The next generation of energy solutions

Project background not configured

Practices

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP)

Markets

Local, County, and State Government Municipal Utilities Industrial and Manufacturing Sector

Priorities

As energy demands rise, utilities are under mounting pressure to deliver reliable power through aging infrastructure. Brownouts are becoming more common. The power grid was not built to handle today’s energy demands or the increasing needs of an electrified future.

To explore how the energy sector is responding, CDM Smith hosted a webinar featuring leaders in engineering, project development, and future planning. Panelists discussed the latest solutions, such as geothermal networks, microgrids, and utility-scale battery storage technologies that not only support carbon reduction goals but also increase system resilience and efficiency.

Each speaker brought a unique perspective, with CDM Smith energy practice leader Matt Goss emphasizing project management and the importance of collaboration. Energy experts Sam Gerber (specializing in geothermal) and Jeff Donaldson (microgrids) shared insights about specific energy trends and projects around the world.

A conversation on microgrids, geothermal networks and other energy solutions

Matt

How does stakeholder alignment influence the outcome of a long-term infrastructure project like Fort Wayne’s microgrid?

Jeff

On the Fort Wayne project, which started in 2018 and is just now nearing final commissioning, stakeholder alignment was one of the most important factors. This project had a wide range of stakeholders, from developers to city operators, and each had different goals. Some prioritized cost, others focused on renewables or decarbonization. Having a structured framework for aligning those goals early and maintaining that alignment throughout the process was key to ensuring the success of such a complex microgrid initiative. CDM Smith played a major role in those early planning conversations, which made a big difference.

Matt

Utility-scale geothermal systems come with their own set of challenges. How did you manage coordination across such diverse users?

Sam

Communication and collaboration were essential. When you scale from a conventional building-sized geothermal system to a utility-scale one, you’re dealing with a huge variety of end users, from large buildings with dedicated teams to individuals in homes. That means constant engagement with people at different levels of technical understanding. Our approach focused on continuous, clear communication to keep everyone aligned, both on the utility side and with clients.

Matt

What guidance would you give clients who are just beginning to explore these kinds of energy projects?

Sam

Always start with a rigorous feasibility study. You need to understand the energy loads, site geography, retrofitting challenges and the needs of end users. Early and ongoing collaboration with all stakeholders is key. Also, be creative. These systems offer a lot of flexibility, so keep an eye out for opportunities to integrate different types of heat sources, sinks and storage options to optimize the energy ecosystem.

Jeff

The biggest piece is planning. We can engineer anything once we have clear goals and good data. But the real success comes from making sure we’re all pulling in the same direction from the start. Complex systems often combine elements that don’t usually work together, so alignment early in the planning process is everything. The more data we can gather up front, the better. It ensures the engineering and execution phases go smoothly, and it reflects everything Sam and Lukas said about early engagement and continuous alignment.

What technologies are optimizing energy distribution?

Curious to learn more?

When you're ready to apply this thinking, we can help.

Sam Gerber, PE

Mechanical Engineer

Sam is a mechanical engineer experienced in energy efficiency, geothermal and HVAC design, AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, data analysis and power distribution.

Jeff Donaldson, PE, PMP

Electrification Discipline Leader

Jeff is an electrical engineer and project manager leading energy efficiency projects with high-efficiency lighting, motor controls and updated distribution systems.

Related energy insights

View All Insights

Hydrogen symbol in clear globe on mossy log with eco-friendly icons around.

Insight

Fueling the future with hydrogen

Hydrogen, the “Swiss army knife” of clean energy, is the most abundant element in the universe. So why do only a few hydrogen fueling stations currently exist?

Solar panels on a rooftop with a city skyline in the background.

Insight

How solar power drives growth

Tax credits, rebates and other incentives across the United States enable solar power to compete with fossil-fuel-burning energy supplies. But optimization is critical.

Solar panels in a field with sunlight reflecting off them.

Insight

How to build your future-ready microgrid

In a time characterized by increased environmental concerns and growing energy demands, microgrids emerge as an effective solution.

Glowing digital envelopes on a dark background, symbolizing email communication.

Subscribe to The Energy Source

From renewable energy options to building electric vehicle infrastructure and beyond, our experts share the latest developments in the field.

A conversation on microgrids, geothermal networks and other energy solutions

Matt

How does stakeholder alignment influence the outcome of a long-term infrastructure project like Fort Wayne’s microgrid?

Jeff

Matt

Utility-scale geothermal systems come with their own set of challenges. How did you manage coordination across such diverse users?

Sam

Matt

What guidance would you give clients who are just beginning to explore these kinds of energy projects?

Sam

Jeff