A Conversation on Infrastructure, Innovation, and the Future of Power

Alan Ross: To get us started, what are the most significant shifts you’ve seen in the energy industry over the last twelve months?

Landy Hou: The industry has changed remarkably fast. We’re seeing a massive surge in demand from very specific segments—primarily renewable energy and data centers. There is also a clear, urgent push for upgrading the aging grid. Beyond just the “what,” the “how” has also changed; customers are no longer looking for individual components. They want end-to-end solutions, and they need them delivered much faster than in the past.

Alan Ross: Rob, why are these R&D trends hitting so hard right now?

Rob Farrell: It’s a combination of modernization and unprecedented growth. Much of the infrastructure supporting the grid today was installed between the 1950s and the 1970s; it’s simply at the end of its life. At the same time, we have AI data centers, renewables, and smart grid installations driving a need for immediate capacity. It’s a “perfect storm” where the grid has to be rebuilt and expanded simultaneously.

Alan Ross: How is the technology evolving to meet that challenge?

Rob: One major focus is sustainability in high-voltage equipment, such as SF6-free switchgear, which we are working to bring to the North American market. We are also seeing a shift toward completely integrated, modular solution—things like “e-houses” or skids. Instead of piecing together a site from various vendors, these integrated systems allow for much faster deployment.

Landy: To add to that, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming critical. Because renewable supply fluctuates and data center demand is so high, customers need a way to stabilize that power. These solutions now involve everything from the batteries and management systems (BMS/EMS) to putting the entire setup on skids for easy installation.

Alan: Are data centers changing the way we think about the grid itself?

Landy: Absolutely. Driven by AI, data centers are exploring microgrid approaches. They aren’t just waiting for the grid to catch up; they are looking at on-site generation through solar, turbines, and other methods. This is creating a new demand for specialized electrical accessories and protection. We’re even seeing interest in mobile substations—essentially putting a substation on a truck—to provide redundancy and emergency backup for these critical sites.

Alan: The scope seems to span from massive transmission levels all the way down to the home.

Rob: It does. On the transmission side, the focus is on large power transformers and circuit breakers—we even see designs reaching up to 1,000 kV. As you move down to distribution, you see pad-mount transformers and medium-voltage switchgear. Finally, at the consumer level, it’s about the low-voltage circuit breakers and panelboards. Having that “top to bottom” view is essential for grid stability.

Alan: What advice would you give to others navigating this transition?

Landy: Listen to the customer. Technology and lead times are changing so fast that we have to stay agile to implement the right applications for different segments. Also, don’t overlook local service. When you’re dealing with critical power, you need a local team on-site immediately if something goes wrong.

Alan: Final thoughts on where we’re headed?

Rob: For a long time, the power industry wasn’t considered “sexy” or exciting, but that has completely changed. Being part of the innovation required to fix and grow the grid is a massive technical challenge. It’s a great time for young engineers to join the field. We’re finally bringing global technologies into North America to meet these new standards and participate in a real transformation.

Alan: Rob and Landy, thank you so much for your contribution to the industry.