In this agreement, Schneider Electric will be the main automation and electrical contractor and partner for digital energy management and automation solutions for Hy Stor Energy’s operations. This will include the provision of AVEVA process operation and AI optimization software, weather analysis, predictive operations and digital energy management solutions.

Laura Luce, CEO and founder of Hy Stor Energy, said in a statement: “Innovating both the physical and digital operation of renewable and storage assets is a critical part of the energy transition.

“We’re grateful to have a digital partner that understands the importance of deploying climate-aligned renewable hydrogen solutions and look forward to deploying first-of-its-kind, 100% renewable, fossil-free energy that’s dispatchable to our customers 24/7.”

Mississippi Clean Hydrogen Hub

The MCHH project is a fully integrated renewable hydrogen ecosystem.

It will feature Hy Stor Energy’s solution including on-site renewable hydrogen production via electrolysis and off-grid renewable power, coupled with hydrogen storage in purpose-built salt caverns to deliver energy storage dispatched on demand.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast was selected for the project because of its maritime and infrastructure assets, the abundance of solar and wind energy, and its naturally occurring underground salt formations that can support the development of large caverns. Furthermore, the project aims to uplift local, disadvantaged communities by providing economic growth opportunities.

Heather Cykoski, senior vice president, Industrial & Process Automation North America, Schneider Electric, added: “Projects like the Mississippi Clean Hydrogen Hub will help usher in the transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of energy. Our collaboration will help Hy Stor Energy optimize their facility, from engineering and operation through energy management and storage.”

Originally published by Power Engineering International.

Listen to this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast for insights from Professor Dr Emmanouil Kakaras, Executive Vice President NEXT Energy Business, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries EMEA, about how to build an effective hydrogen economy and ecosystem.

The combination is intended to provide power, fuel-flexibility, and energy resiliency for commercial and industrial customers. The fuel-flexibility of the Mainspring generator allows customers to dynamically switch among multiple fuel options, including low- and zero-carbon fuels, without retrofit.

The collaboration between the two companies offers power solutions, along with Schneider’s microgrid designs, construction management, and project management experience.

“Commercial and industrial facilities are dealing with increasing demands for electricity,” said Bala Vinayagam, Senior Vice President, Microgrid Line of Business for Schneider Electric. “At the same time, organizations needing power have decarbonization goals. The Mainspring Linear Generator has the potential to serve a vital role in the transition to net zero.”

He added: “Customers are provided with a pioneering microgrid solution that can generate on-site power, adapt to an evolving grid landscape, and help them meet their decarbonization goals.”

Schneider Electric named Jana Gerber as president, microgrid North America. She has more than two decades of experience at the company, and offers expertise in sustainability consulting services and strategic account management. Gerber graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.

Westinghouse Electric Co. named Margaret Cosentino as EVP, corporate affairs. She previously led public policy for Northrop Grumman and earlier ran global government relations for Arconic. She brings 20 years of experience in global government affairs, international business development and strategy for aerospace, defense and metals companies. Cosentino earned a bachelor of science in International Politics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a master’s in International Economics and Strategic Studies from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

The New York Independent System Operator promoted Deneen Byrne to HR VP, reporting to Rich Dewey, president and CEO. She joined NYISO in 2012 as HR manager. Prior to the NYISO, she spent 14 years managing HR for a Holiday Inn and Ducommun AeroStructures. NYISO also said that Wes Yeomans retired after 13 years as its VP of operations. His 30-year career in energy included roles at Niagara Mohawk and National Grid.

NiSource Inc. said that EVP and chief experience officer Violet Sistovaris is retiring after 28 years with the company.  Earlier in her NiSource career, she served as VP, customer contact centers. Later, she served as SVP and CIO, with responsibilities for information technology, supply chain, real estate and facilities management. In 2015, she was chosen to lead the Northern Indiana Public Service as president, a role she held until 2020, when she was asked to lead NiSource’s experience organization, which includes customer service, human resources, diversity equity & inclusion and communications. Sistovaris co-founded NiSource’s Women in Leadership initiative, which led to the formation of the company’s DAWN employee resource group, a women’s mentoring program and the company’s overall diversity initiatives.  

Nathan Hanson was promoted to the new position of president, LS Power Generation. Hanson joined LS Power in 2011 and previously served as managing director of energy management and regulatory affairs. Members of Hanson’s team also were promoted to these roles: Anthony Hammond, SVP of asset management; Marc Kline, SVP of energy marketing and trading; and Marjorie Philips, SVP of wholesale market policy.

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