“Pumped hydro makes a comeback, attracting more investment than other long-duration storage technologies. Despite long lead times, BNEF is taking a stance that investors and policymakers will be banking on pumped hydro energy storage in 2023. We speculate that this may lead to more committed investments towards pumped hydro than for other long-duration energy storage technologies this year.” — BloombergNEF
“Without accelerated development of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) the transition to renewables will falter, and fail,” Malcolm Turnbull, [Former PM of Australia] President of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) said, “The failure to adequately focus on this need for long duration electricity storage is the ignored crisis within the energy crisis,” he added.
A homepage section
AI Data Centers have earned their place in the digital economy with their increasing demand over the last decade. As Landgate data forecasts, the data center market has become a vital pillar in supporting the digital revolution and is expected to grow 51.4% over the next decade, doubling power capacity till 2029. PSEI has undertaken feasibility and location studies for AI Data Centers in BC, and across North America, with the concept of energy complexes utilizing PS Hydro in combination with other renewable energy and storage technologies.
By 2030, AI is expected to drive a cumulative 160% increase in data center energy consumption globally.
Team
Our Team
Our firm specializes in providing comprehensive project feasibility studies, engineering services, and securing permits and approvals for renewable energy projects, with a focus on pumped storage hydro systems, and the integration with other renewables, and AI data center and Crypto mining power supply. These projects are pivotal in generating and storing water for grid-connected and direct off – take electrical power sales, contributing to a sustainable energy future.
CEO – David Kiess
For nearly 40 years, Mr. Kiess has been actively investigating the development of small hydro, and more recently, pumped storage hydro sites throughout B.C. His work was instrumental in the development and construction of many small hydro projects, that are now in service under commercial contracts. Mr. Kiess successfully steered the ice-breaking project through the milieu of provincial, federal, and municipal licensing and permitting processes, while advocacing for IPP developers in BC, as a Director of Clean Energy BC (IPPBC).
Following on his success in the small hydro sector, Mr Kiess has worked for many years developing, permitting, and performing feasibility studies, for large scale pumped storage hydro projects in BC, and the western USA. Seizing the opportunity spurred by renewed interest in pumped storage grid supporting facilities, and AI data center expansion of power demands. Mr Kiess launched Energy Innovators Inc. to develop large scale energy storage projects in BC, Canada, and the USA.
Executive VP, Finance – Eugene Hodgson
Eugene Hodgson has held numerous senior roles across both the public and private sectors. He began his career serving in government positions with the Northwest Territories and British Columbia, focusing on financial and public policy advisory. He later transitioned into the private sector, working with several organizations including International Jetfoil Ltd., First Fund Capital, Intrawest, and Sea Breeze Power Corp., where he served in executive roles such as CFO, Director, and Corporate/Government Affairs Advisor, focusing on financial, environmental and public policy advisory.
In December 2005, Hodgson joined Corpfinance International Limited, a boutique investment banking firm based in Toronto. He served as Vice President, Western Region, from 2007 to 2017. During his tenure, CFI raised over $4 billion in capital and managed more than $1.25 billion in assets for institutional investors, specializing in sectors like Green Power, P3 Projects, Automotive, and Infrastructure Finance.
VP Project Development – Peter Schober, B Eng
Mr. Schober has been in the small hydro business since 1983. He is the President of Renewable Power Corp, and the lead developer and co-owner of renewable energy plants that have successfully delivered over 260 GWh of clean electricity to the BC Hydro grid system. Peter has extensive experience in hydro including design, construction, maintenance, and management.
Mr. Schober has an electrical engineering degree, and over 35 years of small hydro with storage experience. He has worked on the permitting, construction, and operations of over 10 projects with water storage. Peter has been an advocate and developer in the independent power industry in BC, as a member of Clean Energy BC (IPPBC) for many years, and has provided input on project procurement and processes to BC Hydro.
Peter has also built and operated crypto mining facilities, and will bring that experience to the AI Data Center facilities development.