Future Ready Features: Energy Transition Edition

Taking energy evolution forward to accelerate the path to an energy-secure future.

Power for the people…and the people have spoken

Recently, Americans told us what they want from their energy grid, and we listened:

• Affordability: 81 percent of those polled are concerned about cost of energy, but also…
• Modernization: 79 percent are concerned about the aging infrastructure of the U.S. electric grid, which leads to…
• Reliability: 61 percent said they would pay more if it meant building a more resilient energy system.

Importantly, they also say they understand the climate impacts of fossil fuels (67 percent) and want to learn more about plans for the energy transition in their community (80 percent).

As you can see, there’s a lot to unpack. Get started with WSP’s “Pulse on Energy Report: U.S. Public Perspectives on Our Energy Future.”

With hydrogen, blue is the key to green

Imagine a future where America’s factories operate with clear skies above, with a bit of water vapor the only byproduct emitted from their smokestack. Hydrogen has the power to help deliver a clean energy future. But there are a few key considerations to unlocking its potential, starting with clean blue water.

While green hydrogen production consumes less than half that of coal or nuclear electricity production to produce the same amount of energy, high purity water is essential for electrolysis, the molecule-splitting process that produces the sustainable fuel.

So, providers must first consider the availability and quality of the water supply.

• Source: Conventional sources include fresh surface water, brackish groundwater and seawater, but using recycled water from nonconventional sources, such as industrial effluents and treated wastewater, may be necessary when siting a facility in arid regions.
• Treatment: The water quality may require extensive treatment — especially from unconventional sources — to meet the requirements of electrolysis, and advanced brine minimization technologies may be required.
• Brine Disposal: Like any water treatment plant designed to remove salts to produce high purity water, a concentrated brine stream will be produced. An important factor will be siting the facility in a location that offers inexpensive brine disposal options.

These and other factors, such as proximity to renewable energy sources and distribution logistics, will drive green hydrogen decision making.

Dig deeper.

A retro refresh

The federal blueprint to decarbonize America’s building sector aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 65 percent by 2035.

Many older buildings may be full of character and history but lack sustainability, especially given the average age of commercial buildings across the U.S. is about 53 years and organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council have only been influencing design since 1993.

Retro-commissioning is one way to help older buildings meet new green standards. Imagine a team of experts examining your building, letting you know what to keep and what to replace, all in the name of a more sustainable, healthier future. Essentially a makeover that turns an energy-guzzling building into an eco-friendly, green machine.

Oh, and it provides an average energy savings of 15 percent annually.

Learn why, with retro-commissioning, older buildings never have to go out of style.

On the bus to zero emissions

Where we are:

• Buses in the U.S. account for nearly half of all public transit ridership with an annual ridership around 3 billion.
• Most of these buses, unfortunately, are powered by fossil fuels, which contributes to the transportation sector being the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
• In 2021, nearly 45 percent of the more than 62,000 buses in service in the U.S., were operated by the top 25 largest public transit agencies.

Where we’re going:

• 13 of those top 25 public transit agencies have taken the bold step of establishing mandates for a full fleet transition to zero emissions busses.
• Those fleets account for 34 percent of all buses nationwide.
• Target years range between 2030 to 2050, showcasing both the urgency and the practical considerations different regions face in achieving sustainable transit.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) authorizes more than $30 billion for programs that have historically funded electric buses. Beyond addressing climate impacts, this is good news for anyone who cares about improving air quality and reducing asthma, respiratory and heart diseases, and developmental and cognitive problems linked to tailpipe emissions.

All this and much more in “The State of U.S. Transit Bus Zero Emission Transition” study.

Grants guidebook

With billions of dollars allocated in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support clean energy initiatives, it’s a new era for accelerating the energy transition — and the funding to make it happen.

Grant funding enhances the visibility of energy transition projects and signals an organization’s commitment to sustainability, which attract additional investments and fosters partnerships that, in turn, increase the overall effectiveness of the energy transition.

Success hinges on understanding requirements and successfully navigating the complex application landscape. Having a knowledgeable guide to position worthy projects for success — is what often separates successful applications for award.

Here are four strategies for successfully securing funding.