We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Julian Johnson, the Chief Financial Officer at Nala Renewables. In an industry as essential as renewable energy, Julian’s role extends beyond managing a company; it involves envisioning and implementing solutions that will have a lasting impact on the planet.
During our discussion, Julian provided profound insights into his leadership philosophy, the strategic initiatives his company is undertaking, and the critical role renewable energy plays in combating global warming. Continue reading to discover how Julian’s leadership is propelling Nala Renewables towards contributing to the global 2050 net-zero target and shaping the future of sustainable energy.
Our conversation began with Julian sharing the story of how he ventured into the realm of sustainable energy. His entry into this sector was a response to the growing global necessity for renewable solutions. Julian recounted, “Initially, my background in financial management and strategic planning was oriented towards more traditional industries. However, the pressing need for sustainable practices and the potential for significant impact in renewable energy drew me into this field.”
He went on to describe his pivotal transition moments and the experiences that shaped his commitment to renewable energy, noting, “The shift was both enlightening and challenging. It required adapting my financial expertise to an industry that was not only about profit but primarily about planetary health.”
Continuing our discussion, Julian detailed the ambitious targets that Nala Renewables has set in its pursuit of sustainability and environmental stewardship. “Our immediate aim is ambitious—to increase our renewable energy projects to 10GW of cumulative capacity by 2030,” Julian outlined. This target, specific to the company, plays a crucial role in contributing to the broader, global sustainability goals.
Julian emphasised the significance of these goals in the context of global sustainability efforts. “Our objectives at Nala directly feed into this larger framework. Every gigawatt of renewable capacity we add is a step towards enhancing energy sustainability on a global scale,” he explained.
Building on our conversation about targets, Julian turned to a pressing global issue: the reality of climate change. He spoke with certainty about the tangible evidence. “Look at London,” Julian pointed out, “the patterns we see today in the weather are starkly different from what they were just a decade ago. Heatwaves and flooding are becoming the new norm—these are not random fluctuations but clear signs of climate change.”
His observation highlights the direct impacts of climate shifts on urban environments. “It’s impossible to overlook these changes. They are not anecdotal; they are measured and felt by the city’s residents. This isn’t theoretical; it’s the reality we’re living,” he emphasised.
Continuing our discussion on the impacts of climate change, I asked Julian about the practical steps Nala Renewables is taking to achieve their renewable energy targets. He outlined a multi-faceted strategy centred around focussed growth and development.
“Acquisitions play a crucial role in our strategy,” Julian explained. “By integrating existing renewable assets, we can rapidly scale our operations and expand our energy capacity more efficiently.” He emphasised that each acquisition is carefully evaluated not only for its financial viability but also for its potential environmental impact and alignment with long-term sustainability goals. “From wind farms in Northern Europe to solar projects in South America, we are meticulously ensuring that every investment aligns with our ambitions,” he shared.
In addition to acquisitions, Julian detailed the extensive planning and development work involved in expanding renewable energy capacity highlighting the importance of community involvement and regulatory compliance in these processes. “We work closely with local communities and governments to ensure our projects are beneficial for all stakeholders involved. This includes extensive environmental impact assessments and adopting best practices in project development to minimize our ecological footprint.”
As our discussion shifted to Julian’s role as CFO at Nala Renewables, he was eager to discuss the significant impact technology has had on his career. Reflecting on his early days, Julian recalled the challenges associated with mobility and flexibility in work. “When I started out at KPMG, we carried printers to clients because everything was paper-based at that point in time,” he shared.
“The progression has been phenomenal. We moved from basic databases and manual processes to advanced systems like Oracle Fusion representing the technological advancement in corporate financial management. “We’re leveraging systems that integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning, providing us capabilities once deemed unimaginable,” he noted.
As our discussion progressed, Julian shared his insights on the indispensable skills necessary for finance professionals today, especially within the fast-evolving renewable energy sector. He emphasised the blend of adaptability, technological proficiency, and fundamental accounting skills that are pivotal in today’s marketplace.
“Technology can be learned, and systems can be mastered,” Julian remarked, underscoring that while tech skills are teachable, the core financial acumen remains crucial. “What’s truly irreplaceable are the hard accounting skills and a strong sense of professional scepticism. These are critical for the modern finance professional.”
Julian highlighted professional scepticism as a key attribute, vital for ensuring integrity and thoroughness in financial reporting and decision-making. “It’s about questioning, verifying, and not taking data at face value,” he explained. “This approach is crucial, particularly when assessing the financial aspects of projects that are not only capital intensive but also pivotal for our sustainability targets.”
He further discussed the importance of these skills in the context of integrating advanced technologies like AI and machine learning into financial systems. “As we adopt more sophisticated technologies, the ability to interpret and scrutinise the data becomes even more essential. Finance professionals must not only manage these tools but also ensure that they are enhancing our capabilities without compromising accuracy or ethical standards.”
To conclude our enlightening discussion, Julian reflected on the journey so far and the road ahead. ‘The challenges are many, but the opportunities to make a meaningful difference are even greater,’ he mused. With a note of optimism, Julian shared his hope and determination for the future, emphasising that the path to sustainability is paved with relentless innovation, collaborative efforts, and an unwavering commitment to the planet.
