Preliminary Agenda
Note: Subject to change -- presenters TBA. If interested in speaking, please contact us
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Explore the evolving landscape of grid-scale storage—from lithium-ion to sodium-ion, flow, and thermal systems. This Masterclass examines cost trajectories, policy incentives, and deployment trends shaping market adoption of various technology strategies. Learn how technology performance, Inflation Reduction Act incentives, and real-world project data are redefining competitiveness and bankability in large-scale energy storage.
5:00 - 6:00 pm Drink Reception -- Open to all Symposium attendees
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
8:00 - 9:00 am
Meet the Speakers Breakfast and Registration
9:00 - 9:30 am
Opening Address -- From Lab to Grid: The Advance of Sodium-Ion Storage
A discussion of the accelerating emergence of sodium-ion technology as a viable, cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion systems. The session highlights recent breakthroughs, supply-chain resilience, and sodium’s role in supporting global energy security and grid reliability.
9:30 - 10:30 am
Comparing Chemistries: Sodium-Ion vs. Lithium-Ion for Utility Applications
This session explores the comparative performance of sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries across key metrics—energy density, safety, lifecycle cost, and resource availability. Field data from early demonstration projects will illustrate evolving performance curves and cost competitiveness.
10:30 - 11:00 am Networking Coffee Break
11:00 - 12:15 pm
Valuing Resilience in Energy: Applying Project Insights to State Policy
Elias Henderson
Research Assistant, Schatz Energy Research Center
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
> profile
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch Break
2:00 - 2:30 pm
Design and Operation of Service-Point Microgrids within the Military
2:30 - 3:00 pm Networking Coffee Break
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Networking Reception and Tour of Yotta Energy factory facility (on site)
-- Open to all registered attendees
8:00 - 9:00 am
Continental Breakfast and Registration
10:30 - 11:00 am Networking Coffee Break
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch Break
Session Details
9:30 - 10:00 am | Tuesday, September 30
Bolstering Energy Resilience with Innovative Microgrid Solutions
• Importance of microgrid implementation to maintain operability in harsh environments and mission assurance
• Air Force (AF) lessons learned and progress updates in the integration microgrids at installations
• Benefits of microgrids including the dependency reduction on regional utility systems to enhance energy security
• Thermal and electrical microgrids supporting critical missions to align with AF Artic Strategy
11:00 - 12:00 pm | Tuesday, September 30
Valuing Resilience in Energy: Applying Project Insights to State Policy
Few U.S. states offer explicit payments for resilience. California’s SGIP and New York’s VDER include resilience-adjacent incentives but stop short of true backup-power compensation. Projects offer a great example of the importance of resilience to facility-owners and the very real benefits of backup power over time. Drawing on real-world microgrid and facility projects, this panel will:
Showcase examples of how developers capture resilience benefits today
Unpack the full spectrum of resilience value streams
Outline what a standardized “value of resilience” metric could look like
Explore the policy levers states to properly compensate for resilience
Key Takeaways:
· Microgrids can provide numerous public and private benefits, at least some of which should be compensated
· Resilience is currently treated as an externality that is excluded from electric rates and goes uncompensated
· The lack of a standard value of resilience doesn’t reduce the importance of grid resilience, it only makes it more difficult to make much-needed investments
1:00 - 2:00 pm | Tuesday, September 30
Value Stacking Energy Storage for Cost Reduction and Resilience
For DERs and renewables, storing energy offers significant benefits that add up in cost savings, increased power availability and revenue generation. By using locally generated power on-site, maximizing renewable energy usage and minimizing grid power usage during peak times, significant cost savings can be realized. In places where the grid is oversubscribed or subject to power safety shut offs, energy storage can offer grid services and back up power. And for demand response and other emerging grid requirements such as power quality management, energy storage can even generate revenue. The panel will present case study projects showcasing energy storage applications specifically for peak shaving, resilience and demand response.
3:00 - 4:00 pm | Tuesday, September 30
Leveraging Microgrids to Enable Resilient Power for Airports
Airports are increasingly adopting microgrids to enhance energy resilience, reduce carbon emissions, and support operational efficiency. These systems provide reliable backup power during outages, enable the integration of renewable energy like solar and battery storage, and support critical functions such as control towers and terminals through islanding capabilities. Microgrids also help airports manage energy loads, reduce peak demand costs, and power electric ground support equipment, aligning with broader electrification and sustainability goals. This session looks at how airports from Pittsburgh to San Diego are leveraging microgrids to ensure uninterrupted operations, improve energy security, and meet climate and ESG commitments.
4:00 - 4:30 pm | Tuesday, September 30
Staying Powered When It Matters Most
With the increase of natural disasters, climate change and instability of the power grid, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure critical facilities stay powered when it matters most. The presentation addresses the challenges presented to us to create a self-contained power plant that could be placed permanently or temporarily at a facility as an uninterruptible power supply. We also discuss our journey for our microgrid to become the only seismically certified microgrid in the country able to withstand hurricane force winds. In addition, were able to develop this microgrid so that it pays for itself, making it a financially viable option for all facilities with high electric usage.
Additional panelists TBA
Resilient Energy at the Edge: Innovations in Off-Grid and Distributed Power Solutions
9:00 - 10:30 am | Wednesday, October 1
As energy needs grow increasingly complex—particularly in remote, disaster-prone, or grid-constrained areas—new models for delivering reliable, scalable, and resilient power are emerging. This session explores three innovative approaches to distributed energy: a new class of generator technology that provides a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative to diesel and gas for prime power; modular microgrid systems designed for rapid deployment and streamlined operations in challenging environments; and off-grid charging solutions that enable electric vehicle use where grid infrastructure lags behind. Together, these perspectives highlight how hybrid, flexible systems are meeting diverse energy needs and expanding the reach of clean, distributed power.
Key Takeaways:
The role of next-generation generator technology in replacing traditional fossil fuel systems
How modular microgrids are accelerating reliable energy access in remote or underserved areas
How off-grid charging solutions are bridging the gap between EV adoption and grid readiness
Microgrids culminate as a complex electrical local grid powered and managed through various distributed energy resources and control systems. The novelty and complexity of these systems can be overwhelming to many without a technical background resulting in apprehension for approval by authority having jurisdictions. This is particularly the case when there is an energy storage component proposed as a form of resiliency for critical healthcare facilities.
This presentation aims to provide a wholistic overview of the process of designing a microgrid for a healthcare facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). Reference laws from the Health and Safety code were used as a guide to help illustrate a compliance pathway moving forward. To meet HCAI guidelines, an optimized battery energy storage system (BESS) must consider reliability, the selected form of battery technology, power quality, frequency variations, and environmental conditions. The results of undertaking the approval process for this microgrid project have illuminated additional, critical components mandated for HCAI review. This additional criteria includes continuity guarantee of critical loads, daily energy demand adaptation, and configurable communication and networking systems.
Key Takeaways:
Governing entities are working with developers to simplify the installation of renewable energy in healthcare facilities
Healthcare facilities are pushing the proliferation of distributed generation and microgrids in their campuses
Renewable energy and microgrids are proving to be a key solution to combat today’s climate changes and immediate emergency issues
11:30 - 12:00 pm | Wednesday, October 1
Human-Assisted AI: Unlocking Practical Innovation in Microgrid Systems and Utility Operations
As the utility landscape evolves, grid operators, infrastructure planners, and C&I stakeholders face increasing pressure to improve reliability, manage distributed systems, and adopt renewables—without adding complexity to already stretched teams. This session explores how Human-Assisted AI is changing the game by empowering utility professionals to make faster, more accurate decisions without overhauling their systems or retraining their workforce.
Drawing on real-world utility projects, Sze Wong will share how AI-driven tools are helping teams plan microgrids, streamline outage management, and integrate DERs with confidence and transparency. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of what Human-Assisted AI really is (and isn’t), where it fits in today’s grid modernization efforts, and how to start identifying use cases in their own operations. No hype—just practical insight into enabling technologies that work with people, not instead ofK them.
Key Takeaways
· Understand the role of Human-Assisted AI in advancing microgrid and utility operations
· Identify practical, low-friction use cases that improve time-to-power and decision-making
· Learn from real utility projects that use AI without adding complexity or cost
· Discover how to begin integrating enabling technologies—even if your systems are aging or siloed
The Philippines faces a unique electrification challenge, with 94.75% household electrification status as of December 2024 and at least 167 unserved and underserved areas spread across remote, rural, and island communities. In response, the country's Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the 2024–2033 National Total Electrification Roadmap (NTER), outlining long-term strategic planning through the Local Total Electrification Roadmaps (LTERs) of Distribution Utilities (DUs). Further strengthening this initiative is Republic Act No. 11646 or the Microgrid Systems Act, supported by the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (DOE Department Circular No. DC2025-05-0007).
This presentation explores how these frameworks drive microgrid deployment, facilitating private sector investment through transparent, competitive selection processes. The session will highlight policy innovations, implementation challenges, and early results from pilot rollouts—demonstrating how microgrids play a pivotal role in achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable total electrification.
Key Takeaways:
Overview of the Philippines’ 2024–2033 National Total Electrification Roadmap (NTER) and implementation framework
The Microgrid Systems Act (RA 11646) and DOE Circular DC2025-05-0007 (Implementing Rules and Regulation of RA 11646): Key regulatory innovations and market entry opportunities
Strategic role of microgrid systems in achieving universal access to electricity
Insights from the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) for Microgrid Systems Provider and pilot microgrid deployments
Aaron Arriaga
Commercial Project Developer
HOLT Renewables
> profile
As EV adoption accelerates, grid-stressed, remote, and off-grid areas present a growing challenge for charging infrastructure. This session explores how microgrids—integrated systems combining solar, battery storage, and intelligent controls—are enabling reliable, scalable EV charging in even the most constrained environments. Drawing from real-world deployments by HOLT Renewables, Cap Metro, and ABM, panelists will discuss how transit agencies and fleet operators are leveraging microgrids to ensure operational continuity, reduce dependency on utility upgrades, and cut emissions. Attendees will gain insight into system design, financing models, and how microgrids are being paired with EV charging to create truly resilient, future-proof solutions.
Key Takeaways:
Solar-plus-storage systems for reliable bus charging in Austin
Integrating microgrids to support scalable fleet electrification
Strategies and technology options for deploying microgrids in off-grid or rural areas
Regulatory and funding considerations for microgrid-based EV infrastructure
Speaker Backgrounds
Dan Eagen
Dan is a specialist in power market investment and dispatch modelling, and a regular contributor to our European market insight reports. He has more than seven years of experience in consulting, covering policy, regulation, market modelling and provision of advisory services to public and private sector participants in the power sector.
Dan joined Wood Mackenzie in 2018 from Energy Markets and Regulatory Consultants (EMRC) where he was a managing consultant. Earlier in his career he was senior modeller on a wholesale electricity least-cost dispatch model delivered to the Scottish Government. He has also provided modelling of correlated fuel commodity prices for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (now BEIS).
Education:
PhD, Dynamic Modelling of Generation Capacity Investment in Electricity Markets with High Wind Penetration, University of Edinburgh
MSc, Operational Research, University of Edinburgh
BSc, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Sussex
Research Director
Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables
Speaking In:
Matthijs Kok
Matthijs Kok is a leading expert in sustainable mobility and energy transition, currently serving as Developer of Electric Transport and New Energy at the Municipality of Utrecht. With a background in social geography and land and water management, Matthijs has been instrumental in transforming Utrecht into a frontrunner in smart, zero-emission transport solutions. He has led groundbreaking projects including the rollout of data-driven charging infrastructure, the introduction of Europe’s first large-scale bidirectional car-sharing network, and innovative applications like charging via lampposts. Passionate about the shift from fossil to renewable energy and from ownership to circularity, Matthijs thrives at the intersection of public policy, technology, and societal change—helping Utrecht grow greener, more resilient, and future-ready.
Senior Policy Advisor/Project Leader
Horizon2020 project IRIS
City of Utrecht
Speaking In:
Opening Session
Josey Wardle
Dr. Josey Wardle is a professional engineer with over 25 years of project management experience in both the private and public sectors, spanning automotive, consumer electronics and aerospace. Since 2010 Josey has worked in the electric vehicle charging industry, project managing national and international infrastructure projects for vehicle OEMs, local authorities and businesses. She also has a PhD investigating opportunities for new business models to ensure the continued provision and growth of public charging facilities for EV drivers. Josey is currently the Innovation Lead for ZEV Infrastructure at Innovate UK, covering EV charging, V2G/X and hydrogen refueling solutions.
Innovation Lead - ZEV Infrastructure
Innovate UK
Speaking In:
Winning V2X Use Cases: Driving Customer Adoption
Dr. Andreas Piepenbrink
Dr. Andreas Piepenbrink is a pioneering force in the European energy transition, currently serving as CEO of HagerEnergy GmbH and Vice President of Energy Management Development at Hager Group. With a doctorate in Control Engineering from Universität Kassel and over two decades of leadership across automotive, energy, and embedded systems, he has helped shape the future of decentralized, solar-based energy systems. As the former Managing Partner of E3/DC and a key driver of innovations in bidirectional charging (V2H/V2G), solar self-consumption, and grid-independent home energy solutions, Dr. Piepenbrink combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision. Known for his insightful commentary on the barriers to energy innovation in Germany, he advocates for systemic reform and digitalization to unlock the full potential of renewable energy.
Chief Executive Officer
HagerEnergy GmbH
Speaking In:
Winning V2X Use Cases: Driving Customer Adoption
Andrew Tanner
Andrew Tanner is a technology and commercialization leader in the clean energy sector, currently serving as Chief Technology Officer at Yotta Energy, where he drives innovation in decentralized energy storage solutions. With a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Business from the University of Sydney and a Global Executive MBA, Andrew has over a decade of experience scaling cleantech startups and commercializing renewable energy technologies. His past roles include VP of Business Development at Geli, where he led commercial strategy across U.S. and Australian markets, and key engineering positions at Ausra and Chromasun. Andrew has been recognized with multiple honors—including the Advance Global Australian of the Year in Clean Technology and CSIRO’s Australian Innovation Award.
Chief Technology Officer
Yotta Energy
Speaking In:
Megan Williams
Megan Williams is a Senior Business Development Associate at Endurant Energy, where she has been a contributor for nearly three years. Based in Southern California, Megan supports strategic partnerships and project development efforts across the region. Her work focuses on helping municipalities, universities, and commercial clients implement sustainable and resilient energy solutions.
Speaking In:
Mark Schneider
Mark Schneider is the President of the East Region at Cordia Energy, where he leads strategic growth and operations across the eastern U.S., with a focus on sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure. Based in Pittsburgh, he brings over a decade of experience in engineering, project management, and business development, with previous leadership roles at Clearway Community Energy, DTE Energy, ATI Powder Metals, and IMG Midstream. Mark holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business and a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University.
Speaking In:
Sze Wong
Sze Wong is a visionary technology leader and a pioneer in the field of software development, renowned globally for his expertise in eliminating technical debt and driving sustainable innovation. As the founder and CEO of an award-winning technology firm, Sze has spent decades transforming how businesses approach software development, blending cutting-edge AI with pragmatic strategies to empower organizations to scale effectively while minimizing risk.
A passionate advocate for sustainable development, Sze has helped companies across industries—from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises—navigate the complexities of modern software systems. His insights into reducing technical debt have redefined how teams build and maintain scalable solutions, ensuring long-term agility and profitability.
In addition to his groundbreaking work on technical debt, Sze is at the forefront of leveraging AI to revolutionize software engineering, field automation, and big data integration. His ability to demystify complex technologies and present actionable strategies has made him a sought-after speaker at global conferences, where he captivates audiences with his deep technical expertise and inspiring vision for the future of technology.
Founder
FieldApps.ai
Speaking In:
Shannon Strank
Ms. Shannon Strank has 13 years of experience as a mechanical engineering. She has participated in research at the University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) for the past 7 years. Her early research responsibilities were primarily focused on dynamic simulation of electro-mechanical systems for the DOD, Ms. Strank was often the architect of the dynamic simulation model representations of a system or subsystem for testing purposes. Building simulation models provided her with exposure to application across numerous fields, including aviation, agriculture, defense, transportation, and more. Dynamic simulations of real-world prototypes are often multi-disciplinary, requiring the development and incorporation of control algorithms, flexible elements represented using finite element meshing, and the incorporation of field test data for the simulation of real-world recorded data. This breadth of exposure really drove Ms. Strank toward program development.
Following her MBA from The University of Texas at Austin, Ms. Strank became the Assistant Director for the Center for Electromechanics. She works closely with Center Program Managers in implementing a complete funding strategy. She identifies and interacts with potential research sponsors, including individuals, corporations and foundations, to ensure that CEM maintains diverse funding sources toward world changing research. At CEM, relationships with all stakeholders are essential to the Center’s success. Ms. Strank manages communication of CEM’s accomplishments and activities both within UT and to external partners. In addition, she leverages her experience as both a mechanical engineer and a business manager to transfer novel technologies to the ever changing needs of industry.
Deputy Director
University of Texas Center for Electromechanics
Speaking In:
Thomas Myers
Tom Myers serves as the Energy Program Supervisor for the Texas Army National Guard and holds the rank of Major in the Marine Corps Reserve. He is currently assigned as a Civil Affairs Officer with the 3D Civil Affairs Group. In his role with the Texas Army National Guard, Tom oversees the implementation of energy and water resiliency projects and efficiency initiatives and ensures compliance with DOD, federal, and state reporting requirements. He is also involved in testing and integrating emerging technologies.
Recently, Tom completed a 10-month deployment to Southeast Asia, focusing on energy and water resiliency programming in the northern provinces of the Philippines. During this time, he collaborated with the Naval Postgraduate School's Energy Academic Group, the Batanes provincial government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and various USG/DOD agencies to lead the first Energy Resiliency Readiness Tabletop Exercise in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
In addition to his professional and military duties, Tom owns Solar Sno Shaved Ice, a 100% solar- and battery-powered food truck chain based in South Austin.
Energy Program Supervisor
Texas Army National Guard
Speaking In:
Patrick Castro
Patrick has more than 30 years of experience in energy solution development and construction management in both national and international markets. He focuses on solution development in energy efficiency, sustainability, resiliency, and energy generation to meet client needs and energy savings goals and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Patrick has also served as a Quality Assurance Designee for the United State Green Building Council and is a licensed Green Rater and LEED certified.
Executive Vice President
BSD Builders
Speaking In:
Wissam Balshe
Wissam Balshe has 20+ years of experience in onsite power solutions, power distribution systems & controls. He leads the Channel Partnerships team at Mainsping Energy, working with resellers, referral partners, and strategic teaming partnerships. Prior to joining Mainspring, Wissam spent 16 years at Cummins focusing on developing distributed energy and microgrid go-to-market strategies, implementing onsite power projects and offering creative business models to help commercial and industrial customers meet their power needs and ESG goals. Wissam has served on multiple onsite power codes & standards committees and distributed energy trade associations, and has published multiple white papers on smart grids and onsite power applications.
Senior Director- Channel Partnerships
Mainspring Energy
Speaking In:
Jesus Mena
Jesus Mena is a Development Engineering Manager at Ameresco and has been a t am lead in solar and storage projects built in California and under HCAI jurisdiction. He has managed development for over 15 MW of distributed solarenergy and is venturing into the medical microgrid space. His expertise has been critical to the success of Ameresco and navigating strict jurisdictions, such asHCAI. As he transitions into a senior management role his goal is to share his experience building distributed energy resources in the medical space and aiding the proliferation of renewable energy projects across the State of California.
Manager-Development Engineering
Ameresco
Speaking In:
Timothy Harvey
Tim leads Austin Energy’s Customer Renewable Solutions team, bringing over 30 years of experience in the energy industry, including 18 years in Austin Energy’s solar group. Under his leadership, Austin Energy has developed and expanded its award-winning Residential, Multifamily, and Commercial rebate programs, as well as GreenChoice, Community Solar, and Shared Solar programs. Tim is dedicated to advancing renewable energy solutions that benefit the Austin community and support the city’s sustainability goals.
Director - Customer Renewable Solutions
Austin Energy
Speaking In:
Marc Louie L. Olap
Engr. Marc Louie L. Olap serves as the Chief Science Research Specialist of the Total Electrification Administration and Management Division under the Department of Energy’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau. With nearly 15 years of service, he has played key roles in formulating and implementing policies and programs aimed at achieving the Government’s target of 100% household electrification nationwide. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Public Administration.
At present, he leads efforts related to the implementation of the Microgrid Systems Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), focusing on the development of the National Total Electrification Roadmap, the conduct of Competitive Selection Processes for Microgrid System Providers, and the formulation of policies on financial benefits for host communities.
Chief Science Research Specialist – Total Electrification Administration and Management Division
Philippine Department of Energy
Speaking In:
Aaron Arriaga serves as a Commercial Project Developer for HOLT Renewables. Aaron is responsible for building the framework for organizations interested in integrating onsite generation, microgrids and EV infrastructure into their operations. In this role Mr. Arriaga leverages 11 years of experience in energy infrastructure projects across the nation to ensure successful transitions into sustainability and resiliency.
Prior to joining HOLT Renewables Aaron was a part of the team who started a solar panel manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas called Mission Solar Energy. Aaron led the business development team by integrating the locally manufactured solar panels into the national market. Aaron earned a bachelor’s degree in management science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and studied Political Science at Southwest University for Nationalities in Chengdu, China. Aaron is currently a Texas McCombs MBA candidate for the class of 2027.
Commercial Project Developer
HOLT Renewables
Speaking In:
As a Project Manager at CapMetro, Antonio leads the electrification and renewable energy projects, collaborating with the City of Austin, Austin Energy, contractors, and key stakeholders to deliver multimillion-dollar capital projects. His role encompasses obtaining necessary permits, leading the team and subject matter experts (SMEs) coordination, and overseeing transformative initiatives that advance the company's Zero Emissions Program.
Antonio has a strong background in project management, engineering, and renewable energy, with over 13 years of experience in the field. He holds a Master's degree in Project Management from Universitat de Barcelona and a Master's degree in Renewable Energies from Universidad Internacional de Valencia (VIU), Spain.
Project Manager
Cap Metro
Speaking In:
Elias Henderson
Speaking In:
Elias is an energy researcher at the Schatz Energy Research Center at
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. His research focuses on rural microgrids, especially evaluation & quantification of resilience and avoided/deferred infrastructure investment value. He is also principal at Hummingbird Consulting, with core competencies in strategic planning & infrastructure, grant writing, and database/information systems. Elias has grant writing experience from modest community projects to >$1 million facility grants. He holds a master's degree in Energy Technology and Policy from Cal Poly Humbolt.
Tony Nissam
Speaking In:
Marc Anthony (Tony) Nisam is a dynamic business development leader and clean technology evangelist with extensive experience in fleet electrification, Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS), and the broader eMobility ecosystem. Based in Seattle and a graduate of Macalester College, Tony has over two decades of international experience in startups, SaaS, OEM partnerships, and strategic sales leadership across industries including trucking, transportation, logistics, and sustainability tech. Tony has been instrumental in advancing zero-emission commercial fleets through roles at Motiv Power Systems, Zonar, and now L-Charge.
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