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KEMA Expert Recognized for Accomplishments in Energy Storage Technologies

IEEE Fellow Distinction Bestowed to Dr. Ali Nourai

KEMA Executive Consultant Ali Nourai has been elevated to the rank of IEEE Fellow, one of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' most prestigious honors, for his contribution to energy storage technologies.

"Ali has a track record of extraordinary accomplishments in energy storage technologies, which have helped develop this burgeoning field. As a leading expert, he has also strengthened KEMA's capabilities in advancing energy storage solutions and helped to further strengthen this core service area," said Hugo van Nispen, president and managing director of KEMA, Inc. "Ali's foresight into understanding the significance of energy storage technologies, as an integral component to shape the smart grid and utility of the future, has been valuable to government and the energy and utility industry."

Prior to joining KEMA in March 2010, Nourai held various senior-level positions across the generation, transmission and distribution groups during his 30-year career at American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEP). Nourai launched the utility's deployment programs for a sodium sulfur (NaS) battery and community energy storage. Furthermore, he introduced energy storage as a key technology to address grid operational challenges and secure new business opportunities, and he launched AEP's vision of the future grid integrating distributed energy resources.

Nourai earned his Ph.D. in engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and his M.S. and B.S. in electrical engineering from Ohio State University and Sharif University, respectively. He serves as chairman of the Board of Directors for the Electricity Storage Association, holds six U.S. patents, and has been widely published in the fields of energy storage and transmission and distribution systems.

Candidates are nominated annually for IEEE Fellow, which is the highest grade of membership in the IEEE -- the world's largest professional organization dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. Nourai's distinction is effective January 2011.

About KEMA
Founded in 1927, KEMA is a global provider of business and technical consulting, operational support, measurement and inspection, testing and certification for the energy and utility industry. With world headquarters in Arnhem, the Netherlands, KEMA employs more than 1,600 professionals globally with offices and representatives in more than 20 countries. KEMA's U.S. subsidiary, KEMA Inc. is headquartered in Burlington, Mass., and serves energy clients throughout the Americas and Caribbean.

For KEMA media contacts, visit: www.kema.com/press_releases.