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AHEAD ENERGY CORPORATION
Rochester, NY · EIN 223018053 · Form 990 · FY2024 · Micro (<$100K)
revenue
$13K
expenses
$22K
net assets
$410K
employees
0
program ratio
100%
mission · from form 990

AHEAD Energy is focused on R&D, development and demonstration of resilient energy systems for remote/off-grid areas. AHEAD was formed in 1988 to consult on and implement energy systems in underserved, off-grid areas of Africa. We now have a more global focus, related to the transition to renewables, hydrogen/fuel cells (including renewable hydrogen carriers such as methanol and ammonia), plus other forms of storage including batteries and thermal energy storage. AHEAD previously owned and continues to support a unique multi-user facility in Rochester, NY - which is affiliated with Alfred University. AHEAD's work remains relevant to developing countries, but the technologies have potential application in remote areas in the USA and many other countries. AHEAD is planning to use its resources to fund projects for demonstration of microgrid sites, which include cost-effective thermal solutions for areas such as frozen food storage, refrigeration, high-efficiency HVAC and humidity control.

profile · synthesized from sources

AHEAD Energy Corporation conducts research and development on resilient, low-carbon energy systems for remote and off-grid areas, with a focus on renewable hydrogen carriers like ammonia and methanol, thermal energy storage, and hybrid geothermal HVAC solutions. Originally founded in 1988 to implement energy systems in underserved regions of Africa, the organization now has a global scope and supports demonstration projects through its facility in Rochester, NY, affiliated with Alfred University.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $4K
    Supported engineering study of Metro Park site for a proposed a hybrid geothermal HVAC upgrade, including multi-source heat pumps and thermal energy storage.
  2. #2 $2K
    Member and board participation in the Ammonia Energy Association, a group which is supporting the use of ammonia as a carbon-free energy carrier made from natural gas, coal, or other inputs. Ammonia stores and handles like propane, and is an attractive future energy carrier, particular for remote areas without access to pipeline natural gas or grid electricity. This can be very attractive for remote areas, such as areas of Alaska, where fly-in diesel fuel is the current fuel source for local electric power generation.
named programs · 3 · from sources

What they call their work

Ammonia Energy Research and Advocacy
Participation in the Ammonia Energy Association to advance ammonia as a carbon-free energy carrier; aims to integrate and demonstrate ammonia-based microgrid solutions at AHEAD’s facility.
Hybrid Geothermal HVAC Demonstration
Engineering study and evaluation of hybrid geothermal systems with multi-source heat pumps and thermal energy storage for microgrid applications in remote areas, including the Metro Park site assessment.
Low-Carbon Technology R&D Facility Support
Preparation and transition of AHEAD’s Rochester, NY facility for continued R&D use, including donation of test equipment to Alfred University and planning for new facility users.
activities · 2 groups

What they do

  • Energy Policy Advocacy & Research 3 activities
    • Conducting engineering studies for hybrid geothermal HVAC systems
      Performed an engineering study for a hybrid geothermal HVAC upgrade at Metro Park, integrating multi-source heat pumps and thermal energy storage to support efficient heating and cooling solutions.
    • Engaging in knowledge exchange on thermal energy storage and hybrid energy systems
      Participated in webinars and online events on thermal energy storage, including a multi-day Department of Energy event, and collaborated with geothermal experts to explore the use of its facility as a pilot site for hybrid and district energy systems.
    • Evaluating sites for hybrid geothermal system demonstrations
      Assessed potential sites for the demonstration of hybrid geothermal systems, with a focus on applications for microgrid deployment in remote areas.
  • Uncategorized 1 activity
    • Supporting R&D infrastructure for low-carbon technologies
      Donated or scrapped test stand equipment at Alfred University to prepare its facility for new users engaged in research and development and demonstration of low-carbon technologies.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$13K
Contributions & grants$00%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$13K100%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$22K
Program expenses100%
Admin / overhead0%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$631K
Cash$12K
Investments$619K
Liabilities$221K
Net assets$410K
Liquid reserves351.9 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -93.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

board members · 6
  • Colonel Johann Clendenin — Director
  • David Johnston — Director
  • Malcolm Grieve — Chairman and Acting Treasurer
  • Manfred Niethammer — Vice Chairman
  • Paul Jordan — Director
  • Professor Tom Zawodzinski — Director
relationships · 2

Who they work with

  • Alfred University Partner — Recipient of donated test stand equipment and collaborator in preparing AHEAD's facility for R&D and demonstration of low carbon technologies.
  • Ammonia Energy Association Network — Organization in which AHEAD participates as a member and board participant to support the use of ammonia as a carbon-free energy carrier for remote areas.
strategies · 2

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Microgrid Thermal Integration
    methodology: microgrid_thermal_integration
    By integrating cost-effective thermal solutions (e.g., refrigeration, HVAC, humidity control) into microgrid systems, we enhance the utility and sustainability of energy access in remote areas because thermal loads are critical for health, food preservation, and comfort, and their efficient management improves overall system resilience.
  • Resilient Off-Grid Energy Systems
    methodology: resilient_off-grid_energy_systems
    By developing and demonstrating resilient energy systems tailored for remote and off-grid areas, we improve energy access and reliability in underserved regions because centralized grid infrastructure is often unavailable or unreliable.