AESSEAL Inc. Honored with 2024 Advanced Energy Leadership Award for Innovative Solar Project in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE – AESSEAL Inc. Wins 2024 Advanced Energy Leadership Award!

In a dazzling celebration held on November 19, 2024, the bustling city of Knoxville became the shining stage for the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC) as they honored AESSEAL Inc. North American Headquarters with the prestigious Thomas B. Ballard Advanced Energy Leadership Award. This award is no small feat; it recognizes extraordinary leadership and immense efforts in boosting Tennessee’s advanced energy economy.

A Day to Remember

The event took place during the 11th Annual Opportunities in Energy gathering right in the heart of downtown Knoxville. It was an afternoon filled with applause and celebration, as Jon Hamilton, the U.S. General Manager from TAEBC member Solar Alliance, presented the accolade to Chris Staackmann, AESSEAL Inc.’s Head of Operations. Folks, this award is a reflection of AESSEAL’s commitment to sustainability and progressive thinking in manufacturing.

A Groundbreaking Project

You might be asking, “What’s the reason behind this honor?” Well, AESSEAL made waves in the industry with its remarkable solar + storage manufacturing project located at their headquarters in Rockford, Tennessee. This isn’t just any project—it’s one of the very first large-scale solar plus storage installations for private companies right here in Tennessee!

In partnership with Knoxville’s very own Solar Alliance, AESSEAL constructed a state-of-the-art solar and energy storage system. This system isn’t just a pretty sight; it’s designed to enhance energy resilience and maximize the use of clean energy. Launched in 2024, this revolutionary installation consists of a whopping 526-kilowatt solar PV system linked with a 500-kilowatt battery system. Talk about impressive! This powerhouse provides backup energy and boosts the self-consumption of solar energy generated on-site at AESSEAL’s expansive 50,000 square-foot facility located in the Stock Creek Development Center in Blount County.

The Visionary Behind the Project

Jon Hamilton expressed his excitement and gratitude towards AESSEAL and Chris Staackmann, stating, “Chris has shown exceptional leadership in driving this project.” He emphasized how Staackmann fostered educational growth in the manufacturing field and collaborated closely with local stakeholders and economic development leaders in Blount County. Solar Alliance is proud to have supported a project that not only benefits AESSEAL’s operations but also uplifts the local workforce in East Tennessee.

AESSEAL’s Commitment to Sustainability

AESSEAL isn’t just making headlines for winning awards; their sustainability goals are commendable. The company, recognized worldwide for their mechanical seal solutions, is actively working toward their Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy and ambitious Net Zero program. Believe it or not, AESSEAL’s parent company has already crossed the Net Zero milestone in global operations, and this project extends that ambitious vision to their U.S. operations.

Chris Staackmann shared his thoughts, saying, “As a global manufacturing business, we recognize that a scope of our operations has consequences for the environment around us.” His enthusiasm about being able to power operations through renewable energy is contagious! Chris looks forward to AESSEAL being a role model for other manufacturers in the surrounding Tennessee Valley Authority region.

The Legacy of Thomas B. Ballard

The Thomas B. Ballard Advanced Energy Leadership Award is named in honor of an extraordinary leader who has become a beacon in the advanced energy sector. Ballard was TAEBC’s inaugural president and has left a lasting impact on Tennessee’s energy economy. Each year, TAEBC celebrates leaders like him who demonstrate advocacy, education, and mentorship in this vital industry.

The Big Picture: Leadership in Advanced Energy

The achievements of AESSEAL highlight the growing power of integrating renewable energy with advanced storage technologies. It sends a clear message: sustainability doesn’t just belong in the textbooks; it can be part of the everyday operations of companies right here in Tennessee.

To wrap it up, AESSEAL Inc.’s innovative project serves as a guiding light, showcasing that clean energy initiatives are not only possible but essential for future generations. With organizations like TAEBC paving the way, the future of Tennessee’s energy economy looks exceptionally bright!