A "Transforming Energy" Lecture
by Victor R. Abate
September 28, 2012

Abstract

Victor Abate will provide an overview of the current state of the renewable energy industry today as well as challenges that lie ahead. He will also discuss how GE is celebrating 10 years of advancing wind energy and how it has become a mainstream energy source and more economical than ever.

Biography

Victor Abate is vice president of GE’s renewable energy business, a leading global provider of wind and solar energy products and services. He assumed this position in November 2005, and is based in Schenectady, New York. Prior to his current role, Abate was vice president of technology for GE ‘s power generation segment, which includes gas, steam, wind, solar and hydro-turbine generators, gasification technologies and integrated gasification combined cycle.

Abate began his GE career in 1990 and has held several management roles in engineering, services, production, and quality. In 1996, he led the large turbine generator business as the quality leader and was subsequently appointed general manager of generator technology. In 1999, Abate assumed responsibility in leading the gas turbine volume ramp up in GE’s power generation segment and in late 2000, was appointed general manager of steam turbine technology. Abate became a GE company officer in 2003.

Originally from Williamstown, Massachusetts, Abate holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Union College and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.