Adile Ajaja with EVLO Energy Storage

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Adile Ajaja, Director of Digital Technology at EVLO Energy about "Securing Energy Storage".

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Adile, an electrical engineer and expert in grid-scale energy storage systems. Adil discusses his background with Hydro Quebec and the evolution of his company, EVLO, which focuses on innovative and cost-efficient energy solutions. They delve into the importance of cybersecurity in energy systems, emphasizing a life-cycle approach to protect against attacks and failures. Adile highlights the challenges of integrating legacy systems with modern cybersecurity measures, as well as the increasing demand for power due to data centers and AI processing. He also touches on Hydro Quebec's strategies to manage this demand through efficiency and renewable energy sources.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Adil on LinkedIn to connect and learn more about EVLO's energy storage solutions and cybersecurity approaches.

Outline

Introduction and Podcast Overview

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
• Scott mentions the new intro and the sponsorship by Siemens, highlighting their role in solving distribution and transmission challenges.
• Scott introduces the guest, Adile, and discusses the conference's energy and the challenges in the industry.
• Adil shares his background, mentioning his work with Hydro Quebec and his involvement in smart grids and energy storage systems.

Adile's Background and EVLO's Mission

• Adile explains his career path, starting as a power system engineer at Hydro Quebec and working on smart grids.
• He describes the joint venture between Hydro Quebec and Sony to create grid-scale energy storage systems.
• Adile details the evolution of the company, from a joint venture to a fully capable commercial operation called EVLO.
• Evelo's mission is to provide innovative and cost-efficient energy solutions to utility customers, integrating electrical, mechanical, and software engineering.

Cybersecurity in Energy Storage Systems

• Scott and Adile discuss the importance of cybersecurity in energy storage systems, emphasizing the need for digitalization and data protection.
• Adile explains the cybersecurity measures implemented at each stage of the product life cycle, from design to operation.
• They discuss the challenges of protecting legacy systems and the role of NERC in ensuring grid stability and cybersecurity.
• Adil highlights the importance of creating a secure perimeter around energy assets and conducting regular audits and penetration tests.

Addressing Increased Demand for Power

• Scott and Adile discuss the increasing demand for power due to data centers, AI processing, and other technological advancements.
• Adile explains Hydro Quebec's strategies to address this demand, including demand response programs and the installation of electronic devices to control energy consumption.
• They discuss the challenges of balancing generation and demand, especially during peak periods.
• Adile mentions the shift towards renewable energy sources and the need for cybersecurity in these systems.

Future Insights and Contact Information

• Scott asks Adile about his future insights on energy demand and cybersecurity.
• Adil predicts continued growth in energy demand due to population growth and technological advancements.
• He emphasizes the importance of...