Working with EPCs — End-to-End Renewable Energy Engineering Learn More
The surge in demand for renewable energy projects
The renewable energy industry is seeing a rapid increase in solar plus storage. In 2024, they will account for up to 81 percent of new US grid capacity. California and Texas are leading the way in the construction of such facilities, adding storage capacity at breakneck speed and integrating storage in grid balancing and load-shifting.
By storing excess solar energy during the day and discharging it when demand peaks, these projects help stabilize the grid and minimize the use of fossil fuel-based power plants.
With extreme weather events on the rise, there is a growing concern about the resilience of the energy grid and the supply of clean energy. Intense storms can damage or destroy solar panels, wildfires can impair their functioning with clouds of smoke reducing sunlight availability, and heatwaves have the potential to overheat equipment and damage delicate components.
Blymyer Engineers, one of the few design and engineering firms to offer full-service capabilities for renewable energy projects, has been involved in several such initiatives throughout the country, continually expanding its footprint throughout the U.S.
Recent multi-faceted projects involve photovoltaic (PV) solar, substation, BESS, and extensive use of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) technology. This computer-based system, a critical tool for Blymyer, gathers and analyzes data in real time to monitor and control the equipment used on project sites, especially time-sensitive functions that require immediate and accurate analysis.
A distinct competitive advantage
“We see our multidisciplinary capabilities as a real differentiator for us,” says Greg Mazur, Blymyer Director of Engineering. “Our extensive experience and full-service resources in all aspects of renewable energy make us an ideal partner for any client looking to implement new clean energy infrastructure. We have the technology, expertise and capabilities to do it all: electrical, structural and mechanical engineering, total project management, planning and scheduling, preliminary site selection, feasibility studies, cost estimating, and construction management. With this 360-perspective, we can improve cost efficiencies and proactively address any potential snags that can delay or add costs to a project.”
The many benefits of a single source provider
Utilizing one engineering company for a comprehensive range of services (PV, BESS, substation) offers clients a more efficient working model, greater synchronization between each part of the project, fewer redundancies, and a single point of contact that makes communication and coordination a lot easier, resulting in faster permitting approvals.
“Think of us a finely tuned orchestra, with each section working together in perfect harmony,” adds Mazur. “I like to use this analogy because it illustrates the benefits of working with a full-service renewable energy engineering firm like Blymyer.”