Black & Veatch announces
new global power structure to enhance focus on integrated generation and grid
modernization
In response to growing client demand for tailored solutions balancing
conventional and renewable generation sources, as well as more distributed,
resilient power sources and grid infrastructure, Black & Veatch on July 2
announced the reorganization of its global power business.
The new organization elevates focus on Black & Veatch Power’s Renewables
business and launches a Distributed Energy operating group, strictly focused on
distributed energy resources (DERs) and power distribution as emerging fuel
sources continue to transform the industry. The structure also enhances global
focus on Black & Veatch’s traditional conventional and power transmission
businesses.
The changes, led by Mario Azar, President of Black & Veatch’s global power
business, re-align the company’s core generation, renewables, transmission and
distributed energy teams to more nimbly address client demand in critical and
diverse global geographies. They will also help grow the company’s decades-long
leadership position in North America and Southeast Asia, where population growth
and grid reliability demands are calling for a variety of power solutions from
zero-carbon generation sources to conventional technologies. These diverse and
fundamental changes are forcing a “re-powering” of the more-than-century-old
power industry.
“Working with clients of differing scale and development it’s become clear that
generation, transmission and distribution can no longer operate in isolation,”
said Azar. “Demand for renewable energy continues to grow, with its generation
now impacting the operations of the traditional transmission and distribution
sectors. Investments in distributed energy require a more flexible grid to
ensure reliability and offer clients a greater choice of power generation
solutions.”
Utilities must also turn to new technologies that improve their efficiencies and
respond to savvy customers increasingly wanting a digital, always-on experience
with their utility, including apps that enable consumers to manage in the palm
of their hands their energy usage and accounts.
“In this complex, multifaceted energy ecosystem where there’s no
one-size-fits-all dynamic, the industry must become more flexible and nimbler,”
said Azar. “Renewable energy from solar and wind is providing an increasing
share of power generation production while conventional resources remain the
backbone of the balanced generation portfolio mix across most of the globe.
Similarly, millions of electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to transform the
transportation sector over the next several years creating pressure for power
providers to accommodate charging needs that are both distributed and
concentrated.”