Anna Brings New Power's Innovations to Hydrogen and Transportation Markets
by Lauren Cole, Senior Digital Communications Specialist
With more than eight years working in the hydrogen industry, Anna Murray has dipped her toes into some of Cummins' biggest fuel cell and hydrogen technologies projects. You may have seen recent announcements about our fuel cell trains across Europe or may have caught wind of our deployment of the largest PEM electrolysis hydrogen facility in the United States, and now our work on the world's largest PEM electrolysis hydrogen facility in Becancour, Quebec. These are just a few of the projects that Anna has helped shape and create.
"I like the challenges that come with working in emerging technology. I still self-identify as an engineer first, so working on new technologies keeps me engaged."
The first of its kind
She considers herself quite lucky, since most engineers go through their entire careers without working on a true, first-of-its-kind project, and she has had the privilege of working on several already, with more to come in the future. Through the addition of Hydrogenics to Cummins, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies business has been on the forefront of leading the hydrogen industry with multiple firsts, and Anna is rightfully proud of her contribution.
Wearing many caps throughout her eight years within the industry, she has also been the project manager for the prototype design of an air-independent fuel cell system and a complete energy system in Raglan, Quebec. But these opportunities didn't come out of nowhere. All her contributions were predicated on years of experience working outside of the hydrogen industry on a variety of off-highway equipment types, including wheel-loaders, tractors, aerial work platforms and even generators.
"Joining Cummins through Hydrogenics is like a pleasant merging of past and present experiences in the transportation sector. I am excited by what can be done with hydrogen under such an expansive organization."
Sustainable Energy Solutions
These successes have led her to her current role as a Senior Platform Manager, where she is responsible for all Solid Polymer Electrolysis (SPE) products producing renewable hydrogen. Currently her focus is on bringing to market Cummins' HYLZER 1000 Electrolyzer system, our largest electrolyzer unit to date and the heart of the upcoming Becancour project. The goal is to bring gigawatt-level hydrogen production to market to provide clean energy options for a multitude of industries and help transition our global economy to one based on more sustainable energy solutions.
"I am excited to be working on technology with real potential to have a significant impact on our shift to an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy model for the planet. My neice and nephew have existential angst about their future due to climate change, and it gives them (and me!) comfort to know that Auntie Anna is working on it."
Leading from the front
These accomplishments haven't been achieved on her own. Anna modestly points out that these have been team contributions and that go beyond just her department. "I often see my team as the entire company. In my role, I work closely with Senior Management, Business Development, Sales, Finance, Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, Health & Safety, Commissioning and Service. A big part of my job is to make it easier for other people to do theirs." Working across functional units, she makes a point to always understand what individuals are doing and why it is critical to the overall objectives. "I lead from the front. I like to think of myself as a detail-oriented, big picture thinker that strives to continuously move forward." Her role often requires her to take massive (and sometimes seemingly impossible) problems and break them down into manageable tasks that will eventually get her projects successfully to the finish line.
But it's not all work for Anna, who seeks refuge from the world of emerging technology by going back to basics and enjoying some simple pleasures.
To me, living is being at my camp in Northern Ontario. I try to get up there as often as possible since I love being in nature and completely unplugging. I can swim, kayak, climb mountains, hike through the woods, and relax with a book. When you work with technology all the time, it's nice to escape from it completely every once in awhile.
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About the Author
Lauren is the Senior Digital Communications Specialist for Cummins Inc, where she focuses on social media, employer branding, and digital media. Lauren joined the company in early 2017 and has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Indiana University. She currently resides in Maine with her husband and three dogs.
