Eric Hahn
Energy Academic Group | Faculty Associate- Research
Speaker
Track A: FED Energy
Session A2: Energy Solutions for National Security
September 18, 2025 | 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Navy Installation Energy Manager (IEM) Education & Training
In partnership with Commander Naval Installations Command the development of a comprehensive Navy Installation Energy Manager (IEM) Education and Training program is envisioned at Naval Postgraduate School, addressing critical gaps in energy infrastructure management for defense installations. The program responds to urgent challenges including aging energy infrastructure, escalating demands, and macro-grid vulnerabilities that threaten mission readiness. The initiative proposes introducing a Distributed Electric Utility (DEU) approach through Integrated Community Energy Systems (ICES) for Naval communities, featuring microgrids interconnected via DC links to address limitations of the current centralized utility business model. This approach aligns with the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) warfighting concept and supports the Chief of Naval Operations’ vision focused on the Foundry, Fleet, and Fight priorities. The envisioned educational framework includes a short course, tabletop exercises, and a comprehensive Graduate Certificate Program and leverages a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Pareto Energy LTD. Key benefits include enhanced resilience, reduced energy costs through third-party financed projects, knowledge transfer of innovative technologies, workforce development, and mission assurance through reliable power delivery.
Speaker Bio
Eric Hahn is faculty with the Naval Postgraduate School in the Energy Academic Group. Prior to joining NPS, Mr. Hahn’s twenty-year active-duty military career encompassed shore & ocean facilities, infrastructure and fixed cyber-physical systems engineering and business management while leading and developing military and civilian, technical and acquisition support personnel. Mr. Hahn has overseen $185 million in sustainment, restoration and modernization projects for Navy facilities worldwide. Mr. Hahn was responsible for managing energy and utilities infrastructure supporting a $1.2B major energetics and energetics research activity at a Naval Surface Warfare Center. Mr. Hahn received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island in 1994, a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2000 and a Master of Science in Ocean and Resources Engineering from the University of Hawaii in 2003. Mr. Hahn is a registered professional engineer.