(HyPT-3) Overview of Session 1A - Large-Scale Electrolysers

Tuesday 12 September 2023 08:30am - 10:00am ACST (UTC+9:30)

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Dr Xiaoting Wang (BNEF), Martin Hablutzel (Siemens), Dr. Thomas I. Valdez (PlugPower), PANELLISTS Tanya Hodgson (ARENA), Prof Meng Tao (ASU), CHAIR Dr Philip van Eyk (UoA)

SESSIONS AIMS TO:

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Dr Xiaoting Wang (BNEF)

Dr Xiaoting Wang has been conducting research on the photovoltaic industry for BloombergNEF since 2012 and has published more than 200 insight notes. Her routine research scope covers shifts in crystalline silicon module technology, perovskites, innovation in project design, construction, and maintenance. Since 2019, Xiaoting’s research topics have included the technologies and economics of making hydrogen from renewables.

Before joining BloombergNEF, Xiaoting worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the Center of Energy and Environmental Policy at the University of Delaware, following a five-year PhD program in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Delaware. During her academic research, Xiaoting published 19 articles in international journals and books, with the topics spanning a range of photovoltaic module research and development, performance measurement and modelling, and assessment of the value of high efficiency modules.

Martin Hablutzel (Siemens)

Martin Hablutzel is responsible for the Sustainable Energy Systems portfolio activities of Siemens Energy for Asia Pacific and China. The portfolio includes hydrogen electrolysers, power-to-x, solar PV and hybrid energy solutions.

He has been heavily involved in promoting the opportunities for hydrogen technology in its latest renaissance through market development, government dialog, numerous speaking engagements and interviews. Martin was a member of Alan Finkel’s stakeholder group contributing toward the formation of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy.

Dr. Thomas I. Valdez (PlugPower)

Dr. Thomas I. Valdez reports to the Chief Technology Officer at Plug Power Incorporated, Latham, New York.  His focus is on tracking hydrogen generation technology.

Thomas has over 30 years of experience in advanced power systems for military, space, underwater, and commercial applications.  His career began at NASA's famed Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) where he was a major contributor to the JPL Fuel Cell Group and Power Systems Section.  After a 25-year career at JPL, he transitioned to Teledyne and continued to develop advanced fuel cell technologies such as what is featured in the Teledyne Subsea Supercharger®.

His educational background starts with being a student of Mr. Jaime Escalante, whose teachings were the basis of the Hollywood movie Stand and Deliver.  Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Materials Engineering from the University of California, Irvine.  He completed his doctorate in Materials Science under Professor Florian Mansfeld, winner of the Electrochemical Society Vittorio de Nora Award, at the University of Southern California.  Thomas also holds a Masters in Business Administration from Loyola University Maryland.

PANELLISTS

Tanya Hodgson (ARENA)

Tanya Hodgson is an Investment Manager at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), focused on accelerating the development of a commercial hydrogen market in Australia. She works closely with entities from start-ups to incumbents to progress early-stage hydrogen technologies ranging from R&D to trial, demonstration, and deployment. ARENA’s industry exposure provides unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the hydrogen market in Australia, across the value chain.

Tanya has a technical background in the sciences, holding a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Applied Biology, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, both from the University of Cape Town. Prior to ARENA, she worked for a top tier management consulting firm, developing robust strategic and Private Equity skillsets, working with over 20 companies across South Africa and Australia.

Prof Meng Tao (ASU)

Dr Meng Tao joined Arizona State University in 2011 as a professor in the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering and now heads the Physical Electronics and Photonics Program. His research focuses on sustainable solar technologies, from materials and devices to systems and applications. He played a critical role in the initiation and launch of the US. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium under SEMATECH.

He has been the lead organiser for the Electrochemical Society symposium series on Photovoltaics for the 21st Century for over a decade. He is an editor of the ECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology. He was awarded the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Alternative Energy Technology and was invited to the 2017 Nobel Award Ceremony in Stockholm.