Arthur Jen and Carlos Gamarra PowerGen

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial talk podcast at PowerGen in Dallas, Texas, featuring Carlos Gamarra and Arthur Jen. Carlos, Vice President of the Houston Advanced Research Center, and Arthur, Program Coordinator for the Western Region of the DOE-funded On-Site Energy Technical Assistance Partnership (On-Site Energy TAP), discuss their roles in promoting distributed generation technologies and energy storage. They provide no-cost technical assistance, educational webinars, and case studies to help end users adopt these technologies. The program is technology-agnostic and region-specific, addressing the unique energy needs of different states. They emphasize the importance of a balanced energy portfolio and the challenges of finding the right mix of technologies for each location.

Action Items

• [ ] Connect with Carlos Gamarra (Vice President of Energy, HARC) or Arthur Jen (Program Coordinator, Western Region TAP) to learn more about the Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership program.
• [ ] Visit the DOE website to find the map and contact information for the regional directors of the Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership program.
• [ ] Connect with Arthur Jen on LinkedIn to learn more about his work in the Western region.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Power Gen

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
• Scott welcomes listeners to Power Gen in Dallas, Texas, highlighting the exciting technology and solutions present at the event.
• Scott introduces Carlos and Arthur, who are part of different companies but will clarify their roles and connections.
• Carlos and Arthur discuss their business cards and the companies they represent, with Scott joking about a potential test.

Backgrounds of Carlos and Arthur

• Carlos shares his background in electrical and industrial engineering, his experience in building industrial plants, and his shift to research on Community Energy Systems.
• Carlos is now the Vice President of the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC).
• Arthur introduces himself as the program coordinator for the Western Region of the On-Site Energy Technical Assistance Partnership (On-Site Energy TAP).
• Arthur has a background in industrial and systems engineering, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.

Overview of On-Site Energy TAP Program

• Carlos explains that he and Arthur lead the DOE-funded On-Site Energy TAP program, which promotes distributed generation technologies.
• The program provides no-cost technical assistance, educational webinars, and case studies to encourage the adoption of on-site energy technologies.
• Arthur adds that the program is valuable for facilities managers who are overwhelmed and need guidance on becoming 100% renewable energy.
• The program is technology-agnostic, focusing on finding the best solutions for different sites based on their geographical and operational needs.

Program Benefits and Cost

• Scott inquires about the cost of the program, and Carlos confirms that it is free for end users, funded by the DOE.
• Carlos emphasizes the importance of the program, as companies are experts in their main processes but not necessarily in power generation.
• The program provides unbiased advice, helping end users navigate the complex landscape of energy technologies and proposals.
• Scott asks how Carlos and Arthur's organizations became involved, and Carlos explains that it is a competitive funding opportunity released every few years.

Regional Focus and Trends

• Arthur explains that the program is divided into different regions to address specific geographical and technological needs.
• Arthur highlights the importance of understanding regional differences in electricity prices, policies, and available resources.
• Carlos discusses the diverse energy sources and technologies in the South Central Region, including wind, solar, and combined cycle.
• Arthur notes the increasing demand for power and the need for a balanced approach to meet this demand with clean energy solutions.

Challenges and Exciting Technologies

• Carlos expresses excitement about the challenges of finding the right mix of technologies for each location.
• He highlights the diversity of power sources and storage options available today.
• Arthur is excited about the potential of using every part of the energy generation process, similar to Native American practices.
• Both emphasize the importance of balancing different energy sources to ensure reliability and meet environmental and cost-saving goals.

Contact Information and Closing Remarks

• Scott asks how listeners can get in touch with Carlos and Arthur, and they provide information on the DOE's website and LinkedIn.
• Carlos and Arthur encourage listeners to reach out for assistance with their energy needs.
• Scott wraps up the conversation, emphasizing the importance of the power industry and the exciting opportunities it presents.
• Scott mentions upcoming events and resources, encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the industry.