One of the highlights of our annual National Summit on Combined Heat and Power is getting to honor those making an impact in the CHP industry. This year, we were thrilled to recognize the following individuals and projects:
Thomas R. Casten — Lifetime Achievement Award
Tom Casten, a true pioneer in the field of Combined Heat and Power, was the recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award. Tom’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in advancing CHP as a critical climate solution.
Over his remarkable career, Tom has founded and led several successful CHP businesses, starting in 1977 as the founding president and CEO of Trigen Energy Corporation. He continued to shape the industry as the founding chair and CEO of Primary Energy and its subsidiary, Primary Energy Recycling Corp, and later as founder and chairman of Recycled Energy Development (RED) from 2006 to 2016.
Tom has been a relentless advocate for CHP’s potential to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. His book, Turning Off the Heat, made the case for doubling energy efficiency to save money and combat global warming. In addition to his business achievements, Tom served as president of the International District Energy Association and co-founded the World Alliance for Decentralized Energy.
Marcus Martin — CHP Champion Award
Marcus Martin, CEO of Martin Energy Group and a longtime leader in the CHP industry, is the recipient of our CHP Champion Award. Marcus has transformed his family’s business into a powerhouse, building a company that not only performs in-house electrical and mechanical engineering solutions, but also refurbishes CHP units across the country.
Since joining Martin Machinery in 1994, Marcus has overseen its evolution into Martin Energy Group, growing the company from fewer than 50 employees to over 100. His innovative spirit shined in 1998 when he developed the company’s first modular CHP units—a pivotal moment for the company. Martin Energy shifted its focus towards green energy, developing heat recovery systems and paralleling switch gear.
Under Marcus’s leadership, the company installed its first biological scrubber in 2012 and has since expanded into new technology areas, including digesters, energy storage, and renewable natural gas.
Matthew Quinn — Outstanding Young Professional Award
Matthew Quinn, waste to energy project developer at Mead & Hunt, was awarded our Outstanding Young Professional Award, in recognition of the dedication, work ethic, and kindness that set him apart in this field.
At Mead & Hunt, Matt’s expertise in renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and CHP systems translates into client satisfaction and remarkable results. Whether conducting feasibility studies, overseeing engineering projects, or collaborating with stakeholders, Matt goes above and beyond.
Matt is also admired for his kindness and team spirit, always fostering a positive environment and supporting his peers. His extensive experience, having worked with top industry leaders, and his role as a speaker at multiple conferences, further demonstrates his deep understanding of the energy markets.
H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies SoHyCal Project — Project of the Year Award
In 2018, the California Energy Commission awarded 3.96 million dollars to this cutting edge project from H2B2. It consists of a 100% renewable hydrogen production plant with proton polymeric membrane electrolysis, or PEM, technology. Located in Fresno, California, this project has the capacity to produce 3,000 kilograms of green hydrogen a day. The CHP system runs off biogas from a farm produce electricity, which runs an electrolyzer to produce green hydrogen. The heat from the unit is sent back into the anaerobic digester to aid in gas production.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center CHP Project — Project of the Year Award
The CHP system at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, completed in 2023, is the recipient of our 2024 Project of the Year Award.
As one of the largest consumers of steam in New York City, MSKCC faced a significant challenge: the heat and steam systems in its 2.4 million square foot facility were aging, — posing a threat to reliability and safety. In response, MSKCC engaged World Energy Innovations to conduct a comprehensive analysis, which led the hospital to undergo a full conversion from steam to hot water, integrated with modular CHP engines.
Implementing this new hot water infrastructure, combined with the CHP system, has greatly enhanced MSKCC’s operational efficiency, safety, and energy controllability. Notably, it positions the institution at the forefront of compliance with Local Law 97, New York City’s ambitious mandate to reduce carbon emissions. The new system also ensures MSKCC can operate in island mode during extended power outages, maintaining heating and cooling capabilities without relocating patients.