January 20-22, 2026 | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center 

Technical Conference Program Sessions

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10:15 AM
  1. C141
    45 mins
    In the dynamic environment of power generation and distribution, managing the intersection of cybersecurity and operational technology (OT) is paramount. This presentation, "Control the Controllables …
  2. C146
    45 mins
    This session explores the crucial role of Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) in enabling high penetration of renewable energy resources and balancing generation with growing load demands. Speakers wi …
  3. C147
    45 mins
    Hear from some of the companies that have approved construction permits and are working to deploy new demonstration reactors before the end of the decade!  Kairos Energy will discuss its Hermes projec …
  4. C140
    45 mins
    As renewable energy continues to reshape the grid, its inherent volatility and intermittency require a reliable balancing solution to ensure a smooth transition to clean power. Clean hydrogen, support …
  5. C144
    45 mins
    Achieving compliance with NOx emissions regulations is critical for gas-fired turbines, but conventional SCR systems are costly and complex, particularly under varying load conditions. EnergyLink Inte …
  6. C142
    45 mins
    In this presentation, Richard Esposito of Southern Company will provide an overview of carbon capture technologies, focusing on their technical readiness in the utility and industrial sectors. The pre …
11:15 AM
  1. C151
    45 mins
    Understanding the capacity potential and costs of non-powered dams (NPDs) is essential to expanding hydropower's role in the U.S. clean energy transition. While new hydropower development faces challe …
  2. C140
    45 mins
    Hydrogen is poised to play an increasingly important role in decarbonizing a range of sectors, including power generation. Mitsubishi Power used PLEXOS Electric, Gas, and Water modules to model Long-D …
  3. C146
    45 mins
    The current landscape of non-lithium long-duration storage technologies is vast and ever-changing. This presentation will provide a market update on commercially available technologies and their devel …
  4. C144
    45 mins
    Monitoring vibration signatures and using predictive analytics in plant operations and maintenance is transforming the way critical machinery is managed. By enabling early detection of potential issue …
  5. C141
    45 mins
    Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC) plants equipped with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) present a potential option for decarbonization but increasing renewable energy resources complicate their …
  6. C145
    45 mins
    As the adoption of solar and electric vehicle chargers accelerates, utilities face the challenge of managing these installations quickly and efficiently. This presentation will explore how Direct Curr …
  7. C147
    45 mins
    The U.S. nuclear fleet, with an average age of 42 years, is at a crossroads: Decommission or request a license renewal for an additional 20 years of operation. But with our growing energy needs, exten …
  8. C142
    45 mins
    Shell and Technip Energies draw on their experience in over 100 global carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects to provide practical solutions for the implementation of CCS in the power sector, …
02:00 PM
  1. C146
    45 mins
    The demand for grid-balancing technology is higher than ever. As extreme weather events intensify, yesterday’s power grid may not be ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Mechanical Long Duration Energy St …
  2. C144
    45 mins
    Mechanical insulation is a powerful but often underappreciated tool for driving energy efficiency, operational savings and sustainability. By reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon footprints …
  3. C140
    45 mins
    A first of a kind, utility scale electrolytic hydrogen production and storage facility is nearing completion in Delta, Utah. The Advanced Clean Energy Storage Phase I (ACES I) is a project capable of …
  4. C151
    45 mins
    Brazil's electric system faces significant challenges with the integration of renewable energy sources and the growing impact of climate change. As grid stability and energy reliability become increas …
  5. C142
    45 mins
    When implementing Natural Gas Combined-Cycle (NGCC) plants with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), should you retrofit existing facilities or build from scratch? This session will explore strategies to …
  6. C141
    45 mins
    Element Fuels has selected Siemens Energy for a long-term supply agreement to provide hydrogen blended power for Texas residents. This is supported by Siemens Energy’s ability to consume substantial a …
  7. C143
    45 mins
    Due to the multi-prime contractual approach to utility-scale renewable and battery storage projects, the EPC Agreements for these projects require a particular degree of focus and coordination to best …
  8. C145
    45 mins
    Global adoption of electric vehicles is happening at an exponential rate, including the need for faster EV charging. This presentation will highlight lessons learned from deploying 1,000+ EV load mana …
03:00 PM
  1. C146
    60 mins
    As demand for renewable energy solutions grows, battery storage systems have become essential for grid stability and energy efficiency. However, ensuring the safety of these systems is paramount to th …
  2. C151
    45 mins
    With the hydropower workforce facing high retirement rates and an influx of new employees, preventing organizational knowledge loss is critical to maintaining productivity and reducing financial impac …
  3. C147
    60 mins
    Small Modular Reactors are the talk of the town, but how do we go from talk to actually building and operating new nuclear plants? Hear from Julie Kozeracki from the DOE Loan Programs Office; Todd Noe …
  4. C141
    60 mins
    This panel will examine strategies to maintain grid stability as the share of renewable energy grows. It will highlight the role of inverter-based resources (IBRs) in replacing traditional generators …
  5. C142
    60 mins
    In 2024, EPA finalized the following regulations: Greenhouse Gas (111d), Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) and the Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR). All thes …
  6. C144
    60 mins
    In this panel session, leaders from two U.S. utilities will share their experience from retrofitting installed base gas turbine assets. Topics will include the market dynamics for the plant, their goa …
  7. C140
    45 mins
    As Texas faces rising energy demand, utilities must balance the need for dispatchable power with emission reduction goals. This case study proposes a 400 MW natural gas peaking plant paired with a gre …
  8. C143
    60 mins
    The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides increased credit or deduction amounts for taxpayers who satisfy certain prevailing wage and apprenticeship (PWA) requirements for the construction, alteratio …
  9. C145
    45 mins
    The rapidly accelerating data center market will not be possible without reliable, sustainable and affordable power. In this case study, we’ll analyze a data center’s needs and design a system that ba …
10:00 AM
  1. C151
    45 mins
    ITAIPU Binacional, a hydroelectric power plant serving Brazil and Paraguay, has produced over 3 billion MWh of clean energy since 1984. However, increasing solar and wind additions have changed its ro …
  2. C141
    45 mins
    The last four years have brought a lot of policy activity in the energy space. The Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have provided numerous incentives for clean energy proj …
  3. C140
    45 mins
    Air Products is advancing the potential of hydrogen-fired boilers by integrating its burner technology with state-of-the-art boiler systems. Early trials have demonstrated stable 100% hydrogen combust …
  4. C146
    45 mins
    Grid operators face challenges in maintaining a reliable and stable power supply, but innovative technologies such as hydrogen-powered gas turbines, flywheels and battery energy storage can be integra …
  5. C144
    45 mins
    Decision-making processes at Cleco, like many utilities, are often resource-intensive and time-consuming. In today’s landscape, it is too costly for resources to step away from their daily duties to s …
  6. C147
    45 mins
    With global nuclear capacity expected to triple by 2050, small modular reactors (SMRs) have transformative potential. By leveraging pre-fabricated, modular designs, SMRs offer significant advantages i …
  7. C145
    45 mins
    This presentation will explore strategies to de-risk the field deployment of new technologies by utilizing advanced simulation and experimentation tools at the National Labs. Attendees will gain insig …
  8. C142
    45 mins
    The scale and success of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) financing relies on integrated due diligence that takes the right factors into account and provides a clear methodology for assessing a …
  9. C143
    45 mins
    Wind turbine tower engineers depend on foundation rotational stiffness to ensure the structural integrity and serviceability of the tower, preventing amplified dynamic responses. Common methods of ass …
11:00 AM
  1. C144
    60 mins
    Through the use of advanced technology, including advanced pattern recognition (APR) and analytics tools, we can gain valuable insights to improve the reliability of our assets. This involves transfor …
  2. C147
    60 mins
    The demand for clean, reliable energy in the U.S. is growing, driven by rising consumption and coal plant closures. Nuclear power is the most scalable, proven source of 24/7 clean energy. Extending th …
  3. C141
    60 mins
    The energy sector is going through an unprecedented transition driven by various technology, business and policy factors. The workforce needs to evolve according in order to keep pace with these chang …
  4. C151
    45 mins
    Rapid dewatering of a penstock during the emergency closure of an intake operating gate (INOG) or penstock inlet valve (PIV) requires adequate air admission to prevent catastrophic failure. Traditiona …
  5. C143
    60 mins
    A group of our nation’s leading geotechnical experts will outline a comprehensive approach to navigating your project, from siting and early-stage development to pre-construction design, final design, …
  6. C142
    60 mins
    Natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants play a significant role in electricity generation due to their high efficiency and will remain essential for keeping the grid reliable. Applying carbon c …
  7. C144
    60 mins
    Online monitoring solutions use advanced pattern recognition (APR), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques to monitor equipment and systems 24/7, detecting emerging abnormal …
  8. C140
    45 mins
    As the energy transition accelerates, large-scale and seasonal electricity storage remain a major challenge due to the volatility of wind and solar power. While battery energy storage systems (BESS) a …
  9. C145
    45 mins
    While many microgrids being proposed for various industry sectors, use cases and equipment choices can be daunting, some of the challenges posed can be addressed using standard designs. Additionally, …
  10. C146
    45 mins
    Large pumped storage projects are currently under development by several utilities across the United States. This presentation will examine hydroelectric pumped storage as an enabling technology for i …
01:00 PM
  1. C140
    45 mins
    With the growing demand for reliable power to support intermittent renewable energy sources, small flexible gas turbines present an ideal solution for providing firm, dispatchable power. Recent advanc …
  2. C144
    45 mins
    Are low river levels and excessive pump cavitation causing mechanical failures at your facility? Evergy and Burns & McDonnell collaborated to design a vacuum lift system for Evergy’s Iatan and Hawthor …
  3. C141
    45 mins
    As grid instability grows due to extreme weather and aging infrastructure, essential service providers like hospitals, universities and data centers are increasingly turning to battery energy storage …
  4. C145
    45 mins
    This discussion will explore how flexible microgrid solutions are transforming the energy landscape in response to the increasing demand for large loads on the grid. As traditional power plants face r …
  5. C142
    45 mins
    Pilot projects are an important step in the advancement of carbon capture technologies. However, many technologies that reach the development phase stall and only a portion make it successfully to the …
  6. C146
    45 mins
    The energy challenges facing Alaska are unique. Extreme weather, large seasonal loads, limited grid resources, fuel shortages, and complex supply chains impact or outright eliminate many current and p …
02:00 PM
  1. C146
    45 mins
    Evaluating the financial outcomes of battery energy storage projects requires a comprehensive approach that factors in both direct costs and indirect benefits, accounting for various technical, financ …
  2. C142
    45 mins
    The Midwest Carbon Express (MCE) is a project led by Summit Carbon Solutions, LLC which aims to create the largest carbon capture hub in the world. This effort involves the construction of carbon capt …
  3. C144
    45 mins
    Having a clear outage management process with defined pre-outage phases is crucial for effective outage management. Learn how Calpine, a leading power generation company, successfully navigates supply …
  4. C143
    45 mins
    In this presentation, Sargent & Lundy will share key insights from the company’s experience supporting over 100 wind project repowering efforts, focusing on best practices and common issues. The prese …
  5. C147
    45 mins
    The nuclear industry is buzzing with excitement about the possibility of pairing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with data centers to create clean energy technology hubs. However, the feasibility of thi …
03:00 PM
  1. C144
    45 mins
    During major maintenance in power generation, confined space entry is among the most hazardous activities, making worker safety paramount. Additional resources are often needed but not always locally …
  2. C146
    45 mins
    Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects are becoming more integrated with local communities, however, situating these projects near or within populated areas has raised new issues with noise pol …
  3. C151
    45 mins
    With over 90,000 non-powered dams (NPDs) in the U.S., there is significant potential for adding renewable energy to the grid. Mesa Associates, Inc., has acquired NuSTREEM's low-head modular turbine te …
  4. C147
    45 mins
    The significant growth in renewable energy (primarily wind and solar) provides an opportunity for electric power generators to rethink integrated resource planning to ensure safe and reliable power fo …
  5. C140
    45 mins
    Process hazard analysis (PHA) is essential for evaluating process systems to identify and manage hazards and risks, especially in hydrogen projects where unique challenges arise. Given the diverse app …
  6. C143
    45 mins
    This case study reviews the implementation of a multiple power plant controller (MPPC) that manages the integration of multiple wind and solar farms along a transmission line. The system consists of t …
  7. C141
    45 mins
    There is an increasing need for new generation, but developing new generation in today’s market is dramatically different than what it was five years ago. Interconnection delays, lengthy equipment lea …
  8. C145
    45 mins
    This presentation will explore a detailed planning study for a new microgrid designed to power a Critical Care Level 1 hospital, medical school and research facility, located in a complex regulatory e …
04:00 PM
  1. C151
    45 mins
    The U.S. hydropower industry is undergoing significant change, further challenged by an aging workforce and increasing retirements. This creates a pressing need to rebuild the talent pipeline. Histori …
  2. C146
    60 mins
    As the request for new service from very large loads increases, the grid is facing tighter supplies and rethinking power plant retirement schedules. One option is to rapidly increase supply from flexi …
  3. C141
    60 mins
    Over the last few years, the push for clean energy has intensified and new financing models have emerged, fostered by aggressive government policy that has unlocked unprecedented funding and tax incen …
  4. C142
    60 mins
    This panel will touch on a wide range of carbon capture technologies available to the utility sector, including amine, membranes, and cryogenic technologies. Representatives from original equipment ma …
  5. C144
    45 mins
    The increasing share of renewables in the generation mix, coupled with fluctuating fuel prices and evolving government policies, is compelling combined-cycle power plants to shift from baseload to mor …
  6. C140
    45 mins
    Hydrogen production using electrolysis can require significant cooling, especially in high ambient temperatures above 104°F (40°C). Choosing the right cooling system—whether it’s wet cooling with a co …
  7. C147
    45 mins
    The nuclear workforce needs to expand exponentially to meet the COP28 commitment of tripling nuclear capacity by 2050. As we prepare for this change, we need to make certain we are cultivating a diver …
  8. C145
    45 mins
    Traditional microgrid management systems struggle to integrate diverse distributed energy resources (DERs) efficiently, leading to suboptimal performance and limited participation in grid support prog …
09:30 AM
  1. C144
    45 mins
    New Brunswick Power’s 465 MW coal-fired Belledune Generating Station in Northern New Brunswick faced a mandate to cut greenhouse gas emissions while delivering dispatchable power. To meet this challen …
  2. C142
    45 mins
    Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a promising technology in the global push toward decarbonization. This presentation will dive into the landscape of available DAC solutions. This includes a closer look at …
  3. C140
    45 mins
    This presentation explores the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent changes to its emissions performance standards for existing fossil-fired plants. Originally, the EPA proposed using both c …
  4. C147
    45 mins
    The newly constructed nuclear units at Plant Vogtle in Georgia represent the most advanced ever designed. New advancements include a state-of-the-art circuit breaker, improving the electrical system r …
10:30 AM
  1. C144
    45 mins
    Join TDK SensEI (USA) and explore the transformative potential of AI-powered Condition-based Monitoring (CbM) and how AI plays a crucial role in transitioning from reactive to predictive maintenance. …
  2. C151
    45 mins
    In August 2018, severe flooding in Sauk County, Wisconsin, raised questions about the Hillsboro Dam’s role. Investigations showed the dam wasn’t designed for flood control, and debris-blocked gates wo …
  3. C141
    45 mins
    Several U.S. states are working to deploy geothermal energy to improve energy efficiency and diversify their clean energy mixes. This session will provide an overview and future outlook of geothermal …
  4. C143
    45 mins
    As the installed base and generation capacity of wind generators grow, ensuring the reliability and availability of each unit becomes crucial. The wind industry must strive for long-term reliability t …
  5. C145
    45 mins
    With the global push to electrify transportation, conversion of transit bus depots from diesel and natural gas to serve electric and hydrogen buses represents an infrastructure challenge. At the Montg …
  6. C146
    45 mins
    Thermal Energy Storage (TES) can be retrofitted at otherwise stranded power plants, and concrete has been identified as a low-cost material to be used in TES applications. EPRI, in collaboration with …
11:30 AM
  1. C144
    45 mins
    THERMOPHASE is gaining major steam in the utility and industrial sectors. The nano-coating is designed to prevent fouling, improve thermal efficiency, and reduce maintenance and emissions. It has been …
  2. C151
    45 mins
    Climate change has significantly affected hydropower generation across Southern Africa. While droughts have impacted key regions like the Zambezi Basin, opportunities exist in more resilient basins, s …
  3. C147
    60 mins
    It has been over a decade since Jeopardy! viewers witnessed IBM’s supercomputer, Watson, defeat all-time game show champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter. Watson’s victory was regarded as a pivotal mo …
  4. C143
    45 mins
    Pavement is like many other facility assets: An ounce of prevention can be worth more than a pound of cure. Proactive pavement management by an EPC at the beginning, middle and end of a project can he …
  5. C142
    60 mins
    This panel will focus on the emerging innovations in post-combustion carbon capture technologies currently in development. Representatives from research institutions and technology providers will disc …
  6. C140
    45 mins
    Clean hydrogen production is becoming increasingly important across sectors like power generation, transportation and heating. Grid-tied High Temperature Steam Electrolysis/Fuel Cell (HTS-E/FC) system …
  7. C141
    45 mins
    Copper is a critical metal of electrification, including for EVs and energy supplies in wind, solar, battery storage, hydrogen and nuclear. As a result, copper demand is expected to double in 10-15 ye …
  8. C146
    45 mins
    Integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is vital for achieving clean energy goals and enhancing grid stability, and accurate financial evaluations are crucial for their success. This POWERGE …
  9. C145
    45 mins
    As renewable energy becomes a larger part of the energy mix, hydrogen can serve as a reliable load-balancer or backup fuel, enhancing the resilience of microgrids. This presentation will dive into hyd …
"This is my first year at POWERGEN and so far I can just say, wow, this event is huge. I never thought I would have access to so many different vendors and so many different experts in the energy industry by coming to an event like this."
Caitlyn Watkins
Cleco
"It's my first time at POWERGEN. I'm having a great time walking around and seeing all of the booths in the exhibit hall and everything that everybody's trying to sell me, as well as a lot of very useful technical presentations. My particular favorite has been the carbon capture track, but they've all been good that I've attended so far."
Janelle Dana
Entergy
"Hi, I’m Chad Lemoine with Entergy... here as a corrective actions program specialist. It’s my first time at POWERGEN, so it’s been great for networking. I’ve met personnel at our plants I’d only talked to on the phone, so that face-to-face interaction has been really good. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people, learning about what they do, and how it interacts with my work... Overall, it's been a really good time." 
Chad Lemoine
Entergy
"I think my favorite part of the conference has been essentially the Smarter Power Plant Track. There's been a lot of good [takeaways] for us because our plans are quite old, so there's a lot of manual readings and things, but me being the IT generation, I think it could be done better. So having a lot of these [takeaways] from companies who have [accomplished what] we are wanting to do is great. It's been really eye opening networking with all of the exhibitors [as well]. It's my first time here, but I don’t think it's going to be my last."
Jonathan Hellborg
Svensk Kraftreserv
“Nel’s chosen to sponsor and be part of POWERGEN because it's one of the more important shows in the hydrogen market, also the power generation market in general. Over the years, we've seen a shift in POWERGEN from more traditional power generation to a greater presence with renewables, and now with hydrogen, as an energy source, moving into the future.” 
Chris Van Name
Nel Hydrogen
“We're here today at the conference because I believe this is the largest power generation conference there is in the country. One, it's a way to get our name out and that's why we're sponsoring it. But two, it's also a great way to connect with other groups, other organizations and, you know, meet the people who are actually important for our own progression as a company.” 
James Walker
Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc
“We come to POWERGEN every year because it's a great show you can make great contacts in the renewable space, great contacts in the data center space, great contacts in the commercial industrial space. So that's why we're here every year. You should be here too.”
David D’Escoto
Maddox Industrial Transformer