Power Players Spotlight: Meet Bill SwansonWhat is your approach to helping clients meet their renewable energy goals?
“It all starts with early action and alignment. I aim to get involved as early as possible in the project lifecycle by identifying goals, understanding constraints, and putting together a plan that can pass permitting the first time through. That kind of front-end investment saves time, reduces rework, and sets up the project for long-term success.”
What is your favorite source of renewable energy and why?
““Float’em if you got’em!” The source that floats—floating solar is my favorite. I’ve spent over 22 years designing solar structures on rooftops, carports, and ground mounts. However, since 2010, I’ve had the most fun with floating solar. Floating solar opens up a new opportunity for city, state, and federal agencies as well as utilities to make use of currently owned and managed waterbodies for solar array installations. That challenge—and opportunity—is what keeps it interesting.”
What project is your favorite and why?
“We’ve got a couple of confidential projects in the hopper that I am excited about. One project in particular will dwarf any floating solar system that I have worked on and will require elevated platforms and catwalks for the PV arrays, full substation design, and a generation tie-line back to the local utility. Our structural, civil, and electrical teams will provide 100% of the engineering for this project.”
What’s your favorite solution to a challenge you’ve faced?
“I enjoy that problem-solving process of navigating complex multiple agency approvals. Working closely with clients and agencies to get tough projects across the finish line is always a win—it’s a team effort, and I take pride in helping clients turn “almost impossible” into approved and ready to build.”
Why are you passionate about renewable energy?
“While working over 35 years in construction and engineering design for commercial, corporate, manufacturing and power plant structures, renewable energy gave me a chance to shift into something more future-focused. While still designing structures, I am able to work with similarly minded colleagues and clients – in a way that makes me feel like I’m giving back for future generations by powering communities with clean energy. That’s what keeps me going.”
Outside of KWRE, what are your favorite hobbies?
“Traveling with my wife and our dog, hiking, sightseeing, photography, fishing—love mountains, streams, beaches, and of course, boating. Any excuse to be near water, I’ll take it.”
What are you currently reading?
“I’m typically reading two books at a time, one for professional development and the other for pleasure. I’m currently reading Leadership and Self-Deception, and in advance of an eventual trip to Ireland I’m reading The Dubliners by James Joyce. Both are short and easy reads!”
What’s been your favorite moment at KWRE?
“The real reward occurs every day, continuing to build the structural department and helping mentor our next wave of engineers. Helping young professionals find their footing and to help ‘turn on the lights’, so to speak, has been incredibly fulfilling.”