ME-164 (*)(+) Energy Conservation Measures, Methodology, & Incentives (Pt.1)

High energy costs and concern over the environment have generated elevated energy awareness throughout our society. New buildings are constructed to meet strict energy Code standards but there are still many existing facilities that could benefit by implementing energy conservation measures (ECM’s). ASHRAE Level I, II and III energy audits are a means of identifying these conservation opportunities and related implementation costs as an initial decision making tool for a facility. Energy conservation is a broad field covering many technologies. Current practices and technological advances in lighting, lighting controls, motors/VFD and building envelope will be reviewed at length in this session.

Subject: ME-164 (*)(+) Energy Conservation Measures, Methodology, & Incentives (Pt.1)
Time: 6:00 pm to 10pm
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Location: Webinar
Instructor: James P. Riordan, BSME, PE, CEM

ME-165 (*)(+) Energy Conservation Measures, Methodology, & Incentives (Pt.2)

This session will discuss additional ECM technologies including but not limited to boilers & hot water heaters, chillers & cooling units, HVAC controls, data center applications, elevators, renewables, CHP, water conservation, calculation methodologies & modeling, interactive effects and incentive programs. Incentive programs play a major role in many energy projects by reducing the payback periods to acceptable levels. Local incentive programs will be reviewed along with a review of a sample energy project. Whether the facility is a large office building, a process plant or a residence the review of these topics will enhance understanding of potential savings opportunities available.

Subject: ME-165 (*)(+) Energy Conservation Measures, Methodology, & Incentives (Pt.2)
Time: 6:00 pm to 10pm
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Location: Webinar
Instructor: James P. Riordan, BSME, PE, CEM

CE-284 (*)(+) Nuclear Revival; Power Strategies for Local Area Distribution (Pt 1)

Electric generators driven by steam produced by nuclear reactors have been in operation for nearly seven decades. The first half century was dominated by large units rated 800-1000 mW or more, constructed on site and often beset by cost overruns due to regulatory change. Sized for the design concept of electric utility systems of that era, such units lacked the flexibility desirable in the deregulated, competitive, power market of the 21st century. As a result, small, unitized nuclear reactors have been the subject of much study.
This presentation will explore the development of the small modular reactor (SMR) concept. Assembled in a factory with standardized specifications and requirements, SMRs would be transported and installed at a prepared site. Power ratings would be from 20 to 300 mW each and additional units installed as needed to a maximum of 600 mW. Ideal for dispersed loads and the provision of base load power in renewable schemes, SMRs have yet to see utility deployment. Concepts under development by GE-Hitachi and NuScale appear to offer the most likely to be available within five years. Those will be examined as will other proposals. SMR issues explored will include construction time, availability, load following performance, base load application, waste disposal, safety and economics.
Even smaller units rated 1-20 mW (Microreactors) will be included. Such have been proposed for isolated locations, system support, and emergency power in areas hit by natural disasters and small units rated 1-5 mW for isolated military installations are under consideration.

Subject: CE-284 (*)(+) Nuclear Revival; Power Strategies for Local Area Distribution (Pt 1)
Time: 6:00 pm to 10pm
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Location: Webinar
Instructor: Joseph Cunningham, B.S. Physics

CE-285 (*)(+) Nuclear Revival; Power Strategies for Local Area Distribution (Pt 2)

Large (800-1000+ mW) power reactors continue to play a vital role in the provision of dispatchable baseload power, a role that is ever more vital in an era of increased investment in non-dispatchable renewable power sources. Competition from low-cost natural gas and aging of some plants has reduced the number of such reactors but most continue in that vital role even though recent years have seen cancellation of planned installations due to economic factors. Safety has remained a primary concern, it remains so despite decades of safe operation, though not as strong as in the past. That reduced objection may stem in part from the recognition that nuclear power generation is the cleanest option for non-renewable power.
This presentation will examine the development of reactors for utility power supply in the areas of design concept (Boiling Water [BWR], Pressurized Water [PWR], “breeder” reactors that produce fuel, and Molten Salt Reactors.) Among other topics covered are fuel types (Thorium, Uranium, and Plutonium,) waste disposal issues, the original vendor design concepts and subsequent alterations thereto, and economic factors involved regarding life extension programs. Other topics include the potential for new installations, recent cancellations, competition from other power sources, the shutdown of viable installations and the decommissioning and retirement of aged installations.

Subject: CE-285 (*)(+) Nuclear Revival; Power Strategies for Local Area Distribution (Pt 2)
Time: 6:00 pm to 10pm
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Location: Webinar
Instructor: Joseph Cunningham, B.S. Physics

James P. Riordan, BSME, PE, CEM

Jim holds a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from New York Institute of Technology. He is a NY State licensed Professional Engineer and a Certified Energy Manager. Jim has over 20 years of extensive experience with both supply and demand side management projects, engineering design, energy auditing, electrical and thermal profiling, cost reduction and containment, cogeneration assessment and design, feasibility studies, power plant retrofitting, facility upgrades, computer modeling, energy conservation project development, utility analysis, preventative maintenance, project management and construction management. He has played key roles in numerous energy projects for Key Span, LIPA, NYPA and several ESCO’s. Jim worked for the Caterpillar organization for a number of years gaining extensive engine experience. He was involved with the preparation and execution of Plan NYC for the mayor’s office. 

Joseph Cunningham, B.S. Physics

Mr. Cunningham is recognized as an expert in the technical and historical development of both railways and also electric power systems and has researched the technical, engineering and social aspects of these fields for more than 40 years. He has authored numerous technical publications on the technical history and development of railway and general utility systems for periodicals such as the IEEE Power & Energy Magazine. His latest work is "New York Power" an IEEE History Center book on the development of New York City's power system.
Some notable recent articles are “Architect of Power”, a review of the development of the power system of New York City and “Howard Street Tunnel” a discussion of the world’s first application of electric propulsion to a main line railroad. He has been a consultant for, and appeared in, several television programs. He has given numerous lectures on the development of railways, rail transit, and electrical power systems to audiences in many different venues including academia, the New York Public Library and IEEE conferences. He has taught programs on rail technology, rail transit development, electrification, as well as general physics at the two year (associate's degree) level He holds a B.S. in physics from St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, NY