Leaders in Cleantech

Hyperion Q2 2026 Market Review

• David Hunt • Episode 170

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In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Robinson and David Beeston from Hyperion Search for a Q2 cleantech market review, looking across technology, investment, infrastructure and talent.

The central theme of the conversation is clear: the market is moving from announcement to alignment, or perhaps more sharply, from ambition to execution. Capital is still flowing, M&A activity continues, and the energy transition is still moving forward — but the bar has risen. Investors, boards and leadership teams are now looking for businesses that can execute, integrate and scale in real-world conditions.

We discuss the continued convergence of renewables, storage, EV infrastructure, fleet electrification and data centres, and why the challenge is increasingly less about individual technologies and more about systems thinking. Grid constraints, energy management, capacity, utilisation and operational delivery now sit at the centre of many business models.

Steve shares his view on the EV charging and fleet electrification market, where the focus is shifting from rollout to utilisation, returns and integrated energy solutions. David explores the storage and grid landscape, including the growing realism around European battery supply chains, the role of China, the rise of circularity and recycling, and the move away from pure merchant exposure towards more risk-managed storage revenue models.

We also discuss how these market shifts are changing senior hiring. Companies are becoming more precise about the leaders they need. The demand is for people who have seen scale, complexity and execution before — leaders who can build functions, manage assets, navigate grid and regulatory complexity, and turn strategy into delivery.

Finally, we look at data centres as a fast-emerging energy challenge. The AI boom is creating huge demand for power, flexibility and resilience, making energy infrastructure talent increasingly important to the future of digital infrastructure.

About the Host

David Hunt is a cleantech thought leader, podcast host, and former executive search and solar EPC founder. As Non-Executive Chair and a long-time advisor to growth-stage and scaling businesses, he brings deep insight into leadership, energy transition, and the future of climate-focused industries. David supports businesses as a NED and Advisor via Stoa Advisory, and through his podcast and writing, David explores the people, ideas, and innovations shaping a more sustainable world. 

About the Podcast

Leaders in Cleantech explores the people, ideas, and decisions shaping the energy transition. Through in-depth conversations with founders, CEOs, investors, and industry leaders, the podcast focuses on leadership, scaling companies, and the realities of building in a complex and rapidly evolving sector.

🎧 Sponsored by Hyperion Search

Hyperion Search is a specialist executive search firm focused on the cleantech sector.

The firm partners with startups, scaleups, investors, and corporates to build leadership teams and boards across clean energy, mobility, and infrastructure.

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