Focus On Fundamental Technologies, Says Mitrex Ceo Danial Hadizadeh

Having collaborated with noise barrier industry leaders including Durisol and Silentium Group, Mitrex has been able to create this photovoltaic noise barrier to energize highways across North America. The high point of this modern invention is that the solar power produced by the noise barriers can be directly supplied and used by nearby infrastructure. This is a major step in the promotion of renewable energy dynamics. It seeks to be a gamechanger in the industry. The truly revolutionary technology has a lot of potential for the Middle East which is vociferous in its call for a dynamic sustainability option.

A man of few but rather impactful words, Danial’s vision for Mitrex is for it to grow to become the world’s largest microgrid energy provider. Daniel sees a future that is replete with Microgrid self-sustaining buildings working independently using the building itself to create its own electricity

Danial has completed his B.Sc. in engineering from Ryerson University and his MBA from Harvard Business School with a decade and a half worth of experience in the industry.

In this exclusive interview with Thirty to Net Zero, Danial discusses the genesis of the world’s first sound-absorbing panel and how important it is to learn from mistakes to be a winner!

Q: The idea of creating solar-powered noise absorptive barriers was unheard of until Mitrex came up with it. Who or what inspired you to come up with this innovation?

A: Since starting our Mitrex journey, we have focused on solar integration anywhere the sun shines. One of our VPs, Hesam Shahrivar, in his daily drive from office to home, was observing the area and space that's underutilized. It triggered a series of events that led to the invention of the world's first sound-absorbing solar panel.

Q: Given the rat race for sustainability the world over, do you believe innovation has taken a hit in some ways or has it bolstered the idea of sustainability altogether?

A: The bigger the race and the larger the competition, the faster the pace of innovation. We love the global momentum, and we hope it gets more immediate and extensive and more companies join the movement.

Q: Do you believe this particular innovation could be a good idea for the Middle East. If you had to convey a thought to the governments in the region, what would be your message?

A: I would suggest focusing on fundamental technologies that make a difference in the long term. That has been our vision from day one at Mitrex.

Q: Are there any more new innovations in the pipe for Mitrex? Could you tell us a little bit about them?

A: We always have new and exciting products in our pipeline. Most companies and the government do not fathom the level of innovation and speed of execution we have at Mitrex.

Q: Does Mitrex have any plans for a ME expansion? What regions are you currently and what are your plans for the next few years?

A: Our focus is on North America, but we are constantly working with great partners in other regions to expand our reach. We have started a few projects with our partners in the Middle East and are continuously exploring further opportunities in other areas.

Q: What led to this fascination for renewable energy? Where do you see Mitrex in the global renewable energy matrix ten years from now?

A: The future for Mitrex is to be a microgrid energy provider. I hope one of the largest in the world of decentralized energy providers.

Q: How do you see yourself leading the pack, and what are your goals for the next10 years when it comes to leadership in sustainability?

A: It is not about who started first. It is about the last one standing. We are leading in many areas, but we also remind ourselves daily that the game has just begun and will be in it for decades to come. Our focus is on clients, not other companies.

Q: What is a critical factor in the use of solar power that the world is yet to understand fully?

A: Only a tiny fraction of land on earth is required to power the global energy need. Innovation and a decrease in price for electricity storage are as important as solar generation itself.

Q: Please share a quote that inspires you and tell us why.

A: "The success of a company is very much more about how quick are you to fix the mistakes, not will you make mistakes." - Elon Musk.

We all make mistakes and go into wormholes in our path of progress. How fast we can adjust and learn from the mistakes that differentiate winners from others.

Q: Any advice to young researchers invested in solar power?

A: My advice is to focus on "real "progress and not solve the problems only because they are hard, or you just because you can solve them, but focus on the ones that are important and have ultimate real-world value. That's what you will remember when you reach 80-90 years of your life.

Should the ever-negative noise be considered a viable source of energy, perhaps this would also add to the list of renewables given that the amount of solar energy and noise pollution in the  Middle East is manifold as compared to Canada. What the world needs is not revolutionary but practically viable technology that can be inducted in every space, residential, commercial, industrial, or even defence.

The goal of integrating solar into all surfaces with access to sunlight can in many ways reduce the burden of the Middle East for energy by over 50%. The IE School of Global Public Affairs in a recent article stated, “In the case of oil, 96 percent of the reserves are concentrated in only 20 countries, mostly located in the MENA region, specifically in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, and Libya. However, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, and Yemen -countries without oil potential- represent the highest photovoltaic power potential in the world.” This typically means that should sustainable technology like the one employed by Mitrex be replicated in the Middle East, we could look at a reduced carbon footprint, lesser dependence on non-renewable energy and increased output.