MHI Industry Group: Advanced Energy Solutions for Warehouses
This special episode, part of the MHI Industry Group Series on The New Warehouse Podcast, offers an in-depth look at the Advanced Energy Council (AEC) and its role in shaping the future of energy solutions for warehouses and material handling operations. Kevin welcomes Robin Schneider, Director of Marketing at Green Cubes Technology, and Damon Hosmer, Managing Director and General Manager at Energy Storage Solutions for The Raymond Corporation.
The discussion explores the formation of the AEC, its mission, and how it serves as a collaborative platform for manufacturers, suppliers, and industry experts to advance energy solutions such as lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and charging technologies. It also explores trends in sustainability, grid independence, and how new energy technologies impact operational efficiency and workforce satisfaction.
Uniting the Industry for Advanced Energy Solutions
Established in 2023, the Advanced Energy Council (AEC) emerged from a recognized underrepresentation of lithium-ion and high-efficiency charging solutions.
“We kind of all got together and decided to fill that gap,” Schneider explains. “The Advanced Energy Council reflects that these types of technology—especially lithium-ion and hydrogen—have evolved from the early adopter stage to being widespread, viable, and well-accepted solutions.”
AEC comprises approximately 22 organizations, including industrial truck OEMs, battery manufacturers, and charging technology providers. They collaborate to create standard guidelines for integration, operational best practices, and educational resources for end users. Hosmer emphasizes the Council’s unique ability to foster collaboration, even among competitors:
“It’s an opportunity for folks that may compete on a day-to-day basis to come together and educate end users on best practices… There’s a lot of gray area with integration and other components of vehicle systems, and we want to help customers navigate that.”
The Rapid Evolution of Energy in Warehouses
The material handling industry is experiencing a significant shift in energy technologies. For example, lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells are rapidly gaining traction over traditional lead-acid solutions. Hosmer highlights that both sustainability goals and economic factors drive this transition:
“People are adopting these technologies not just because they’re sustainable but because they improve total cost of ownership. They’re running detailed calculations to see what brings the best ROI, and the numbers prove the value.”
One of the most overlooked benefits? Employee satisfaction. Schneider shares an example of a large enterprise customer who transitioned 200 trucks across five sites from lead-acid to lithium-ion in just four months:
“Their union was pleased with the implementation. Operators prefer these advanced technologies, leading to higher employee satisfaction.”
This shift also influences facility design and infrastructure investment, with companies integrating on-site renewable energy, smart charging stations, and energy storage solutions. Hosmer notes the rise of decentralized energy and microgrids as part of this movement:
“We’re having conversations about grid independence and energy security. Companies are looking at hybrid energy systems, electrolysis for hydrogen production, and ways to ensure resilience in case of another black swan event.”
What’s Next? Innovations in Advanced Energy
Looking ahead, manufacturing expansion, energy independence, and AI-driven energy management are set to shape the future. Schneider points to a recent U.S. Geological Survey discovery of a massive lithium deposit beneath Oklahoma as a significant milestone:
“This discovery could make the U.S. completely self-sustaining in lithium production. It’s a game-changer for energy independence.”
Meanwhile, software advancements are revolutionizing energy management, shifting from firmware-based state-of-charge monitoring to AI-powered predictive analytics.
“Software is transforming how we manage energy at the battery level,” Schneider says. “We’re seeing a shift from firmware-based monitoring to AI-driven state-of-charge tracking, which enhances efficiency and performance.”
Hosmer believes that as automation and energy management continue to converge, the industry will need to evolve quickly:
“The key is staying ahead of rapid technological changes and ensuring seamless integration. The more we collaborate as an industry, the better we can deliver holistic energy solutions to end users.”
Key Takeaways
- AEC brings together 22+ organizations to advance warehouse energy solutions.
- Lithium-ion and hydrogen adoption is accelerating, with cost savings and efficiency driving adoption.
- As witnessed in large-scale lithium-ion transitions, employee satisfaction improves with advanced energy solutions.
- Decentralized energy and microgrids are gaining traction for energy security and operational resilience.
- The U.S. lithium discovery could significantly impact energy independence and supply chains.
- AI-driven energy management is enhancing performance and efficiency at the battery level.
Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Guest Information
Robin Schneider – Director of Marketing, Green Cubes Technology
Green Cubes Technology Website
LinkedIn – Green Cubes Technology
Damon Hosmer – Managing Director & GM, Energy Storage Solutions, The Raymond Corporation
The Raymond Corporation Website
LinkedIn – The Raymond Corporation
Additional Resources
Advanced Energy Council (AEC)
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Guidelines & Best Practices for Operation in Electric Lift Trucks
Check out the content below for more information on the MHI Industry Series.
Navigating Warehouse Solutions with the Warehouse and DC Solutions Network
Mastering SLAM Processes & Sustainability in Warehousing
Powering the Future: Exploring Advanced Energy Solutions for Warehouses
