Joe Patch IV with Confio Group

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Joe Patch IV, Founder of Confio Group about “The need for industry to tell their story – human connection”.

The conversation revolves around the Industrial Talk podcast, hosted by Scott Mackenzie, and the PowerGen conference in San Antonio. Scott celebrates industry professionals and discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership and communication to attract talent. Joe Patch, a guest, highlights the growing interest in nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), and the challenges of regulatory approval and workforce shortages, particularly the need for 1 million engineers in the next 5 years. They also discuss the role of AI in enhancing efficiency but stress the importance of maintaining authentic human connection in business. Joe’s son, interested in engineering, is also mentioned.

Bert Warner with Propane Education and Research Council

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Bert Warner, Director of Commercial Business Development at Propane Education & Research Council.

The Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council, discusses the growing role of propane in power generation. At Power Gen in San Antonio, industry professionals highlight the advantages of propane, including its speed of deployment, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Propane is a byproduct of natural gas extraction, with the U.S. using only about 10 billion gallons annually, while the rest is exported. The conversation emphasizes propane’s potential to replace diesel and natural gas in certain applications, offering flexibility and economic benefits. The discussion also touches on the need for infrastructure and equipment to meet growing demand.

Manpreet Singh with Nanoprecise

Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Manpreet Singh, CEO/CTO at Nanoprecise about “Energy Centered Maintenance”.

Scott Mackenzie interviews Manpreet Singh, CEO of Nanoprecise, about their energy-centric maintenance technology. Nanoprecise’s “Machine Doctor” uses sensors to diagnose and prescribe maintenance for machines, linking mechanical issues to energy consumption. Singh highlights that 75% of a machine’s life cycle cost is electricity, and even minor faults can increase energy consumption by 5%. The platform integrates with existing systems like CMMS and uses AI algorithms to improve efficiency and reduce energy waste. Singh emphasizes the importance of augmenting maintenance professionals’ skills to address the industry’s talent crunch.

Eneko de Irala and Alejandro Borges with Nomad Solar Energy

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Eneko de Irala and Alejandro Borges with Nomad Solar Energy about “Solar power solution anytime, anywhere”.

Scott Mackenzie interviews Eneko de Irala, VP of Sales, and Alejandro Borges from Nomad Solar Energy at Power Gen in Dallas, Texas. Nomad Solar Energy offers a mobile solar energy solution in a 20-foot container, deployable in under two hours, which can reduce diesel consumption by 30,000 liters annually. The system includes 184 solar panels, providing 107 kWh per hour, and can be scaled up with additional containers. It is designed for heavy-duty use, including remote areas and harsh climates. The company also offers battery storage solutions and aims to adapt to new solar technologies.

Ben Lanz with Osmose

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Ben Lanz, Sr. Director, Industry & External Affairs at Osmose about “Power reliability and resiliency”.

Scott Mackenzie interviews Ben Lanz from Osmose, discussing the challenges and innovations in the utility industry. They highlight the aging infrastructure in Texas, with ERCOT needing gigawatts for data centers. Osmose has expanded from wood pole diagnostics to underground assessments, including vaults, transformers, and cables. Ben explains the use of AI and machine learning to improve efficiency, particularly in detecting defects in underground cables. They also discuss the importance of human intervention alongside AI for accurate assessments. Ben provides his contact information for further inquiries.