The transformation of the power grid is happening right before our eyes. And it’s not on a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ basis, but rather it’s that if you don’t pay attention you may find yourself falling behind. Modernized technologies, evolving customer expectations, and a constant shuffling of goals, challenges, and solutions are keeping our grid professionals quite busy these days. To aid them in that journey, we’re always seeking to add to the grid-related Energy Central Network of Experts, providing industry expertise and leadership who represent the voice of industry. With that in mind, we’re excited to welcome the latest member of our Network of Experts focused on the Grid Professionals Group: Ahmed Mousa.
In this insightful interview, we had the privilege of speaking with Ahmed Mousa, a seasoned professional in the utilities sector with multiple decades of experience. Ahmed brings a unique perspective to the table, highlighting the importance of optimism and collaboration amidst the challenges faced by the industry. With a background in addressing worst-case scenarios and a keen focus on risk management, he emphasizes the need to shift our mindset from dwelling on the negative to embracing opportunities and innovative thinking.
With that, we’re excited to jump-start Ahmed’s Expert status in the traditional way: with his participation in a New Expert Member Interview:
Matt Chester: Thanks for agreeing to be one of our experts, Ahmed. These interviews serve to introduce you to our community members who have not yet heard you speak or read your insights. So let’s start with the basics: what is your role in the industry and what led to you becoming a thought leader in the power sector?
Ahmed Mousa: My name is Ahmed Mousa. I have been in the energy business for almost 20 years. I like to think of myself as an energy and power enthusiast. I have a deep passion for the energy business. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work for four large utilities: PSEG, ConEd, Pepco, and FirstEnergy. I also serve on several boards, allowing me to engage with experts from various fields, both within and outside the energy sector.
A significant turning point in my career came when I started teaching as an adjunct professor at NJIT. This experience exposed me to the gap between the educational sector and the utility sector, as well as the needs and aspirations of students. It motivated me to pursue further knowledge, engage in extensive research, and publish books. My journey in the energy industry began when I lived in New York City, where I witnessed the impact of climate-related events, such as storms. This fueled my interest in the energy sector, and I have only grown more passionate about it over the past 20 years. It is an exciting time to be involved in the industry.
MC: Clearly you wear many different hats and are driving a lot of forward-looking initiatives in the world of energy. What motivates you to be so proactive and involved?
AM: I believe my motivation stems from my initial exposure to the power sector during my studies in electrical engineering at Stony Brook. Although the focus at that time was on telecommunications, my first job in Washington DC, sparked my interest in the energy sector. Throughout my career in four different utilities, I realized the crucial role energy plays in everyone's lives, regardless of their location. Whether it's in California or Afghanistan, we all depend on electricity for various aspects of our daily lives. Reliability is essential, and it inspired me from the beginning.
I fell in love with the energy industry from my very first day on the job, and I have accumulated hands-on experience over the years. As a resident of New York City, I have witnessed significant events like Superstorm Sandy, which further solidified my commitment to making a difference and driving positive change. I have always been drawn to futuristic concepts and have had the privilege of leading the utility of the future, focusing on clean energy, renewable sources, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The energy industry is constantly evolving, and being at the forefront of these changes is what keeps me motivated. I am inspired by the collaborative efforts of organizations like the Department of Energy, various labs, and energy leaders who are working together to shape the future of the energy sector.
MC: A unique aspect of your background and involvement is the work you do both on the grid of the future as well as bolstering the future natural gas sector, two areas that some may have thought were in conflict with each other. How do you view these various initiatives as complementary rather than in competition?
AM: First let's take a step back and look at the energy journey. In the 1960s, the focus was primarily on reliability in terms of: when you flip the switch, will the light come on. But then fast forward many years and the focus has shifted to reliability being about recovery from major events. For example, Superstorm Sandy highlighted the importance of resiliency. Cybersecurity became a significant concern, especially with recent geopolitical developments. Finally, the focus has shifted to climate change and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Natural gas has played a significant role in this journey.
Natural gas has been a key component in transitioning away from coal and reducing emissions in the power sector. It has helped improve the climate impact of electricity generation and supported the integration of renewable energy sources. At the same time, we are looking towards a future that relies on 100% clean and renewable energy. The grid of the future perspective focuses on envisioning what needs to change to achieve this goal.
While we aim for a cleaner energy mix, natural gas still has its place in various sectors. It is used for cooking, heating, industrial processes, and more. As we work towards decarbonization, we are also focusing on minimizing methane leaks and modernizing the gas infrastructure. We are exploring alternatives like renewable natural gas and hydrogen blending. We consider the pros and cons of each option and evaluate their impact on equipment, customer costs, and overall system integrity.
Ultimately, these initiatives are not in competition but rather complementary. We need to address the customer impact, analyze the analytics, and carefully navigate the transition to cleaner energy sources. By considering all options and understanding their implications, we can achieve a sustainable and reliable energy future.
MC: For the professionals in utilities that see more reason for anxiety and handwringing than optimism given the mountain of challenges that lay ahead, what is your message for how and why we should be hopeful for the sector to navigate these challenges?
AM: It's an important question, and I understand the concerns that many professionals in utilities may have. We tend to plan for the worst-case scenarios, constantly preparing for potential risks and challenges. However, dwelling on the negative aspects alone will not propel us forward. It's crucial to leverage the experience of our leaders who have taken care of the system for over a century.
The reality is that our climate is changing, with extreme cold and hot temperatures becoming more frequent, and longer-lasting heatwaves and severe weather events occurring. We can't ignore these changes. But rather than succumbing to anxiety, we need to think differently. Many leaders and boards I work with are driven to act differently and embrace the challenges we face.
As an example, I live in New York, where solar energy is limited due to the weather. However, we need to explore solutions such as inverters, energy storage, and grid optimization to maximize renewable energy generation, even on non-optimal weather days.
Additionally, collaboration is key. We need to go beyond the utilities and engage with organizations like Energy Central and public experts who can share valuable knowledge and experiences. Bridging the gap between theory and real-world implementation is crucial, ensuring that professionals are well-prepared for their roles.
To foster collaboration, I've created the Global Energy Avengers initiative. Imagine every utility and state recommending their top leaders to work together, not just within the country but globally. These leaders would tackle challenges, provide expertise, and focus on solutions rather than raising more obstacles.
Overall, I remain optimistic. I've witnessed the positive work being done by numerous groups and organizations. We need to embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and change. The recent Order 2222 is a prime example. While its implementation will be challenging, it will also force us to think, behave, and operate differently. This order addresses various aspects, including solar, storage, electric vehicles, demand response, cybersecurity, and more. By successfully implementing Order 2222, we can mitigate many existing challenges and make a substantial difference.
We can draw lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its difficulties, we were able to transform and adapt to remote and digital operations overnight. If we apply the same determination and resilience to address the larger challenges we face, we can create positive change.
Let's shift our focus from the challenges themselves to seizing opportunities, making investments, and driving meaningful change for the benefit of our industry and customers.
MC: Why did you feel compelled to get more involved in the Energy Central Community? And what value do you hope to bring to your peers on the platform?
AM: I've been familiar with Energy Central for quite some time, and I appreciate your outreach for a deeper engagement. Upon exploring the platform, I noticed the presence of renowned subject matter experts who are active on LinkedIn and other industry events. It's commendable that Energy Central has gathered such experts who will be instrumental in shaping the future.
I strongly believe in the power of bringing together brilliant minds. By collaborating, we can make a difference not only for local utilities and states but also for the entire energy landscape. We can become the fuel that powers the energy IQ superpower, advising leaders, politicians, lawyers, and non-technical decision-makers. For example, in New Jersey, the advancement of the 100% clean energy target from 2050 to 2035 was announced by the governor, and this demonstrates the significance of collective efforts.
Platforms like Energy Central's community provide us with the opportunity to work together, understand what works and what doesn't, and tap into our experience. Many of us also have consulting and advisory roles on an international scale, allowing us to learn from countries like Germany, Australia, and Finland, which may be ahead in certain aspects. Essentially, I see Energy Central as a platform where SMEs collaborate and utilize their expertise to address challenges.
I have always been a proponent of LinkedIn, but I believe that leveraging the Energy Central community will help address many concerns. It's fascinating to see the engagement of non-technical professionals, including commissioners and others. The time is right for us to join forces and ensure a safe, reliable, resilient, cyber-resilient, and environmentally friendly future for our energy systems.
MC: What’s the last message you’d like to leave our readers with today?
AM: In terms of future considerations, we must focus on maintaining the system's journey. We need to enhance the existing system, take care of assets, and plan for the significant talent turnover expected as a large number of professionals retire. Succession planning and knowledge transfer to the younger generation are crucial, and communities like Energy Central can provide valuable information to bring them up to speed. Change management is also a challenge, and we should make use of existing resources and messages to facilitate implementation. In conclusion, I am eager to engage more with fellow professionals and contribute to the community. Thank you for this opportunity.
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Thanks to Ahmed Mousa for joining me for this interview and for providing a wealth of insights and expertise to the Energy Central Community. You can trust that Ahmed will be available for you to reach out and connect, ask questions, and more as an Energy Central member, so be sure to make him feel welcome when you see her across the platform.
The other expert interviews that we’ve completed in this series can be read here, and if you are interested in becoming an expert, you can reach out to me or you can apply here.