Hugo Neu Corporation Sustainability Seminar Series: Panel Discussion: Fusion Reimagined: How Thea Energy's Stellarator Breakthrough Could Power Our Sustainable Future

PRESENTATION ABSTRACT

Fusion energy—the same process that powers the sun—represents the holy grail of clean energy: a virtually limitless, safe, carbon-free power source that requires only isotopes of hydrogen as fuel. Commercial fusion energy would provide baseload power generation crucial for a truly sustainable and scalable energy grid capable of addressing climate change on a scale. Join us for an illuminating session with Brian Berzin, Co-Founder and CEO of Thea Energy, as he explores the frontier of clean energy innovation. In this seminar, Berzin will discuss how Thea Energy is revolutionizing fusion technology through their proprietary stellarator design—utilizing planar magnet arrays and advanced computational optimization to overcome traditional barriers to fusion commercialization.

Berzin will share insights on Thea Energy's practical approach to commercializing fusion energy, including their recent milestones in developing software-controlled magnet systems that promise to deliver zero-emission baseload power at reduced capital costs. Learn how modern technological advances in high-temperature superconductors and computational design are transforming the stellarator from a complex theoretical concept into what may become the most promising fusion technology for addressing climate change and global energy demands.

The discussion will explore both the technical innovations driving Thea Energy's progress and the broader implications for our clean energy future. This seminar offers a unique opportunity for sustainability professionals, engineering students, and anyone interested in next-generation energy solutions to engage with one of the leading voices in fusion energy.

BIOGRAPHIES

Dominique Lueckenhoff, Executive Vice-President for Corporate Affairs, EHS & Sustainability, Hugo Neu. Ms. Lueckenhoff Reports to the President & CEO, with leadership & oversight responsibilities for corporate sustainability, environmental policy, public/community affairs, green business growth & investment opportunities, & overall social, environmental & economic well-being activities on a global basis. Ms. Lueckenhoff also serves as Chair of the Community-based Public Private Partnerships (CBP3) Center of Excellence under the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance & serves on the Board of Advisors for the Stevens Institute of Technology’s Schaefer School of Engineering & Sciences (SES). Additionally, she serves as Vice-Chair of the Board for the Cousteau Oceans non-profit - Earth Echo International & as a Senior Fellow with the US Water Alliance. Prior to holding these positions, Ms. Lueckenhoff served as Senior Advisor to the USEPA Region 3 Administrator – on Public-Private Partnerships, Technologies & Market-Based Solutions, developing, leading, & coordinating strategies & initiatives related to innovative Public Private Partnerships (P3s), next-generation technologies & alternative market-based approaches to achieving “faster, cheaper, greener” environmental improvements, holistic watershed protection & community resiliency. She developed & led the nationally recognized Mid-Atlantic community-based P3 model & applications, delivering large-scale integrated water infrastructure solutions. Dominique has over 25 years of multi-programmatic (air, water, land) environmental experience & award-winning program development/management with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) across multiple geographic regions & Headquarters.

Brian Berzin is a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thea Energy. Brian Berzin has a diverse background as both an operator and investor, spanning deep tech, venture capital, private equity, and investment banking.

While at Aeterna Capital Partners, Brian grew a multi-family office investing across venture capital and private equity opportunities. Brian also has deep experience within the privately funded fusion industry, previously serving as a Vice President and Officer of General Fusion. During his time at General Fusion, Brian led various initiatives including corporate and commercialization strategy as well as engagement with capital markets.

Prior to his time at General Fusion, Brian worked within Houlihan Lokey’s Private Growth Equity Capital group, helping to grow venture-stage technology companies. Brian also previously worked in Houlihan Lokey’s Corporate Finance investment banking group. Prior to his time in growth equity and investment banking, he founded two businesses focusing on switching power supplies and LED lighting technology.

Brian is a graduate of Lehigh University with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Finance. As part of the Martindale Center for the Study of Private Enterprise, he also published research on the European sovereign debt crisis.

Zoom Link:

https://stevens.zoom.us/s/93320868101

Website:

https://www.stevens.edu/sustainability-seminar-series

Jointly Sponsored by:

HUGO NEU Corporation
Geosyntec Consultants
WSP
Brown and Caldwell
H2M Architects and Engineers
Catalyst Group
Lozier Inc.
Dewberry

Contact:

Dr. Dibs Sarkar