April Sustainable Breakfast Series: Energy Transition Technologies

Dive into stories of three different clean energy technologies with us at our April Sustainable Breakfast Series. What does it take to bring these innovations into the mainstream? In what ways are these technologies used today? What role do they or can they play in decarbonizing our economy?

Tuesday, April 15, 8:30AM—9:30AM

We will meet in person at the Spark Building, Starting Block Café (3rd Floor). Doors will open at 8 AM for networking.

Spark Building, Starting Block Café (3rd Floor)

821 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703

Agenda

• Breakfast & Networking 8:00—8:30 AM
• Program 8:30—9:30 AM
• Networking 9:30—10:00 AM

This session will explore three technologies at different stages of public adoption, through stories from multiple local organizations. We will learn about two emerging technologies: hydrogen cell powered generators and fusion energy, and also geothermal, which is currently used in homes and commercial buildings in Wisconsin and around the world.

Louis Liu from Rehlko will talk about their hydrogen generators that use hydrogen fuel cell technology to produce electricity, emitting zero emissions at the point of use. We will also hear from Christopher Peguero of Type One Energy and Robb Hughes from Realta Fusion about the exciting progress of fusion energy, how it is used today and future applications. And finally, James Tinjum from UW Madison will talk about the history of geothermal and the story of how it grew to be a viable green energy solution. Hear from these experts on the challenges, breakthroughs, and future opportunities shaping the energy landscape today.

Don't miss this chance to deepen your understanding of these sustainable energy technologies and their role in our future! This program is sponsored by Realta Fusion.

Christopher Peguero is a dedicated leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) with a strong background in community engagement and environmental justice. As the Head of DEIA and Community Engagement at Type One Energy, he works to foster inclusive workplace cultures while expanding outreach efforts that connect diverse communities to opportunities in fusion energy and STEM fields. Previously, he served as the Global DEIA Communities of Belonging Program Manager at Promega and as the Assistant Superintendent for the City of Madison Parks Division, where he championed initiatives that promoted equitable access to public spaces. His commitment to justice extends beyond his professional roles, as he actively contributes to civic leadership, including his position as a board member of the Verona Area School District Board of Education and his involvement with the City of Fitchburg’s Equity Committee and Parks Commission.

With a career spanning corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors, Christopher has been widely recognized for his contributions to racial, queer, and environmental justice. His impact has been highlighted in publications such as Our Lives Wisconsin, South Seattle Emerald, and Madison365, which named him one of Wisconsin’s most influential Native American leaders. A passionate advocate for community-centered change, he played a key role in the Japanese tsunami recovery efforts and has been featured in media outlets including WKOW, King 5, and Seattle’s Child. Since moving to Fitchburg in 2021 to be closer to family, Christopher has continued to build bridges between businesses, schools, and local governments to advance equity and belonging for all.

Christopher is also a former Sustain Dane Board member.

Robb Hughes is the Head of External Affairs at Realta Fusion, a commercial fusion energy startup based in Madison. A recovering management consultant who previously supported the U.S. Department of Energy's advanced research projects division, Robb has spent his entire career working at the intersection of energy technology and communications, telling the stories of inspiring climate tech innovators and their journeys to change what's possible in energy and provide a more abundant future for everyone on planet Earth. Robb's work at Realta Fusion spans strategic communications, government relations, and community engagement within Madison and across the state of Wisconsin. When Robb's not talking about energy, thinking about energy, or dreaming about energy, you can find him working on his sumo deadlift form, drinking a crisp cider, or romping around the Madison park system with his wife Sam and his dog Juniper.

Louis Liu is a Sustainability Project Engineer at Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy). With a focus on product sustainability and innovation, he leads a Design for Environment program for New Product Development projects globally at Rehlko’s industrial generator business. In addition, he conducts Scope 3 GHG analysis and supports ESG reporting. He also leads an internal Sustainability Task Force and a Sustainability Community to drive emissions reduction strategies and broader stakeholder engagement. Louis holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from UW-Madison and is currently a board member of Sustain Dane.

James Tinjum is an Associate Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Geological Engineering Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has overall responsibilities in outreach, research, and student/alumni development in the areas of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, sustainability, and energy geotechnics. He has specialized (consulting, expert support, and research) expertise in foundation investigation, monitoring, and research for wind turbine generator foundations; heat transfer geotechnics for geothermal exchange systems; and environmental remediation, often for landfill systems. James is the proud recipient of numerous personal and team/project recognitions from ASCE, FHWA, and other organizations including a Dwight D. Eisenhower Research Fellowship, the ASCE Zone III Practitioner Advisor of the Year, the ASCE Wisconsin Section Outstanding Young Engineer, and was recently elected as a Fellow in ASCE. James directs internationally attended engineering short courses, including Soil Engineering for Non-Soils Engineers and Technicians, Foundation Engineering Design, Slope Stability and Landslides, Solid Waste Landfill Design, and Wind Turbine Foundation and Tower System Design.

Scholarships

Complimentary tickets to all staff of member organizations. Sliding scale/scholarships also available for nonmembers. Please contact [email protected] to learn more.

Access

Doors to the building open at 8 AM, enter the building through the breezeway / main entrance (it’s on the SW side). Registering here gets you on our guest list, please bring a photo ID for possible front door confirmation with security.

Parking

Paid parking is available in the South Livingston Parking Garage attached to the Arts + Literature Lab building. 111 S Livingston St, Madison, WI 53703. Free street parking is generally available nearby.

Bus Routes

The Spark Building is accessible via bus routes A and B.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

821 E Washington Ave, 821 East Washington Avenue, Madison, United States