Ben Hogan

Class of 2025-2026

University College Dublin, 2024
Mechanical Engineering

Capstone Project Abstract: 

Energy Vault is a global energy storage company pioneering sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions. They design, deploy, and increasingly self-develop, own, and operate energy storage assets to accelerate the decarbonization of our planet. My capstone project explores the evolving energy and power needs of data centers, particularly in the context of growing AI workloads, sustainability mandates, and infrastructure complexity. Data centers are essential to digital infrastructure, but operators face increasingly complex challenges in meeting energy demands while achieving goals around resilience, cost, and sustainability. The student will help Energy Vault explore how their unique capabilities might align with these needs. This project will involve developing a deep understanding of data center energy challenges, stakeholder priorities, while exploring how high potential solutions, such as energy storage, may solve these problems, as well as a potential product concept and GTM strategy.

Why did you choose ESTEEM?

I chose ESTEEM to develop a business understanding to compliment my technical background in Mechanical Engineering. I have always loved solving problems, which is what drew me to Engineering in the first place. However, after completing an internship in a startup, I fell in love with the fast pace and steep learning curve of entrepreneurship. I began searching for ways to combine my two passions, and I found ESTEEM. This unique course will give me the skillset to ensure I apply my technical knowledge in the most impactful and cutting edge environments.

What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?

While I am not 100% clear what I want to do after ESTEEM, I hope to find myself at the crossroad between technical innovation and acting as a force for social good. I am passionate about solving problems that matter, and I plan to use my unique skill set to positively impact those around me. I am really excited for what the future holds, and I know that ESTEEM and Notre Dame will position me perfectly to pursue whatever career I choose to pursue.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy reading, playing sports with my friends and going for runs. I try to spend as much time as I can outdoors and exploring the beautiful Notre Dame Campus.