Gregory
Hand

Product Manager Power Systems Controls
Eaton

POWER SYSTEM EXPERIENCE: LV and MV Distribution Automation Quotation, Engineering and Programming of Complex Multi-Source Power Systems Controls Engineering Manager PLC PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE: > Eaton - XC-203, XC-303, ELC (Software: CoDeSys, ELCSoft, ECISoft) > Schneider - Modicon Premium, M340, Momentum, M580 (Software: Unity, Concept) > Rockwell Allen Bradley - ControlLogix, CompactLogix (Software: RSLogix5000, Studio5000) > Schweitzer - RTAC, 3xx, 5xx, 7xx (Software: AcSELerator RTAC, QuickSet, Architect) HMI PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE: > Eaton - XP and XV Series, HMi Series (Software: VisualDesigner, HMiSoft) > Rockwell Allen Bradley - PanelView (Software: FactoryTalk View) > Schweitzer - Diagram Builder (Software: AcSELerator Diagram Builder) OTHER PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE: MATLAB, C, JAVA, VBA (AutoCAD), Visual-LISP (AutoCAD), Atmel 8-bit AVR Assembly, Microchip PIC18 Series, etc. SWITCHGEAR EXPERIENCE: Quotation/Sales, Engineering, Programming, Project Management, Manufacturing, Troubleshooting, Factory Acceptance Testing, Startup, Site Acceptance Testing. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Professional Engineer, Ironman, Senior Design Contest Award, Eagle Scout, National Honor Society

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Davis
Plunkett

Development Manager
Siemens

Creative individual committed to finding solutions to the world's growing energy needs. Experienced utility-scale and behind-the-meter solar + storage developer with a passion for renewable energy.

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Thomas
Losinger

Senior Manager Strategic Data Modeling
SolarEdge

Thomas is part of the Enterprise Services Group within SolarEdge for more than three years. For over a decade in the energy industry he successfully builds virtual power plants in Europe and Australia. In his presentation, he will explain what effects the establishment of a microgrid can have on the early development stage of a logistics hub.

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Steve
Lobo

Senior Engineer
Buro Happold

I am an Electrical and Energy Infrastructure Systems engineering professional with expertise in the planning and design of power and civil infrastructure systems for cities and urban developments in the US and the Middle East. Through academia and work experience, I've developed excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and manage urban and energy transition plans, civil systems design, and construction program deliverables while working with multi-disciplinary teams. I support clients with thought leadership and the development of energy and infrastructure system plans for campuses, cities and utility companies. I am passionate about sustainable energy and civil systems for cities with a strong focus on energy transition, climate resilience and climate change adaptation.

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Kevin
O'Connell

Advanced Energy Systems Manager
MacAllister CAT

Kevin O'Connell, based in Detroit, MI, US, is currently a Advanced Energy Systems Manager at Michigan CAT. Kevin O'Connell brings experience from previous roles at Oakland Energy & Water Ventures, Stage 2 Innovations/Clear Sky Power Generation, Michigan CAT and Aggreko. Kevin O'Connell holds a 2004 - 2007 MBA in Business Administration @ Walsh College. With a robust skill set that includes Power Generation, Gas, Generators, Natural Gas, Sales and more.

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Stet
Sanborn

VP - Director of Climate Impact
SmithGroup

An award-winning engineer-architect, Stet Sanborn serves as SmithGroup's Director of Climate IMPACT, a national trans disciplinary team focused on Performance Analytics, Sustainability, Climate Resilience planning, decarbonization, and infrastructure engineering. He is a passionate advocate for distributed energy resources, and zero-carbon grid planning. Stet is a leading voice in statewide decarbonization efforts and building electrification; recently supporting the City of Berkeley, San Francisco, and San Jose on their electrification ordinance development along with supporting the recent launch of San Francisco’s Climate Action Plan. Along with leading the design and engineering of ZNE buildings, he currently sits on the San Francisco Mayors Building Decarbonization Taskforce for New Construction. Nationally, Stet serves on ASHRAE's Decarbonization Taskforce's Executive Committee. In addition, he is a co-author of the recently released ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Zero Energy multi-family buildings, as well as the joint DOE/ASHRAE Decarbonizing Thermal Systems: Guide to Heatpump and Beyond. Stet is an active member of BuildingGreen’s Sustainable Design Leaders’ working group on electrification retrofits of existing buildings and represents SmithGroup as part of the US Department of Energy Better Buildings Design and Construction Allies Working Group focused on rapid scaling of low and zero-carbon buildings. Stet earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University and a Master of Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley with a focus on building science. He frequently returns to Berkeley to serve as a guest faculty member in the Department of Architecture. In addition, he serves as Principal Investigator on several US Department of Energy, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and California Energy Commission funded research projects focused on decarbonization and development of enabling technologies.

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Markus
Virta

Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Cascadia Renewables

Markus Virta is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Cascadia Renewables, where he leads the development of community-scale solar, storage, and microgrid projects focused on resilience, decarbonization, and practical implementation. With more than a decade of experience spanning system design, project development, construction, and operations, Markus brings a rare combination of technical fluency, policy insight, and on-the-ground delivery experience to complex distributed energy projects.

Markus has led more than 140 feasibility studies across Washington and has helped shape resilient energy strategies for local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and community-serving organizations. His work sits at the intersection of modeling, policy, and execution, helping clients evaluate what is technically viable, financially realistic, and operationally meaningful in real-world outage scenarios.

A former President of the Washington Solar Energy Industries Association and a member of Sustainable Northwest’s Making Energy Work Committee focused on Oregon’s AR681 microgrid law, Markus is deeply engaged in the policy and regulatory frameworks shaping the future of distributed energy. He is known for translating complex technical and regulatory considerations into actionable project pathways and has played a key role in advancing community microgrids that serve as models for clean, reliable, and locally controlled energy infrastructure.

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Jon
La Follett

Director of Engineering
Mayfield Renewables

Jon La Follett is an industry veteran who brings an understanding of the developer's perspective to the Mayfield team. In his role as Director of Engineering, Jon is responsible for leading the engineering team and refining engineering products at Mayfield, while also serving as an interface between our clients and the team. A PhD physicist by training and an engineer at heart, Jon describes his 20-year career as an arc from lab-based fundamental science research & development to solving more applied problems with direct, near-term impacts on people. This experience makes him adept at solving real-world problems with science and engineering by developing products to meet market value drivers via agile R&D and product development. Jon has a proven track record and is passionate about helping commercial and industrial businesses evaluate pathways to lower carbon emissions and reliable power with distributed generation and energy storage.

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John
Cordi

Director of Demand Flexibility and VPP
New York Power Authority

John is a leader in energy markets and demand flexibility, with over two decades of expertise spanning both regulatory and operational spheres. As Director of Demand Flexibility & Virtual Power Plants at the New York Power Authority (NYPA), John spearheads strategies to enhance grid resilience and optimize distributed energy resources. His career includes senior positions at NYISO and executive leadership positions across government and industry, reflecting a deep commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovation and strategic oversight.

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Amir
Kiani

Senior Technical Project Manager
Amazon Web Services

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Colman
Hands

Sustainable Energy Programmes Manager
ABHA Foundation

Colman Hands is the Sustainable Energy Programmes Manager at the Al-Attiyah Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, based in Doha, Qatar. Since joining the Foundation in 2016, he has overseen all Sustainable Development Programmes, including the production of conferences, forums, policy recommendations, and research papers on sustainable energy.

In addition to his role at the Foundation, Colman serves as Co-Chair of the ICC Qatar Environment & Energy Commission, where he guides policy development on global environmental issues and engages with international organizations and United Nations bodies.

He has also recently begun a consultancy with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supporting the UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub. This global initiative advances a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition, expanding access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy while accelerating progress toward net zero. In this role, Colman contributes to translating bold climate ambitions into practical action for people and planet.

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Alan
Escoriza

Grid Innovation Engineer
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)

Alan Escoriza is an Expert Grid Innovation Engineer with Pacific Gas and Electric Company, supporting the Microgrid Design and Delivery team. He has over fourteen years of experience spanning the electric utility, distributed energy resource, and energy efficiency domains and is a licensed Professional Engineer as well as a certified Project Management Professional. His work focuses on advancing PG&E’s community microgrid portfolio and delivering resilient energy solutions for critical facilities and communities across the PG&E service territory.

In his current role, Alan provides technical leadership and program support for community microgrid projects, including those funded through the Microgrid Incentive Program. His responsibilities include technical consultations with local communities, coordination with third‑party developers, and close collaboration with internal PG&E teams spanning planning, interconnection, system protection, and operations.

Alan is actively involved in the development and application of standardized microgrid design guidelines, technical requirements, and evaluation frameworks intended to support consistent project development and execution. His work emphasizes translating program objectives and technical considerations into implementable projects that can move efficiently from concept through construction and long‑term operation while meeting utility, regulatory, and community needs.

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Jake
Rudesill

Business Dev. Manager
Hyliion

Commercializing the KARNO linear generator at Hyliion to deliver cheap, flexible, and clean on-site electricity - independent of the grid. Joined Hyliion during our electric semi-truck era. Led the integration of the 2022 KARNO acquisition from GE Aerospace. Today, I work closely with customers and partners to deploy KARNO Power Modules across some of the highest-impact industries in the world - Datacenter, Military, Oil & Gas, Commercial & Industrial, and more. ex-American Airlines | former scratch golfer | occasional music producer

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Justin
Lenoff

Group Applications Manager - Microgrids
Clarke Energy

Justin Lenoff, Group Applications Manager at Clarke Energy, is a leader in microgrid technology, energy storage systems, and engineering management, with extensive expertise in hybrid energy solutions and innovative product development. Justin specializes in the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) like Energy Storage Systems, CHP, solar, and advanced microgrid controls, including EMS and PLCs.

Mr. Lenoff is responsible for developing feasibility studies, selecting technology vendors, and structuring long-term service agreements (LTSAs) to balance stakeholder interests. He has secured significant industry achievements, including a $52M DOE grant for a long-duration solar storage microgrid in Casa Grande, AZ, and the development of over 250 MW of hybrid energy projects across the USA, UK, Australia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Justin

Before joining Clarke Energy, Mr. Lenoff held key positions in leading organizations:

• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Product Manager at Vertiv, where he commercialized grid-scale Lithium-Ion BESS systems up to 50MW/4Hour and developed financial models for optimizing BESS performance.
• Senior Engineering Product Manager at Xerion Advanced Battery Corporation, where he led the development of novel lithium-ion battery products and secured $3.8M in funding.
• Nanotechnology R&D Program Manager in the United States Air Force, where he directed a $2M research program for advanced nanodielectrics.

Education/Qualifications

• Master of Science, Engineering Management – Pennsylvania State University
• Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering (Controls Concentration) – New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Certifications: Allen Bradley Control Logix (Levels 1 & 2)
• DOE Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP Generalist and Electrical Specialist)

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Adib
Nasle

Co-Founder & CEO
Xendee

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Erich
Buss

Microgrid and VPP Infrastructure Manager
TruCurrent

Erich Buss is a Microgrid and VPP Infrastructure Manager at trucurrent with over 14 years of experience delivering grid-edge energy solutions, including battery storage (BESS) and demand response programs. Holding a Master’s in Engineering Management and a PMP certification, he specializes in strategic planning and developing resilient, sustainable energy infrastructure. Erich has directed the end-to-end engineering of grid-edge systems, bidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) architecture, and orchestrated strategies to enhance grid stability. His foundational experience includes managing lifecycle engineering for large-scale telecommunications systems and commanding high-stakes operations within nuclear power plants.

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Michael
Stadler

Co-Founder & CTO
Xendee

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James
Dodenhoff

Principal
Silent Running

James Dodenhoff is a leading expert in clean energy, decarbonization, and sustainability with over 25 years of experience reshaping the energy sector. with particular focus on the Western U.S. Jim has previous stints in the clean energy space with Southern California Edison, DNV GL Energy, and S&C Electric. He currently runs his own firm, Silent Running Energy, an Energy Advisory firm for commercial and industrial businesses. Jim has an M.B.A in Strategy/Finance from the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Energy Studies/Mechanical Engineering from Brown University.

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Elisa Wood

Editor, Publisher and Founder 
Energy Changemakers

Elisa Wood is an award-winning writer and editor who specializes in the energy industry. She is the founder, editor, and publisher of EnergyChangemakers.com and its magazine, Decentralized Grid. She also leads the company's content services division. She co-founded Microgrid Knowledge and was editor-in-chief and co-host of the publication's popular conference series from 2014 to 2023. In addition, she co-founded RealEnergyWriters.com, where she led a team of energy writers who produced content for energy companies and advocacy organizations for two decades. She has been writing about energy for more than three decades and is published widely. Her work can be found in prominent energy business journals and mainstream publications. She has been quoted by NPR, the Wall Street Journal and other notable media outlets. "For an especially readable voice in the industry, the most consistent interpreter across these years has been the energy journalist Elisa Wood, whose Microgrid Knowledge (and conference) has aggregated more stories better than any other feed of its time," wrote Malcolm McCullough, in the book, Downtime on the Microgrid, published by MIT Press in 2020. Elisa's specialties include distributed energy resources, electrification, grid modernization, smart grid, energy efficiency, electric transmission, competitive wholesale and retail power markets, investor-owned and public power utilities, renewable energy, energy policy and economics, and other topics related to the electric power industry. She wrote for S&P Global/Platts for more than two decades. Her work can also be found on several energy news sites, among them Renewable Energy World, Power Engineering International, GreenBiz, Public Power Magazine and Utility Dive.

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Bikash
Poudel

Research Scientist, Power and Energy Systems Department
Idaho National Laboratory

Dr. Bikash Poudel is a researcher in the Power and Energy Systems Department at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), with expertise in small nuclear reactors, integrated energy systems, and microgrids. Since joining INL in 2021, he has contributed to several projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, including work on nuclear-integrated system digital twins, nuclear hydrogen production, microgrid solutions for coastal and wildfire-resilient communities, and infrastructure modernization for rural utilities. His technical expertise encompasses dynamic process modeling, control system design, transient simulation, hardware-in-the-loop tests, load flow and contingency analysis, optimization, and resilience analysis. Dr. Poudel holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Tribhuvan University, Nepal.

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Tim
Cali

Co-Founder
Power Equity Group

Tim Cali is a Co-founder of Power Equity Group and a seasoned leader in the renewable energy sector with over 13 years of industry experience. His career in renewables and sustainability began in the industry’s formative years at SolarCity, followed by a pivotal role as Commercial Sales Manager at Renew Financial, where he specialized in C-PACE financing. Most recently, he completed a four-year tenure at Enel X, focusing on large-scale energy transition strategies and commercial deployments.

Tim Cali holds a Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems from Pennsylvania State University, along with Graduate Certificates in Sustainable Energy Development and Energy Transition Strategies. He combines deep institutional knowledge with a mastery of the techno-economic variables required to move projects from concept to completion. As a featured speaker at this year’s Xendee University, Tim Cali shares practical insights and real-world case studies to help attendees bridge the gap between complex energy modeling and project viability.

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Dr. Nathan
Johnson

Director of The Polytechnic School
Arizona State University

Dr. Nathan Johnson leads numerous efforts at Arizona State University to accelerate energy sector development through innovation in stakeholder value propositions, technology, business models, and policy. In this, Dr. Johnson builds public-private partnerships in the US and internationally that deliver clean, resilient, and equitable energy for all. His at the Laboratory for Energy And Power Solutions (https://leaps.asu.edu) and partners have led over $400M of research, development, and implementation across 20 countries in North America, Pacific, Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, and Latin America. This work is complemented by thought leadership in over 80 publications, and by providing training and workforce development to over 1000 people per year in the energy sector, which together advance economic development and job creation. Outside of the office, Dr. Johnson enjoys competing in endurance running and regularly tours the countryside by bicycle with his family of five.

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Michael
Zellinger

Chief Executive Officer
Autonomize Gmbh

Ing. Michael Zellinger, MSc is CEO of autonomize GmbH, an Austrian energy service provider and planning partner for holistic energy solutions. He supports companies in analyzing energy demand, identifying efficiency potential, and developing integrated concepts for sustainable heat and energy supply. His work focuses on the practical decarbonization of energy systems, combining structured planning, implementation support, and renewable heat solutions such as solar thermal energy for commercial, industrial, and district heating applications.

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Mike
Shepherd

Director of Data Center Business
Development
Mainspring Energy

Mike Shepherd is Director of Data Center Business Development at Mainspring Energy, where he leads the development of innovative onsite power solutions for data center customers using Mainspring's linear generator technology. In this role, he partners across engineering, product, and commercial teams to deliver the fastest possible time-to-power for hyperscalers, colocation providers, and infrastructure developers — while advancing low-emissions generation strategies that meaningfully reduce criteria pollutants compared to conventional alternatives.

Mike brings nearly two decades of commercial experience to the role, including 6 years at Bloom Energy, where he was Lead Hyperscale Executive, building deep expertise in onsite generation, distributed energy, and complex enterprise sales cycles.

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Nic
Bustamante

Chief Data Center Officer
Exowatt

Nic Bustamante is Chief Data Center Officer and GM of ExoRise. Nic has more than 25 years of global hyperscale data center development experience in over 100 markets. He's responsible for all aspects of development, operations, and business globally. Nic's background includes leadership positions at Corscale Data Centers, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Rackspace. He holds numerous industry certifications and has co-authored an array of industry standards. 

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Lisa Martine Jenkins

Editor
Latitude Media

Lisa Martine Jenkins is Latitude Media’s editor. She was previously a reporter for Protocol and Morning Consult, and her work has appeared in Heatmap, The Guardian, and Civil Eats, among others. In 2017, she was the Overseas Press Club Foundation’s Stan Swinton Fellow, placed at The Associated Press in Mexico City. Earlier in her career, she worked in production for both the Marketplace Morning Report radio program and San Francisco’s Commonwealth Club.

Lisa has an M.A. from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, where she studied energy and environmental policy. While there, she conducted research on both rural electrification in Myanmar and the impact of sea level rise on nuclear spent fuel storage; the latter was published in Energy Policy. She has a B.A. from UC Berkeley.

She lives in Brooklyn, and is originally from the Bay Area. You can find more of her work at lisamartinejenkins.com.

Get in touch with Lisa at lisa@latitudemedia.com, or securely on Signal at lmj.5709.

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Hemma Bieser

Managing Partner
avantsmart

Hemma Bieser, MSc is the founder and managing director of avantsmart, an
innovation company. Since 2011, she and her team have been developing new
business models for the energy market and helping to shape the energy
transition.

Hemma Bieser currently supports companies in their digital transformation and uses business design
methods to open up the business areas of the future for her clients. Her clients include Austrian
energy and industrial companies, medium-sized companies and hidden champions, start-ups with a
focus on energy and IT, as well as organizations and the public sector.

Hemma Bieser is a founding member of the OurPower Energy Cooperative and was Deputy
Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board from October 2018 to May 2022. Hemma Bieser has been a
member of the Management Board since June 2022. With her experience and expertise, she is
responsible for innovation, transformation and OurPower's growth trajectory.

Research and political strategies:
Hemma Bieser has been involved in several climate and energy strategy processes. Together with
her research partners FH Technikum Wien, TU Wien and Montanuniversität Leoben, she is already
thinking further into the future and designing models that should make an energy supply purely from
renewable sources possible. She also develops innovative event formats (Innovation Day at Smart
Grids Week on behalf of the BMVIT, Digital Lunchbox in cooperation with Austrian Lotteries), where
new ideas and development partnerships are created in a creative atmosphere. Hemma has an
excellent network in the renewable energy sector (political decision-makers, companies, research).

Teaching:
Working with young people is particularly close to Hemma Bieser's heart. In order to pass on her
knowledge, she gives lectures on business design, entrepreneurship and innovation at the
Technikum Wien (University of Applied Sciences and Academy) and the Vienna University of
Technology.

Education and awards:
Hemma Bieser studied Technical Physics at the Vienna University of Technology and completed an
MSc in Management & Environment. Ongoing training in design thinking, business design and lean
startup strategies, coupled with her expertise in the energy market, make her a leading expert in this
field.
Before Hemma Bieser became an entrepreneur, she worked for the Climate and Energy Fund and
for the international management consultancy Accenture.
In 2015, Hemma Bieser was awarded the ÖGUT Environmental Prize and in April 2017 she was
named FemTech Expert of the BMVIT.

Selection of customer references:
Siemens AG Austria, Energie Steiermark, Kelag, Kärnten Netz, W&H Dentalwerke, Federal Ministry
for Transport, Innovation and Technology, Climate and Energy Fund, Lower Austrian Chamber of
Commerce, Energy and Environment Agency of Lower Austria, University of Applied Sciences
Technikum Wien, Federal Ministry for Climate Protection.

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Tristan
Bannon

Chief Commercial Officer
CellCube

Tristan Bannon serves as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at CellCube Energy Storage GmbH, a global leader in non-lithium, grid-scale energy storage solutions. CellCube specializes in modular vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) technology, delivering scalable long-duration energy storage systems tailored for critical infrastructure, utilities, data centers, campuses, national security, and commercial and industrial clients.

In his role, Tristan leads CellCube’s global commercial strategy, overseeing project development, client engagement, strategic partnerships, marketing, and external affairs. His leadership is instrumental in advancing the company’s mission to accelerate energy resilience and sustainability through innovative storage technologies. He is an expert in technology and policy issues, particularly at the intersection of energy and national security.

Prior to joining CellCube in 2025, Tristan was Executive Director for Resilient Energy Infrastructure at Leidos, a Fortune 500 engineering and technology firm with over 47,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding USD 16 billion. At Leidos, he directed strategy, solution design, stakeholder engagement, and project execution for complex energy infrastructure initiatives worldwide. His team delivered cutting-edge
solutions across battery and long-duration energy storage (LDES), microgrids, micronuclear reactors, EV charging infrastructure, thermal energy networks, electrification, and grid modernization.

Earlier in his career, Tristan held executive and technical leadership roles at major U.S. defense and energy technology companies, including CACI (USD 8 billion annual revenues) and Lockheed Martin (USD 60 billion annual revenues), where he contributed to business development, engineering management, and strategic growth. Tristan holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is also a graduate of the UVA Darden School Leading Organizations program and Lockheed Martin’s Engineering Leadership Development Program. He resides in the Washington, D.C. area.

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Michael
Niederkofler

Head of Innovation
Enlion

Specialities:
7 years of working experience in China, 3 years in Kazakhstan, 1 year in Venezuela
Experience in establishing and developping companies in foreign countries
Experience in developping green field and brown field projects
Management, Project Management, Business Development, Technical and Technological Development, Engineering, Manufacturing, Innovation Management, Open Innovation, Renewable Energies

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Reynaldo
Guerrero

Principal Engineer
Xendee

Reynaldo C. Guerrero Jr. is a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (University of the Philippines, Diliman 2019), Master of Science in Electronics Engineering (Ateneo de Manila University 2011), Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering (Ateneo de Manila University 2007) and cofounder and board member at SolarSolutions, Inc.

Previously, Reynaldo worked at SunPower Corporation as a Senior Staff Device Engineer and at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as an affiliate implementing multi-period investments in DER modeling and sizing.

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Peter
Käfer

CEO
IG-e Energy Storage Technology

Peter Käfer studied architecture at the Graz University of Technology in Austria. After working in several architectural firms, he founded a company specializing in web software development. Combining these areas of expertise, he launched his startup meo Energy, the first integrated energy management system for electricity and heat. Following a successful exit, he co-founded IG-e, an engineering group focused on energy storage technologies. 

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Herbert
Saurugg

President
Society for Crisis Preparedness

Since 2011, Herbert Saurugg has focused on the increasing interconnectedness and complexity of our society. His primary focus lies on vital (critical) infrastructures—known as KRITIS—and their interdependencies. Central themes in his work include the European power supply system and the highly realistic scenario of a Europe-wide power and infrastructure failure (a "blackout"). He assists municipalities, businesses, and other organizations in preparing for such blackout events.

His professional background includes a career as a commissioned officer in the Austrian Armed Forces (Major, retired), where he served in the field of ICT and cybersecurity until 2012. Furthermore, he was active for many years as a volunteer firefighter and as an emergency medical technician with the Red Cross. His expertise is further rounded out by his certification as a Crisis and Emergency Manager (BdSI). Additionally, he has acquired extensive knowledge in the fields of systems science and complexity science, and has contributed to various national research projects.

Today, he is recognized far beyond Austria’s borders as a visionary "thought leader," keynote speaker, and expert on blackouts. He also maintains a comprehensive specialist blog dedicated to this subject (www.saurugg.net).

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Herbert
Saurugg

Senior Researcher
Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies (BEST)

Dr. Daniel Muschick is a scientific researcher at BEST – Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies in Graz, Austria, where he specializes in automation, control systems, and optimization-based energy management for hybrid energy systems. His work focuses on modeling, simulation, and control of thermal and energy networks, including district heating systems and renewable-integrated infrastructure. He has contributed extensively to the development of MILP-based energy management frameworks and advanced control strategies for complex, multi-energy systems.

Dr. Muschick earned his Ph.D. in Control Engineering from Graz University of Technology with distinction, following a master’s degree in Telematics with a focus on automation and control. His academic and professional work includes research on parameter identification for electrical machines, distributed optimization, and smart control of interconnected energy networks. He is a published author in leading journals such as Applied Energy and Energy Systems, and continues to advance practical solutions for scalable, efficient, and sustainable energy systems.

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Melanie
Johnson

Team Lead
U.S. Army Engineer R&D Center

Melanie D. Johnson is an electrical engineering researcher in the Energy Branch of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL). Melanie joined the Energy Branch at ERDC-CERL in 2008 and focuses on improving energy resiliency for DoD installations with microgrids and other advanced electrical distribution technology.

This work includes incorporating diverse distributed generation portfolios into microgrids and microgrid project lifecycle planning. She was the Assistant Technical Manager for the JCTD SPIDERS program, a key technical lead for the Tactical Microgrids Standards Consortium, and currently leads CERL’s Resilient Energy and Advanced Distribution Innovation Team.

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Sopitsuda
Tongsopit

Senior Strategic Business Planner
SMUD

Dr. Sopitsuda (Sophie) Tongsopit is an accomplished energy policy and distributed energy systems expert with more than 20 years of experience spanning utility strategy, clean energy policy, research, and program management across the United States and Southeast Asia. Currently serving as Senior Strategic Business Planner at Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), she develops business models and programs for distributed energy resources, microgrids, Green Pricing, and customer-sited renewable energy solutions. Her career includes a leadership role at the California Energy Commission, and an expert role at the California Department of General Services, USAID Clean Power Asia, UC Davis, and Thailand’s Ministry of Energy, where she has led initiatives focused on renewable energy deployment, energy storage, and regulatory innovation. 

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Tim
Grunloh

Principal Research Scientist
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

 Dr. Timothy Grunloh is a principal research scientist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.) in the department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering and associate director of the Illinois Nuclear Power Institute (INPI). At U. of I. and INPI, Dr. Grunloh contributes to multi-disciplinary research, particularly at the intersection of computational science and advanced nuclear reactors. Through the Illinois Microreactor RD&D Center, Dr. Grunloh’s work is also focused on enabling and expanding safe, peaceful uses of nuclear power. Current research activities in this Center include microreactor modeling and simulation, siting analysis, market analysis, instrumentation, operations and reactor control, licensing, and policy. The Center’s flagship project is the ongoing collaboration with Nano Nuclear Energy to deploy a KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) on the university campus as a Research Reactor. Prior to U. of I., Dr. Grunloh worked in the advanced reactor design industry. 

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Guillermo
Gomez

Senior Technical Project Manager
Veregy

Guillermo Gomez represents Veregy in partnering with tribal nations to advance their energy independence goals by focusing on energy efficiency and water stewardship across tribal facilities. Veregy’s unique approach allows tribes to select their own tribally owned or preferred microgrid contractors, while Veregy stands behind the project with integrated warranties, contractually guaranteed savings, and performance guarantees to help ensure long-term success and measurable outcomes. With more than 15 years in the energy sector and a Master of Science in Engineering focused on Energy and Air Quality, Guillermo supports tribes in accessing resilient energy, clean water, and long-term resources on their own terms.

Greg
Vallery, PE

U.S. Army Brigade Engineer
U.S. Army

Greg is a senior Facilities and Public Works engineer with more than 30 years of federal service supporting U.S. Army installations across the United States and Europe. He has extensive experience leading large-scale facilities, infrastructure modernization, military construction (MILCON), energy resilience, and sustainability programs, with a proven track record of managing complex capital investments exceeding $100 million while aligning infrastructure with evolving military mission requirements.

Throughout his senior leadership roles, including Facility Engineer, Deputy Director of Public Works, Director of Public Works, and Chief of Engineering, he has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, major infrastructure upgrades, and installation-wide operations. Key accomplishments include directing $100M+ MILCON programs, supporting the $400M Dal Molin/Del Din construction effort in Italy, delivering a multi-project electrical microgrid initiative in Vicenza, and managing facilities portfolios totaling millions of square feet across multiple Army installations in Europe and the United States. 

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Jim
Walsh

General Manager
General Electric (GE) Vernova

Jim Walsh is General Manager, GE Vernova's Consulting Services business, which provides innovative solutions across the entire spectrum of power generation, delivery, and utilization. With our cross-company resources, we are able to serve a diverse global client base with a strong local presence.  

Previously, Jim was the General Manager of GE Digital’s Grid Software Solutions. In this role, Jim led a team of talented professionals focused on providing mission-critical information systems that help ensure reliable, efficient and safe delivery of electricity, water, and fuels for utilities around the world. This business serves the electrical Transmission & Distribution, Oil & Gas and Telecommunications segments. As such, Jim has had a front row seat to the Energy transition and has been directly involved in shaping GE’s approach to it.

Jim’s career is marked by a long history of software experience and expertise. He joined GE in 2008 as GM, Global Professional Services for GE’s Intelligent Platforms Software and Services business, after spending 19 years with 3M in various software leadership roles. In 2011, Jim’s role was expanded to Global Business Leader overseeing automation, manufacturing and industrial data intelligence software along with global professional services. Jim was promoted to GM, Software and Services in August 2012. In 2014, he assumed the role of GM, Intelligent Platforms with responsibilities for all Global Commercial facets including Sales, Marketing and Services. In early 2015, Jim was promoted to President and General Manager of GE’s Intelligent Platforms Software business, leading Product Management, Technology, Services and Support for the Digital portfolio. Prior to moving to GE Digital, Jim served as President and CEO of GE’s Automation and Controls business. Jim has played a key role in advancing GE’s software monitoring and analytics capabilities and transforming the businesses he’s led into profitable and growing entities. 

Jim attended the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota and graduated with a B.S. degree in Finance.
He resides in Charlotte with his wife and two daughters.

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Wesley
Zheng

Founder & CEO
POSH Energy

Dr. Wesley Zheng is the founder and CEO of POSH Energy, which is building a next-generation power platform for AI and industrial infrastructure, combining flex-fuel generation and battery storage to deliver clean, dispatchable, on-site power. The company enables faster, cheaper, and more reliable energy deployment than the grid—helping industrial operators scale without power constraints. Dr. Zheng was previously the founder and CTO of Volans-i Inc., a venture-backed start-up which was sold to Sierra Nevada Corporation. Before his entrepreneurship journey, Dr. Zheng was an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore. He received his B.A. and M.A. degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge, and his PhD at Stanford University. Dr. Zheng is a recipient of the Innovators Under 35 Award by MIT Technology Review.

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Jim
Reilly

Principal
Reilly Assoc.

Jim is an independent consultant focused on advanced microgrid concepts that support energy security, grid reliability and resilience. Among his clients are the US DOE Microgrid Program and NEDO in Japan. He is the author of multiple reports, standards and guides for microgrids and virtual power plants. He is a co-author of the Advanced Microgrid report, developer of modeling and analysis tools for planning studies for distributed energy resources, including SMR, for AI/Datacenters. He is a lifetime member of the IEEE PES and recipient of the IEEE SA Emerging Technology Award for 2024.

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Michael
Wood

Partner
Ernst & Young Sustainability

Michael has over 18 years of experience in sustainability and climate-related disciplines. His expertise spans various areas, including decarbonization, climate resilience, energy, natural capital, and financial services.

Michael has worked extensively across sectors such as energy and resources, industrials, infrastructure, and finance. 

His commitment to sustainability and climate resilience continues to drive meaningful change in the industry.

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Zahra
Esfahani

Assistant Professor

Aarhus University

Zahra Esfahani is an Assistant Professor at Aarhus University specializing in microgrid modeling and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Her research focuses on off-grid and remote area electrification, grid-constrained energy planning, and the sizing, control, and integration of BESS into microgrids and energy hubs. Through Horizon Europe projects, she develops optimization-based methods for resilient and reliable microgrid operation, with particular attention to energy access in underserved communities and the digitalization of minigrid systems for data-driven decision-making.

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Elena
van Hove

Director of Strategy and Partnerships
Laboratory for Energy And Power Solutions (LEAPS)
Arizona State University

Elena van Hove is an energy strategy and implementation leader focused on resilient power systems in developing and vulnerable regions. As Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Arizona State University’s Laboratory for Energy And Power Solutions, she works with governments, development partners, and project teams to move distributed energy initiatives from planning to implementation.

In Fiji, Elena has helped lead ASU’s work to accelerate rural electrification through solar mini-grids, supporting community assessments, stakeholder engagement, investment preparation, and implementation planning for remote island communities. Her work bridges technical analysis, institutional coordination, and programmatic policy, with a focus on designing energy solutions that are practical, durable, and responsive to local needs.

Elena’s broader interests center on the role of energy systems in resilience, security, and human development, particularly in places where reliable infrastructure is essential to health services, economic opportunity, and community stability.

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Aniket
Shah

Associate Project Manager

CIM Group LP

Aniket is a renewable energy enthusiast and Associate Project Manager at CIM Group LP, where he helps develop and deliver utility-scale Solar PV and BESS projects across the U.S. His work focuses on development stage engineering design and pre-construction oversight, turning complex energy projects from concepts into reality.

Rita
Chen

Customer Success Engineer
Xendee

Passionate about the environment and sustainability, Rita received a degree in Environmental Engineering and minor in GIS from The Ohio State University. Her internship at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego inspired her to pursue a Master of Engineering in Fluids & Ocean Engineering from University of California, Berkeley.

Before Xendee, she helped other engineers, scientists, field technicians, and students alike to measure water velocity using acoustic instruments.

In her free time, she likes to hang out with her dog Andi, run with friends, watch scary movies, and tend to plants.

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Hayley
Knowles

Hybrid Power Engineer

Hatch Ltd.

Hayley is a hybrid power engineer with technical expertise in hybrid power systems, specifically integrating battery and thermal energy storage systems in remote, cold climate microgrids. She holds a B. Eng and Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from Dalhousie University. During this time, Hayley’s research investigated how hybrid energy storage systems can support the transition towards zero‑carbon microgrids in remote Canadian microgrids. Hayley is currently a Renewable and Hybrid Power Engineer at Hatch Ltd. where she is the key representative for microgrid work in Atlantic Canada.

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Robin
Mills

Chief Executive Officer

Qamar Energy
Non-Resident Fellow, Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy

Robin Mills is one of the Middle East's leading energy strategists and economists. Through Qamar Energy, he advises governments, investors, and energy companies on oil and gas markets, LNG, renewables, hydrogen, carbon management, energy security, and energy transition strategy. He is a widely published author and commentator on global energy economics and geopolitics.

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Howard
Bevan

Director of Energy

AI-Attiyah Foundation

Howard Bevan is an energy economist and senior advisor with more than two decades of experience across the oil, gas, LNG, and power sectors in the Middle East. He previously held senior positions with Kuwait Oil Company and Qatar-Energy and now leads energy research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement at The Al Attiyah Foundation. His expertise spans energy economics, LNG markets, energy security, risk management, power sector economics, and energy transition policy.

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Gabriel
Leggett

Principal Engineer

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)

Principal Electrical Engineer in Energy Research and Development with experience in engineering, procurement, & construction of Microgrids, and utility scale Battery Energy Storage Systems. Background in Distribution Planning and Protection, Transmission Engineering, and Distributed Energy Resources. Currently a board member of the Modular Energy Storage Alliance (MESA). 

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Alex
Moutoux

VP Operations

The Adept Group

Alex Moutoux is a renewable energy professional, and Vice President of The Adept Group, Inc. (ADEPT) where he researches, develops, and manages green energy projects with a strong sense of purpose and vision. Inspired by his mother’s lifelong career with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Alex transitioned into sustainability after working in commercial solar and completing UCLA’s inaugural Master of Engineering program specializing in Green Energy Systems. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he earned his Mechanical Engineering degree from University of California, Los Angeles in 2017 before moving to Medellín, where he worked as an English teacher and operated a hostel business. Separate from his carrier pursuits, Alex discovered a passion for aviation and earned his private pilot’s license while training in California’s Eastern Sierra.

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Ritvik
Kanuparti

Electrical Engineer

The Adept Group

Ritvik Kanuparti is an electrical engineer specializing in power infrastructure, distributed energy resources, reliability. He earned his B.S. in Power Engineering from the University of California, San Diego and his M.Eng. in Green Energy Systems from UCLA, where he contributed to a Port of Los Angeles vessel electrification research initiative in collaboration with The Adept Group, Inc. Working at ADEPT, Ritvik brings a sustainability-oriented approach to designing reliable, scalable energy solutions.

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Reza
Sheikhani

Senior Project Engineer

TransGrid Energy

Reza is a Senior Project Engineer specializing in utility-scale energy infrastructure, with a focus on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and solar PV projects across U.S. ISO markets, with deep experience in CAISO. His experience spans engineering and design reviews through EPC execution, commissioning, and grid integration of large-scale renewable assets, with direct involvement in portfolios exceeding 1.6 GW. Reza approaches projects with a strong focus on problem solving, clear communication, and attention to detail, driving alignment across stakeholders and resolving complex challenges.

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Ian
Ahereza

Senior Powertrain Systems Engineer

Kiira Motors Corporation

Ahereza Ian is a Senior Powertrain Systems Engineer at Kiira Motors Corporation, Uganda, where works on the design, integration and configuration Vehicle Powertrain Systems and Emobility skilling program for undergraduate students. He holds a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University. Ian also previously worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. Ian’s research interests include energy systems, E-mobility Technologies, circular economy of batteries, and renewable energy integration. He is passionate about advancing clean mobility and resilient energy solutions that support sustainable development across Africa. Ian is a also Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) UK and a Graduate Member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE). 

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