At KWRE, innovation starts with our people. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Power Players Spotlight Campaign, a series that celebrates the talented individuals behind our renewable energy solutions. Each week, we’ll spotlight a different Power Player, showcasing their expertise, creativity, and passion for driving KWRE’s mission forward.
Up first is Rachel Kessler, a standout team member whose dedication and ingenuity help shape KWRE’s success. We had a chance to interview Rachel about her approach to renewable energy, her favorite projects, and her life outside of work. Follow along below to get to know her better!
What is your approach to helping clients meet their renewable energy goals?
“I design projects with a long-term perspective, ensuring they are built to thrive over the next 30 years. For instance, I use the 100-year storm event as the basis for design and ensure that the project can withstand runoff flows from such an event, promoting resilience and sustainability.”
What is your favorite source of renewable energy and why?
“I particularly enjoy working on solar and battery storage projects. Solar energy is a logical choice because it leverages the daily reliability of the sun. Battery storage is versatile, as it can be installed in a variety of locations, opening endless possibilities for energy storage and distribution.”
What project is your favorite and why?
“I have really enjoyed working on the hydraulics study for one of our confidential projects. The complexities of managing offsite water flow through the site provided a rewarding challenge, requiring creative problem-solving for optimizing the HEC-RAS model.”
What’s your favorite solution to a challenge you’ve faced?
“On the confidential project hydrology model I just mentioned, we encountered challenges modeling offsite flow from nearby mountainous areas, particularly with steep slopes that caused HEC-RAS instability. Instead of using precipitation data to simulate mountainous runoff, we represented the offsite flow as a runoff hydrograph boundary condition upstream of the site. This approach stabilized the model, reduced computation time, and maintained accuracy.”
Why are you passionate about renewable energy?
“I am passionate about renewable energy because it is essential for sustainable societal progress. As society evolves and energy demands increase, integrating renewable energy into the grid is vital to ensure growth in an environmentally responsible manner.”
Outside of KWRE, what are your favorite hobbies?
“I enjoy running, traveling, swimming at Barton Springs with friends, snowboarding, exploring Austin’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, cooking, and spending time with my husband and cats.”
What are you currently reading?
“I am currently reading The Idiot by Elif Batuman.”
What’s been your favorite moment at KWRE?
“Although I am based in Austin, I value opportunities to collaborate in person with my team in California. During my most recent visit, I participated in the Gilroy office’s weekly Wednesday burrito tradition and had the chance to enjoy a lunch outing with Starr in Carmel. These moments of connection make my work even more fulfilling.”