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About the Episode:

Hydro-Québec (HQ), North America’s largest renewable energy producer, is expanding its footprint into battery storage through its subsidiary, EVLO Energy Storage. Born from decades of expertise in grid management as one of Canada’s largest utilities, EVLO is the result of much research & development by HQ into utlizing batteries for grid stabilization.  EVLO specializes in battery energy storage solutions (BESS) to solve the grid challenges faced by the energy transition. Their solutions emphasize not only performance but also security, ensuring that modern grid technologies are protected from cyber threats.

Martin Rheault, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, shares his journey from a successful career running the renewables practice at a major engineering firm to taking on the challenge of scaling EVLO into a global player in the energy storage market. Along the way, he provides insights into domestic manufacturing in Canada and the U.S., and the mission to build safer, more reliable batteries that are grid-friendly.

Expect to learn:

• Hydro-Québec's extensive research and development track record, including pioneering work on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries
• Their approach to cybersecurity, including real-world testing 
• The role of domestic manufacturing in meeting energy storage demand and strengthening supply chains
• EVLO’s transparent, collaborative engagement with customers to build trust and “derisk” project deployments.

Catch this conversation recorded live at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage during RE+2024 in Anaheim. You can watch this and every other interview over at www.suncast.live!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Martin Rheault:

• LinkedIn

Check out EVLO Energy Storage:

• Website | LinkedIn | X

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“For the first few years, even before the name EVLO existed, we had the mission to build custom made product for the grid. So we started to resolve the grid challenges of tomorrow years before. So I think that the way they are integrated, the way it’s state owned, they had the ability to build that expertise before others.”

— Martin Rheault

“In the end, we’re trying to solve a very difficult equation, the energy transition. So you need to know more about what’s the end result. End result is decarbonizing a grid and making sure that storage is really leveraging all of its attributes to the mix.”

— Martin Rheault

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ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 15 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.