Session 1: Technologies and Trends in Thermal Networks

Michael Ahern has over 30 years of experience in leading development, engineering, construction, operation, and management of industrial and energy systems. This includes operational oversight of businesses in the industrial and energy fields, with a specific focus on district systems over the last fifteen years. At Ever-Green, he leads the development and advancement of mission-based campus and community energy and utility systems that achieve clients’ strategic goals. Ahern holds a BS in Business Finance from the University of Notre Dame, with an International Business Minor.

Rob Neimeier, Client & Market Officer at Ramboll – Rob Neimeier has 33 years of consulting experience including program and project management for public and private higher education, public agencies, and municipalities with energy reduction and climate action goals. He works with many State University of New York (SUNY) campuses to develop and implement energy master plans focused on decarbonization and transitioning from fossil fuels to alternative low carbon energy supply technologies to align with the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Rob also works with NYSERDA on Thermal Energy Network Potential in NYS and the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS) on efforts related to the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act.

Will Cleveland is a principal at Reshape Infrastructure Strategies, where his work includes supporting clients with contract negotiation, financial and business case analysis, pricing and tariff development, strategic planning, and utility regulation. 

Neeraj Raghuram is a Senior Engineer at Enwave with over 10 years of experience in the district energy industry. He has played a key technical role in several large-scale projects, including the Etobicoke Civic Centre and Lakeview district energy projects. Neeraj’s expertise spans across the design, development, and implementation of advanced district energy systems, contributing to sustainable and efficient energy solutions for district energy.

Brian Urlaub is the Director of Geothermal Operations for Salas O’Brien, where he oversees all aspects of projects from management and design to procurement, installation, and commissioning. As head of Salas O’Brien’s mixed-use and residential district system practice, he is part of a leadership group that has completed more than 450 geothermal projects to date, providing over 90,000 tons of system capacity. Urlaub began his career in the field, installing and servicing systems, acquiring an invaluable breadth of knowledge about site conditions and impact on budget and schedule. He is a member of the board of directors of IGSHPA, serving as vice chairman, and is past president of the Wisconsin Geothermal Association, past member of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Geothermal Heat Pump Association, and past Advisory Council member of IGHSPA.