Global battery project developer mourns “sudden passing” of Australian head

NHOA Energy, the Italian-based developer of battery storage projects around the world, has announced the “sudden passing” of its Australia head Ashley Mangano.

“We are in disbelief,” the company said in a LinkedIn post. “It is a tremendous loss for our company and the industry.”

Mangano was vice-president, Australia and Pacific, for NHOA Energy, which has built and is building some landmark battery projects in Australia, including the Kwinana 1 battery in Western Australia, and the Blyth battery in South Australia.

Synergy’s Kwinana battery was the first on W.A.’s main grid, and Neoen’s nearly complete Blyth will be (for a time) the biggest in South Australia and will underpin a first of its kind “baseload renewables” power contract with BHP’s Olympic Dam.

Mangano is credited with building the NHOA team in Australia, with offices in Perth and Melbourne.

“It is with a heavy heart and tearful eyes that we announce the sudden passing of Ashley Mangano. We are in disbelief,” the company said in a LinkedIn post.

“Ashley has been our guide, our face and our soul in Australia and the wider Pacific region since 2021. He has been pivotal in the build-up of what NHOA Energy is today. Ashley incubated and grew an amazing team in Perth and Melbourne, fostering a culture of excellence and camaraderie that will remain his legacy.

“It is a tremendous loss for our company and the industry. We will miss a leader, a mentor and a friend. The recollection of his successes, challenges, and the moments of joy that we shared will be with us forever.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Ashley’s family and friends during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Rest in peace Ash, may the earth be light on you.”

Mangano was also a keen surfer, and a former president of the City Beach Surf Riders Club. A “paddle out” in his memory has been organised by friends at City Beach in Perth this Saturday.