The Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council is a membership-driven organization led by our leadership team. Our Board of Directors are leaders in the state’s advanced energy economy and provide invaluable guidance for the organization. Today, we’re highlighting TAEBC Board Member Robert Hardin, Ph.D, Senior Quality Manager at WACKER. Learn more about WACKER here.

Why (and how) did you get involved in the advanced energy space?

Well the simple answer is: We need to find and develop alternative and effective energy sources to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce the environmental impact their use causes. I have been involved in advanced energy starting from when I entered graduate school, where I studied Plasma Physics, which is a field that supports the development of fusion energy. 

During my time at Oak Ridge National Lab, I worked at the Spallation Neutron Source, which provides the capability to research many different facets, most notably materials, which can play a significant role in the next generation of advanced energy generation and storage. 

With Wacker, the hyper-pure polysilicon we produce for the solar and semiconductor industries provides the raw material that directly provides the sun’s energy for use, as well as the semiconductor chips used for all the technology used in developing and generating the technological infrastructure and capability for continued growth of advanced energy.

What motivated you to join the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council board?

As Wacker produces the polysilicon for the solar and semiconductor industries, which directly supplies into the advanced energy industry space, it is a natural partnership to join the TAEBC. As a board member for the TAEBC, this gives further capability to influence and provide guidance to the advanced energy arena within Tennessee.

What Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council accomplishments are you most proud of during your tenure on the board?

So far, I would say the continued growth of members and impact through the various events, like the annual meeting, opportunities in energy, as well as the introduction of the podcasts (Energizing Tennessee), are examples of what I am proud of so far during my tenure. In addition, I am proud to see the support that TAEBC gives to groups like Team TN and Innovation Crossroads, which provides a strong foundation for the next generation possibilities. 

One final aspect that I am proud of has been informing our government officials of the real impact that the advanced energy space brings to the state through the Advanced Energy Economic Report.

What advice do you have for individuals or businesses in the advanced energy field?

Keep innovating! Innovation is key to continue the progress we have made in advanced energy and not just in the direct R&D/technology space, but all of the supporting aspects that bring success to the economic impact, such as workforce development to cultivate and develop the additional experienced and talented skilled trades like electricians, welders, mechanics, machinists, pipe fitters for all the facilities that will be built and need to be maintained.

What’s next for advanced energy in Tennessee?

If we continue to drive innovation and collaboration between education, manufacturing, and supporting the various entrepreneurial avenues there is no limit to how far we can take advanced energy in Tennessee.