Green Tech: Kalmen Gubaidullin On How Their Technology Will Make An Important Positive Impact On The Environment
…Gather Existing Knowledge. Before devising new solutions, it’s essential to collect and analyze information on what has already been done to address the issue. This step is critical because it allows you to build on previous work and innovations. As Isaac Newton famously said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” By understanding existing efforts, successes, and failures, you can identify gaps, avoid repeating mistakes, and leverage proven strategies to advance your own solutions…
In recent years, Big Tech has gotten a bad rep. But of course many tech companies are doing important work making monumental positive changes to society, health, and the environment. To highlight these, we started a new interview series about “Technology Making An Important Positive Social Impact”. We are interviewing leaders of tech companies who are creating or have created a tech product that is helping to make a positive change in people’s lives or the environment. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kalmen Gubaidullin.
Kalmen has over a decade of experience in energy transition and decarbonization at a top-3 consulting firm. Since 2010, he has managed digital transformations across 20+ petrochemical facilities in Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and the United States.
Kalmen’s expertise is recognized through his membership in the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) in the UK and his certification as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) in the EU. This blend of technical proficiency and strategic insight positions him as a thought leader in green tech.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory and how you grew up?
I grew up in the town of Aktau in western Kazakhstan, a region renowned for its oil and gas production. From a young age, I aspired to be part of this industry. However, alongside this ambition, as a child and a teenager, I also developed a strong desire to change something in this world.
As I matured, several critical issues became apparent to me:
- The finite nature of energy resources like oil and gas, and the looming challenges of resource depletion. Now this myth is gone, since it is clear that we would stop using oil before it runs out and new large discoveries are still being made, e.g., just Guyana and Iran discoveries in 2022–2023 were almost 7.5 bln barrels.
- The environmental degradation caused by the oil and gas industry, particularly from exploration and production activities. Living near production sites, I was aware of incidents such as oil spills.
- The imperative for sustainable energy solutions to ensure that future generations do not suffer the consequences of our current practices.
These concerns deeply influenced my career choices, driving me to seek assignments that addressed these pressing issues. Currently I’m working for a top 3 consulting firm, helping corporate clients to tackle sustainability issues globally.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I’d love to share one of the best experiences of my career. Some of the most memorable times I’ve had professionally were on Sakhalin Island, near Japan. It was an incredible experience, not just professionally, but also because of the stunning natural environment. The setting reminds a lot of Alaska or coastal Canada. I often got up an hour earlier just to enjoy a slow drive to the Sakhalin II liquefied natural gas plant, taking in the sights of the forest, the enormous sea eagles, and the sea itself.
I was fortunate enough to witness various sea mammals, including orcas and other whales, on my way to work. Being so close to nature had a profound impact on me, influencing how I approached my work. It reinforced my commitment to preserving the environment as much as possible within the scope of my role. If anyone has a chance to have an assignment in a place such as Kitimat, I would strongly encourage taking such an opportunity.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My parents played a pivotal role in supporting my aspirations. They encouraged me to study English and later, core engineering subjects like Chemistry and Mathematics, by enrolling me in additional courses. This strong educational foundation, coupled with their unwavering support, has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
The famous hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, once reportedly said: “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” As it turns out, Gretzky probably didn’t really say that. But whoever did makes a good point about what is called dynamic fit management and I can relate it to both career and personal life.
It is about understanding the context, framing smart goals and making sure you are, your professional career or business idea is aligned with the changing conditions of the environment and/or market.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Curiosity: I am naturally curious about the order of things around me and asking questions: why does it take so long, why does it cost so much, why do we repeatedly do what we are doing, can I change that, why can’t I do it differently, etc.
Adaptability: to me it is about staying current, being open to new ideas and opportunities and letting go of things or ways of thinking which prove no longer bringing value or profit.
Resilience: maintaining clear vision and focus under stressful conditions and trying to find the way rather than easily agreeing to “it is not possible”.
Ok super. Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion about the tech tools that you are helping to create that can make a positive impact on the planet and the environment. To begin, which particular problems are you aiming to solve?
The core challenge I’m addressing is global warming, primarily caused by the rising concentration of human-induced greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere. This issue is not only an environmental crisis but also a significant threat to global health and economic stability.
To tackle this, I work with clients to create decarbonization roadmaps — strategic, actionable plans designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions across key sectors such as energy, industry, and transportation. Central to this effort is a decarbonization assessment tool developed by my company, which provides clients with the insights and guidance they need to navigate this complex transition effectively.
How do you think your technology can address this?
The decarbonization roadmaps are based on a deep understanding of both the technical and economic aspects of carbon reduction. We use advanced modeling tools to assess various scenarios, predict outcomes, and identify the most effective emission-reduction pathways. This includes evaluating technologies like carbon capture, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. The roadmaps are dynamic, adapting to changes in technology, policy, and market conditions to ensure clients stay on track toward their decarbonization goals.
Ultimately, the tools and roadmaps designed to have a tangible positive impact on the planet. By systematically reducing GHG emissions, we’re addressing the root cause of global warming and contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future. My work bridges the gap between technological innovation and practical implementation, tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
Growing up in the oil-rich region of West Kazakhstan, energy was a big part of my life — it was everywhere, influencing the economy, the community, and even the environment around us. That early exposure really sparked my passion for the energy industry and gave me a deep understanding of just how crucial it is.
But when I got to university, I started hearing a lot about how the world’s oil reserves might run out, which made the challenges facing the oil and gas industry feel even more urgent. On top of that, I became more aware of the environmental impact that traditional energy practices were having. It was clear that the industry couldn’t keep going the way it was — we needed to make a change. It wasn’t just about extracting and using resources anymore, it was about figuring out how to do it sustainably. That realization really pushed me to key career choices I’ve made — focusing on LNG and decarbonization topics.
How do you think this might change the world?
LNG and decarbonization are set to play massive roles in shaping the future of energy and, ultimately, the world. LNG, or liquefied natural gas, has already started to change the global energy landscape by providing a cleaner alternative to coal and oil. It’s more flexible and can be transported to places that don’t have access to pipelines, making it a crucial part of the energy mix for countries looking to reduce their carbon emissions. Flexibility of natural gas supplies that is now similar to the oil market was critical for Europe after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, enabling Europe to get a secure natural gas supply.
But the real game-changer is how LNG fits into the broader decarbonization efforts. As we push for a lower-carbon future, LNG serves as a bridge fuel. It’s not the end goal, but it helps us transition away from more carbon-intensive fuels while we scale up renewable energy sources. It’s reliable, and it’s cleaner, which means it can support the grid as we integrate more intermittent renewables like wind and solar.
Decarbonization, on the other hand, is all about the big picture — rethinking how we produce and use energy to minimize our impact on the planet. This includes everything from improving energy efficiency to developing new technologies like carbon capture and storage. When you combine these efforts with the role of LNG, you get a powerful combination that can significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
In the long run, the impact of LNG and decarbonization could be transformative. We’re talking about cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable planet. It’s about moving toward an energy system that supports economic growth while also protecting the environment. So, while there’s still a lot of work to be done, the potential for positive change is enormous.
Keeping “Black Mirror” and the “Law of Unintended Consequences” in mind, can you see any potential drawbacks about this technology that people should think more deeply about?
While LNG and decarbonization might not present as many potential unintended consequences as something like GenAI, there are still a few important issues to consider.
For LNG, the primary concern is that it remains a fossil fuel. Although it burns cleaner than coal or oil, it still contributes to carbon emissions. There’s a risk that relying too heavily on LNG could slow down the broader transition to fully renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydrogen. Essentially, LNG could end up being a crutch that delays the move to a zero-carbon economy rather than serving as the bridge it’s intended to be. The most rational use of LNG would be gradual displacing Coal and crude oil with LNG while utilizing carbon capture technology on natural gas power generation, making it a sustainable solution long term.
Another significant issue with LNG is methane leakage during extraction, processing and transportation. Methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO2, so even small leaks can have a considerable impact on the climate. In fact, studies have shown that if the natural gas supply chain is poorly managed, the resulting methane leaks could make natural gas as harmful as coal in terms of equivalent CO2 emissions. However, a potential countermeasure is for LNG customers to ensure strict methane management practices on the producer’s end.
On the decarbonization side, the rapid push to reduce carbon emissions can also lead to unintended social and economic impact. Entire communities and industries that depend on traditional fossil fuels could face significant disruptions. This is where the concept of a “just transition” becomes crucial. As we decarbonize, it’s important to ensure that we’re not leaving behind workers or regions heavily reliant on these industries.
Furthermore, the technology and infrastructure required for decarbonization, such as carbon capture and storage or renewable energy installations, demand massive investments and resources. Without careful planning, these initiatives could lead to environmental degradation in other areas or widen the gap between countries that can afford these technologies and those that cannot. For example, I’ve estimated that fully decarbonizing Kazakhstan’s economy could cost close to $1,000 per capita each year (nearly 10% of the current GDP), making it a significant challenge for the local economy.
Based on your experience and success, can you please share “Five things you need to know to successfully create technology that can make a positive social impact”?
Get to the Root of the Problem
To effectively solve a problem, you need to get to the very root of it and understand it comprehensively. This means dissecting the issue into its fundamental components and identifying the key drivers behind each part. Elon Musk refers to this approach as the ‘first principles’ method of problem-solving. The idea is to break down the problem into its most basic, clear elements and understand what fundamentally drives it. By doing this, you avoid assumptions and build solutions from the ground up, based on solid reasoning and core truths.
Gather Existing Knowledge
Before devising new solutions, it’s essential to collect and analyze information on what has already been done to address the issue. This step is critical because it allows you to build on previous work and innovations. As Isaac Newton famously said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” By understanding existing efforts, successes, and failures, you can identify gaps, avoid repeating mistakes, and leverage proven strategies to advance your own solutions.
Understand the Entire Solution Space
Once you have a deep understanding of the problem and existing solutions, the next step is to think through the entire solution space. Barbara Minto’s book on the MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) framework provides excellent guidance on tackling complex problems. This approach ensures that you explore all possible angles, leaving no stone unturned. By systematically considering all potential solutions, you can ensure that your approach is both thorough and innovative. I’ve used this approach while working on multi million conceptual decisions in oil and gas and in daily consulting life with equal success.
Evaluate Solutions from Two Angles
When evaluating the solutions you’ve generated, consider them from two distinct perspectives:
- Incremental Improvements: What existing technologies and solutions can be incrementally improved? Small, continuous improvements can lead to significant advancements over time.
- Innovative Approaches: What solutions have not been sufficiently explored? This is where thinking ‘outside the box’ becomes crucial. To foster creative brainstorming in a structured manner, I recommend using TRIZ methods, which are specifically designed to encourage innovative problem-solving.
Prioritize Ideas by Feasibility and Impact
Once you’ve developed a range of high-level ideas, it’s important to evaluate and prioritize them based on their feasibility and potential impact. Using a simple Low-Medium-High scale can help you visualize and rank these ideas effectively. Although this approach may seem basic, it’s surprisingly underutilized. By systematically assessing and ranking ideas, you create a solid foundation for informed discussions among team members, helping to prioritize which ideas should be pursued first for further development and implementation. This process not only clarifies the path forward but also ensures that resources are allocated to the most promising solutions.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
I would recommend exploring opportunities at the intersection of sustainability and your specific area of expertise or interest (for me, that’s oil and gas). It’s a challenging and fascinating field, and the work can be incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :)
Daniel Yergin — an incredible writer and a thought leader in the energy sector. It would be a tremendous privilege to talk with him.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Given the nature of my current work, I’m limited in how much I can publish online. However, I plan to use LinkedIn as my primary platform for sharing my work and insights moving forward.
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational, and we wish you continued success in your important work.
Thank you!
