Tim Hawkey

Tim Hawkey is the Co-Founder and CEO of EnergyBank, an energy storage technology company. Here are some key points about his background and work:

Background

Tim Hawkey is originally from New Plymouth, New Zealand. He grew up in an environment deeply connected to the electricity system, as his father built and managed power stations and helped develop today’s wholesale energy markets. This exposure sparked his interest in the energy sector from a young age.1

Education and Career

Hawkey is an alumnus of the University of Auckland. Before founding EnergyBank, he had experience in the energy sector, although specific details of his pre-EnergyBank career are not extensively outlined in the available sources.1

Founding EnergyBank

In 2019, Hawkey returned to New Zealand to work full-time on EnergyBank. He began by researching the market, iterating on technology concepts, and developing relationships with investors and potential customers. He met his co-founder, Jordan Hooper, at a party, and later recruited Rhys Foster, who had 20 years of experience in energy storage companies in the US.1

EnergyBank's Technology

EnergyBank is focused on developing a novel energy storage technology that involves moving multi-thousand-tonne blocks of iron ore between the ocean floor and surface. This system is designed to be a sustainable, economic, and scalable solution for accelerating decarbonization, particularly in the offshore wind market. It aims to add long-duration energy storage and active carbon capture to offshore energy installations, improving transmission system efficiency and project feasibility.12

Vision and Goals

Hawkey's vision for EnergyBank includes transforming regions like Tairāwhiti in New Zealand from energy-importing to energy-exporting areas, leveraging their combined wind and solar resources. This vision aims to attract high-value jobs and stimulate broader economic development in the community.1

Leadership and Advice

Hawkey emphasizes the importance of building a strong team and being "delusionally ambitious" when tackling big problems. He advises entrepreneurs to think ahead of the curve and not be afraid of novel and challenging ideas.1