BIM

Energy

Manufacturing the Future

The Challenge of an Electrical Grid for the 21st Century

Black and Veatch incoming Chairman & CEO Mario Azar on the serious engineering needed to build robust 21st-century electrical power systems.

listen to this story

Episode Summary:

Electrical power generation and distribution is changing in America, and around the world. With the movement to carbon free electricity generation, primarily by solar and wind systems supplemented by new nuclear, the way electricity is made is changing rapidly. Just as important however, is the need to revamp the way electricity is distributed, especially as electric vehicles dominate the transportation sector in the next 20 years. 

While generation gets most of the media attention, the need for robust and reliable distribution infrastructure was made apparent by last year’s Texas blackout. What will it take to engineer reliable, cost-effective energy systems for the 2020s and beyond? Black and Veatch incoming CEO Mario Azar outlines solutions in conversation with engineering.com’s Jim Anderton. 

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.