Power & Renewable Energy

News and Insights

How AI data centers are reshaping the energy grid and what developers can do to get ahead of it

 

As the world embraces the rapid evolution of AI, the infrastructure behind it – data centers – has become a critical force shaping power demand. Those involved in developing and operating these centers are witnessing firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with providing the amount of power required to sustain the required energy needs. We’re seeing this demand first-hand as we work with our clients developing data centers across the country.

From speed-driven development to navigating complex supply chains and regulatory obstacles, data centers are not just reshaping technology, but also rewriting the rules for energy demand and distribution.

The growing demand for power

Data centers, particularly those supporting AI systems, have triggered an unprecedented surge in energy demand that few foresaw even two years ago. This rapid growth in demand is outpacing the available power supply, creating significant bottlenecks for both the energy grid and data center developers.

One key reason for this mismatch is that many regions simply don’t have the infrastructure to handle such large-scale energy consumption. The challenge isn’t just securing enough power; it’s transporting that power to the data centers in a reliable and efficient manner.

Additionally, the power needed by data centers is not easily scalable within existing grids, causing delays in construction and operation timelines. Even when developers partner with utilities and other energy providers, the infrastructure upgrades required to handle these loads often take years, while demand is growing exponentially. This supply-and-demand imbalance is now a central concern in the energy and tech sectors, as the race to power AI-driven facilities intensifies.

Speed over cost: The pressure to deliver

Data centers are built with one goal in mind: getting operational as quickly as possible. Developers are relying on temporary generation (diesel or similar) to power buildings before they can get connected to the grid, and consultants with a suite of services can assist in guiding them through the process.

While this speed-to-market solution is not sustainable long-term, it allows data centers to come online quickly and start serving clients. These temporary measures reflect a broader trend in the industry, where the pressure to launch often outweighs the initial costs of development.

One of the major hurdles facing data centers is the availability of critical equipment. High-voltage electrical components – necessary for the massive energy demands of these centers – often have lead times of well over a year due to supply chain bottlenecks. This supply chain issue means that even when developers secure the necessary power, they may face delays in getting their data centers fully operational. As a result, many projects are being fast-tracked. Atwell is often leveraging national supplier relationships to ensure developers’ essential equipment arrives as quickly as possible. .

Delays in bringing a data center online can result in lost revenue opportunities, unserved demand, and weakened competitive positioning. Speed-to-market is crucial, and this collaborative effort is essential to meet customer demand, mitigate potential revenue loss, and ensure business continuity.

Self-generation and grid expansion

Given the challenges of sourcing power from the traditional grid, some developers are exploring alternative solutions. Self-generation of power – whether through natural gas or renewable sources – has become an increasingly viable option for data centers coming online quickly. Atwell can assist developers in identifying and implementing self-generation solutions by providing comprehensive site analysis and feasibility studies. Further, Atwell’s expertise in navigating regulatory approvals, interconnection support, and securing permits accelerates project timelines, helping developers bring energy solutions online more quickly.

Grid expansion remains a key focus for the long-term success of data centers. Developers are pushing for new transmission lines and infrastructure improvements to support the growing electricity demand. Working with public utilities and regulators, they are exploring ways to expand the grid without passing on the costs to local ratepayers. Atwell has the ability to do injection studies where we work with the utility provider to find an acceptable locations.

The sustainability question

While speed and efficiency are the primary drivers of data center development, sustainability is an increasingly important factor. Many developers are exploring ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their facilities, whether through renewable energy or improved efficiency measures. Federal incentives and tax credits are helping to make these initiatives more attractive, encouraging developers to incorporate green technologies into their plans.

The transition to sustainable energy sources is not without its challenges. Renewable energy projects take time to develop, and the supply chain constraints affecting traditional power infrastructure also impact green technologies. In the short term, many AI data centers will continue to rely on non-renewable power sources, such as diesel generators, until the grid can support their long-term sustainability goals.

Many developers are exploring ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their facilities through renewable energy and other measures. 

The road ahead

The future of data centers is inextricably linked to the evolution of the energy infrastructure that powers them. As demand continues to grow, it’s clear that the traditional grid alone cannot keep pace with the speed and scale required. This presents an urgent need for investment in grid expansion and modernization. Atwell is uniquely positioned to help developers navigate this dynamic landscape by providing the expertise needed to accelerate project timelines and secure reliable energy solutions.

As we move forward, the challenge will be in striking a balance between immediate power needs and long-term sustainability goals. The AI-driven energy needs show no signs of slowing down, and the race to build energy infrastructure to support it is more critical than ever. With a deep understanding of both the technical and regulatory aspects of power and energy, Atwell is committed to guiding our clients through this period of rapid transformation.

About the Author

Travis Bousquet

Director

With more than 30 years of experience, Travis oversees land development projects for various clients, from planning and design to entitlement and permitting. He is passionate about creating sustainable and innovative designs that enhance the communities and environments where we work.

About the Author

Scott Perrie

Director, Strategic Construction Solutions

With more than 20 years of specialized experience in the power and energy markets, Scott’s expertise includes designing renewable energy collector and substation systems, conducting power system studies, and managing underground and overhead distribution and transmission. He currently oversees various activities for the EPC team at Strategic Construction Solutions, including engineering, equipment procurement and providing technical support during construction. He has served as Lead Engineer for more than 2,000 MW of renewable energy projects across the US and Canada.

About the Author

Courtney Schmidt

Vice President

Courtney has managed and provided technical expertise to programmatic efforts across the country for over 22 years. She has passion and experience in building teams across geographies and disciplines, siting facilities, and managing development and operations activities for clients.

News and Insights

GIS Day 2025: Connecting the dots through GIS

 

GIS means connection. GIS (Geographic Information System) connects data by leveraging the spatial component of information, allowing for the integration, analysis, and visualization of diverse datasets to gain insights into geographic patterns and relationships. At Atwell, our projects rely on data, and we use GIS to collect and manage the data so we can interpret it and keep our clients informed in real-time.

GIS gives us the ability to manage multiple layers of data collection from both the natural environment – such as water courses, water bodies, wetlands, and species – to the built environment – such as buildings, roads, solar, wind, transmission – and more, within the same system. We can leverage whatever combination of data gathered from the field, mined online, or other product data and display it all on top of each other to help inform decisions.

Our team of GIS experts provides both internal support to our teams and external support directly to our clients. Whether we’re supporting our land development, natural resources, or our environmental clients, our GIS team is working to ensure their data reflects the most up-to-date and accurate numbers to minimize risk and maximize opportunities for our clients.

This year’s GIS Day theme highlights how GIS technology has changed the way we perceive, navigate, and shape our world. It shows how combining human creativity with technology helps us discover hidden trends, support sustainable growth, and make smarter decisions using the power of location data. We’ve used ArcGIS StoryMaps to highlight the evolution of GIS, Atwell’s GIS team, and the GIS trends you can expect in 2025 and beyond.

About the Author

Lauren Federsel

Associate Director

Lauren Federsel is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professional with over 25 years of geospatial experience. She has multiple levels of experience in GIS Management which includes long-term geospatial visioning and strategic planning to keep companies on the forefront of digital technologies.

News and Insights

The power of early and thoughtful community engagement: Reducing risks for developers and community members

 

Danielle Peoples is a Project Director for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Atwell. Danielle has a passion for community engagement and getting “boots on the ground” as soon as possible to immerse her team in a community’s priorities and sentiments. In this blog, Danielle shares why it is essential to prioritize community engagement and that while there are best practices, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Years ago, I started using a downhome phrase within my project teams that I still pull out today: Follow the Mama Rule. It’s my light-hearted way to encourage team members to slow down and think about the people and places that will be impacted by a project. By thinking about the figurative “Mama” of the community, we can try to empathize about what Mama would want to know:

  1. Tell her the plan and get her thoughts.
  2. If the plan changes, give Mama the update and explanation.
  3. And, importantly, clean up our mess when we’re done and share appreciation for the support.

In our work, the communities we’re connecting with are “Mama”—we want them to know what’s going on, support the process, and keep them informed along the way.

Start early, stay engaged

I’ve never heard the sentiment from a project team that they started community engagement too early; I have heard them commiserate that they started too late. Because the risks and opportunities with community engagement have the potential to make or break a project, it’s ideal to start the community and stakeholder research at the very beginning of a project. Early engagement lays the groundwork for trust, support, long-term benefits, and community-led insights to avoid surprise complications.

Time and again, we’ve seen how this early investment pays dividends over the long-term as stakeholders have a clearer view of the intention and community members feel included in the success of the project. Bringing the community through the evolution and decisions for the project contributes to the trust and inclusion that community members feel.

Research the community thoroughly

With our clients, we often start our scope with community and stakeholder research. This involves seeking to understand the community’s history and current priorities, to identifying community members who are likely to have an influence on people’s attitudes toward the project. Recognizing the decision-makers who can impact the success and timeline for the project’s development is also a vital part of this process. This is the foundational information that helps us design an informed communications and engagement plan with our clients.

How, then, do we go about researching these communities to understand their values, their priorities, and their opinions? We use a two-fold approach to do our research: 1) Desktop research of available public information, and 2) Site visits along with information gathering interviews.

Desktop research involves reading news articles and local history publications, reviewing local government meetings and changes to ordinances and regulations, and reviewing other development and infrastructure projects for benchmarking. We seek to connect the dots with this information to anticipate how synchronizing our communications and initial outreach could build support and meaningful community benefits.

An important part of this research phase is to take the time to go look and go see the community. I remember trying to anticipate traffic concerns that could stem from a project. During a site visit, we realized a large industrial site was already sending dozens of trucks down the same route to the highway. The situational awareness showed that we took the time to understand what was already happening in the community and how our project was part of a much broader experience for stakeholders.

This is also a time to have low-risk, information-gathering conversations with key stakeholders like local government staff, economic developers, and supportive landowners to validate impressions and observations. This is where we identify and begin to manage potential risks and introduce ourselves as people beyond a project name and company logo.

A dynamic, engaging plan is better than a “perfect” plan

I’ve observed a tendency over the years for teams to want to have all the details figured out and questions answered before introducing a project to the community. While the first impression is very important, inviting people to be part of the process of deciding and refining the project is true engagement. Introducing the project and telling the story of why the project is desired is more memorable than all the design details initially. And it can feel somewhat adversarial if people don’t feel like there was an opportunity to give feedback or weigh in on options.

Community-specific tactics that match how people like to receive and share information should be aligned with project milestones and can include one-on-one meetings, group presentations, community meetings and events, fact sheets, visual simulations and tours, and websites. This is another opportunity to invite people to share early on how they’d like to be engaged throughout the project.

Perfection of all the answers you think you should have for the project introduction is not as important as a demonstrated ability to engage with community members, listen and hear their concerns, and respond in a timely manner. As project timelines and expectations are better informed with feedback, the engagement strategy should be updated and discussed amongst the project team dynamically to reflect this.

When we suggest stakeholders should be made aware of changes, that especially includes the community. Trust is broken more easily than it is built, and if the trust of a community is broken due to lack of communication, the risks to long-term success will only increase.

Consistency and proactivity benefits everyone

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that something as simple as showing up consistently with the same people, the same faces, and being timely in responses can make all the difference. This consistency doesn’t just apply to the initial days, either. Honoring commitments made through construction and operation helps not only the project reputation but all developers, current and future.

Proactive messaging also allows the client to determine and set the project narrative. If a developer assumes they should wait to speak about the project until they have all permits approved and in hand, it creates a void. That void can be easily filled by detractors, allowing them to step in and create a negative narrative about the project. That is obviously not ideal and can cause communication to suddenly become reactive.

Ultimately, community engagement is more than a nice add on – it is crucial to project success. A well-engaged community leads to smoother project approvals and sticking to the scope, schedule, and budget for our clients.

Connect with Danielle to discuss further how Atwell can support your efforts to follow the “Mama Rule” with thorough research, development, and coordination of communications and stakeholder engagement plans for your projects.  

About the Author

Danielle Peoples

Project Director for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Danielle Peoples is the Project Director for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement. She has more than 13 years of industry experience in strategic engagement, change management, communications, and crisis responses. She is passionate about community engagement and giving back to her community.

News and Insights

Atwell team supports Hurricane Helene and Milton recovery efforts

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm on the panhandle of Florida. Just two weeks later, while the state was still recovering, Hurricane Milton came ashore as a Category 3 near Siesta Key, and pummeled Central Florida with catastrophic rain, storm surge and 100 mph wind gusts. The system knocked out power to more than 3 million customers.   As the storm progressed and the sun rose to reveal the true impact, Wesley Bernal, Associate Director on Atwell’s Power Distribution team, and Tyler Van Veghel, Design Lead Manager on Atwell’s Power Distribution team, were on their way to Daytona to help with the recovery efforts.

Working from sunup until sundown, Wesley and Tyler took on the role of project leads to disseminate lineman across the Daytona and Flagler communities to get neighborhoods back up and running. Organized by Florida Power and Light, Tyler and Wesley led teams made up of linemen from multiple companies. Despite the linemen coming from different organizations, they all had one united priority: getting people’s lives back to normal with power as soon as possible.

“It was clear from the moment we all started that the homeowners had a positive attitude and were grateful to see our trucks pull up,” explained Tyler. “We’d always extend our regrets for their situation, thank them for their patience, and let them know we were going to do everything we could to get them up and running as soon as possible.’”

Despite having his hands full with leading nine crews and ensuring that all tickets were delivered, Tyler’s determination for helping the community never wavered, and his team mirrored his sentiments. “No matter what time of day or how little sleep we all got, we all wanted to get as much work done as we could and bring a semblance of normalcy back to the area,” he affirmed.

The hurricane relief team provided their time and services to help bring power back to the Daytona area.

Both Wesley and Tyler emphasized the professionalism and safety exemplified by everyone involved. “We were able to get so much done because everyone was willing to work together, work safely, and help out wherever they could,” said Tyler. “I’ve assisted on multiple hurricane recovery efforts, but this experience was particularly impactful because of the impressive and dedicated linemen I was able to work with over the course of just a few days.”

Wesley described his time in Daytona as something akin to an adrenaline rush. “We were called in, hopped on a plane, worked seemingly around the clock, did as much as we could to get people back in power, then hopped on a plane right back out,” he said. “It’s a fast-paced and sometimes surreal experience, but the chance to go down and support recovery is always an immediate ‘yes’ for me. No one minds working 16 hours straight and doing the same thing repeatedly when we can see the reality of the desperation around us. People had been without power for four or more days, so being able to make such an obvious impact and provide relief is always worth it.”

Fallen trees and uprooted vegetation were the main damages in the Daytona and Flagler communities.

Fortunately, for the communities Wesley and Tyler were serving, the worst damage they witnessed were downed trees and vegetation in disarray. Their efforts and the work of everyone involved have brought a small but significant amount of relief to the area. We are proud of the initiative and commitment shown by Wesley, Tyler, and all the Atwell team members who went to Florida to help. We will continue to support affected communities however we can.

News and Insights

Election 2024: What it means for the energy industry and clients

 

By Jason Utton

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the energy industry faces a period of uncertainty, with the outcome poised to shape the future of domestic energy policy and international relations. Whether the next administration prioritizes renewable energy, fossil fuels, or energy infrastructure, its decisions will have profound implications for the industry’s direction and the country’s role in the global energy landscape.

Possible impacts to fossil fuels and deregulation

The speed and direction of the energy industry will depend heavily on the election’s outcome. If Donald Trump is re-elected, expect a shift toward policies that favor fossil fuels, deregulation, and a focus on U.S. energy independence. Trump has been a vocal critic of climate initiatives and would likely pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement once again, while also aiming to reverse efforts like the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) push for corporate climate risk reporting. His administration would likely backtrack on domestic climate goals, prioritizing economic growth over emissions reductions.

A key pillar of Trump’s energy plan would be to expand drilling locations for natural gas on federal land and lift restrictions on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. He is also expected to pursue heavy tariffs on imports, particularly energy-related imports, which could trigger a trade war with key international partners. While such tariffs could boost domestic production, they also pose risks of increasing consumer costs and long-term volatility, particularly if major energy exporters retaliate.

Despite Trump’s ambitions to reshape energy policy, any substantial legislative changes would require bipartisan support. Divided government remains the most likely scenario, with projections showing the GOP likely to benefit from a favorable 2024 Senate map, while Democrats are expected to regain a narrow majority in the House. Even if Republicans secure control of Congress, sweeping changes – like a full rollback of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) –would be difficult to achieve without cross-party compromise due to the slim governing margins.

The Inflation Reduction Act: Strong bipartisan roots

Certain provisions within the IRA, such as tax credits for carbon capture and storage (45Q), hydrogen production (45V), clean fuel production (45Z), and manufacturing incentives (45X and 48C), have bipartisan support, particularly in rural and industrial communities. For example, most wind farms and solar facilities are in Republican-leaning rural districts, where these initiatives have created jobs and economic benefits. These factors make a complete repeal of the IRA unlikely, even under a second Trump administration.

If Kamala Harris is elected, her administration would likely continue the current trajectory set by the Biden administration, focusing on expanding clean energy initiatives and strengthening the implementation of the IRA. The Harris administration would prioritize distributing IRA funds to local communities, supporting renewable energy projects, and promoting grid modernization. However, even if Democrats win a governing trifecta, enacting sweeping changes requiring congressional action would likely result from intraparty compromises.

In contrast, a Trump administration would focus on leveraging domestic energy resources, such as expanding drilling and natural gas production, while also emphasizing trade policies that protect U.S. energy industries. This approach could create tension with global trade partners, potentially limiting international energy cooperation, but it would prioritize the expansion of U.S. energy dominance. Balancing these domestic opportunities with the risk of international isolationism would be a central challenge for a second Trump term.

The role of Congress: Bipartisan challenges ahead

Regardless of who occupies the White House, the makeup of Congress will play a significant role in in shaping energy policy. Experts believe that policy changes requiring congressional approval will hinge on bipartisan negotiation, driven by narrow governing margins.

One of the most pressing fiscal issues in 2025 will be the expiration of several tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) – approximately $5 trillion in tax cuts passed by President Trump. Extending these cuts will require substantial revenue offsets, and some lawmakers may argue for repealing portions of the IRA to cover the costs. However, such a move could face strong opposition from both Democrats and Republicans who support the job-creating provisions in the IRA.

As energy infrastructure projects require long-term investments and planning, a cooperative bipartisan approach will be critical to ensure progress continues amid political transitions.

Grid modernization: A shared priority

One area where both parties may find common ground is the need for significant improvements to the nation’s aging power grid. Over 70% of the U.S. grid is older than 25 years old, and as renewable energy projects come online and electricity demands rise, modernizing the grid will be crucial to meeting future energy needs. Upgrades will require building new transmission infrastructure, expanding interconnection capacity, and ensuring that renewable energy can be delivered efficiently to customers.

The growing role of datacenters, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing will further drive electricity demand, adding urgency to the need for a more reliable and resilient grid. Both Republican and Democratic administrations recognize these challenges, and federal support will be essential to streamline permitting processes, fund large-scale infrastructure projects, and ensure grid stability in the years ahead.

Final thoughts

The 2024 presidential election is a key variable in determining the future of U.S. energy policy and its impact on both domestic markets and global geopolitics. Most projections suggest that divided government remains the most likely scenario, with narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Even if either party gains full control of the government, enacting sweeping changes to federal energy policy will be a challenge due to the complexities of the legislative process.

While the Trump administration would likely prioritize fossil fuel expansion and trade protectionism, and the Harris administration would focus on continuing clean energy investments, one thing is certain: energy policy will remain a central issue in U.S. political discourse. Regardless of which administration is in power, renewables and energy storage are expected to dominate the energy transition due to their lower costs and faster speed to market, positioning the U.S. as a leader in the global energy transformation.

About the Author

Jason Utton

Senior Vice President

Senior Vice President of Atwell’s Power Group, Jason Utton has been developing renewable energy projects for more than 17 years, with experience in wind, solar, and battery storage projects across the country. He currently provides large scale investment and development clients with business goal setting, renewable portfolio optimization, and capital deployment strategies.

News and Insights

3 considerations when looking for the right Land and Title partner

Identifying and purchasing the right parcel of land for a project can be the difference between a successful project or a drawn-out headache. When looking for and identifying a parcel of land to develop, there are several questions clients should ask themselves. For example: Who owns the land? Are there any additional burdens and/or encumbrances that will negatively affect the project, and can they be resolved? As a project developer, you may have an answer for the first question, but what about the second? Having the right Title Research, Land, and Right of Way team on the project is crucial for thoroughly reviewing the title and minimizing risks, while still being able to offer cost-effective solutions.

It’s critical for project success that thorough land title research is completed to provide holistic awareness and complete project risk understanding. Once thoroughly completed, it is imperative that this is effectively communicated to all parties involved. Here are three considerations when looking for your next title work partner:

 

1. Will the title work be completed by the contracted land team or with a third-party land service company?  

There are numerous benefits to partnering with a company offering full title research solutions from the project initiation. These benefits include lower project costs, shorter timelines for stages of completion, and earlier initiation of work. Whether it’s a surface title or mineral title, our team of experts at Atwell hits the ground running so you get results that are faster and more effective.

2. How many parties will be involved in communication?

Effective and thorough communication drives schedules and efficiencies of a project. When working with a company that provides full field services for a project—such as title services and land survey—there is true value in the reduced need for additional communication. When there are fewer voices involved in decision-making and movement, the project will simply move faster.

When title work is completed by the Atwell Land Solutions team, the client receives consistency and efficiency across departments as a byproduct of effective and timely communication. Any issues that may arise are identified and resolved immediately amongst team members, as opposed to traditional scenarios where questions or issues are addressed through lengthy email chains between third party land service company and the project team.

A critical component of a project is landowner engagement. Understanding and communicating landowner concerns or restrictions is a must for all field activities. The key goal with effective communication is to minimize progress delays and eliminate any landowner issues.

3. Who is identifying critical issues and solving them?

As a development project starts in the entitlement process, often times the client is not aware of any potential land encumbrances that may affect the project. Identifying these critical issues early in the project is imperative. Issues such as understanding the chain of title history, potential land restrictions, identifying underground encumbrances, and other interests that are tied to the piece of land in development are essential to understand early in the entitlement process. Atwell’s Title team has the knowledge and experience to identify these potential issues and communicate effectively to the client, the landowner, and the project team during the entitlement process.

Certain mortgages may also have language that prevents work from happening to the surface. Many components of that mortgage may need to be picked apart for language that could prevent the development. This is a task for someone experienced in the matter. Atwell has deep experience doing this exact type of work to ensure we catch this language early in the process and assist in accomplishing client goals.

Our Land and Title teams kick off the work for the rest of our services. When Land gets involved, the lifeline of the process is initiated, and the concerns of the owner are at the forefront. The team can identify what areas to avoid and why, while helping clients understand and determine what areas of the property to pay special attention to.

 

At Atwell, we build strong relationships with owners, so they know who to call with questions and who to expect during those early mornings on their property. We respect our clients and the owners, and foster environments of mutual respect for all employees on the job. This is key for all our projects and is not an initiative we take lightly. Success is built on relationship longevity, and that relationship begins at the title work.

Utilizing Atwell’s subject matter experts in title work has several benefits: We have closed circuit communication, expert knowledge and experience, a passion for developing relationships, and cost-effective strategies that benefit our clients’ goals. Be it surface title or mineral title; we have the capabilities to jump start your project and get the ball rolling so you know things are already in motion before the survey team even arrives on site.

News and Insights

A successful solar program: How Atwell’s Land Solutions Team helped DTE Energy reach its solar acreage goals

 

Increasing the resiliency of the energy grid is a core infrastructure challenge across the United States. Not only is there a need to withstand and rapidly recover from increasingly threatening extreme weather events, but resilience improvements also support the transition to a more sustainable system, fostering environmental sustainability and combating climate change.

DTE Energy, a leader in energy infrastructure transformation, is building a cleaner, more reliable, and affordable energy grid. The company has spent more than $5 billion on the electrical grid over the last five years – trimming trees, strengthening infrastructure, rebuilding significant portions of the grid, and replacing aging equipment. DTE is also rebuilding the way it generates energy, including investing billions of dollars in solar and wind energy.

A successful solar program starts with land. In 2023, Atwell’s Land Solutions Team supported DTE in reaching its solar acreage goals, which helped the company meet its solar energy goals.

A program management approach to solar program success

Reaching DTE’s progressive goals required a collaborative partner throughout the development process who shares a vision for efficient, clean energy sources. By harnessing the power across Atwell’s land solutions, development, survey, environmental, payments, documents, project management, and leadership teams, Atwell’s program management approach helped DTE to not only meet but exceed its solar acreage goals in one year. There were four key components that led to this success:

  1. Meeting acreage goals: 2023 proved to be an incredible year in the successes of both DTE and Atwell by hitting weekly solar acreage goals 50 out of 52 weeks and finishing the year at 128% of goal. Atwell and DTE share a commitment to expanding solar infrastructure and reducing carbon emissions.
  2. Using a program management approach for efficiency: By harnessing the power of coordinated teamwork within Atwell’s teams (development, survey, environmental, payments, documents, and project management), the Land Team met the extremely challenging task of reaching its solar acreage goals, contributing to DTE’s leadership position in the renewable energy sector.
  3. Staying within budget: Fiscal responsibility played a crucial role in the solar success story. By implementing strategic cost-saving measures, negotiating favorable contracts, and leveraging operational efficiencies, the land team at Atwell maximized the impact of their budget. This financial discipline ensures that every dollar invested by DTE contributes effectively to the success of its solar initiative.
  4. Embracing DTE’s vision: By actively participating in and contributing to DTE’s solar initiative, Atwell is not only supporting environmental sustainability but also advancing the collective effort to combat climate change. DTE’s vision is unlike any other in its aggressive approach, but it’s this passion for cleaner energy that motivates the team at Atwell to move just as quickly. This shared goal underscores the importance of collaboration between industry leaders to address the challenges of our changing climate.

DTE is leading the industry in creating lasting change that will benefit their clients of today and tomorrow. As a key partner, the Atwell team is looking forward to supporting DTE’s 2024 goals.

 

News and Insights

Aerial mapping paired with in-house survey services leads to better data, increased efficiency, and expanded possibilities

 

The accelerated progress of a 4,000-acre solar farm development in southern Illinois was due in large part to Atwell’s survey team in its Naperville, IL office. By incorporating various aerial mapping tools into their surveying and project management process, the team was able to efficiently and safely deliver successful outcomes to the client.

What does aerial mapping accomplish?

Atwell utilizes drone-based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and photogrammetry payloads to provide accurate and efficient surveying. These technologies allow our surveyors to map large areas and access hard-to-reach or dangerous areas quickly and safely. Atwell strives to be a leader in these technologies as we analyze how they can benefit our clients and meet increased demands for these services.

The benefits of aerial mapping

Aerial mapping provides a number of benefits to clients for their projects. Because the drones are able to survey a wider scope of land, including hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, mapping can be completed more safely and efficiently. There is also little to no interference with highways, train tracks, or other transportation sites. Team members can do their work from a safe distance in a fraction of the time with more accurate data. For a 4,000-acre project like this one, saving time in an effective and safe way has a significant impact on the timeline and a successful outcome.

For a solar farm, aerial mapping allows surveyors to more accurately determine how suitable a site is and how to more effectively plan for the overall development. The slope of the land is important for determining the maximum amount of sunlight that solar panels can capture, and unobstructed views and paths are also vital for solar panel operation. The drones are able to pinpoint all of the necessary information for the surveying team to understand the land and topography better. Data acquired from aerial mapping is not only more precise, but it produces higher quality imagery. With aerial mapping, a number of deliverables are available, from orthomosaic maps to digital surface models (DSMs) to contour line mapping.

Finally, aerial mapping is not only useful for renewable energy projects. It can be applied to all of the markets that Atwell serves: real estate and land development, oil and gas, and power and renewable energy. We can provide clients with an extra layer of confidence that their projects will be completed as precisely, promptly, and safely as possible.

Realizing the potential of aerial mapping services

Tori Aper, a Project Surveyor at Atwell, knew of another land surveyor with decades of experience and a professional emphasis on geospatial technologies, including aerial systems. That person happened to be her husband, Kurt Aper. With Kurt’s expertise, the team was able to build and strengthen Atwell’s aerial mapping services and successfully execute Atwell’s largest geospatial surveying project to date.

According to Tom Bartosik, Project Manager, this solar farm project was one that would usually have the support of subcontractors; however, the team completed everything in-house. Kurt’s extensive knowledge in the subject contributed to Atwell’s ability to use aerial mapping as a way to increase efficiency and safety for the team and the client.

Considerations when aerial mapping: climate, equipment, and time

Field verification of the quality of the LiDAR data is critical to a project’s success, including this one, enabling the team to catch and correct issues and adjust flight parameters while still on site. The site’s remote nature and large size made it necessary to use a portable generator so that drone batteries could be charged on-site, allowing almost continuous flights. Finally, weather is an important factor in using aerial mapping strategically. This particular solar project development took place in December. The frigid temperatures, various precipitation, and wind often made flying difficult.

Planning and processes for effective aerial mapping

Flying a large site like this, where one would usually subcontract traditional airplane-based mapping service, requires forethought and preparation. The team relied heavily on thorough pre-flight planning.

“We needed comprehensive planning of ground control targets and flight areas to make field work efficient,” explained Kurt. “I chose the initial ground control points (GCPs) and relied on my team to continue the process.”

Pete Roberton, Survey Crew Chief, led those efforts. After setting the 30 GCPs in locations that Kurt had chosen, he continued with section and boundary recon. All the GCPs were about 1,800 feet apart, sitting on or adjacent to roadway, which made the process immensely easier.

“I would set the GCPs at the southwest end of the site first,” Roberton explained. “As soon as I completed an area large enough to begin flying the drone, Kurt would send the drone up. I was able to complete all the GCPs in one day and spent the following days searching for section and boundary corners while aiding Kurt as a visual observer for the longer flight lines.” The duo spent about three-and-a-half days on the 4,000-acre site.

Processing and extracting aerial data

When it was time to process and extract the aerial data, Tori Aper led the way. After processing the LiDAR data, ground features were extracted from the point cloud to be brought into the topographic base map. The topography varied greatly, with bank cuts for roads and bank tops for the streams and ditches, so maintaining the tops and bottoms of banks was crucial in extracting accurate points for the surface tin. Flying with LiDAR allowed the project surveyor to ascertain the centerline of streams and ditches, even in forested areas.

“If the area was too obscure in the point cloud, I had a crisp photo of the entire area to fall back on to see what was taking place, thanks to the photogrammetry,” explained Tori Aper. “I could then pull data from the point cloud for all the line work and ground elevation points, which were brought into CAD for the topographic base map and eventual surface creation.”

An example of an image captured via photogrammetry.

A point cloud sample.

The team’s mapping was executed with impeccable skill and the entire site was flown in just a few days. The mapping was then processed the following week, saving Atwell and the client several weeks of time and resources.

“We’ve been able to hone our skills and confidently offer this service with our other projects.” Bartosik noted. “At Atwell, whether it is surveying or mapping services, engineering design or environmental services, we are truly one company with numerous solutions!”

News and Insights

The benefits of electrification in the oil and gas industry

The oil and gas industry in the United States relies on the generation of onsite electrification using diesel or natural gas to power facilities and well pads. Despite this need, there is not always enough electrical infrastructure in rural areas to meet the demand, so generators are used to run some components of a typical well pad. These combustion engines are powered by diesel and natural gas, which tend to be reliant on older technology and mechanics that fail to match the uptime and reliability of electrified well pads located close to power sources.

Electrification has many benefits, including reduced emissions and reduced maintenance. Atwell has been working with clients to electrify well pads and pull power from the grid to increase uptime and replace the older equipment.

Realizing the power and potential of electrification in the oil and gas industry

Several years ago, Jake Kapp, Senior Project Manager at Atwell, was asked to develop a field-wide gathering system for a project. Knowing the client was reliant on electrification for their entire field, Kapp tapped into his experience in oil and gas gathering systems. He ensured that the land and survey were acquired right away for power lines and compressor stations, which would then become entirely electric.

Similarly, Kapp managed another project that involved nearly tripling the capacity of an existing 140 MMSCFD compressor station.  The scope was to add new electric powered units, as the existing station was operating natural gas-powered compression units. The station was successfully converted to electric compressors and added 260 MMSCFD throughput for a total of 400 MMSCFD without any additional emissions.

The success of these two projects opened Kapp’s eyes to the potential of electrification and the future of the oil and gas industry. It has also resulted in Atwell putting even more attention and effort into advancing its electrification capabilities.

“In my opinion, this is the wave of the future from a reliability and runtime standpoint,” said Kapp. “The simple fact of electrification is that it will reduce emissions and required maintenance. The electric motor is much more direct and straightforward than that of an internal combustion engine.”

The initial innovation shown in Kapp’s work led other clients to express interest and seek Atwell’s electrification expertise for their projects. “This isn’t a one-time project,” Kapp explained. “We’re seeing this movement across the nation, and we can support our clients on a national level across industries. Be it wind, solar, or gas, electrification can be a game changer and we can meet client needs in all areas.”

Serving clients and various markets with electrification

From an electrical delivery standpoint, there is nothing Atwell does not touch. For example, we can design a power generation site, from wind or solar, and deliver that power to a substation or existing transmission line. From there, we have the design and engineering capabilities to deliver distribution power to a well pad and supply power to all of the equipment, should a client choose to do so. It is because of our vast capabilities and national presence that we know the electrification program can meet the needs of each industry we serve.

“We understand that some companies are hesitant to jump in entirely, so we’re happy to use the expertise and experience we’ve gained in this area to consult on projects,” Kapp said. “We can even support smaller projects like a power study, or taking a look at older systems and evaluating whether an updated or new system entirely would be best for the client.”

For example, Atwell has done previous overhead power line projects with oil and gas companies. For one project, Atwell delivered electricity to an existing well pad so a new well could be drilled and the completion of a two-week frac project could be reached, otherwise known as an E-Drill and E-Frac. Using electricity, the runtime is higher so there is less maintenance and the are no emissions from equipment.

Atwell worked with the client from beginning of the design phase for the overhead power system project so the E-Drill and the E-Frac equipment could be removed after the work was complete. The new well pad then had power for basic operations without having to shut down the power line.

Because of the breadth of services offered by Atwell, clients can rely on us to take them from title work and surveying through the final stages of a project.

The expected growth and demand for electrification in the industry

In just a few years, Kapp has seen the number of clients interested in electrification grow, along with his ability to act as a translator across skillsets.

“This opportunity grabbed my attention and sparked my interest because it is a presently underdeveloped niche,” said Kapp. “I’ve always been interested in how electricity gets delivered and many oil and gas companies are working in the middle of nowhere, where the electrical infrastructure just isn’t in place. I’ve been able to assess what’s needed from that electrical standpoint and speak to the client about what is needed from a time and cost perspective. I get particularly excited when I’m presented with a problem and the solution is within our capabilities. Electrification is one of those solutions.”

Atwell’s team of passionate and knowledgeable subject matter experts is the reason why we are able to provide innovative solutions like electrification. As the world becomes more conscious of the way we consume and emit energy, Atwell is excited and proud to be developing an electrification campaign that will not only help our clients, but our global environment as well.

News and Insights

Unleashing the power of wind: Comparing the advantages of an 80/20 repower vs. a full repower

By: Jason Utton and Courtney Schmidt

Wind energy has long been celebrated for its clean, consistent, and cost-effective nature. As wind energy facilities age, many owners are beginning to explore the benefits of upgrading their turbines and equipment. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has further incentivized these upgrades, making now an ideal time to consider your repower options.

According to S&P Global, over 48 gigawatts (GW) of operational wind power capacity are prime repower candidates based on advanced age. Among this group, 21 GW of older wind farms have been consistently underperforming, with annual capacity factors below the state averages for five consecutive years. Additionally, 2.6 GW of generation has experienced declining annual capacity factors over the same period.​

Presently, S&P indicates that around 16 GW of wind capacity has been repowered or is in the process of repowering. This trend is expected to steadily increase month over month, especially in states leading the charge in renewable energy refurbishment. Financial considerations such as tax credits, PPA negotiations, and changes in utility rates play a significant role in decision-making. We’ll walk you through the advantages of both an 80/20 repower and a full repower in this blog.

 

The 80/20 repower: Boosting efficiency with minimal disruption

An 80/20 repower involves replacing critical components of the wind turbine, such as blades and gearboxes, while retaining portions of the existing infrastructure. This approach is cost-effective and less disruptive than a full repower, offering a significant increase in efficiency and performance without the need for a completely new development. To qualify, the cost of new equipment must be at least 80% of the total value of both the new and remaining equipment combined.

Repower developers benefit from the known wind resource and renewed tax incentives that lower the capital cost, making them more economically feasible. Federal tax incentives include production tax credits (PTC), which provide a 10-year tax credit for each kilowatt-hour of electricity produced, and investment tax credits (ITC), which provide a one-time tax credit based on the capital investment made. The improved tax incentives make repowering an attractive option for many project owners, promoting the sustainable growth of the renewable energy sector.

80/20 repower advantages include:

  • Cost savings: By retaining most of the existing infrastructure, the costs associated with new foundations and extensive construction are minimized.
  • Time efficiency: Upgrading key components is quicker than developing a new site from scratch, reducing downtime, and allowing for faster realization of increased energy output.
  • Increased output: Modern turbine technology can significantly boost energy production, leveraging advancements in blade design and aerodynamics.

 

Atwell’s expertise in 80/20 repower projects

Atwell’s team specializes in providing a seamless, coordinated approach to wind repower projects. With over 500 wind projects and more than 20 GW of experience across the United States and Canada, our expertise ensures compliance with environmental regulations, effective landowner engagement, and precise engineering and survey review.

Our comprehensive services include:

  • Environmental compliance and permitting: We ensure all necessary studies and permits are in place, maintaining strict adherence to environmental regulations. The team also ensures all necessary permits are obtained in the most cost-efficient manner.
  • Land services: We facilitate lease amendments and waivers, ensuring a smooth progression of the repower project.
  • Engineering services: From road engineering to structural analysis, we optimize project design and performance.
  • Survey services: Updated ALTA and topographic surveys provide the precise site data essential for planning and development.

 

The full repower: Reimagining wind energy from the ground up

A full repower involves replacing nearly all components of a wind farm–turbine (including foundations), towers, and underground electrical systems–to maximize energy output and integrate the latest technological advancements. This upgrade is best for older projects where structural integrity, efficiency, and reliability have declined due to wear and outdated technology. Modern turbines offer enhanced blade designs, improved materials, advanced control systems, and increased hub heights, significantly boosting performance and reducing maintenance costs.

Full repower advantages include:

  • Maximized energy production: By replacing all major components, a full repower utilizes the latest technology to achieve the highest possible energy output.
  • Extended lifespan: New components come with extended warranties and longer operational life, providing a reliable energy source for decades.
  • Future-proofing: A full repower prepares the wind farm for future advancements and grid requirements, ensuring long-term viability.

 

Atwell’s full repower expertise

With extensive experience managing over 1,100 megawatts of repower projects across key states like Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Atwell brings unparalleled expertise to full repower projects. Our comprehensive approach ensures meticulous planning and expert execution across all critical stages.

Our full repower services include:

  • Thorough desktop reviews: Using GIS technology, we analyze existing infrastructure, proposed routes, and project areas.
  • Asset valuation and analysis: We provide robust support throughout the analysis phase, ensuring accurate asset valuation.
  • Environmental and permitting services: From field reconnaissance to wildlife conservation strategies, we handle all permitting requirements.
  • Real estate services: Our team navigates agreements, conducts deed research, and facilitates necessary waivers and amendments.
  • Engineering and mapping: We provide aerial mapping and create detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) documents tailored to each project’s specifications.

 

Generating efficiency with streamlined planning and expertise

Embarking on a wind repower project, whether an 80/20 repower or a full repower, requires meticulous planning and coordination. Atwell’s national team and strong program management framework ensure each step is completed according to the development plan. Our centralized documentation and forward-looking conservation and development resources provide our clients with a comprehensive solution that maximizes return on investment.

By partnering with Atwell, you gain access to a wealth of experience and a dedicated team that delivers the greatest possible return on your wind energy investment. Ready to harness the full potential of your wind energy facility? Let Atwell guide you through your wind repower journey with expertise and efficiency.

About the Author

Jason Utton

Senior Vice President

Senior Vice President of Atwell’s Power Group, Jason Utton has been developing renewable energy projects for more than 17 years, with experience in wind, solar, and battery storage projects across the country. He currently provides large scale investment and development clients with business goal setting, renewable portfolio optimization, and capital deployment strategies.

About the Author

Courtney Schmidt

Vice President

Courtney has managed and provided technical expertise to programmatic efforts across the country for over 22 years. She has passion and experience in building teams across geographies and disciplines, siting facilities, and managing development and operations activities for clients.