Writer: Eleana Teran
2 min read March 2023 – Pittsburgh is recognized for its industrial roots and pioneering spirit, which is reflected in the strategic assets it owns. In discussions with Invest:, leaders from various companies and organizations in the city are making their mark in their respective fields, ranging from energy to broadband and discussed how they are contributing to the region through fiber optic network, clean energy and cutting-edge technology. These companies, along with others in the region, are not only pushing the boundaries of innovation, but also positively impacting the community through partnerships that aim to bridge the digital divide and provide access to energy and technology for all.
Yemi Akinkugbe, Chief Excellence Officer, CNX Resources
Yemi Akinkugbe, chief excellence officer at CNX Resources, has a bold and comprehensive vision for Appalachia First, focused on harnessing the region’s abundant low-cost natural gas to fuel economic development, create jobs and establish Appalachia as a leading hub for technology and innovation. By focusing on clean energy solutions and sustainable practices, this vision seeks to position the region for long-term success and prosperity. He emphasized that this has been the foundation for the company’s operations for over a century and a half. Akinkugbe told Invest:, “When we talk about the potential of Appalachia First, we want people to understand that it is not just a plan but a fully conceived vision. This is how we have operated for the past 158 years, and it is the foundation for our development in the next 158 years.”
According to Akinkugbe, one example of the opportunities that are currently available in the region is the company’s partnership with the Pittsburgh International Airport. In the first phase, the company signed a lease with the airport to develop natural gas under the airport. In the second phase, the company is leveraging this resource to power the airport completely with a microgrid, enabling them to have fully sustainable power. However, he believes that there are still significant opportunities to explore, particularly in transportation, which has one of the highest emission footprints in the U.S. and the world.
“The goal is to make Appalachia the technological and innovative hub not only for the region but for the United States and the world. We have abundant low-carbon and low-cost natural gas in the region, unlike any other area. By leveraging these resources, we can establish a new technological hub for the future,” he said.
Thomas Musgrove, Government Affairs Manager, Crown Castle Inc.
Thomas Musgrove, government affairs manager at Crown Castle Inc., recently discussed the company’s agreement with the City of Pittsburgh to provide fiber services, connecting 131 city facilities with the company’s infrastructure. He emphasized the significance of this agreement for the company and its plans for expansion in the region, saying: “It’s unique, the first deal of its kind for Crown Castle, locally and something we hope to replicate. By next year, we’ll be building out that network.”
In addition, Musgrove highlighted Crown Castle’s operational presence in the region, with a quarter of the company’s workforce located there, including its network operations center. He also spoke about the company’s role in the transition from 4G to 5G wireless networks, explaining the importance of fiber optic networks for this transition.
“The fiber network will ultimately underpin wireless communication services with the rise in data demand along with more people using devices…Making sure that you have fiber that can connect the small cells, cell towers or even fiber to the home and ensuring high speed and capacity to enable those devices to work efficiently becomes very important to us. That’s what we’ll see in the Pittsburgh area in the next two to four years,” he said.
Jacques Besnainou, Chief Commercial Officer, Westinghouse Electric Co.
Jacques Besnainou, commercial director of Westinghouse Electric Co., spoke about the company’s long-standing leadership in the nuclear power industry. “As one of the largest and most innovative companies in this sector, Westinghouse has been designing and building nuclear power reactors for over a century. Our cutting-edge technology can be found in more than half of the 400 nuclear reactors currently in operation worldwide, making us a key player in the global energy market.”
Besnainou also highlighted some of the company’s latest advances in nuclear energy technology. “Our AP1000® reactor is currently one of the most advanced reactors available in the Western world, with passive safety systems and a nominal output of 1,110-megawatt electric (MWe). This reactor is being commissioned at Plant Vogtle in Georgia, where Units 3 and 4 are set to come online in 2023. In addition, we’re heavily invested in the development of microreactors, such as the eVinci™ Microreactor. This innovative design can be easily transported to remote locations or used in natural disaster scenarios where power is lost.”
Lastly, he emphasized the company’s significant presence in Greater Pittsburgh, where the company has a team of 2,800 employees. “Today, our team in Pittsburgh continues to drive innovation in the nuclear energy industry, with a focus on developing new, cutting-edge technologies that will help us meet the world’s energy needs for years to come.”
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