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The Race to Net Zero

The transition to carbon-free, carbon-neutral, sustainable energy is largely driven by a recognition that global greenhouse gas emissions must be brought to net zero. To keep global warming below 1.5 C, the 2015 Paris Agreement set goals to limit the demand for fossil fuels since these are the single largest source of carbon emissions. Over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions result from the fossil fuel energy sector with demand for transport, heating, and industrial use.  

As the pace of energy transition and decarbonization accelerates, altering how companies source, use, and conserve energy is no easy feat. Ambitious carbon reduction targets set by global commitments from governments and driven by pressure from investors and stakeholders define the broad reach and complexities of the transition. It’s clear that the results will create both environmental and economic value.  

Whether projects focus on carbon-neutral scenarios or greenhouse gas reduction, SWCA’s energy transition consultants bring success to projects within the energy sector, during all aspects of the transition, and assist our clients to meet their decarbonization goals. 

Specialties

Air Quality Services

AIR EMISSIONS

SWCA helps clients navigate air quality regulatory processes and develop efficient and compliant programs. We also partner with clients in reviewing and selecting Best Available Control Technology.

Our air practitioners work with clients to conduct air emissions compliance reporting and prepare greenhouse gas inventories, an important step in identifying and reducing harmful emissions. Inventories provide key information in the design of emission reduction options.

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)

SWCA works with clients as they develop carbon-neutral scenarios that comply with EPA and state Class VI carbon sequestration well permit requirements. CCUS projects commonly include pipeline infrastructure for either enhanced oil recovery or permanent geologic sequestration.

Our extensive experience permitting pipelines and associated infrastructure are well-proven and critical to the successful development of CCUS projects.

HYDROGEN

SWCA supports the siting, permitting, and environmental planning for hydrogen projects and associated infrastructure.

Our clients trust SWCA to conduct defensible and efficient environmental studies in support of green hydrogen projects. We have supported development of concept documents and grant applications for future hydrogen projects. 

Renewable Energy

SWCA provides environmental planning, impact assessment, construction compliance, and ongoing operational environmental compliance of carbon-free renewable energy facilities and related infrastructure such as electric transmission systems.

Our support on solar, onshore wind, offshore wind, biomass, and battery energy storage projects both greenfield and on reuse sites has proven key for our clients’ successful project development and construction.

Relevant Services

Air Emissions

  • Air quality analyses
  • Emission offsets/emission reduction Credits
  • Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventories
  • Best Available Control Technology (BACT)

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)

  • Carbon capture methods
  • Carbon storage
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Class VI well permit applications
  • Carbon credit evaluations

Hydrogen

  • Grant funding application support
  • Subsurface hydrogen storage
  • Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Complexes
  • Wood Fiber Hydrogen Generation with Forest Management and Land Stewardship
  • Proof of concept hydrogen electrolyzer prototype support

Renewable Energy

MEET THE EXPERTS

Senior Client Services Director

Steve Stielstra

Steve provides leadership in siting, routing, feasibility, and permitting expertise for major transmission lines and other linear projects nationwide. He brings more than 30 years of experience and demonstrates how quality front-end planning results in successful outcomes.

sstielstra [at] swca.com (Contact Steve  →)
Service Line Director

Barb Neary

Barb Neary is a Client Services Director for Energy Transition, serving SWCA nationwide.  She brings a varied background managing projects and programs associated with renewable energy while also focusing on strategies for decarbonization in a variety of markets.

 

barb.neary [at] swca.com (Contact Barb  →)
Stephanie Hudgins | VP - Power & Energy
Vice President of Client Services

Stephanie Hudgins

Stephanie has led business development strategies across the energy, water, conservation banking, mining, and private development industries.

Stephanie.Hudgins [at] swca.com (Contact Stephanie  →)
Will Norman | Central / East Water Lead
Senior Client Services Lead

Will Norman

Will has 19 years of experience in the planning, development, and management of multi-disciplinary water resource programs with extensive experience in state and federal environmental regulations and policies.

will.norman [at] swca.com (Contact Will  →)