Hydrogen Day 2026 Agenda & Energy Campus Tour

Thursday, October 8

San Jacinto Hall - Multipurpose Room (SJH 207), 309 E. 21st Street, Austin, TX 78705


8:15 a.m.  |  Registration
Coffee & Breakfast Provided


8:50 a.m.  |  Welcome Remarks
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin


9:00 a.m.  |  The Hydrogen ProtoHub Research Facility at The University of Texas at Austin
Michael Lewis, Director, Center for Electromechanics, UT Austin
Elizabeth Adams, Business Development Manager, Center for Electromechanics, UT Austin


9:45 a.m.  |  Panel: The Role of Hydrogen in Japan’s Strategic Energy Plan
Moderator: Andy Uhler, Energy Reporter in Residence, Energy Institute, UT Austin
Yasuyuki Abe, Director General, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO); Special Advisor to METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)
Hisanori Nei, President & CEO, Japan Underground Oil Storage; Professor Emeritus, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
Keiichiro Segawa, Executive, Chief Executive Staff Officer, Hydrogen Strategy Division, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) 


10:45 a.m.  |  Networking Break


11:00 a.m.  |  The Technology Business of Hydrogen, Ammonia, and Fertilizer—One Company’s Perspective from 50+ Years of Experience
Haibin Xu, Senior Advisor, Technip Energies; Energy Executive in Residence, Energy Institute, UT Austin


11:30 a.m.  |  How Electrolyte Composition Influences Electrocatalytic Performance
Joaquin Resasco, Assistant Professor, McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, UT Austin 


12:00 p.m.  |  Networking Lunch
Enjoy lunch and network with fellow attendees.


1:00 p.m.  |  Hydrogen at Scale for Grid Decarbonization
Jonathan Perry, President & CEO, ACES Delta, LLC


1:30 p.m.  |  Opportunities and Challenges in Storing Hydrogen in Depleted Gas Reservoirs
Mojdeh Delshad, Research Professor, Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, UT Austin


2:00 p.m.  |  Mapping the Geologic Hydrogen Resource Potential in Texas
Saad Saleh, Research Consultant, Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences; Professor of Practice, Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, UT Austin


2:30 p.m.  |  Geo-stimulated Hydrogen Production
Toti Larson, Research Associate Professor, Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, UT Austin


3:00 p.m.  |  Networking Break


3:15 p.m.  |  Methane Pyrolysis:  A Compelling Low Cost, Low Emission Hydrogen and Carbon Solution
David Dankworth, Hydrogen Portfolio Manager, Low Carbon Solutions Technology, ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering 


3:45 p.m.  |  Industrial-Scale Green Hydrogen Integrated with Domestic Heavy-Water Production
Andrew Cottone, Founder & CEO, Aternium


4:15 p.m.  |  Power System Design for Low-cost Electrolytic Production of Clean Hydrogen
Meng Tao, Professor, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University


4:45 p.m.  |  Between Two Cacti with Richard Fenza of Air Liquide
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
Richard Fenza, Senior Project Owner, Air Liquide

Between Two Cacti is the Energy Institute’s signature conversational series, where Director Brian Korgel sits down, literally between two cacti, with leading voices in energy. Through candid conversations, guests share big ideas, industry insights, and the personal stories shaping the future of energy. Expect fresh perspectives, thoughtful dialogue, and a little Texas charm along the way. Now available as a podcast. 


5:15 p.m.  |  Closing Remarks, International Center for Hydrogen Innovation (ICHI) & Poster Winner Announcement 
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin


5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  |  Networking Reception
Join us for food, drinks, and new connections.

Friday, October 9

Tour of the Hydrogen ProtoHub and the Battery Fabrication and Testing Facility

J. J. Pickle Research Campus, The University of Texas at Austin
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.      


Address: ProtoHub, 2927 James Hart Trail, Austin, 78758

Parking: Please print the below visitor parking permit and display on your dashboard. If you need a printed permit, check the registration table for available copies.


Additional Information: The ProtoHub site is outdoors and uncovered, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Flat shoes are required at the Battery Facility. A light breakfast will be provided.

Upon arrival, participants will be divided into two smaller groups to accommodate the group size. Each group will take turns visiting both sites.