saying hello to HAL

Finnish AI solutions co. joins Houston-based clean energy accelerator

The latest energy tech startup to join Halliburton Labs is developing AI and deep learning technology. Photo courtesy of Halliburton

Finnish clean-tech company Rocsole is the latest company to join Houston-based Halliburton Labs, according to a statement the energy giant made this month.

Rocsole, which has its U.S. office in Houston, is known for its proprietary smart process imaging solutions and AI/deep learning rendered predictions that create "safer, cleaner, and more efficient operations," according to its website. The company services offshore wells and onshore tanks, pipelines and separators to reduce costs, avoid shutdowns and monitor product quality.

"With the help of Halliburton's global reach, we plan to accelerate our commercialization in major international markets," Pekka Kaunisto, CEO of Rocsole, said in a statement.

Kaunisto was named CEO of the company in April, succeeding Mika Tienhaara, who served as CEO since early 2020.

Rocsole joins several other clean energy companies to go through the Halliburton Labs accelerator, which launched in 2020 to help early-stage companies achieve commercialization milestones. The accelerator is a wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton and provides participants with access to technical expertise, mentorships and programming.

Fellow Finnish company A-W Energy, whose technology converts ocean waves into energy, was part of a 2022 cohort.

Houston-based FuelX, England-based LiNa Energy, and Canadian company Solaires Entreprises were the most recent companies to be added to the accelerator in April 2023. Other companies to be added this year include Matrix Sensors, Renew Power Systems and SunGreenH2. The program is going on the road to host its next Halliburton Labs Finalists Pitch Day on Thursday, September 21, in Denver as a part of Denver Startup Week.

Halliburton Labs is closing applications for its next cohort on August 18. Applications are open online.

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A View From HETI

Four energy companies are putting their money where their mouths are following Hurricane Beryl. Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Four major energy companies in the Houston area have chipped in more than $400,000 to support relief efforts for Hurricane Beryl in Southeast Texas. Nationwide, it’s estimated that the storm caused at least $28 billion in damage and economic losses.

Here’s a breakdown of contributions announced by the four energy companies.

Baker Hughes Foundation

The Baker Hughes Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Houston-based energy technology company Baker Hughes, gave a $75,000 grant to the Houston chapter of the American Red Cross for Hurricane Beryl relief efforts.

“We understand recovery and rebuilding can take weeks or months, and we support the American Red Cross’ mission of providing people with clean water, safe shelter, and food when they need them most,” says Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes.

CenterPoint Energy

Houston-based CenterPoint Energy, which at one point had more than 2 million customers without power due to Hurricane Beryl, says its foundation has donated to several disaster relief organizations in the region. These include the American Red Cross of Coastal Bend, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Combined Arms, and the 4B Disaster Response Network in Brazoria and Galveston counties.

As of July 11, the company had also provided:

  • More than 30,000 bottles of water to cooling centers and distribution centers in the Houston area.
  • Meals to local first responders.
  • Mobile power generation at cooling centers, hospitals, senior living centers, and water treatment plants.

CenterPoint didn’t assign a dollar value to its contributions.

“Our first priority is getting the lights back on. At the same time, we have seen firsthand the devastation our neighbors are facing, and our commitment to the community goes beyond restoration efforts,” says Lynnae Wilson, senior vice president of CenterPoint’s electric business.

ConocoPhillips

Houston-based ConocoPhillips contributed $200,000 to relief efforts for Hurricane Beryl. The company also is matching donations from U.S. employees of ConocoPhillips.

The money is being split among the Houston Food Bank, Salvation Army and American Red Cross.

“Houston is our hometown, and many of our employees and neighbors have been impacted by Hurricane Beryl,” says Ryan Lance, chairman and CEO of ConocoPhillip.

Entergy Texas

Entergy Texas, based in The Woodlands, donated $125,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Beryl relief efforts. The money will go toward emergency needs such as food, shelter, and medical care.

“Our commitment to helping communities in distress remains unwavering, and we are hopeful that our contribution will offer relief and comfort to those facing hardships in the storm’s aftermath,” says Eliecer Viamontes, president and CEO of Entergy Texas.

Entergy Texas supplies electricity to about 512,000 customers in 27 counties. It’s a subsidiary of New Orleans-based Entergy Corp.

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