Koel Abell

Executive engineering leader with 30+ years of experience driving strategy, innovation, and execution across utility-scale energy storage, renewable energy, and advanced technology sectors. Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary organizations and delivering multi-gigawatt portfolios of solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Recognized for building high-performing teams, standardizing engineering platforms, and scaling technologies from concept through global deployment.

Deep expertise across the full project lifecycle—market strategy, project development, engineering, EPC execution, IE and OE management, and operations—combined with strong commercial acumen and investor-facing experience. Known for advancing safety, regulatory compliance, and system reliability in complex, high-growth environments.

Director- BESS Engineering at Origis Energy (2024-06 – 2026-02)

Led engineering strategy and execution for utility-scale energy storage across a multi-GWh solar + storage portfolio. Directed cross-functional teams spanning development, supply chain, construction, and operations to deliver high-performance, compliant, and scalable BESS solutions.

• Led engineering for 2+ GWh portfolio of solar + storage assets across multiple U.S. markets
• Served as Lead Project Engineer for flagship Kern County, CA deployment: 139 MWh/90 MW hybrid project
• Established enterprise-wide Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA) framework and safety data systems
• Standardized EPC scopes of work, technical specifications, and engineering best practices
• Directed large-scale fire testing initiatives to validate system safety and regulatory compliance

Technical Consultant (Energy Storage Investments) at Cerberus (2024-05 – 2024-06)

Provided technical due diligence and strategic advisory for investments in emerging energy storage technologies, with emphasis on non-lithium systems.

• Evaluated technology readiness, safety, and scalability of advanced storage companies
• Advised investment teams on risk, performance, and commercialization pathways
• Supported capital allocation decisions in next-generation energy storage platforms

Technology Advisor (VP-Level/Individual Contributor) at SLB (formerly Schlumberger) (2023-05 – 2024-04)

Advised executive leadership on global market strategy, product development, and commercialization of energy storage solutions.

• Developed global market models and product strategies using HOMER, ETB, and PVsyst
• Delivered executive-level competitive analysis on utility-scale and C&I storage opportunities
• Supported formation and strategic direction of new energy storage business unit

Equipment Solutions Manager at AES (2021-10 – 2023-04)

Led development and deployment of energy storage and hybrid renewable solutions across a large-scale global pipeline.

• Managed technical strategy across 11.5 GW solar/hybrid and 6.4 GWh storage portfolio
• Led development of liquid-cooled BESS platform (8.3 MWh) utilizing Samsung SDI cells
• Built and managed multidisciplinary teams spanning storage, hydrogen, PV, wind, and power systems
• Oversaw vendor strategy, compliance, and asset optimization initiatives

Managing Director - Engineering at ViZn Energy Systems (2019-01 – 2021-10)

Director of Project & Mechanical Engineering at ViZn Energy Systems (2017-01 – 2019-12)

Senior Design Engineer & Project Manager at ViZn Energy Systems (2012-02 – 2017-12)

Executive leader responsible for global product development, engineering operations, manufacturing strategy, and commercialization of advanced long-duration flow battery systems.

• Led organization of 60+ engineers and technicians with full P&L responsibility ($25M+)
• Directed commercialization and global deployment of ~300 MWh of flow battery systems
• Spearheaded redesign and cost reduction of proprietary battery technology
• Scaled engineering, manufacturing, and deployment capabilities across international markets
• Directed system integration, certification, and deployment of BESS projects globally
• Led UL 9540 and UL 1973 certification and international compliance (CE)
• Managed multidisciplinary engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, application and power systems
• Owned project budgets, engineering services, and commercial agreements
• Led FEED/pre-FEED studies, system design, and site engineering for utility-scale storage
• Managed installation, commissioning, and transition to operations & maintenance
• Designed system layouts, SLDs, grounding, and grid interconnection solutions

Engineering Manager at Premier Manufacturing (2001-09 – 2012-01)

Led engineering, manufacturing, and new product development initiatives for global manufacturer of heavy industrial and transportation components.

• Directed new product introduction programs from concept design, production launch and commercialization
• Managed engineering teams supporting steel casting, machining, tooling, quality, and production operations
• Implemented lean manufacturing and process optimization initiatives improving throughput, yield, and operational efficiency
• Oversaw supplier quality, tooling strategy, and production scalability initiatives supporting global customer programs

Process Control Technician at Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. (1995-04 – 1999-04)

Mechanical Design Engineer at Semitool (Applied Materials) (1993-01 – 1995-04)

MS in Mechanical Engineering – University of New Mexico

BS in Mechanical Engineering – Montana State University