). It's about beauty and pleasure, films and trees and singing, about the small things,and their relationship to democracy and the large things.meditationsinanemergency.comIn the Dark Times Will There Also Be Singing?This is the one-hundredth essay at Meditations in an Emergency. Thank you everyone who has joined me here. A while back I bought a first edition of a Willa Cather novel for nothing much at a library ... 1538287
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 15/06/2026I had the privilege of spending time with this women's cooperative in #SriLanka in Feb. Their solidarity and perseverance was so humbling. They need our help to help more women improve their livelihoods. 100% of donations go to their co-op fund, and are tax deductible. chuffed.org/project/trincochuffed.orgHelp Kadakaraichenai Women's Cooperative growTRINCOMALEE DISTRICT, SRI LANKA — After Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025, the women of Kadakaraichenai have shown extraordinary resilience. With support from Empower Projects, their cooperative has already... 000
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 23/07/2025A short film from the launch of the Fixim Sola vocational training program on off-grid solar repair in #Vanuatu. 48 participants from Tafea province (5 islands) took part in a 2-week program that covered the fundamentals of #solar + how to perform basic maintenance and #repair operationsyoutube.comLaunching Fixim Sola: Empowering Vanuatu's remote communities through solar repair trainingYouTube video by Business Partnerships Platform 141
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 23/07/2025On Vanuatu’s outer islands, off-grid solar brings vital lighting, phone-charging and cooling where the grid can’t reach—but what happens these system break down? 'Fixim Sola' is addressing this challenge by building local repair capabilities i.e. training, support & tools. #repair #solar #offgridthebpp.com.auSolar repair training empowering remote Vanuatu communities to tackle waste and create jobsFixim Sola, a new solar repair training course launched last month in Vanuatu’s Tafea Province is giving local communities the tools, skills and confidence to manage solar waste… 100
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 24/04/2025Our team at @ceemunsw.bsky.social have a new article on 24/7 Carbon-Free Electricity procurement in Australia. This research examined diverse stakeholder perspectives on this emerging form of RE procurement, including its scope for decarbonising electricity in Australia #researchsciencedirect.comThe right time for real-time? Stakeholder perspectives on the role of temporal matching in renewable energy procurement in AustraliaAmid mounting stakeholder pressure to decarbonise electricity consumption, corporate renewable electricity (RE) procurement has played a significant r… 011
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonJosh Nicholas @joshnicholas.com · 21/03/2025I wrote a thing about drawing and Melbourne www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...theguardian.comTourists, watercolours and the sad, still Star: sketching the route 35 tram showed me a Melbourne I had never really noticedWhen you are in a city every day, you start to take things for granted. So, after three years in Melbourne, Josh Nicholas decided to be a tourist 22812
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonCollaboration on Energy and Environmental Markets (CEEM) @ceemunsw.bsky.social · 15/04/2025New paper from CEEM researchers exploring stakeholder perspectives on 24/7 Carbon-Free Electricity procurement in Australia has just been published: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... 🔌💡sciencedirect.comThe right time for real-time? Stakeholder perspectives on the role of temporal matching in renewable energy procurement in AustraliaAmid mounting stakeholder pressure to decarbonise electricity consumption, corporate renewable electricity (RE) procurement has played a significant r… 144
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonMartin Jones @martincjones.com · 15/04/2025"While we found interest in 24/7 CFE among some sophisticated buyers and the emerging green hydrogen sector, we argue that 24/7 CFE contracting will likely play a limited role in driving decarbonisation in Australia's electricity sector." 032
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonDylan McConnell @dylanjmcconnell.bsky.social · 15/04/2025📣 New paper from @shanilsam.bsky.social, @miker66.bsky.social, and other colleagues at @ceemunsw.bsky.social on perspectives of 24/7 "real time" RE procurement in Au! (tl;dr: will likely play a limited role in driving decarbonisation in Australia..) 🔌💡 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...sciencedirect.comThe right time for real-time? Stakeholder perspectives on the role of temporal matching in renewable energy procurement in AustraliaAmid mounting stakeholder pressure to decarbonise electricity consumption, corporate renewable electricity (RE) procurement has played a significant r… 2105
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonJA Westenberg @joanwestenberg.com · 29/03/2025When people say 'politics is too divisive now,' what they really mean is 'I was more comfortable when certain groups suffered quietly.' 185123062693
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 04/03/2025. @paulmunro.bsky.social outlines our research on off-grid (final 8 mins) #solar repair and e-waste in #Vanuatu, #Zambia and #Malawi. He discusses the dynamics of the off-grid sector that complicate repair, the challenges communities face on the ground, and the solutions (upstream & downstream).abc.net.auFlow Batteries, windships, and a new approach to off-grid solar - ABC listenThey're cheaper and safer than their lithium counterparts, they're easier to scale-up, and they can hold power for much longer than conventional batteries, so why aren't flow batteries better known? T... 021
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonDr Abeba Birhane @abeba.blacksky.app · 23/02/2025these are the kind of moves that'll eventually move the needle towards shifting power away from tech oligarchs 131720389
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 19/02/2025Just over a week to go to get your abstracts in (Feb 28th) for our session on "Future energy systems - embracing creativity in energy transformations"at @energygeography.bsky.social . Please share with anyone that might be keen to participate, be it in-person or online. Details below 👇 043
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonMike Roberts @miker66.bsky.social · 18/02/2025theconversation.comWould Sidney Nolan be cancelled for painting Ned Kelly today? That’s what Creative Australia has done to Khaled SabsabiContentious figures have always featured in Australian art – and this fact is what makes Khaled Sabsabi’s removal from the Venice Biennale so confronting. 011
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 14/02/2025🚨 CfP 🚨 Pleased to be co-hosting an online/hybrid session for RGS-IBG on "Future energy systems-embracing creativity in energy transformations" at this year's @energygeography.bsky.social conference, with Anna Cain, @paulmunro.bsky.social , @rex-martin.bsky.social and @miker66.bsky.social 1/2 153
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonKetan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 13/02/2025Shell was comfortably the world's largest purchaser of carbon offsets in 2024. carbonmarketwatch.org/2025/02/12/b...carbonmarketwatch.orgBehind the green curtain: big oil and the voluntary carbon market - Carbon Market WatchShell was the world’s largest user of carbon credits in 2024, a year in which fossil fuel companies dominated the voluntary carbon market. This allows Shell was the world’s largest user of carbon cred... 03913
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 14/02/2025A blog post on some recent fieldwork in #Zambia. @mattkearns.bsky.social and I had the opportunity to accompany repair technicians from @solaraid.bsky.social during "Repair Days" for small-scale solar products. offgridsolarrepair.com/bringing-lig...offgridsolarrepair.comBringing Light Back: A Day of Solar Repair in rural Zambia - Off-grid Solar RepairA blog about a day of fieldwork in rural Zambia with Solar Aid's repair technicians. 010
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonHannah McCann @binarythis.bsky.social · 11/02/2025Open letter for academics to sign in support of academic Randa Abdel-Fattah, whose Australian research grant on “Arab/Muslim Australian Social Movements since the 1970s” is being targeted by the Australian Government for political reasons docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...docs.google.comOpen Letter on Academic FreedomWe, the undersigned, write to express our condemnation of the decision by the Education Minister Jason Clare to request the Australian Research Council (ARC) to investigate the Future Fellowship of Ma... 13422
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonBen Eltham @beneltham.bsky.social · 12/02/2025Very worrying. There is of course a serious problem with anti-semitism in Australian society. But changing the definition of anti-semitism to outlaw protests by university students against the conflict in Gaza will do nothing to stop hatred in our community www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...theguardian.comInquiry urges Australian universities to ‘closely align’ with controversial definition of antisemitismReport tabled by Labor MP Josh Burns finds there is an ‘urgent need for reform’ to ensure safety of Jewish students 2926485
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonSenator David Shoebridge @davidshoebridge.bsky.social · 12/02/2025Enough is enough - today I’ll be tabling our Federal bill to protect protest from these kinds of inappropriate restrictions. We will fight for the right to fight for your rights! 112644
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonRex Martin @rex-martin.bsky.social · 06/02/2025We're seeking contributions that engage with creativity and transformation towards future energy systems 250 word abstracts due Mon 24th February Details: drive.google.com/file/d/1Lgzz...drive.google.comRGS-IBG 2025 session Future energy systems-embracing creativity in energy transformations.pdf 011
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonMike Roberts @miker66.bsky.social · 06/02/2025Delighted to be co-hosting an online / hybrid session on "Future energy systems-embracing creativity in energy transformations" at this year's @energygeography.bsky.social conference, with Anna Cain, @paulmunro.bsky.social, @shanilsam.bsky.social & @rex-martin.bsky.social of @ceemunsw.bsky.social 1/ 142
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonRex Martin @rex-martin.bsky.social · 06/02/2025🚨 CfP 🚨 Co-hosting an online / hybrid session for RGS-IBG on "Future energy systems-embracing creativity in energy transformations" at this year's @energygeography.bsky.social conference, with Anna Cain, @paulmunro.bsky.social, @shanilsam.bsky.social @miker66.bsky.social 1/2 163
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonRichard Waite @waiterich.bsky.social · 04/01/2025Interesting story by @dancharles.bsky.social about what happens when farmers abandon land, and what types of ecosystems come back. (Globally agricultural land is still expanding on a net basis, but it is contracting in some places.)science.orgFarmers are abandoning land worldwide. What should happen to it?Ecologists differ on whether to steer recovery or let nature take its course 107926
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonRex Martin @rex-martin.bsky.social · 02/12/2024New(ish) research published in #ERSS with the terrific Yolande Strengers where we propose the concept of 'non-energy feedback' to examine how data not directly about energy still shapes it's use. Specifically we explore sensory, social, material and systemic forms of non-energy feedback 1/2 153
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonJoe Rand @josephrand.bsky.social · 21/11/2024I put together a starter pack of energy social scientists (distinct from the existing 'climate social science' starter pack). So far it's a small but mighty list. Please collaborate to help build this out! 🔌💡 go.bsky.app/5zMF4Vx 5125
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonMike Roberts @miker66.bsky.social · 11/12/2024The Household Energy Glossary from @rex-martin.bsky.social and colleagues looks to enhance communication within and beyond the sector. 🔌💡monash.edu 151
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonKetan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 12/12/2024After 65,000 years caring for this land, First Nations peoples are now key to Australia’s clean energy revolution theconversation.com/after-65-000...theconversation.comAfter 65,000 years caring for this land, First Nations peoples are now key to Australia’s clean energy revolutionA new federal government strategy outlines how to elevate the rights of Indigenous Australians 418740
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonKetan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 10/12/2024I don't think there's been anything stopping anyone from choosing to fully ignore Dutton's nuclear claims and put a blowtorch on the Albanese govt's performance at actually enacting emissions reductions, renewable rollout and most importantly, meeting their own claim to meet the Paris agreement 29823
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonKetan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 08/12/202440% of the mass of everything transported by a ship in 2023 was a fossil fuel. That stat paired with this new study shines a pretty harsh spotlight on how obscenely bad-faith the right-wing concern trolling around offshore wind + whales is www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...seattletimes.comUW study finds leading cause of whale deathsNew research shows that the top threat to whales around the globe has changed. But it wouldn't take much to reduce the risk, researchers say. 622840856
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 09/12/2024Li-ion batteries, a key waste object when it comes to off-grid #solar products across the Global South. There is a lack of standardisation in the usage of these batteries, and acute challenges in getting spares. When available, replacements can double the productive lifespan of these products. 011
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonDylan McConnell @dylanjmcconnell.bsky.social · 09/12/2024"The projections assume the Australian Government's 82 per cent renewable electricity generation target for on-grid electricity is met by 2030." Phrased differently: the projections show we are on to meet the target, because we assume the target will be met! 1147
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonAsher Wolf @asherwolf.bsky.social · 09/12/2024A national snapshot shows internet access is improving overall, but half of Australia's Aboriginal communities still don't have phone reception www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...abc.net.auRemote Aboriginal communities left offline in digital age shiftThese days, just about everything is being done online. But new research highlights how hard that's making life for thousands of Australians still living without phone and internet. 23212
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonEmpower Projects @empowerprojects.bsky.social · 09/12/2024A picture of #Solar irrigation in action during the dry season :) We've been supporting Demera Cooperative in #Malawi to establish, diversify and scale their efforts. With support from, Sopowerful Foundation, they are able to grow a more diverse range of crops more often. 011
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonJenny Sinclair @jsresearchpro.bsky.social · 09/12/2024New Zealand: research community "horrified" at Marsden panels axing (free to read): www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-new-... 022
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonDylan McConnell @dylanjmcconnell.bsky.social · 06/12/2024Well blow me down with a feather .. Who could possibly have seen this coming [broadly gestures everywhere] 1165
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonKetan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 06/12/2024Don't think it's well recognised how the Labor party have been a boon for the carbon offsetting industry, in Australia cer.gov.au/markets/repo... 75112
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonEmpower Projects @empowerprojects.bsky.social · 03/12/2024Local artisans completing the construction of a school meal kitchen at Kamwendo Primary School in Ntchisi, #Malawi. This building will be the nerve center or a breakfast program developed through locally grown produce in 2025. Over 300 pupils will benefit from this community-run initiative. 011
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonShanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 02/12/2024Some amazing fieldwork experiences this year. A highlight was spending time with Solar Aid & 3rd party repair technicians in #Zambia. Incredible to note that the productive lives of these small (but often essential )solar products can be effectively doubled through Li-ion battery replacements. 011
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 02/12/2024Some amazing fieldwork experiences this year. A highlight was spending time with Solar Aid & 3rd party repair technicians in #Zambia. Incredible to note that the productive lives of these small (but often essential )solar products can be effectively doubled through Li-ion battery replacements. 011
Shanil Samarakoon @shanilsam.bsky.social · 02/12/2024Our research website is up (still a work in progress) - a home for all of our work on off-grid #solar repair and #ewaste in #Malawi, #Zambia and #Vanuatu. offgridsolarrepair.comoffgridsolarrepair.comResearch on Off-grid Solar RepairA hub for research projects focused on off-grid solar repair in the Global South. 011
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonEmpower Projects @empowerprojects.bsky.social · 02/12/2024Happy to transition from X to Bluesky! We are a for-purpose org that works in collaboration with schools and cooperatives in #Malawi and #SriLanka to support their development plans. Our work is informed by #permaculture We look forward to sharing project stories and updates with all of you. 082
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonOlivia Wylie @otterkit.bsky.social · 02/12/2024For folks looking to live more sustainably, I Fix It is a great place to learn how to fix lots and lots of stuff that we've been trained to give up on and replace. www.ifixit.com/Store #solarpunk #futureisbrightifixit.comThe Official iFixit Store: Replacement Parts, Precision Tools, Fix Kits for RepairWhat are you fixing? Professional-grade tools and replacement parts for any repair. We've got the exact tool you'll need for the job. 1258
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonKetan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 02/12/2024Your daily reminder: the suppliers of gas need to actively pay money to fabricate demand for gas. They are not angelic, humble passive heroes simply meeting the 'demands of society'. They know their dangerous product isn't needed to provide energy, and they're fighting to stop people ditching it 7293116
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonKetan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 02/12/2024"by telling the poor that their poverty is the result of the children they don't avoid having, the wealthy West deflects attention from its brutal, systematic impoverishment of the Global South" - @davidrvetter.bsky.social climatelaundry.substack.com/p/overpopula...climatelaundry.substack.com'Overpopulation' Is A Racist Trope. It's Time We Laid It To RestA new movie satirises the myth that climate change is a consequence of too many people. In the real world, our overpopulation obsession must be euthanised. 16365111
Reposted by Shanil SamarakoonEmpower Projects @empowerprojects.bsky.social · 02/12/2024We work in partnership with marginalised communities in #Malawi and #SriLanka. We establish and scale #cooperative models to improve livelihoods. We support schools to be sustainability hubs for the wider community - food, water, energy & sanitation using #perrmaculture www.empoerprojects.orgyoutube.comEmpower Projects - An OverviewYouTube video by Empower Projects 032