Session 2: Policy, Program and Market Development - Federal, State, & Local

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.

Juliet Simpson is a research engineer at NREL in the Thermal Energy Systems group. She has experience modeling thermal-fluid systems and performing techno-economic analyses for geothermal energy, district energy networks, long-duration energy storage, and hybrid renewable systems. Juliet’s current focus is modeling system-level and nation-wide thermal energy networks for efficient heating and cooling. Juliet received her PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia and her BS in Mechanical Engineering from NC State University.

Saqib Khattak, M.Eng, P. Eng has over 30 years experience in electrical engineering, with a focus in power systems, smart grid operation and analysis, protection and control, and power network optimization. Solutions-oriented consultant and analytical with history of success contributing to reliable Protection and Control design, distribution system design, generation, microgrid and logic control design.

Mitchel has 5 years of engineering experience, offering comprehensive support across various projects. His expertise spans multiple domains, including substation upgrades, backup power systems and system assessments. Mitchel excels in coordinating, inspecting and commissioning critical infrastructure, verifying compliance with code requirements and providing solutions for efficient operations. 

Mark Spurr has been a district energy consultant since 1985 and has played a key role in the growth of District Energy in the U.S. and the Middle East. He advises utilities, cities and universities regarding creation of new thermal energy businesses, district energy system design, economic analysis, energy infrastructure and decarbonization master planning, rate design and due diligence review for asset acquisitions or sales. Current work focuses on design of new low-to-no carbon greenfield systems and on decarbonization of existing district energy systems.

In addition to serving many private and public sector clients, since 1990 Mark has also served as Legislative Director of the International District Energy Association, where he is responsible for developing and advocating policies, legislation and regulations to encourage the expansion of district energy systems. Mark is IDEA’s point person on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and has extensive knowledge of the IRA incentives and related proposed regulations.

Mark has led the development of international design guidance documents relating to conversion and connection of buildings for district energy service, design of district cooling systems, and integration of waste heat recovery and renewable energy in sustainable energy systems.

Scot A. Ramsey, an accomplished executive leader and mechanical engineer, boasts extensive experience in city government operations and healthcare facility management. As a Facilities Consultant for the City of Rochester, Minnesota, he has spearheaded the creation of a 100% renewable Thermal Energy Network, emphasizing his dedication to sustainability and strategic innovation.

Scot's professional achievements are complemented by his civic engagement and educational background, holding a Master of Arts in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.