#246 – Tony Olivo & Ken Rahn | FlexGen - Revolutionizing Energy Storage with Better Software

Building Better with Brandon Bartneck

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Tony Olivo and Ken Rahn from FlexGen join the conversation to discuss the evolution of energy storage and its role in grid stability. FlexGen has transitioned from a hardware-focused company to a software-first approach, helping utilities and developers optimize energy storage solutions.

The discussion covers the challenges of communicating value in a complex industry, the growing importance of batteries in balancing supply and demand, and the future of renewable energy. Tony and Ken share insights into how FlexGen is solving real-world energy problems through advanced software and analytics.

About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called theFuture of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

About FlexGen:Based in Durham, N.C., FlexGen is an innovative software and services provider in the global energy storage sector. At the forefront of the energy transition, FlexGen leverages decades of engineering and software expertise to help shape the future of sustainable power both in the United States and globally.

FlexGen's HybridOS™ software seamlessly integrates with any hardware vendor and with both traditional and renewable power sources. Their advanced analytics and AI-driven insights enable energy storage owners to effectively deploy diverse power market strategies, enhancing grid stability and increasing economic returns. With 1.5M hours of runtime and 8 GWh of energy storage systems managed with HybridOS™, FlexGen provides field-tested software and services solutions that are trusted by developers, utilities, government agencies, and industrial companies worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

FlexGen focuses on turning batteries on, keeping them operational, and extending their life.
The company has evolved from hardware manufacturing to a software-first approach.
Batteries play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid and managing energy supply and demand.
Effective communication of value propositions is essential in the energy sector.
The energy storage industry is influenced by the growth of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.
FlexGen aims to solve real-world problems in energy management.
Understanding the character of energy is vital for effective grid management.
The company is open to future opportunities beyond current technologies.
Grid stability is affected by the balance of supply and demand.
FlexGen's software can help utilities optimize their energy resources.

About the Guests:

Tony Olivo is the Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at FlexGen. With 17 years of experience in large-scale power conversion and energy storage systems, Tony leads the software development division for FlexGen's products in energy storage control, analytics, and orchestration. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is the author of seven patents.

Ken Rahn is the Vice President of Marketing and Customer Solutions at FlexGen. Based in San Francisco, he brings extensive experience in technology and leadership, with a background in organizational communications and biomaterials. His career began in the U.S. Navy, where he led a team of over 50 Nuclear Electronics Technicians. He has since held roles at NRG Energy, Medallia, and Iterable, navigating multiple pre-IPO to post-IPO transitions. Ken is excited about FlexGen’s potential for explosive growth in the energy sector.

Links & Resources:

Learn more about FlexGen:FlexGen Website
Access insights and downloads:FlexGen Resources
Show Notes:brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/flexgen

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