Peter O’Connor has over two decades of experience spanning the energy, power, minerals and waste sectors, having worked on a diverse range of projects across Europe throughout his career. He combines technical expertise with a passion for mentoring early-career team members and delivering impactful projects that contribute to Ireland’s energy transition and sustainability goals.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I started off with passion and fascination with maps and geography. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but then I went to an open evening for a surveying course in Dublin. I always loved the idea of working outdoors rather than being stuck behind a desk. The course opened doors to travel across Europe, working on surveying different projects through Erasmus and similar summer schemes between third level institutes.

I started my career in a company that specialised in mineral surveying. From there, I began working on various projects, which gradually led me to focus on energy and power. I’ve certainly had my share of experiences in the field — many of which include challenging site and weather conditions.

Initially, I was directly involved with mineral exploration, management and extraction projects. This progressed to managing mineral waste, which eventually transitioned into commercial and industrial waste projects and nudged my career into the world of the circular economy. I’ve been directly involved in projects where we reduce waste, manage resources and harness energy, and now work on a range of thermal and renewable energy generation sector projects. It’s interesting to witness how interconnected these elements are in our industry, a true circular economy and the challenges that the modern world brings with it. Joining ArchTam was a perfect fit and the role allowed me to combine my expertise in energy and power sectors, with my ability to mentor early-career professionals while allowing me to become a trusted advisor for clients.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on is the Kilroot Power Station project in Northern Ireland. The project kicked off shortly before the first coronavirus lockdown in 2020 and involved transitioning a coal-fired power station to gas, which required pre-application work for a gas pipeline connection and integrating advanced technology. It wasn’t without its challenges — lockdowns, social distance site visits and a challenging programme managing a large multi-disciplinary environmental team was part of the job — but seeing the project secure consent, constructed and go live was incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. The early-career team members were excited about the projects as well, because they knew that the client was invested, and they could see the full project lifecycle — design to consenting to construction through to implementation — be delivered in a relatively short period of time. Our team’s environmental expertise and robust Environmental Statement and support to the planning process ensured the project itself contributed to cleaner energy solutions in the region and is a great example of how our work can make a real difference.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Many of the projects I work on are large‑scale in nature, and as a result, their impact is both far‑reaching and undeniable. Our clients are deeply committed to strengthening energy security during a critical transitional period on the journey toward net zero. Being part of this work — especially at a time when the industry is navigating such complex challenges and ambitious sustainability goals — feels genuinely meaningful.

Knowing that our contributions help keep essential services running, support long‑term resilience, and ultimately play a role in keeping the lights on is incredibly rewarding. There is also a strong sense of purpose in recognising how this work supports wider economic growth, both by enabling the energy sector to operate efficiently and by helping create the conditions for future investment and innovation. The scale and significance of these projects make the work both motivating and fulfilling.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice to anyone starting their career is to embrace opportunities and stay adaptable. It’s okay not to know exactly what you want to do early on so expose yourself to as many different experiences as possible and don’t pigeonhole yourself too soon. Never stop challenging yourself, always be open to adapt your skill set and keep your professional development forefront of your personal and professional goals. With that in mind, I encourage early-career team members to work towards relevant chartership and professional memberships early in their career. Listen to your peers, absorb as much knowledge as you can, and focus on building strong relationships.

I often encourage early‑career team members to talk to everyone. When you’re on a site visit, take the time to chat with — and really listen to — the people on site or in the office. These conversations help you understand exactly what stakeholders and clients need.

Our Impact Assessment team collaborates with a wide variety of clients and technical teams, and sometimes we’re the face of those teams on projects. Remember: the early‑career professionals of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and the connections you build now will be invaluable throughout your career.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Peter O’Connor  appeared first on Blog.

At SME MineXchange 2026, Amber co-chaired a session titled “Reclaiming the Past: Strategies for Managing Abandoned Mine Lands”. When more than 6,000 mining professionals gathered, the industry’s momentum was unmistakable. Yet in her session, a different story unfolded, one centered on legacy, responsibility and the scale of work still ahead.

The scale of the challenge came into sharp focus
The tone across the session was clear: despite decades of progress, abandoned mine lands (AMLs) across the U.S. remain a vast challenge. Presenters showcased characterization studies across watersheds in states like Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma that showed ongoing impacts from historic lead and zinc mining. Others discussed uranium mine waste assessments, underscoring both environmental risk and the complex regulatory pathways associated with radioactive materials.

The consensus was consistent. Thousands of abandoned sites remain, and clarity on how to remediate them is limited.

Remining waste is becoming a major area of interest
An emerging theme was the growing momentum around examining historic mine waste for critical and rare earth minerals. As demand rises for metals essential to clean energy and technology supply chains, several presenters focused on:

• Assessing waste piles for rare earths
• Evaluating lead zinc districts for byproduct value
• Exploring whether uranium bearing waste could be reprocessed

The idea of remining the past is gaining traction as teams consider whether environmental remediation and mineral recovery can be aligned.

However, the discussion also addressed the practical barriers. Many AML sites are too small for a modern processing plant to be viable. Presenters also emphasized a key caution: disturbing an abandoned waste pile can transfer legal liability to the party that touches it.

The opportunity is real. The risks are too.

The audience kept coming back to one question: who pays?
Funding dominated the presentations and the Q&A. Because most abandoned mines lack a responsible party, remediation relies on inconsistent or limited funding sources. Audience questions repeatedly circled back to:

• Where will funding for reclamation come from?
• How can small sites justify investment?
• What role can re‑mining play in closing the financial gap?

Presenters described the patchwork that currently exists: some state AML programs, occasional federal support, and in rare cases private landowners willing to assume liability. Good Samaritan protections help but are not perfect. Political, financial and regulatory uncertainty was a recurring theme.

New tools are reshaping how teams understand old problems
While many technologies were familiar to the room, one area felt like a clear step forward: remote sensing and advanced investigation techniques. Presenters highlighted:

• Drone based surveys for mapping dangerous or inaccessible terrain
• LiDAR imaging to identify subsidence zones and historic features
• Tracer studies that tracked contaminants from elevated mine workings to downstream watercourses, pinpointing where passive treatment should occur

These tools are transforming site characterisation by improving precision, safety and the clarity of remediation strategies.

Safety closures continue to evolve
One presentation showcased the use of high tensile, flexible wire mesh (such as systems produced by Geobrugg) to close shafts in remote, hard to access areas. These barriers aren’t designed to prevent intentional trespassing, but they significantly reduce the risk of accidental falls, especially during winter recreation when snow can obscure open shafts.

It’s becoming a practical, scalable tool in the AML safety toolkit.

The session reaffirmed long‑standing realities and the value of community
For practitioners with decades of experience, the session largely reinforced trends that have shaped AML work for years: complex liability, funding uncertainties and the slow regulatory progress. Most of the ideas discussed are ones we’ve been talking about for 25 to 30 years.

But the value of the session wasn’t novelty, it was connection. Abandoned mine work is a tight‑knit field, and sessions like this give practitioners space to compare notes, share lessons learned and challenge assumptions. That collaboration remains one of MineXchange’s greatest strengths.

Beyond the session: An industry gearing up for growth
Outside the AML conversation, MineXchange 2026 presented an industry that is both buoyant and evolving. Keynotes stressed the strategic importance of streamlining permitting, which can take a decade or more. Federal recognition of copper and other materials as critical minerals was highlighted as a potential lever to accelerate certain approvals.

With metal prices at historic highs, mining in the U.S. is seeing renewed investment and optimism.

Looking ahead
The session underscored a truth that continues to define AML work: the legacy of historic mining still shapes modern landscapes and addressing it will require both technical innovation and policy clarity. But it also highlighted the opportunities emerging at the intersection of remediation, technology and mineral recovery.

As the industry continues to rise, the past does not need to be a burden. With the right strategies, and the funding and regulatory support to match, it can become a platform for progress.

The post Understanding the scale and complexity of abandoned mine lands appeared first on Blog.

As an associate vice president and key member of ArchTam Canada’s Impact Assessment and Permitting team, Emma leads environmental planning, permitting and engagement on complex transportation programs across Ontario. With over 20 years of experience, she integrates environmental requirements into program strategy from planning to procurement, through design, delivery and closeout to protect compliance and schedule, and maintain stakeholder confidence.

Tell us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it delivering a better world?

Building excellence into highway programs

For me, highway projects typically involve aggressive schedules, evolving designs, alternative delivery models and layered regulatory requirements — all in highly visible public environments. A defining project in my career is the Highway 427 Expansion and Extension into Vaughan, Ontario where ArchTam was Owner’s Engineer for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. This was a Design-Build-Finance program requiring strict compliance with thousands of environmental and contractual obligations while advancing delivery to meet regional growth demands. On this project, I worked closely with the owner and the contractor to align environmental performance with constructability and schedule certainty.

Initially involved in the preliminary design phase, our team worked proactively to secure regulatory approvals under the Species at Risk Act (SAR) and the Fisheries Act. During the field investigations, four bat species were identified. Within the same timeframe, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) developed new protocols for these bat species and their habitats, deeming them at risk and requiring the project to undergo full permitting. This project was the first to fall under this new permitting structure, putting it under additional levels of scrutiny and review throughout the permitting process.

To maintain the project’s schedule, we obtained authorizations before developing the detail design. By leveraging our understanding of the permitting process and our strong relationships with key stakeholders and regulatory agencies, we facilitated advanced authorizations. Through consistent and effective consultation with MNRF, we used the reference concept design to identify risks and confirm the monitoring, mitigation and reporting requirements.

What was a key challenge you/your team faced while working on this project? How did you solve it?

Turning environmental risk into delivery confidence

With the design phase complete, I later rejoined the 427 program mid-construction and was quickly immersed in a complex regulatory framework where I supported the team in navigating environmental risk and oversaw compliance across planning, design development, delivery and closeout.

My focus was more than just compliance, it was ensuring environmental considerations actively supported program strategy, schedule certainty and decision-making. A persistent challenge on large highway programs is preventing environmental requirements from becoming barriers to progress. On Highway 427, I worked with the client and project leadership to translate environmental and permitting obligations into practical contractor actions that reflected evolving design and schedule pressures. Just as we did in the design phase, by explicitly connecting environmental risk to schedule and cost, we made informed decisions at pivotal moments, allowing the team to maintain compliance while sustaining delivery momentum.

Success depended on early risk identification and close coordination across program strategy, planning, design and delivery. Consistent engagement with regulatory agencies, Indigenous communities and stakeholders was also critical. Rather than treating environment as a standalone team, we were embedded in the program’s decision framework, supporting contractor and owner teams with real-time, risk-informed advice to balance constructability, compliance and accountability.

One of the key challenges for the 427 program revolved around its elements — the widening, the extension and municipal infrastructure adjustments such as local road realignments. To support SAR compliance, ArchTam oversaw the development and execution of practical planting schedules for habitat compensation to align construction timelines with species-specific requirements. We also simplified fragmented reporting by bringing multiple data sources into a single consolidated process. Throughout construction, our team completed frequent visual inspections, providing real-time guidance so the project could adjust quickly, and successfully establish replacement of sensitive habitats to remain compliant with permitting requirements.

Delivering better outcomes on complex highway infrastructure

New highways and highway extensions are essential to regional mobility, safety and economic growth. For me, delivering better highways means building responsibly by protecting environmental features, maintaining public trust, respecting community interests and conducting truly meaningful Indigenous engagement while meeting pressing transportation needs.

Across Highway 427 and other major local highway programs I’ve worked on, including the Bradford Bypass and the Highway 413 corridors, I’ve helped clients navigate complex and evolving regulatory landscapes while advancing infrastructure that is compliant, constructible and resilient. By integrating environmental considerations into strategy from the outset, we are positioning programs to succeed amid changing legislation, heightened scrutiny and accelerated timelines.

How has this experience shaped your approach to future work and expanded your career at ArchTam?

The Highway 427 Expansion and Extension fundamentally shaped how I approach future work by reinforcing the value of integrating environmental, social and constructability considerations into program strategy and planning at the outset, rather than adding later. It sharpened my ability to embed environmental requirements into decision frameworks, connect risks to schedule and cost, and cultivate a relationship-based project delivery approach across agencies, stakeholders, Indigenous partners and contractors.

This project also further established my role as a trusted advisor on large-scale, alternative delivery transportation programs and as a leader and mentor for teams navigating complicated, multi-party approval processes. As transportation programs become larger and more complex, with stringent delivery schedules and intense public scrutiny, it’s important for me to consistently share and apply these lessons as best practice across my work on critical highway and transit programs.

The post Deep Dive with Emma Docherty appeared first on Blog.

Eva Kleinert is Associate Director for social impact research at ArchTam with a strong focus on research and evaluation, and commitment to sustainability. Eva leads our Social and Equality Impact team in the UK, and is the technical lead for the monitoring and evaluation of social impacts, design and delivery of primary research, and integration into social research reports and assessments for our Energy and Environment business lines. In addition to her experience at ArchTam, she has five years of experience as a team lead and analyst for the Scottish Government, including as lead analyst for international, Europe and Brexit and senior research manager for the rural economy. She has designed and managed numerous research projects.   

Eva has four years of research experience in gender labor market inequalities, family policies and policy evaluation, applying both quantitative and qualitative methods. She holds a doctorate in comparative social policy from the University of Kent.  

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I’ve always had a strong interest in people’s lives, communities and local economies — how they are affected by policy changes or local developments. My career started as a freelance journalist in Germany, reporting on local issues. That involved many conducted interviews and group discussions, trying to understand how people were impacted on the ground with my recorder and notepad. That experience sparked my curiosity about evidence-based impact assessments.

After completing my master’s degree in the York, UK, I pursued a doctorate in Labour Market Studies at the University of Kent. As an academic, I wanted to look more methodologically into evidence-based impact assessment at a cross-national scale. My research focused on labour market inequalities, particularly how women are less represented in managerial positions. This academic foundation led me to work for the Scottish Government, where I led on research to understand and evaluate Scotland’s rural economy and analysed the impacts of national and European policies on communities. I really enjoyed applying my academic knowledge at a national and regional level and gaining experience as a government social researcher.

Joining ArchTam felt like the perfect next step. I wanted to investigate infrastructure projects — like energy developments and new road networks — shape the lives of people and local communities. I was particularly motivated to contribute to the transition to net zero by assessing social impacts thoroughly. Today, our work involves extensive primary research with community members and a wide range of stakeholders, using structured methodologies. It’s a long way from relying solely on a notepad and a recorder. This approach allows us to produce evidence-based reports, and it’s given me the opportunity to combine my methodological expertise with my passion for community engagement.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

I tend to have two types of favourite projects. First, I love projects with a strong emphasis on primary research. As much as I enjoy desk-based research, I find that the most valuable insights we get are from speaking directly to those affected by new energy infrastructure, road schemes or policy changes.

This can include speaking to businesses, community members and public sector organisations. We conduct a lot of interviews and focus groups, and I find those projects the most interesting because they allow us to test what we learn from literature and evidence reviews against real experiences on the ground. Right now, for example, we are conducting a large research on public attitudes towards energy infrastructure across Great Britain. We’re running a high number of focus groups and backing our findings with representative surveys, ensuring a robust evidence base.

The second type of project I love is the kind that lets me dive deep into spreadsheets, logic models and impact assessments. I try to pin down exactly what is driving a particular impact, determining how best to measure it, and then designing a monitoring framework from the ground up. This involves identifying indicators, creating data collection tools, and analysing the data to measure impacts. It’s a different kind of work, but I find it equally rewarding.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Improving social outcomes is at the heart of everything we do. Whether we’re assessing how policies affect groups with protected characteristics — such as women or ethnic minorities — through equality impact assessments, or examining how new energy infrastructure will shape the lives of coastal communities in Scotland, our work always centres on people and place. These examples illustrate how community impact is the foundation of every project I’m involved in.

We go beyond simply documenting activities, funding or job creation. Instead, we focus on the long‑term effects — asking what meaningful, lasting difference an initiative has made or is likely to make. Using systematic research and evidence‑based methods, we uncover how communities truly experience change.

For instance, in recent research for a client, we engaged directly with coastal communities to understand how new offshore wind developments could affect them. We captured both positive and negative impacts and presented clear, balanced findings in the final report.

When our research highlights that particular groups may be disproportionately affected, we provide targeted, actionable recommendations to address those impacts. A recent project examining proposed changes to bus routes is a good example. We explored how shifts in schedules could affect people from different socio‑economic backgrounds or demographic groups. For example, older adults or others more dependent on public transportation might face greater challenges. By identifying these nuances, we can help clients design fairer, more inclusive solutions.

Share a piece of career advice

My main advice is twofold. Firstly, have confidence in your abilities. Whether you’re tackling a challenging project or navigating a complex situation, trust in your skills and determination to succeed.

Secondly, ask for help when needed. At ArchTam, teamwork is a cornerstone of our success. There’s always someone who can help you get a project over the line or provide guidance on specific aspects. Don’t hesitate to reach out — it’s not a sign of weakness but a way to strengthen your work.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Eva Kleinert appeared first on Blog.

Paige Humecki is a passionate professional in the energy sector who has been with ArchTam since 2018. From her beginnings in Chicago to her current role in London, Paige’s career journey is a testament to innovation, collaboration and a commitment to tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Today, Paige leads our Energy Advisory team in the UK, supporting a range of energy system feasibility and decarbonization programs for public and private clients.  

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I first became interested in the energy sector during my studies in environmental engineering, but it was my first job at a small energy consulting firm that truly ignited my passion. In my opinion, energy is the greatest challenge of the 21st century. How do we meet increasing energy needs while decarbonizing and achieving critical climate goals? This is the question that drives me every day.

I think what has kept me in the industry is that there is always something new. There’s always a new technology, or a new approach. I feel like every six months, there is something technically different about my job that I can learn about. I also like that often when we’re working on projects, we’re focusing on the feasibility of the project because it’s the first of its kind. No one has quite figured out how to broadly decarbonize multiple industrial sectors — or how to decarbonize an entire town. That means we’re often piecing together the puzzle in real time. What technical limitations do we need to navigate? Which emerging technologies are mature enough to apply?

The people in this industry have been a significant source of inspiration for me, both at ArchTam and within the energy sector. I think many people are driven by similar factors to those that inspire me — ultimately, these are decarbonization and achieving vital global goals. We face the immense challenge of addressing these issues on a global scale. Overall, the innovative approaches we take and the incredible people we work with along the way make this journey truly rewarding.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

Since joining ArchTam in 2018, I’ve had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects, from electric vehicle charging infrastructure to community-based energy initiatives. Moving to London has given me a global perspective on the energy industry, and it’s been fascinating to see how energy challenges are approached differently in different countries.

One of the things I love about working at ArchTam is the incredible technical expertise of my colleagues and their willingness to share knowledge. It’s a collaborative environment in which I’m constantly learning and growing — which is something I truly value.

I also love the scale and diversity of the work we do. It takes time to fully grasp everything ArchTam is involved in, but that’s part of the excitement. I’m always discovering new opportunities and areas of expertise within the company, which keeps my work dynamic and fulfilling.

It’s difficult to choose just one favorite project, but two stand out as particularly meaningful to me because of their scale, complexity and the impact they had on both my professional growth and the communities we served.

The first was a project on which I had the privilege of leading a team to help a major industrial client in Europe achieve its ambitious climate-neutral goals. This was a large-scale initiative that required us to travel across multiple European countries to assess a variety of industrial sites. Each site had its own unique challenges, from outdated infrastructure to varying levels of regulatory compliance, and we had to develop tailored decarbonization strategies for each one. The project was intense, with a fast-paced timeline and high stakes, but it was also incredibly rewarding. It pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated, from managing a diverse team to navigating the complexities of working across different countries and cultures. What made the experience even more fulfilling was the client’s genuine passion and commitment to sustainability. They were fully invested in the process, which created a collaborative and inspiring environment for everyone involved. It was a powerful reminder of how impactful partnerships can be when everyone is aligned toward a common goal.

The second project that stands out is the bus electrification study we conducted for the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency in California. This project was particularly meaningful because it combined technical innovation with a strong focus on community impact. The task was to design solutions for electrifying a bus fleet in a rural area with limited electrical infrastructure. This wasn’t just about implementing cutting-edge technology; it was about addressing the unique needs of small, often underserved communities. We had to think creatively about how to overcome the challenges of limited grid capacity while ensuring that the solutions we proposed were both practical and sustainable. Our analysis went beyond just the buses themselves — we explored how investments in electrification could bring broader benefits to the community, such as improving access to the electrical grid and reducing energy costs for residents. The project also required extensive community engagement, which was particularly challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to adapt to virtual outreach methods to ensure that the voices of local residents were heard and that their needs were incorporated into our plans. Despite these challenges, the project remains a highlight of my career because of its potential to make a real difference in people’s lives. It was incredibly rewarding to know that our work could help create a more sustainable and equitable future for these communities.

Both of these projects represent what I love most about working at ArchTam: the opportunity to tackle complex, meaningful challenges that require innovative thinking and collaboration. They have not only allowed me to grow as a professional but have also reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact on the world through my work.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Much of my work at ArchTam revolves around feasibility studies. While I may often be working a few steps ahead of actual implementation, I take immense pride in knowing that these early studies lay the foundation for projects that can transform communities. Our projects are a rewarding reminder that the groundwork we lay today sparks the transformative projects of tomorrow.

Ultimately, decarbonization and grappling with the practical limits in any community sits at the core of my work. Personally, however, a way in which I feel I have positively impacted the community and one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been engaging directly with students and young professionals.

The energy industry is experiencing significant growth, and there is a shortage of skilled professionals. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to host placement students and interns. I have also spoken at events and visited schools, which has allowed me to connect with individuals who are early in their careers or who may not have had exposure to this sector. I enjoy discussing the energy industry with them and sharing insights about its opportunities.

However, I feel that it is critical to tie decarbonization to real opportunities for people — and opportunities to engage with early professionals or anyone who’s still deciding what to study at university is my favourite way of doing that. We need so many skilled professionals across the energy industry, from all backgrounds and with various skill sets, and it takes time to develop them. Each conversation, internship, and school visit contributes to preparing these future professionals to tackle the big challenges in the energy industry. Seeing them leave with renewed enthusiasm and a clearer vision for their roles in our field is incredibly fulfilling.

Share a piece of career advice

I always tell people: never stop asking questions. Curiosity is so important, especially in a field like energy, as it’s constantly evolving. It’s critical to stay open to learning — whether it’s gaining technical knowledge or understanding the decisions being made around you. After all, if we had all the answers, we would already have decarbonized the world!

As a woman in this industry, I’ve felt the pressure to always have the answers, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask questions and seek clarity. I feel that this is the only way to grow and contribute meaningfully. I encourage everyone entering this field to embrace curiosity and not shy away from asking for help or deeper understanding.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Paige Humecki appeared first on Blog.

Next week, I’ll be joining industry leaders and trusted colleagues from Type One Energy and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on stage at FusionX Global in Munich for a dynamic conversation about “partnerships in fusion.”

As someone who’s spent their career at the intersection of energy innovation and delivery, I know that the path from first-of-a-kind (FOAK) pilot to real-world deployment is never straightforward. It’s a journey that demands technical excellence, trust, transparency, and a willingness to learn, grow and collaborate with others on our collective path to a resilient energy future.

The power of partnerships

No single organization can take on the monumental task of delivering power at the scale, speed or certainty that our current and future energy needs demand. At ArchTam, we’ve learned that our greatest impact comes when we act as an integrator: bringing together manufacturers, distributors, regulators and communities to orchestrate the complex dance of delivering clean energy to those who need it most. Our goal is to interconnect all the moving pieces into one harmonized system, helping all our clients turn promising pilots into scalable, profitable programs.

At FusionX, I’ll be sharing the stage with Charlie Baynes-Reid, general counsel and CFO of Type One Energy, Tony Williams, vice president for the Sequoya Nuclear Plant at TVA, and moderator Amy Roma, partner and nuclear energy specialist at Hogan Lovells. Together, we’ll explore what it really takes to accelerate fusion’s path to commercialization. We’ll explore how wide-scale adoption is about more than adopting new technologies and building resilient infrastructure. It’s about strengthening frameworks for partnership that shorten timelines, reduce risk, and give investors and communities the confidence to believe in fusion’s promise.

Scaling from pilots to programs

I’m especially excited to talk about our work with Type One Energy and TVA on the Infinity Two fusion stellarator project — an auspicious collaboration that’s already demonstrating how utilities, innovators and integrators can move faster by working together. Pending continued development and regulatory approvals, the preliminary design of this fusion power plant has the potential to supply TVA with reliable, carbon-free power. We’ll discuss lessons learned and why speed-to-permit is the new currency in energy infrastructure.

As preliminary design engineering partners, out role is to translate fusion ambition into practical, site-ready infrastructure. Our teams guide clients through regulatory mazes, align diverse stakeholders and sustain project momentum even when conditions are challenging.

Building the pathway to the future of fusion energy

Our specialists bring deep engineering expertise and work side-by-side with innovators like Type One Energy and TVA to:

• Translate early-stage fusion concepts into actionable engineering plans. We help take the Infinity Two fusion power plant from theoretical design to site-ready specifications, ensuring every technical requirement is mapped to real-world constraints.
• Lead site selection and environmental assessments. Our engineers and scientists evaluate potential locations, model environmental impacts and develop permitting strategies that anticipate regulatory hurdles — supporting a clear path through the approval process. 
• Integrate complex systems. Fusion projects require seamless coordination of civil, mechanical, electrical and control systems. We manage the interfaces between disciplines, aligning power, controls and safety systems into a coherent, unified design.
• Develop project controls and risk management frameworks. We implement digital project management tools, schedule controls and risk registers that keep delivery on track and transparent for all partners.
• Support first-of-a-kind (FOAK) licensing and compliance. Our regulatory specialists work with clients and authorities to prepare safety cases, licensing submissions and compliance documentation, helping de-risk the path from pilot to commercial operation.

We have made tremendous strides with our partners on our path towards turning fusion’s promise into practical, scalable energy. Follow along with us on our journey as we continue to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation and deliver a better, more resilient world.

If you’re attending FusionX in Munich, I hope you’ll join our session and connect with me afterward. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries, together.

The post From pilots to programs: Shaping the future of nuclear fusion partnerships at FusionX, Munich appeared first on Blog.

Environmental Business Journal Awards

Strategic undergrounding program
Won by: San Diego Gas & Electric
Award: EBJ Industry Leadership – Strategic Undergrounding Program

The team delivered industry-leading results on a Southern California utility’s Strategic Undergrounding Program, addressing escalating wildfire risks driven by drought, extreme heat and high winds. By placing the environmental team at the center of delivery alongside engineering and construction, ArchTam cut cost per mile, accelerated permitting and significantly increased the pace of undergrounding. The program managed 18 service categories, maintained strong safety and quality, and enabled 112 miles of powerline undergrounding — a 53 percent annual increase and 23 percent cost per mile reduction. Sustainability and equity were embedded throughout, achieving 38 percent Diverse Business Enterprise participation, minimizing environmental impacts, engaging nine Tribes through 37 meetings, and securing more than 500 permits and easements. This integrated model sets a new benchmark for wildfire mitigation and resilient infrastructure.

Realigning the Lower San Acacia Reach: A model for sustainable river management in the Rio Grande watershed
Won by: ArchTam
Award: EBJ Project Merit – Sustainability Model for Rio Grande Watershed

The Rio Grande watershed is critical for water users, ecosystems, and recreation, but its highly dynamic channel has shifted significantly over the past century. To address challenges in the Lower San Acacia Reach — such as channel perching, conveyance losses, and declining habitat — the Bureau of Reclamation is planning a 20‑mile river realignment south of Socorro, NM that works with natural geomorphic trends to improve water delivery, enhance ecosystem health, and reduce long‑term maintenance. ArchTam is supporting a four‑year environmental program with robust stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance, producing key analyses including a 2024 geomorphology and alternatives report and a 2025 Draft Environmental Impact Statement. This forward‑looking effort integrates engineering, science, and collaboration to strengthen river resilience.

Closing the loop on PFAS: Advanced technology for ARFF vehicle decontamination
Won by: ArchTam, TRS Group, Inc., Denver International Airport
Award: EBJ Technology Merit Awards – PFAS Decontamination

Airports face growing PFAS contamination challenges from decades of AFFF use, intensified by the EPA’s 2024 designation of PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances. Denver International Airport, with ArchTam and TRS Group, implemented a groundbreaking closed-loop cleaning system to decontaminate ARFF vehicles, circulating heated water and cleaning agents through foam systems on each vehicle. After three to five cycles, PFAS levels dropped an average of 98.72 percent, enabling safe conversion to fluorine-free foam without replacing vehicles and saving millions in equipment costs. A total of 20 firefighting vehicles were cleaned, supported by SOP development, rigorous sampling, and validation of analytical results. This innovative, repeatable approach sets a national precedent for cost-effective PFAS remediation and regulatory compliance.

Leading the charge in post-wildfire environmental recovery
Won by: ArchTam and ECC for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Award: EBJ Industry Leadership – Post-Wildfire Rapid Environmental Recovery

After the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led a six-month recovery effort that cleared more than 12,000 parcels, enabling communities to rebuild while safely managing hazards such as asbestos, lead and lithium batteries without harming wildlife or cultural resources. The team’s custom mobile and GIS-enabled apps streamlined more than 27,000 biological and archaeological monitoring forms, reducing errors and accelerating clearance through real-time digital reporting. Working long hours, crews recovered artifacts and documented historic structures, preserving cultural heritage, while the program also provided hands-on training for recent graduates through mentorship with senior experts. This effort set a national standard for innovative, coordinated and resilience-focused disaster recovery.

Klamath Dam removal project
Won by: RES
Award: EBJ Project Merit – Large-Scale River Restoration

When four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River were deemed environmentally and economically unsustainable, a diverse coalition — led by Tribes — advanced the landmark 2016 Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, creating the Klamath River Renewal Corporation to deliver the largest dam removal project in history. The final dam came down in October 2024, and by fall 2025 over 10,000 Chinook salmon had returned to the upper basin. The project restored habitat, reconnected floodplains, improved tribal subsistence resources, created public access to world‑class whitewater, and will return 2,000 acres to the Shasta Indian Nation. ArchTam facilitated federal cultural resource compliance, protected cultural sites, and supported listing part of Kikacéki on the National Register.

Climate Change Business Journal awards

Innovating energy and carbon management for the world’s largest chemical company
Won by: ArchTam and BASF
Award: CCBJ Consulting & Engineering – Sustainability Target Architecture Solution Implementation

ArchTam partnered with BASF to deliver a global energy and carbon management solution that provides transparent, asset‑management GHG estimation to support Product Carbon Footprints. Using BASF’s STArS architecture for data collection on Enablon, ArchTam created a scalable, assurance-ready approach to automize data collection for CO2 emissions that can be rapidly deployed plant by plant. Three proof-of‑concept sites validated the method, enabling expansion across 550 plants worldwide, including Ludwigshafen, Germany. The solution automates significant parts of the data collection for GHG reporting, supports sustainable product design, reduces energy use and lowers operating costs. By combining advanced technology with strategic consulting, ArchTam helped BASF to significantly increase efficiency in the processes and transform complex environmental data into actionable insights.

Building Brazil’s carbon future: A transformative national carbon certification program
Won by: ArchTam, BNDES, Bradesco Bank and Ecogreen Fund
Award: CCBJ Consulting & Engineering – Carbon Certification Program for Brazil

ECORA is a national carbon credit certification program positioned to become a reference for Brazil and the Global South, strengthening trust and transparency while enabling market-wide growth. Structured through ArchTam’s advisory program and formally launched in partnership with BNDES, Bradesco and the Ecogreen Fund at COP30, it enhances security and scalability in a sector that must grow 400 percent by 2030. Integrated with the Conservare Digital Platform, ECORA digitizes the full credit generation lifecycle — from feasibility to retirement — using geospatial analytics, predictive modeling and automated traceability. The solution reduces transaction costs, accelerates certification, and aligns methodologies and safeguards with Brazil’s diverse biomes, regulatory frameworks and socioenvironmental realities. By delivering high-integrity, locally tailored certification and expanding market access, ECORA attracts global investment and supports Brazil’s low carbon transition, demonstrating ArchTam’s leadership in scaling climate solutions.

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Jasmin Mejia is Environmental Market Leader for Surface Transportation in the San Francisco Bay Area.

She brings a distinctive blend of environmental knowledge, regulatory insight and strategic leadership to deliver transformative projects. Her background in water quality compliance and environmental consulting has earned a strong reputation for guiding complex, multi-agency efforts that enhance resilience and advance multimodal connectivity. Her commitment to community well-being shines through in every project, driving solutions that enhance mobility, improve accessibility, and create lasting benefits for people and neighborhoods.

Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey.

Spending summers in the Dominican Republic, some of my most cherished memories are hiking through lush trails with my grandfather. Those experiences taught me to value the beauty of natural spaces and the sense of connection they create. In high school, an environmental science class opened my eyes to something even bigger: how deeply our lives are interconnected and how infrastructure shapes communities. That realization became the foundation for my education and career.

I knew I wanted to work at the intersection of policy, regulation and environmental science. I earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental management and protection, and a minor in city and regional planning from the California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. My career began at the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, where I reviewed CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) and NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) documents from a water quality perspective and processed water quality certifications. From there, I transitioned into environmental consulting, gaining a deep understanding of multidisciplinary collaboration and its role in shaping resilient, sustainable communities.

I now have the privilege of leading the environmental team and partnering closely with transportation partners to deliver projects that meet client needs and serve communities. As environmental market leader for surface transportation, that spirit of teamwork allows us to connect environmental planning with transportation solutions, helping clients achieve their goals and creating infrastructure that helps local and regional communities move and thrive.

Talk to us about a project that has been a major highlight of your career.

One of the most impactful projects I have managed was the State Route 37 Flood Reduction Project, an environmental adaptation for a vital Bay Area corridor in Marin County that connects several counties in the area. The goal was to adapt the roadway to projected sea-level rise and to improve resilience against flooding and extreme weather. This corridor is critical for commuters and for access to the wine region, contributing over US$1 billion to the local economy. Yet repeated closures from flooding have become more frequent and severe.

The project raised the roadway and added a new bridge to maintain connectivity during winter storms and flooding. What makes this project meaningful to me is its dual benefit: while improving transportation reliability, the design also enhances hydrologic connectivity, supporting wetland restoration and biological resources. It’s a clear example of how infrastructure can protect communities and the environment simultaneously.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing how transportation projects improve lives.  By redesigning interchanges and improving access, we’ve transformed corridors into safer, more connected streets where walking, biking and driving are inviting for everyone. These improvements strengthen communities by ensuring continued access to jobs, healthcare and education while reducing environmental impacts through thoughtful design.

Community engagement is central to this process. We use digital stakeholder engagement tools like PlanEngage to make participation easier and make it more inclusive. It allows residents to review documents and share feedback online, reducing paper use and carbon footprint while offering translation features for diverse communities. These practices ensure transparency and give people a voice in shaping projects that affect their daily lives.

Share a piece of career advice.

Investing in your professional community is one of the best ways to grow your career. Surround yourself with inspiring people and stay engaged with industry groups like the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) — not just to find mentors, but to become one. Each stage of your career offers chances to learn from different perspectives, and those diverse views make us stronger, more adaptable and more innovative. Say “yes” to new experiences; each one broadens your skills and shapes your future path.

Above all, lead with kindness. That principle has guided my journey, including a decade on the WTS SF Bay Area board and a recent two-year term as chapter president. Ultimately, this work is about building meaningful connections and contributing to a community that supports and uplifts the next generation of leaders.

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For Natalie Brodie, archaeology has always been her path. What began as an early passion, evolved into a leadership role guiding cultural resources efforts across California. Her work is driven by a deep respect for the state’s heritage and a commitment to helping communities progress responsibly.

Tell us a bit about yourself — your role and career journey.

I joined ArchTam in 2020, bringing more than 24 years of consulting experience. Today, I serve as the Cultural Resources Lead for California, overseeing teams across both Northern and Southern California. Stepping into this leadership role has been especially rewarding, offering the chance to support others as they grow, succeed and shape meaningful careers.

My path to archaeology began early. I knew I wanted to be an archaeologist by the time I was 12, even if I didn’t yet know how to turn that passion into a profession. I started my undergraduate studies at University of California (UC) Santa Cruz as a biology major, but once I transitioned into applied anthropology and archaeology and transferred to UC San Diego (UCSD), everything fell into place.

A field school in San Diego County, sponsored by a local consulting firm and UCSD, provided hands‑on experience in excavation and data collection and led directly to my first job in the field. After spending about a decade as a field archaeologist, I earned my graduate degree in applied anthropology from San Diego State University, which supported my transition into project management and leadership roles. Discovering my place in this profession and growing into a role where I can lead and support teams statewide has been an exciting journey.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on was providing cultural resources compliance support following the debris removal efforts after the Los Angeles wildfires. I served as the Principal Investigator on the project. Our team was working seven days a week, coordinating archaeologists, architectural historians and construction crews as debris was removed from more than 12,000 home sites.

There were areas, particularly in the Palisades, with very high archaeological sensitivity due to thousands of years of human occupation. We documented previously recorded sites, gathered photographs and detailed notes, and collected as much information as we could under challenging conditions. While I didn’t meet most of the individual homeowners, knowing our work helped people take the next step in recovery was incredibly meaningful.

How does California’s unique culture and character influence your approach to your work?

California is a truly special place, environmentally, culturally and historically. The state’s rigorous regulations, particularly under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act), reflect a shared commitment to recognizing and protecting what makes these resources meaningful.

A large part of my role is education, helping clients understand which cultural resources are important and how we can protect them while still achieving project goals. That starts with understanding our clients’ priorities and the communities they serve, then working together to find solutions.

Sometimes that means design adjustments to minimize impacts. Other times, it means acknowledging when a significant resource requires a pause and a different approach. Either way, the goal is thoughtful, responsible progress.

Talk to us about a project that has been a highlight of your career.

One project that really stands out for me was an excavation in southern San Diego County near the border with Mexico at a known archaeological site. What made this project special was that it gave our team the chance to add something entirely new to the archaeological record, which doesn’t happen every day.

As part of additional surveys required by the county, we conducted protein residue analysis and uncovered evidence of freshwater fish, specifically trout, in an area that today is dry, rugged and not at all what you’d expect. There’s very little evidence of freshwater fish in San Diego County’s archaeological record, so this discovery helped fill in a missing piece of how people lived, what they ate, and how they adapted to their environment thousands of years ago.

Finding something that genuinely expands what we know about a region is incredibly exciting. It’s one of those moments where you realize cultural resources work isn’t just about compliance, it’s about discovery.

At the same time, I’m equally proud of the everyday infrastructure work we do for major clients like Caltrans, where cultural resources play a critical role in shaping projects that support the future. Initiatives like roadway improvements, wildlife corridors and broadband installation may seem routine, but they are essential to community progress. One example is the statewide Middle Mile Broadband Project with Caltrans, which is bringing high‑speed internet access to rural roadways and communities across California.

By expanding connectivity in underserved areas, the Middle Mile Broadband Project helps create opportunity and positions communities for long‑term growth, resilience and better access to essential services. Our team supports this effort by working closely with designers to avoid impacts to cultural resources while keeping these critical projects moving forward.

Share a piece of career advice.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of being your own advocate. Early in my career, I waited for others to notice my skills and accomplishments. I eventually realized how much more effective it is to speak up, highlight your work, and advocate not only for yourself, but for your team.

Today, I make a point to advocate for the people I work with and ensure their contributions are visible. As a leader, I’m always looking for someone who could one day take my job.

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Dillon Lennebacker brings a powerful blend of environmental planning expertise, regulatory insight, and project leadership to his role as Environmental Project Manager and Planner specializing in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) impact analysis and regulatory permitting for projects across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dillon’s work spans transportation and wetland restoration projects, including serving as environmental lead on the multi-benefit State Route 37 Sears Point to Mare Island Improvement Project that includes Strip Marsh East Enhancement, and supporting the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) through environmental on-call contracts as Contract Manager and Technical Lead. From the largest tidal wetland restoration on the West Coast, the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration, to the Bay Bridge replacement, Dillon’s focus is on delivering projects that strengthen the connection between communities and the environment they call home, now and for generations to come.

Tell us a bit about yourself — your role and career journey.

My journey began with a love for Bay Area landscapes, an interest in environmental law, contributing to improving our perspective to better incorporate resource protection into infrastructure projects that was sparked by a book, Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner, and studying environmental planning with a focus on conservation and restoration at Sonoma State University. The exposure this gave me to coastal prairie, shoreline, grassland, and coastal forest habitats sparked my passion for balancing development with environmental stewardship.

My first major project with ArchTam — the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge replacement — gave me invaluable experience in regulatory permitting and collaboration with stakeholders and environmental agencies. This work showed me that I excel at addressing challenges that lie at the intersection of infrastructure and ecology. Since then, I have led CEQA and NEPA analyses and managed transportation and utility projects across the Bay, overseeing permitting for restoration projects like the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration and the Bradmoor and Arnold Restoration Projects in Suisun Marsh, and worked closely with agencies to deliver projects that protect the Bay while supporting community needs.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of my proudest contributions was helping transform the remnants of the old east span of the Bay Bridge into a public asset. Our team partnered with landscape architects to design public access features that invite people onto the remaining piers, creating spaces where visitors can walk out over the water and experience the Bay up close. We added interpretive signage to share the bridge’s history and its role in connecting communities. For many residents, especially in Oakland and East Bay Area, where industrial development limits shoreline access, these spaces offer a rare and meaningful connection to the Bay.  This design is dedicated entirely to the public, linking past and present while opening new opportunities to enjoy the incredible resource that is the San Francisco Bay.

Talk to us about a project that has been a major highlight of your career.

One of the most exciting projects is one I’m working on now — the State Route 37 Sears Point to Mare Island Improvement Project (SR 37 SPMIIP). This effort strikes a rare balance between transportation improvements and wetland restoration — two priorities that often compete for space and resources and two specialties that I have focused my career on, so it is a unique opportunity to apply the full breadth of my knowledge to support our client.

The State Route 37 corridor faces significant congestion and flooding challenges, and our solution integrates the congestion relief required by roadway users while enhancing sensitive habitats. It’s an opportunity to apply lessons I’ve learned from extensive experience in transportation projects and tidal marsh restoration projects across the San Francisco Bay Area and Suisun Marsh, bringing together transportation access and ecological restoration in one design.

How does the unique culture and character of the Bay Area influence your approach?

Living and working in the Bay Area has shaped my approach to every project. This region’s culture values innovation, environmental stewardship and community access, and that perspective drives how I plan and deliver projects. For me, the Bay has always felt like home. After moving to Santa Cruz in high school and later settling with my family in the East Bay, I developed a deep appreciation for its unique character and the responsibility we share to protect its beautiful landscapes while supporting thriving communities.

The Bay Area’s identity is deeply tied to its environment, so every project invites consideration of those valued resources, and challenges project proponents to ask: How can we do this better than before? That means embracing green infrastructure, avoiding and minimizing impacts first, and integrating habitat restoration wherever possible and appropriate. Transportation and utilities are essential for a thriving population, but so is a healthy Bay. My role is to help clients step back and see the big picture, finding solutions that meet project needs while contributing to the region’s ecological resilience.

Share a piece of career advice.

For those starting out, say yes to opportunities, even the ones outside your comfort zone. The path you think you want may not be where you end up, and that’s okay. Every experience builds your skillset and perspective and will lead you to where you truly want to be. Stay curious, stay adaptable and keep looking for ways to make a positive impact.

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