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Houston microgrid company names new CEO

new hire

John Carrington is now CEO of Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Enchanted Rock.

Houston-based electric microgrid company Enchanted Rock has named a new CEO.

John Carrington has assumed the role after serving as Enchanted Rock's executive chairman since June, the company announced earlier this month.

Carrington most recently was CEO of Houston-based Stem, which offers AI-enabled software and services designed for setting up and operating clean energy facilities. He stepped down as Stem’s CEO in September 2024. Stem, which was founded in 2006 and went public under Carrington's leadership in 2021, was previously based in San Francisco.

Carrington has also held senior leadership roles at Miasolé, First Solar and GE.

Corey Amthor has served as acting CEO of Enchanted Rock since June. He succeeded Enchanted Rock founder Thomas McAndrew in the role, with McAndrew staying on with the company as a strategic advisor and board member. With the hiring of Carrington, Amthor has returned to his role as president. According to the company, Amthor and Carrington will "partner to drive the company’s next phase of growth."

“I’m proud to join a leadership team known for technical excellence and execution, and with our company-wide commitment to innovation, we are well positioned to navigate this moment of unprecedented demand and advance our mission alongside our customers nationwide,” Carrington said in the news release. “Enchanted Rock’s technology platform delivers resilient, clean and scalable ultra-low-emissions onsite power that solves some of the most urgent challenges facing our country today. I’m energized by the strong momentum and growing market demand for our solutions, and we remain committed to providing data centers and other critical sectors with the reliable power essential to their operations.”

This summer, Enchanted Rock also announced that Ian Blakely would reassume the role of CFO at the company. He previously served as chief strategy officer. Paul Froutan, Enchanted Rock's former CTO, was also named COO last year.

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The Energy Education Foundation will offer EnergyXP to middle schoolers this fall. Photo courtesy Energy Education Foundation.

Expert: How technology is transforming energy education and powering young minds

Guest Column

In today’s ever-changing digital world, the way we teach kids about science is rapidly transforming. Energy education, specifically, is expanding and contributing to the STEM landscape significantly. Helping children understand where energy comes from, how we use it in our everyday lives and how it affects our planet is critical to sparking early interest in STEM learning and inspiring potential careers in the energy industry.

Thanks to new technology and the power of artificial intelligence, we are better equipped to explain these complex ideas in fun, interactive and easy-to-understand ways.

The Role of Educational Technology in Classrooms

Traditional teaching methods can struggle to connect scientific concepts to students’ everyday experiences. A 2023 study found that technology not only makes learning more engaging and enjoyable but also encourages students to invest more effort in their studies over time.

Tools like tablets, smartboards, interactive simulations and gamified learning apps allow students to visualize energy systems, conduct virtual experiments and explore dynamic models that demonstrate how energy flows through different systems.

For example, virtual labs allow students to simulate the installation of solar panels or observe how wind turbines convert kinetic energy into electricity, all without leaving the classroom. These digital tools transform abstract theories into concrete, hands-on experiences, making it easier for students to understand and retain core principles of energy science.

Gamified learning has also become increasingly popular in K–12 classrooms because it engages students by meeting them where they are through interactive, game-like experiences. By incorporating familiar motivators such as points, levels, rewards and challenges, it taps into the same engagement techniques students encounter in video games and apps outside the classroom.

In an era when competition for students’ attention is higher than ever, more educators are turning to gamification because it works; it transforms passive learning into an active, student-centered experience, helping learners stay focused and motivated.

When applied to energy education, gamification can be especially powerful. Educational games that task students with managing a virtual city, designing energy-efficient systems or balancing an energy budget help build valuable real-world skills like problem-solving and systems thinking. Most importantly, they keep students engaged and make learning about energy meaningful.

Equity and Access in Educational Technology

While technology and AI offer immense potential to transform energy education, it is crucial to address the digital divide that exists across different schools and communities. Not all students have equal access to the devices, software or reliable internet connectivity needed to benefit from these innovative learning tools.

Bridging this gap requires collaborative efforts through public-private partnerships, targeted grants and community-driven educational outreach programs. These initiatives play a vital role in ensuring that every student, regardless of socioeconomic background or geographic location, has the opportunity to engage with tech-driven energy education.

Organizations like the Energy Education Foundation are taking meaningful steps in this direction. This fall, the nonprofit is launching EnergyXP, an innovative, mobile STEM learning experience designed for middle school students. The program offers 16 interactive, hands-on, and digital activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, and is provided free of charge to participating schools. Through EnergyXP, students explore diverse energy concepts while building curiosity, collaboration and critical thinking skills. The program links classroom learning to real-world applications, helping students see the role of energy in their daily lives and sparking interest in STEM careers.

Other promising initiatives such as community tech hubs, low connectivity learning platforms, school-device loan programs and subsidized broadband options also support increased access to digital education. In Harris County, the Commissioners Court recently voted unanimously to create the Harris County Broadband Task Force with the aim of expanding internet access and affordability and addressing the growing digital literacy demands in the region. Additionally, Compudopt, a partner of the Energy Education Foundation, is another valuable resource for the Houston-area community. Its programs work to eliminate barriers to computer access, build technical and digital literacy skills, offer no- or low-cost high-speed internet options and support the long-term success of youth and their communities.

By supporting programs and organizations that decrease the digital divide, we can ensure that all students have access to engaging, technology-driven energy education. Providing young learners with the tools to explore, innovate and connect with the energy systems that power their world is key to building a more diverse, inclusive energy workforce for the future.

AI is Transforming the Energy Landscape

Students who utilize technology and AI in the classroom will be better equipped for the energy jobs of the future. As the energy sector continues to evolve, AI is becoming an essential tool for addressing complex challenges from optimizing energy production and distribution to accelerating innovation and improving system reliability.

By exposing students to AI-driven learning experiences early on, we can help them build the skills needed to understand and contribute to emerging technologies such as smart grids, predictive maintenance, renewable energy forecasting and energy storage optimization. These technologies are already shaping the future of how we produce, store and consume energy.

Through hands-on engagement with AI-powered simulations, data analysis tools and problem-solving scenarios, students are learning how to lead in a tech-driven, sustainable energy future.

As the world transitions toward more technology-driven energy systems, the importance of early, engaging and equitable energy education has never been more critical. Through the integration of technology, gamified learning and AI in the classroom, we can make science more accessible and empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to shape the future. Programs like EnergyXP demonstrate how innovation in education can bridge opportunity gaps, spark curiosity and lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and forward-thinking energy workforce. The investments we make in today’s classrooms will determine the energy leaders of tomorrow.

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Kristen Barley is the executive director of the Energy Education Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of energy leaders by providing comprehensive, engaging education that spans the entire energy spectrum.


Here are six ideas for growing the energy industry workforce. Photo via Getty Images

Expert: 6 solutions to address the energy industry’s talent shortage

Guest Column

Across the energy sector, companies are facing the growing challenge of finding skilled workers. In fact, 71% of energy employers say they are struggling to fill open roles. What is causing the shortage? A mix of factors, including an aging workforce, outdated perceptions of the industry and a rising global demand for energy.

This talent gap threatens progress on big goals like transitioning to cleaner energy, upgrading infrastructure and driving innovation in renewables. Solving the problem isn’t simple, but it is possible. It is going to take a coordinated, long-term approach that includes education, recruitment, training, retention and supportive policies. Let’s explore some practical solutions.

1. Build a strong foundation through STEM and career pathway awareness

Solving the workforce shortage starts well before college or the first job offer. We need to reach students early, with STEM education, career exposure and clear pathways to energy careers. Elementary, middle and high school programs that connect science and math with real-world energy applications can spark curiosity and show students the range of opportunities available in the energy industry.

Organizations like the Energy Education Foundation are helping by partnering with educators and employers to align curriculum with real industry needs and bring energy topics to life in the classroom. We also need to ensure students understand the full range of energy systems, from traditional oil and gas to renewables like wind and solar, as well as nuclear, hydrogen and other emerging technologies. A broad, well-rounded understanding of the entire energy value chain will better prepare them for the future of work in this dynamic industry.

As technologies evolve, so must the systems that prepare people to work with them. Energy companies can collaborate with universities, trade schools and community colleges to design programs that match today’s job requirements through hands-on apprenticeships, industry-recognized certifications and digital skills training.

Affordability can also be a barrier for many students who are interested in energy careers but face financial obstacles to higher education. While four-year degrees are important for some roles, they are not the only path into the industry. Trade schools, community colleges and certificate programs offer fast, affordable routes into high-demand jobs, often with strong earning potential right out of the gate. The industry can do more to elevate these options by promoting offshore, field and technical roles as innovative, high-impact careers.

2. Help today’s workforce learn new skills

As more energy companies adopt digital tools like automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics, there is a growing need for employees with the tech skills to match. But right now, there is a shortage of those skills across the board. That is why upskilling and reskilling current employees is so important. Companies can create internal training platforms, offer recognized certifications and explore immersive tools like virtual reality to simulate real-world scenarios. Cross-training employees to understand both traditional and renewable energy systems can also help build more flexible, future-ready teams.

3. Open the doors to broaden and diversify talent

The energy industry, being a global enterprise, has much to gain from embracing diversity across various dimensions, including cultural backgrounds, languages, work styles and time zone considerations. Research shows that culturally diverse companies are 33% more likely to out-innovate their competitors. These organizations are better equipped to generate a wide range of ideas and transform them into valuable products or services. The most successful firms offer equitable advancement opportunities, paid time off, family leave, mentoring and sponsorship programs and environments grounded in respect and fairness. These practices make a big difference not just in attracting talent, but in keeping it.

4. Use technology to support, not replace, people

From exploring new energy sources to managing the grid and storing power, technology is transforming the industry. But instead of replacing jobs, tools like AI and automation can be used to make work safer, smarter and more efficient. For instance, smart grid systems and AI-powered planning tools can cut downtime and boost productivity, freeing up skilled employees to focus on more strategic and creative tasks. When used thoughtfully, technology becomes an ally that helps teams do their best work.

5. Strengthen retention through purpose

While offering competitive salaries is important, it’s only one part of the equation. Many energy companies face challenges in areas such as career development, workplace culture and building trust in leadership. These elements play a significant role in shaping the employee experience and can strongly influence retention.

For younger professionals, particularly millennials and Gen Z, the opportunity to address sustainability challenges is especially compelling. A 2024 survey revealed that nearly 90% of respondents in these groups believe it’s essential for their work to make a difference, with 88% stating that their job should align with their personal values. Clean energy careers strongly align with these expectations. In fact, 81% of surveyed individuals see the clean energy sector as a promising career path. Among the top reasons cited were the sector’s positive environmental impact and the opportunity to be part of something larger than themselves. Even among those currently employed in unrelated fields, 65% expressed a willingness to pivot to a clean energy role, underscoring the growing demand for purpose-driven careers. People want to feel like their work matters and that they are growing. In a fast-evolving sector, building a strong team is about offering purpose, not just perks.

6. Embrace collaboration

No single company can solve the energy workforce shortage on its own. This is a shared challenge, and it needs a shared solution. That means governments, schools and businesses need to collaborate on everything from education to job training. As an example, it is critical to align training programs with real workforce needs. That means sharing data across sectors to understand where demand is heading and making sure employees are trained for the jobs of the future.

The energy sector is at a turning point. As we continue to embrace energy expansion, we need a workforce that can make it all happen. That requires more than quick fixes. It takes a long-term, inclusive approach that supports talent at every stage, from early education to career advancement. By investing in people as intentionally as we invest in technology and infrastructure, we can close the talent gap and build a workforce ready to power a stronger energy future.

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Kristen Barley is the executive director of the Energy Education Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of energy leaders by providing comprehensive, engaging education that spans the entire energy spectrum.


The Energy Education Foundation will offer EnergyXP to middle schoolers this fall. Photo courtesy Energy Education Foundation.

Houston nonprofit launches new energy education platform

energy ed

The Energy Education Foundation, a Houston-based nonprofit, will roll out a new app-based education platform just in time for back-to-school season.

Starting this fall, EEF will offer its new EnergyXP platform to students in middle schools and through community and education events across the country. The STEM-focused platform aims to boost exposure to oil and gas concepts and career paths, according to a release from the non-profit.

EnergyXP represents a fully redesigned, interactive version of the foundation's former Mobile Energy Learning Units, which now feature upgraded technology, enhanced curricula and app integration.

“EnergyXP marks the most recent development in our educational initiatives. We aim to inspire students nationwide to explore real-world energy concepts and careers,” Kristen Barley, executive director of the Energy Education Foundation, said in the release. “Our collaborative approach involves strong partnerships with educators, industry experts and local organizations to ensure that our programs are responsive to community needs. By prioritizing equitable access to quality STEM education, we can help build a more inclusive, future-ready energy workforce.”

The new platform offers 16 hands-on and digital STEM activities that introduce a variety of energy concepts through real-world applications while "showcasing the relevance of energy in everyday life," according to the release.

EEF will host two virtual sneak peeks of the platform on Aug. 7 and Aug. 8. Register here.

The ExxonMobil Foundation has invested more than $17 million in the Open Doors Project. Photo via Khan Academy

ExxonMobil invests $17M with nonprofit to fund more STEM instruction, resources

future workforce

The ExxonMobil Foundation announced they are collaborating with the Khan Academy on the Open Doors Project, which aims to bring free math and science courses and teacher guides to Texas in a larger goal to inspire new STEM leaders.

The Open Doors Project will be the largest single curriculum project for Khan Academy, and will reach schools in Houston.

“Our main goal with this program is to meet the needs of Texas teachers and students,” Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, says in a news release. “We’re grateful for the ExxonMobil Foundation’s vision and support for developing courses and teacher guides that will deliver world-class math and science resources to students and teachers when and where they need it.”

The ExxonMobil Foundation is providing support for the creation of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)-aligned math and science courses for 3-12 grades through the Open Doors Project. These courses will make it easier to align with the non-profit Khan Academy’s vision of providing free “world-class education” in their classrooms.

The program will include structured lesson plans and instructional guidance that are adaptable for students' various learning styles to help reach “mastery” level of multiple STEM topics. The first round of courses will begin on June 30 with additional courses to come in 2025 and 2026.

The ExxonMobil Foundation has invested more than $17 million in the Open Doors Project, and offers additional support through the Khan Academy Districts to primary and secondary schools in areas where ExxonMobil operates, which includes Houston, Western Texas and the Gulf Coast. Khan Academy is available in large institutions like Kipp and Houston Independent School District, which uses the academy as part of its college readiness program.

“We’re committed to addressing the gap in STEM education,” Alvin Abraham, president of the ExxonMobil Foundation, says in a news release. “With Khan Academy’s help, we can empower teachers to work with students to master the STEM curriculum and take their knowledge into careers that can change the world.”

Despite making up more than 57 percent of the workforce, women are still significantly outnumbered by men in STEM professions. The SUPERGirls Shine Foundation is hoping to change that in Houston and beyond. Photo via htxenergytransition.org

Houston organization strives for equity for energy transition for young women in STEM

the view from heti

STEM occupations account for nearly 7 percent of all U.S. occupations, however, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, women make up only 27 percent of STEM workers. Studies continue to show that between the ages 8 and 14, girls’ confidence levels drop by 30 percent and by the time they reach middle school, they completely lack confidence and self-esteem to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Loretta Williams Gurnell is working to change the narrative for Houston students.

In 2016, Gurnell established SUPERGirls Shine Foundation, which is a Houston-based nonprofit organization that is focused on providing underserved girls with the opportunity and resources to succeed in STEM. By providing a strong STEM foundation, the organization equips girls with the tools to excel in professions that traditionally have low female and diverse representation.

In addition, the organization focuses on closing the gender gap in STEM, noting that their goal is to increase the number of girls in STEM classes, degrees and careers by 25 percent by the year 2025. Despite making up more than 57 percent of the workforce, women are still significantly outnumbered by men in STEM professions.

On a yearly basis, SUPERGirls Shine Foundation awards graduating high school seniors and collegiate ambassadors up to $10,000 dollars to close the financial gaps for college degrees. The foundation offers internships for college students and recent graduates to bring awareness, access and equity for more women and girls from underserved communities in STEM, innovation and leadership initiatives.

Through their 40/40 Mentorship Program, the foundation matches high-level industry leaders to grades 8th – 12th to provide skill-building and networking opportunities. The SUPERGirls Collegiate Ambassador Membership Program serves as a network for college students and recent graduates seeking community, careers and access to industry experts and mentors in STEM.

Learn more about Greentown Labs startup SUPERGirls Shine Foundation and how the organization is providing underserved girls with the opportunity and resources to succeed in STEM.

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This article originally ran on the Greater Houston Partnership's Houston Energy Transition Initiative blog. HETI exists to support Houston's future as an energy leader. For more information about the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, EnergyCapitalHTX's presenting sponsor, visit htxenergytransition.org.

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UH lands $1.5M for endowed professorship and energy workforce initiative

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The University of Houston announced two major funding awards last month focused on energy transition initiatives and leadership.

Longtime UH supporters Peggy and Chris Seaver made a $1 million gift to the university to establish the Peggy and Chris Seaver Endowed Aspire Professorship, a faculty position “designed to strengthen UH Energy and expand the university’s leadership in addressing the most pressing global energy challenges,” according to a news release.

The new role is the third professorship appointed to UH Energy. The professorship can qualify for a dollar-for-dollar match through the Aspire Fund Challenge, a $50 million matching initiative launched by an anonymous donor.

“This gift will be key to cementing UH’s role as The Energy University,” Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president for energy and innovation at UH, said in the release. “By recruiting a highly respected faculty member with international experience, we are further elevating UH Energy’s global profile while deepening our impact here in the energy capital of the world.”

Also in January, the university shared that it would be joining the Urban Enrichment Institute (UEI) and the City of Houston to help train the next generation of energy workers, thanks to a $560,000 grant.

The Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine awarded the funding to the UEI, a nonprofit that supports at-risk youth. It will allow the UEI to work with UH’s Energy Transition Institute and the Houston Health Department to launch “Spark Energy Futures: Equipping Youth and Communities for the Energy Transition.”

The new initiative is designed for Houstonians ages 16-25 and will provide hands-on experience, four months of STEM-based training, and industry-aligned certifications without a four-year degree. Participants can also earn credentials and job placement support.

“Our energy systems are going through unprecedented changes to address the growing energy demands in the United States, Gulf Coast and Texas,” Debalina Sengupta, assistant vice president and Chief Operating Officer of ETI at UH, said in a news release.“To meet growing demands, the energy supply, transmission, distribution and markets associated with an ever-increasing energy mix needs a workforce skilled in multidimensional aspects of energy, as well as the flexibility to switch as needed to provide affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to our population.”

Keith Cornelius, executive director of UEI, added that he expects about 50 students to participate in the program’s inaugural year and that the program is looking to attract those interested in entering the energy workforce without a college degree.

“We’re looking to have tremendous success with the Energy Transition Institute,” Cornelius said. “This program is a testament to what can be done between a community-based organization, a major university and the city.”

The award was part of a $2.7 million grant that will fund four projects in the Gulf region, including two others in Texas. The Gulf Research Program Awards also granted $748,175 to launch the “Building the South Texas Energy Workforce” initiative in in Kingsville, Texas and $728,000 for “Texas Green Careers Academy: Activating a New Generation of Energy Professionals” in Austin.

Solar power and storage help save Texans millions on electric bills, CEO tells Senate

price stability

Solar power and battery storage are saving Texans hundreds of millions of dollars on their electric bills, the president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association recently told a congressional committee.

Abigail Ross Hopper, the association’s president and CEO, said in testimony given to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that states like Texas that are adding significant capacity for solar power and battery storage are enjoying lower, more stable prices for electricity.

“Unsubsidized solar is now the cheapest source of electricity in history in much of the country,” Hopper said. “With no fuel costs, solar provides a hedge against natural gas price volatility that continues to cause electricity price spikes.”

“The only way to put downward pressure on prices is by bringing more power online, not less,” she added.

To illustrate the value of solar power and battery storage, Hopper compared two hot summer days in Texas—one in July 2022 and the other in July 2025.

Hopper explained that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) had begun installing solar on its grid in 2022 but had very little battery storage. ERCOT manages 90 percent of the state’s electrical load.

When ERCOT grid conditions buckled under high demand on the highlighted day in 2022, the price of electricity spiked to nearly $1,500 per megawatt-hour, Hopper said.

“Three years later, the amount of solar had increased substantially and was complemented by energy storage,” she said.

On the specified day in 2025, under even greater demand than three years earlier, sizable amounts of solar power, battery storage and wind power kept ERCOT’s midday price of electricity low and stable—around $50 per megawatt-hour. That dollar amount represented a nearly 100 percent decrease compared with the highlighted day in 2022.

Solar and wind supplied nearly 40 percent of Texas’ power during the first nine months of 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Despite the state’s expansion of solar power and battery storage capacity, residential electricity prices in ERCOT’s territory rose 30 percent from 2020 to 2025 and are expected to climb another 29 percent from 2025 to 2030, according to a forecast from the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute.

The increase in electric bills is tied to factors such as:

  • Higher natural gas prices
  • Greater demand from AI data centers and cryptomining facilities
  • Extreme weather
  • Population growth
  • Development of new transmission and distribution lines

The strain on ERCOT’s grid is only getting worse. An EIA forecast predicts demand for ERCOT electricity will jump 9.6 percent in 2026, and ERCOT expects a 50 percent jump in demand by 2029.

Spring-based private equity firm acquires West Texas wind farm

power deal

Spring-based private equity firm Arroyo Investors has teamed up with ONCEnergy, a Portland, Oregon-based developer of clean energy projects, to buy a 60-megawatt wind farm southeast of Amarillo.

Skyline Renewables, which acquired the site, known as the Whirlwind Energy Center, in 2018, was the seller. The purchase price wasn’t disclosed.

Whirlwind Energy Center, located in Floyd County, West Texas, comprises 26 utility-scale wind turbines. The wind farm, built in 2007, supplies power to Austin Energy.

“The acquisition reflects our focus on value-driven investments with strong counterparties, a solid operating track record, and clear relevance to markets with growing capacity needs,” Brandon Wax, a partner at Arroyo, said in a press release. “Partnering with ONCEnergy allows us to leverage deep operational expertise while expanding our investment footprint in the market.”

Arroyo focuses on energy infrastructure investments in the Americas. Its portfolio includes Spring-based Seaside LNG, which produces liquefied natural gas and LNG transportation services.

Last year, Arroyo closed an investment fund with more than $1 billion in total equity commitments.

Since its launch in 2003, Arroyo has “remained committed to investing in high-quality assets, creating value and positioning assets for exit within our expected hold period,” founding partner Chuck Jordan said in 2022.

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