Convergent Energy and Power Executive Named Finalist for 2026 Platts Global Energy Awards
Convergent Energy and Power (Convergent), a leading provider of energy storage solutions in North America, announced that Laura Behrer, the company’s Vice President of Environmental, Health, and Safety, has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Platts Global Energy Awards. Behrer was recognized in the “Rising Star Individual” category for her leadership in developing practical, scalable approaches to safety across Convergent’s expanding energy storage portfolio.
The recognition comes as energy storage continues to become an increasingly important component of modern power infrastructure. As battery energy storage deployments expand across North America, developers and operators are facing growing expectations around operational safety, emergency preparedness, environmental responsibility, and long-term reliability. Behrer’s work at Convergent has focused on addressing these priorities while supporting the company’s growth and delivery of critical energy infrastructure.
The Platts Global Energy Awards, now in its 28th year, is regarded as one of the energy industry’s prominent recognition programs. The 2026 program includes companies and individuals from at least 36 countries, reflecting the global scope of the energy sector and the range of organizations contributing to its ongoing transformation.
The 2026 finalists were announced by S&P Global Energy, the program’s host and organizer. S&P Global Energy provides information, data, analysis, and benchmark pricing across energy, petrochemicals, metals, shipping, commodities, and energy transition markets. The annual awards recognize organizations and individuals for achievements spanning leadership, innovation, technology, operational performance, and contributions to the development of energy markets.
Johannes Rittershausen, Co-CEO of Convergent, said Behrer’s recognition reflects her ability to connect safety leadership with the operational requirements of a rapidly changing energy industry.
“In a rapidly evolving energy landscape where energy storage has become critical infrastructure and safety expectations continue to rise, Laura stands out as a leader who ensures innovation and growth are matched by accountability and operational excellence,” Rittershausen said.
He added that Behrer has dedicated her career to advancing safety and sustainability and that her efforts have made an important contribution to Convergent’s systems, workforce, and the communities in which the company operates.
Behrer brings more than 19 years of experience in construction and renewable energy to her role at Convergent. Throughout her career, she has focused on safety, sustainability, and operational excellence, areas that have become increasingly important as renewable energy technologies and energy storage systems expand into new markets.
At Convergent, Behrer leads the company’s safety strategy across its battery energy storage portfolio. Her responsibilities include proactive risk management, emergency preparedness, and the integration of safety-by-design principles into projects and operations. Rather than treating safety as a separate operational function, her approach emphasizes incorporating safety considerations into project development, construction, deployment, and ongoing operation.
Safety-by-design practices can be particularly important for battery energy storage projects, where developers must account for a range of operational and environmental considerations throughout the life of an asset. By incorporating risk management and emergency preparedness into project planning, energy companies can establish processes designed to support workers, communities, and infrastructure.
Behrer’s leadership has also contributed to strengthening safety culture across Convergent. Her work emphasizes consistent safety practices and accountability while supporting the company’s broader objective of delivering reliable energy infrastructure. As energy storage becomes increasingly integrated into electricity systems, maintaining strong operational standards is expected to remain an important consideration for developers, owners, operators, and other industry stakeholders.
In addition to her responsibilities related to safety strategy, Behrer is described as a mentor and advocate for workforce development. She has focused on helping develop the next generation of safety professionals within the energy industry, recognizing the need for skilled personnel capable of addressing the evolving requirements of renewable energy and energy storage projects.
The Rising Star Individual category highlights professionals whose contributions demonstrate leadership and potential within the energy sector. Behrer’s selection places her among industry professionals being recognized for their individual contributions at a time when the energy sector is undergoing significant change.
The growth of battery energy storage is part of a broader transformation across power markets. Storage systems can support electricity networks by helping manage changing demand and supply, integrating variable renewable generation, and improving system flexibility. As deployments increase, the industry is also placing greater emphasis on ensuring that projects are developed and operated with robust safety and environmental practices.
S&P Global Energy representatives highlighted the achievements of this year’s finalists and the role of innovation in shaping energy markets. Simon Marshall, Head of Energy Conferences, Training & Strategic Media at S&P Global Energy, said the industry is changing at an unprecedented pace and requires resilience, strategic vision, and an openness to new opportunities.
“The energy industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, requiring resilience, strategic vision, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities,” Marshall said. “This year’s finalists have distinguished themselves through exceptional leadership, technological advancement, and operational excellence.”
Marshall added that the achievements of the finalists demonstrate how innovation is contributing to progress across global energy markets and said S&P Global Energy was honored to recognize them through the 2026 Platts Global Energy Awards.
For Convergent, Behrer’s finalist selection provides recognition of the importance of safety leadership alongside technological and commercial growth in the energy storage industry. As companies continue deploying larger and more sophisticated storage portfolios, integrating safety, sustainability, and operational discipline into those projects is becoming an increasingly central part of responsible infrastructure development.
The 2026 Platts Global Energy Awards will bring together finalists from across the international energy sector, highlighting achievements from companies and individuals working across established and emerging areas of the industry. Behrer’s nomination in the Rising Star Individual category underscores the growing importance of professionals who can help energy companies manage the operational challenges associated with a rapidly evolving energy landscape while maintaining a strong focus on safety and accountability.
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