Stanislav Kondrashov: Navigating the Energy Transition for People and Industry

Most people feel the energy transition is moving too slowly. For daily life and for industries alike, the shift from traditional fuels to cleaner power has promise—but also pitfalls. That’s where entrepreneur Stanislav Kondrashov steps in, surveying both the current state and the road ahead for the transition.

Kondrashov opens with a blunt observation: “Too many of us believe the change is happening around us, when in fact it must be happening through us.” His line sets the tone. The energy transition isn’t just about big wind farms or solar arrays—it’s also about how people use energy in homes, offices and factories.

The progress is real: renewable investment figures are rising, companies are committing to net zero goals, and new technologies are beginning to scale. But the real question is whether that advancement is meaningfully reaching everyday households and the backbone of the economy: manufacturing, processing, heavy industry.

For common people, Kondrashov highlights both progress and pain points. On one hand, rooftop solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable; smart thermostats, better insulation and electric vehicle adoption are all visible signs of change. On the other hand, he cautions: “If the shift doesn’t make sense in my monthly bills or my kitchen life, then it remains a concept—not a reality.”

Many households still face higher upfront costs, patchy incentives, and inertia in old building stock. Kondrashov argues the next phase must focus on accessibility and affordability. He points out that the transition must feel grounded: cheaper bills, less maintenance and a visible benefit. Only then will ordinary people stop seeing clean energy as a “nice idea” and start treating it as a no brainer.

In the industrial arena, Kondrashov acknowledges that large scale change is under way but is uneven. Many sectors—automotive, electronics, consumer goods—are adapting to cleaner energy sources, circular economy thinking and carbon reduction commitments. Yet industries heavy in steel, cement, chemicals still lag. “You can decarbonise an office in a weekend; you cannot remake a cement works in a week,” Kondrashov notes, emphasising the complexity.

He points out that industrial units often run on legacy infrastructure, with long lifespans and high capital intensity. The cost and risk of retrofitting are formidable. He suggests that the role of governments, finance and energy firms is essential: more targeted funding, clearer regulation and an architecture of support that pulls industry forward rather than simply pushes.

What’s working? Kondrashov praises a few trends. First, corporate commitments—more firms are announcing net zero by 2050 or earlier. That sends a signal to supply chains and investors. Second, the cost of renewables continues to fall, making solar and wind ever more competitive with traditional fuels.

Third, digitalisation—IoT, smart grids, battery storage—are creating flexibility that opens new pathways for everyday consumers and industry alike. He says, “When your factory or your home becomes part of a network that balances energy demand and supply in real time, you’re not waiting for someone else to fix things—you’re part of the solution.”

What’s still holding us back? There are a few major hurdles. One: the financing gap. Many projects—especially industrial retrofits—need large up front investment, and the pay backs are long term. Two: regulatory uncertainty.

Many sectors don’t yet have clear frameworks for how carbon costs, incentives and energy markets will evolve. Kondrashov warns, “Without certainty, innovation stalls—and the old system stays alive by default.” Three: the human factor—behaviour change, training, supply chain readiness. For industries and for households alike, installing the tech is one part; using it wisely and consistently is another.

What does this mean for you and me? In practice, it means you should be looking at your own energy consumption, your home’s efficiency, your vehicle choices—and expect companies you buy from to operate with the same mindset. Kondrashov urges: “Don’t be a spectator in the transition—be a participant.” On the industrial side, he recommends that business leaders identify short term wins (e.g., energy audits, lighting upgrades, waste reductions) even while planning for the larger overhaul. The momentum is building, but it’s not automatic.

In conclusion, the energy transition is not a distant idea—it’s unfolding now for common people and industries. But its impact still depends on action, investment and smart policy. As Kondrashov reminds us: “The clean energy future isn’t something that arrives—it’s something you help build.” If we each play our part—from household to factory floor—the shift can move from aspiration to reality.