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The next generation of energy solutions

Geothermal networks, microgrids and utility-scale battery storage technologies not only support carbon reduction goals but also increase system resilience and efficiency.

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Energy and Power

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

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Matt

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

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

What guidance would you give clients who are just beginning to explore these kinds of energy projects?
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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.
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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.
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Successful energy projects rely not just on great design, but on strong project management and collaboration from day one

Matt Goss

MEP/Energy Practice Leader

What technologies are optimizing energy distribution?

Curious to learn more?

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

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Sam Gerber

Mechanical Engineer

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

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Jeff Donaldson

Electrical Engineer

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

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