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.

Record investment is reshaping data center delivery

The momentum behind AI data center development continues to accelerate. Big Tech has announced plans to invest an estimated US$660 billion in AI and data center construction in 2026 alone. To put that figure into perspective, the combined annual spend of just four major technology companies now rivals the gross domestic product of countries such as Sweden or Argentina.

With this unprecedented scale of investment, the challenge of delivering data centers on time and on budget is becoming more complex. Access to reliable baseload energy, availability of land with viable power connections, planning approvals and rising local community opposition are all emerging as binding constraints. Against this backdrop, the traditional approach to delivery — siloed optimization of individual projects — is under strain. A different market model may be requisite, one that places greater emphasis on partnerships to build capability, share risk and manage uncertainty.

From project delivery to system‑level risk

As the scale and complexity of data center development increases, the core question is no longer whether the market can build fast enough, but whether existing delivery models are fit for a system defined by long‑term power uncertainty, regulatory volatility and growing community scrutiny. In this context, partnerships and alliances are becoming essential — not simply to accelerate delivery, but to enable the deliberate allocation of technical, financial and regulatory risk across parties over the full life of the asset.

Power uncertainty and the growing risk of stranded assets

In conversations with clients across the value chain, market risk increasingly dominates the discussion, and one theme that surfaces repeatedly is the risk of stranded assets. Data centers and associated infrastructure are often designed for a 30+ year lifespan, yet they are being built amidst significant uncertainty around long-term power demand. Transformational technology shifts, including advances in computing efficiency and the potential emergence of quantum computing, could materially alter future power requirements, challenging the assumptions underpinning today’s capital investment decisions. Regulatory volatility, driven by political change over relatively short cycles, adds another layer of risk to long-term planning. These uncertainties are forcing developers, utilities and capital providers to reconsider whether traditional, single‑party delivery models can adequately manage risk over multi‑decade horizons.

Permitting complexity is now a critical path risk

Permitting is also emerging as a critical constraint on data center growth. There are three layers of approval: federal, state and local. While reform efforts are underway at the federal and state levels, the critical path — time-sensitive approvals that ultimately determine project timelines — increasingly run through local jurisdictions. Permits relating to air, water and energy can take years to secure, even in states with relatively accommodating regulatory frameworks. Many developers report that the complexity of local permitting and approvals can significantly shape project timelines, making close coordination with local authorities crucial for project delivery.

Community scrutiny and the importance of social licence

Alongside permitting, community stakeholder opposition is becoming more pronounced. Concerns around power prices, emissions, water demand and noise levels are prompting greater scrutiny of new developments. This reinforces the need for early, transparent and sustained engagement with local communities. For data center developers, articulating the tangible benefits a project brings to a region — jobs, infrastructure investment and long-term economic value — is central to securing support and maintaining momentum.

Taken together, these pressures raise a fundamental question: what is the most effective way for companies to approach delivery in a rapidly evolving data center ecosystem? As illustrated by the breadth of participants working towards a common goal — from developers and hyperscalers to energy providers, utilities, municipalities, financiers and real estate owners — all parties must come together to share risk and expertise to deliver data centers to the scale that our current and future energy needs demand.

Why partnerships and alliances are becoming essential

Partnerships and alliances are becoming essential, but the nature of these partnerships is changing. The challenge is no longer collaboration for speed or efficiency alone; it is how technical, financial and regulatory risk is allocated across parties over the full life of the asset. Who carries which risks, and for how long, matters more than ever. Successful models will be those that identify natural synergies across the ecosystem and structure partnerships deliberately, with clear risk‑return logic and sufficient flexibility to adapt as market conditions evolve.

The executive takeaway is clear: data center delivery is no longer about optimizing individual projects. It is about structuring the right partnerships early to manage system-level risk across power, permitting, capital and community considerations over decades, not just delivery schedules measured in months.

The post The size of the prize is getting bigger and more complex: The case for partnerships in data center delivery 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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Chris’ career has found him leading multidisciplinary teams on technically challenging projects; substation upgrades, rail electrification, floating LNG facilities, and large-scale battery storage. He’s helped clients navigate complex technical, commercial and operational challenges. His specialty is delivering projects that are sustainable and fit for long-term operation, on time and on budget.

What’s your career journey, and why have you joined ArchTam?

I started my career in South Africa working on control systems for substations and interconnected networks. It gave me a solid technical grounding and an appreciation for how vital reliable power is. My career then took me across industries and continents, from consulting to software development, and to Australia, Korea, France and Japan.

Along the way, I’ve worked on everything from substation upgrades and rail electrification to floating LNG facilities and long-duration energy storage. The common thread has been problem-solving, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to deliver technically challenging, high-value projects.

What’s your approach to delivering successful projects?

For me, it comes down to three things: preparation, timing and people.

I’ve seen again and again that spending a bit more time upfront on planning saves significant construction time. Timing is everything. You can have a great design, but if you sequence things badly, costs and schedules blow out. Do the right things at the right time. And none of it works without the right team. Skilled, motivated people make the difference between a project that struggles and one that succeeds.

What are the non-negotiables of delivering major, complex projects?

• Know your client and key stakeholders’ drivers, challenges and needs.
• Start with the end in mind, focus on how the project will be commissioned and operated.
• Plan thoroughly upfront to reduce risk later.
• Sequence activities carefully to avoid cost overruns and delays.
• Build the right team of competent, motivated people. They will be the difference between success and failure.
• Communicate early and often to identify problems and work collaboratively to solve them.

What’s next for ArchTam’s Energy team in Western Australia?

The energy transition in Australia is moving fast. Our unique geography, scale and heavy industry reliance, especially in Western Australia, make it one of the most challenging markets in the world, but also one of the most rewarding to work in.

We can play a key role in helping clients decarbonise while keeping operations running, whether that’s renewables integration, transmission augmentation, or supporting the safe decommissioning of coal assets.

What makes ArchTam stand out?

Our ability to combine technical depth with delivery know-how. We’re not just advising; we’re helping clients make confident investment decisions and then turning those into reality. We also bring insights from across industries, transport, water and environment, which gives us a broader perspective.

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Kerim brings more than 25 years of experience, a calm and grounded leadership style, and an eye for innovation — whether it’s navigating policy shifts or solving first-of-a-kind technical challenges.

What drew you into the renewable energy and storage space?

As a physicist, I appreciate the mathematical beauty of engineering. The Maxwell equations, they’re elegant. That’s what drew me in. It might be a bit of a French thing too, you don’t just look for function, you look for beauty.

I’ve always been interested in the stability of large systems, the kind of technical questions that sit right at the edge of physics and engineering. I earned a doctorate in transient stability of large power systems, essentially, how you model and understand what happens to country size grid in the milliseconds after a disturbance.

Over time, I could see that the biggest questions in the energy space were shifting. It wasn’t just about how to make the grid work better, it was about how to make it work differently. Renewables and storage fundamentally change the behaviour of power systems. So I made a deliberate move into this field… and I haven’t looked back.

What do you think sets Australia apart when it comes to delivering renewable energy projects?

Australia sometimes gets underestimated, but we shouldn’t be. Australian engineers are incredibly adaptable, especially those with backgrounds in mining and infrastructure.

That’s maybe the part that gets misunderstood: we have the capability here to deliver complex systems at large scale. We just don’t always communicate about it.

And the other thing? Scale.

In Australia, someone will say ‘we’re going to build a battery the size of an AFL field’ and no one blinks. In Europe, you’d spend ten years doing pilot projects first. Because of Australia’s mining experience, we’re used to building things fast, at massive scale, and just getting on with it and the issues as they emerge.

That kind of delivery mindset is powerful when you’re trying to lead the world in something.

How does ArchTam play into that strength?

At ArchTam, we have one of the strongest transmission and distribution teams in Australia and New Zealand, which is key, because battery storage isn’t just about the asset itself. It’s about how it integrates with the grid.

Not all the consultants have that deep capability. But we do, and we’ve proven it. Our work on Project EnergyConnect, VNI West and Central West Orana, shows the scale and complexity we can handle when integrating major transmission assets to the grid.

What excites you most about the future of energy?

To me, it’s simple, we’re about to rewrite the operating manual for the power grids.

For 200 years, power systems were built around rotating machines. Now, with renewables and storage, we’re entering the age of power electronics. It’s a completely different way of managing power, at a different time scale, and we get to help write the new rules.

It means rethinking everything, how we model systems, how we ensure stability, how we respond in milliseconds to change.

What advice would you give to young engineers entering the field?

First principles. Always.

You’ve got to be able to trace things back to the physics and the maths. You have to remember equations you studied, even if it was 25 years ago.

So learn it properly. And more importantly, remember it. That foundational knowledge will carry you a long way.

And finally, what do you do to recharge outside of work?

Cycling. I love getting out on the bike, but you won’t find any photos of me on Strava. I am old school and I don’t take my phone. It’s just about being in the moment. Same with engineering, sometimes you’ve got to put the distractions down and just focus on the road ahead.

I started riding in Tunisia, and in Grenoble where cycling is a big part of the culture. One of my favourite classic rides is Grenoble to Gap in the Alps, with decent elevation.

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Pumped storage: Europe’s renewable battery

Europe increasingly relies on wind and solar power, but their intermittent nature brings significant challenges. A proven solution lies in pumped storage hydropower — a mature technology that effectively acts as a massive, rechargeable battery. PSH stores excess renewable energy by pumping water uphill, releasing it to generate electricity exactly when it’s needed, providing reliable, flexible power on demand.

Currently, Europe has around 55 gigawatts of pumped storage capacity. Yet, according to the Outlook, we must more than double this capacity by 2050 to reliably support the EU’s energy transition and achieve net zero (p. 24).

Tackling Europe’s ageing hydropower infrastructure

Europe faces an urgent infrastructure challenge: nearly 70 percent of our pumped storage facilities are over 40 years old. These ageing plants need significant modernisation to remain efficient and safe (p. 22). Upgrading existing facilities offers a practical, cost-effective, and rapid route to increasing renewable storage capacity compared to building entirely new plants.

This need for modernisation is also a chance to introduce digital technologies — such as artificial intelligence, more sophisticated predictive maintenance and improved remote monitoring — to boost operational efficiency and minimise down time.

Barriers to new pumped storage development

Despite strong support from developers and grid operators, Europe’s progress on new pumped storage hydropower projects remains slower than desired. High upfront investment — typically exceeding £1 billion per gigawatt of installed capacity — can discourage potential investors. Complex permitting processes, lengthy project timelines, construction risks, and limited availability of specialist contractors and equipment also hold back development.

The Outlook contrasts Europe’s slower pace with the rapid pumped storage growth seen in countries with centralised economies, such as China. However, positive policy changes are emerging. For instance, the UK’s introduction of a ‘cap and floor’ financial model seeks to strike a balance by giving investors greater certainty, while ensuring affordability for consumers and taxpayers.

Addressing these barriers will be crucial if Europe is to fully harness pumped storage’s potential for a secure, renewable energy future.

Sustainability is non-negotiable

The Outlook emphasises that Europe’s pumped storage expansion must prioritise sustainability. In a region where environmental regulations and public expectations are high, careful planning, rigorous environmental assessments, and meaningful engagement with local communities are crucial.

Digital innovation powering progress

Europe is uniquely placed to lead in hydropower digitalisation. The Outlook underscores the transformative impact of digital solutions on pumped storage facilities (p. 46). Digitalisation doesn’t just make pumped storage operations more efficient — it significantly reduces environmental impacts and operational costs.

The question is pace

Across Europe, the need for grid-scale storage is widely recognised. The challenge isn’t awareness — it’s action. Governments and energy providers understand that without substantial investment in pumped storage, the transition to a low-carbon energy system won’t be achievable or reliable. The real question now is how quickly we can deliver the infrastructure needed to support it.

At ArchTam, we’re committed to supporting this important transition. With our global expertise and local knowledge, combined with a focus on sustainability and innovation, we’re ready to help Europe accelerate the rollout of pumped storage.

Explore the full 2025 World Hydropower Outlook here.

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Kelly has worked in the environmental field for more than 20 years. As Director of Environment and TechEx Lead (Environment + Energy) for Australia and New Zealand, she drives business growth, technical leadership and capability development across the region.

Kelly’s work spans complex State Significant Infrastructure, international environmental and social assessments, and project governance roles. She’s played a key role in establishing feasibility and securing environmental approvals for some of Australasia’s largest infrastructure projects, including WestConnex (M4 East and M4–M5 Link) in Sydney and the Purari Hydropower Project in Papua New Guinea.

Known for her people-driven leadership, Kelly brings a clear, outcomes-focused approach with strengths in stakeholder engagement, project directorship and aligning environmental performance with our clients’ broader infrastructure goals.  

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I grew up in the 1980s during a time where environmental awareness was growing and the plight to protect our ocean mammals inspired a generation. My sustainability values formed by this exposure at a formative age, combined with frequent opportunities to spend time in nature, with my grandparents and wider family who were all gardeners and spoke fondly of these values.

I was lucky enough to spend my childhood visiting Oatley Regional Park, which contains 45 hectares of Sydney’s prime bushlands, 310 plants species and 107 bird species. The opportunity to study this biology and be part of protecting it was ultimately what drove me to make a career for myself in environmental consulting at a time when it was only burgeoning.

I started out as an ecologist, and early in my career developed a broad base of experience in smaller town planning and environmental consultancies. I’ve taken opportunities to gain experience in the full gamut of disciplines, from noise and air monitoring, koala surveys, water treatment, impact assessments, master-planning, project management, expert witness reporting, permitting, detailed design development and construction management. My ‘say yes’ mindset allowed for rapid growth in diverse skills and associated responsibility.

Having such a broad experience-base led me to realise that where I could make a material difference was by bringing an ‘ecosystem mindset’ to early phase project definition, connecting and collaborating with clients and in-house designers at an organisation like ArchTam.

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

My favourite types of projects overall are those where I can work collaboratively in shaping the project with a client. One that stands out was my role as the Australian Environmental Lead for the Purari Hydropower Project, a pre-feasibility project for a hydropower plant in Papua New Guinea (PNG). We assessed the potential to send power by cable from PNG and through a 1,300kilometre high-voltage transmission line to Far North Queensland (FNQ), Australia.

I collaborated closely with clients including EDF, Origin Energy and PNG Energy Developments Ltd, and ArchTam’s trans-Tasman team. The feasibility project focused on identifying, evaluating and refining high-voltage transmission corridor and route options across remote Pacific island regions. This involved navigating challenging terrain, including large, dense rainforests and wild rivers.

I coordinated our team’s reconnaissance mission by light aircraft over the Torres Strait Islands and Far North Queensland — an unforgettable career highlight. We conducted fieldwork and extensive GIS mapping to inform the design and multi-jurisdictional planning approval pathways of the project, to meet World Bank Sustainable Development Principles and Australian Commonwealth standards. We also conducted extensive in-country social mapping, including Indigenous and stakeholder consultations in both FNQ and PNG. These insights directly informed the development of stakeholder engagement strategies and Indigenous Land Use Agreement planning for future stages of this multinational energy transition project.

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

As Environment Lead, I oversaw the construction of a 17-kilometre desalination pipeline project through urban and contaminated areas, and across Botany Bay. This project delivered significant community benefits, most notably enhancing Sydney’s drinking water security during drought.

We engaged the community extensively during this project and embedded the local benefits we identified during this engagement. These benefits included the creation of a parkland on the shores of Botany Bay, adding beach accessibility platforms in the suburb of Kurnell and including public art along the pipeline route. Through our environment-led design approach, we successfully avoided adverse environmental and community impacts, while restoring native vegetation in the corridor adjacent to the nearby RAMSAR wetlands.

Our alliance that designed, permitted and delivered this project over a three-year period won several design and construction awards for our work.

Share a piece of career advice.

Say yes. Take on the less glamorous tasks and problematic projects, be collaborative and complete them well. You’ll reap the opportunities and choices that flow from this.

Don’t go dark on clients or your internal peers, especially if you have a delay or issue, get in front of it and show you’re acting fast to resolve it.

As you progress in your career, look for opportunities for your team and elevate their profiles in your networks, use your local, regional or global platform.

Lastly, stay curious, and think broadly about who else you can bring in to your team to solve your clients’ complex issues.

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