Hydrogen Energy Workshop

The Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics (CESAC) at Montclair State University is proud to host this Hydrogen Energy Workshop to accelerate actionable solutions in the field of hydrogen energy. This forum will convene a high-level discussion among industry experts, policymakers, academia, investors, financial institutions, environmental groups and a wide range of stakeholders to encourage collaboration and project development while supporting state and local governments in meeting clean energy, resilience, and environmental justice goals. Public-private partnerships will be essential to support the deployment of new technologies at commercial scale.

Our discussions will focus on key aspects of hydrogen development including hydrogen production, infrastructure, storage and delivery, financing, safety, education, workforce development, policy and regulatory framework and the road to commercialization. The workshop will also feature presentations and case studies, along with opportunities for high-level networking.

This Hydrogen Innovation Workshop will be an invaluable opportunity to advance the hydrogen economy throughout the State of New Jersey, as well as the greater Northeast region, as we move towards a clean energy future.

Agenda

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Check-in, Breakfast and Networking

9:00 – 9:25 AM

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Pankaj Lal, Director, Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center.

Lora Billings, Dean, College of Science and Mathematics

Jonathan Koppell, President, Montclair State University.

9:25 – 9:45 AM

Keynote Address

Tim Sullivan, CEO, New Jersey Economic Development Authority

9:45 – 10:45 AM

Session 1: Hydrogen Policy, Economy, and Deployment

Moderator:

Upendra Chivukula, CESAC and Commissioner Emeritus

Presenters:

Andrew Zwicker, Senate Legislative Oversight Committee, Chair

Paul Heitman, Clean Energy Division, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

Meghann Smith, Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center

Steve Halford, Senior Manager – Microgrid, DER, Advanced Power System Automation, H2

Adria Wilson, Director, U.S. Policy and Advocacy, Breakthrough Energy

Hydrogen will be essential to meeting goals for emissions reduction, climate protection, air quality, energy resilience and sustainable economic growth. Innovative policies, programs and incentives will be needed to accelerate the production, utilization, and storage of hydrogen energy. This panel will feature a discussion with stakeholders on their efforts to accelerate hydrogen energy programs and investment in scalable technology and solutions. Implementing various supply and demand incentives will be essential to achieving commercial liftoff.

10:45 – 11:05 AM

Networking Break

11:05 – 11:25 AM

Keynote Address

Campbell Howe, Senior Advisor, DOE Loan Programs Office

11:25 AM – 12:25 PM

Session 2: Market Opportunities and Challenges

Moderator:

Murray Bevan, esq. Bevan, Mosca & Giuditta

Presenters:

Ram Akella, Executive Vice President Innovation Impact New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Travis Douglas, Commercial Lead Northeast, Doosan Group

Fanny Charrier, Director, Hydrogen Coordinator, Americas, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank

Isaac Shmulewitz, Investment Director, Antin Infrastructure Partners

Dwyane Pickette, Vice President of Clean Hydrogen Market Development, Constellation Energy Corporation

Hydrogen offers a unique opportunity to decarbonize industries such as transportation, manufacturing and power generation. Identifying market and investment opportunities, staying ahead of trends, and positioning one’s organization for success in the hydrogen economy is important. Understanding how industry leaders, and financiers are analyzing technology, engineering, construction, scale up, operation and offtake risks can optimize project structure to access the capital, expediting the path from announcement to final investment decision. Hear market insights from industry leaders and investors regarding profitable sectors for hydrogen utilization moving forward.

12:25 – 1:25 PM

Lunch

Luncheon Keynotes

Ashley Duckman, Managing Director, Policy & Strategy, American Gas Association

Stephen Sweeney, Former President of the New Jersey Senate

1:25 – 1:45 PM

Presentation Hydrogen Education and Workforce Development

Kevin Lau, Professor and Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University (MACH 2 Workforce Development)

1:45 – 2:45 PM

Session 3: The Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) and Opportunities for the Northeast Region

Moderator:

Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, Commissioner, NJBPU

Panelists:

Joe Colella, Core Member, Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub

Brian Mounkhall, PSEG Renewables Development Manager

Larry Barth, Director Corporate Strategy, NJR Clean Energy Ventures

George Skoptsov, CEO and Founder, H Quest Vanguard, Inc.

Ken Bosiers, Fuel Cell Energy

New Jersey joins Delaware and Pennsylvania as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2), designated by DOE as one of seven regional hydrogen hubs. to encourage clean energy investments, well-paying jobs, and improved energy security. It is important to note that there are a number of active projects moving forward throughout the region that aligns with MACH2 activity and support the deployment of hydrogen technology at a commercial scale. Energy and industry leaders will discuss ways towards a clean hydrogen economy both within and parallel to DOE Hydrogen Hub efforts.

2:45 – 3:05 PM

Networking Break

3:05 – 3:20 PM

Presentation on Avangrid’s refueling/mobility project in Barcelona

Adolfo Rivera, Director of Green Hydrogen for Avangrid

3:20 – 3:30 PM

Introducing the Northeast Hydrogen Alliance: Sashe Annett, President, H2.Vision and Founding Director NEH2A

3:30 – 4:30 PM

Session 4: Hydrogen Transportation Research, Technology & Case Studies

Moderator:

Chuck Feinberg, Chairman, NJ Clean Cities Coalition

Presenters:

Janna Chernetz, Senior Director of Global Government Affairs, Amogy

Andrea Lubawy, Toyota Senior Engineer, Toyota Motor North America

Robert Kettig, Manager Corporate Strategy, New Jersey Resources

Bob Gordon, Vice President, Stevens & Lee Public Affairs

Suresh Sharma, Co-Founder & VP, Business Development at H2E Power Systems

The transportation sector provides a unique, near-term opportunity for regional deployment of hydrogen technology, for medium to heavy-duty vehicles. Strategic regional partnerships will be essential to foster hydrogen R&D, deploy scalable projects, and strengthen regional value chains. There is potential to jumpstart the local hydrogen economy and raise public awareness with projects that can be operational in the near term. Speakers will also highlight successful efforts that can serve as models for regional deployment.

4:30 – 4:40 PM

Closing Remarks

4:40 – 6:40 PM

Networking Cocktail Reception

Senator Gordon Johnson, Assistant Majority Leader & Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair

Senator Joseph Cryan, Higher Education Committee Chair

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