Summary

Resources for utility-scale renewable energy generation have been successfully integrated into the grid for quite some time. However, the intermittent nature of renewable energy assets pose some challenges as utilities, government agencies and private developers aim to achieve a Net Zero Grid. When it is windy and sunny across a region, there can be excess generation capacity that at times needs to be curtailed. Engineers are exploring hybrid models in which solar, wind and hydro generation is being supplemented with storage technologies to store excess capacity for later use when generation capacity on the grid is constrained. Similarly, tests are underway for the potential use of the excess electricity to produce green hydrogen that is deployed at a later time to power a turbine to generate electricity — thus acting as storage. During this webinar, we will explore the opportunities to integrate solar, wind and hydro with other clean technologies to time-shift capacity.

Speakers

Ahsan Upal

Regional Manager, Canadian Business Development

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As the national business development leader, Ahsan Upal works with Canadian utilities, applying technology-driven approaches to help them solve their toughest challenges.

Matt Brinkman

Vice President

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Matt Brinkman manages a team of multidisciplinary engineers focused on solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and capital improvement projects. Brinkman is responsible for business development, contract negotiations and resource allocation. In addition to managing the regional Energy Group for Burns & McDonnell in Phoenix, he also has served on the Governor's Solar Energy Advisory task Force in Arizona.

Kieran McInerney

Senior Mechanical Engineer

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Kieran McInerney is a project manager on Burns & McDonnell’s Energy Storage Team. McInerney is an experienced consultant in energy storage, renewable generation, gas generation, and demand side energy management. He leads the GridBEAST energy storage modeling team and its continued development of services and proprietary tools. Duties include project management, technical feasibility, economic analysis, conceptual design, cost estimating, and strategic planning for energy storage and renewable energy projects.

Robert Wright, PE

Senior Mechanical Engineer

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Robert Wright is a renewable energy development manager. He leads a team that focuses on technology comparisons, operations and maintenance, capital cost estimations, performance optimization and definition, economic analysis, conceptual design, and project coordination. Wright currently focuses on identifying and optimizing utility strategies for solar and energy storage implementation.