Power Players Spotlight: Meet Zico SaryeddeanWhat is your approach to helping clients meet their renewable energy goals?
“It starts with listening—understanding exactly what the client envisions for their site and assessing their current knowledge and expectations. My goal isn’t necessarily to showcase our company’s expertise; it’s truly understanding our role that we can lend to help turn their vision into reality. For instance, I’m currently working with a client who is entitling multiple buildings ranging from 250,000 sqft to 1 million sqft, and the desires to widen the possible uses, which led us to exploring a load study to evaluate if PG&E can meet their Data Center power needs, or if they can benefit from alternative energy solutions.”
What is your favorite source of renewable energy and why?
“I prefer to keep a broad perspective rather than favoring a single renewable source. As a civil engineer by education, my role often involves being among the first to tackle project feasibility, identifying constraints, and guiding clients toward informed decisions—even if that means delivering tough news about practicality. The best energy solution always aligns closely with the client’s unique needs, budget, and site specifics. If we limit ourselves to a single technology, we’re not serving our clients effectively.”
What project is your favorite and why?
“One standout project was a renewable energy Utility Plant for a tech company in Sunnyvale. This project was all about centralized innovation—we brought together heating and cooling systems for multiple campus buildings using advanced thermal energy storage and fully electric infrastructure. The solar panels integrated directly onto the building façades tracked sunlight throughout the day, maximizing efficiency and energy generation. Seeing net-zero principles in action at this scale was eye-opening and inspiring, truly expanding my view on what’s achievable in renewable energy.”
What’s your favorite solution to a challenge you’ve faced?
“Discovering the versatility of hydrogen has genuinely changed the game for me. Five years back, I hardly knew anything about it; now it feels almost as the go-to solution when we’re talking decentralized energy. Giving clients the chance to step away from grid dependence means they gain flexibility and resilience, which adds huge value. Hydrogen has opened doors to possibilities I hadn’t even considered—definitely a win-win.”
Why are you passionate about renewable energy?
“Because we’re still at the frontier, in a truly dynamic incubation phase. Seeing rapid advancements like hydrogen and electrical technology energizes me. We’re continually discovering innovative ways to deliver sustainable, smart energy solutions, and it’s thrilling to be a part of that evolution. We’ve only just begun exploring what we can achieve in the coming years.”
Outside of KWRE, what are your favorite hobbies?
“Painting is my creative outlet—it helps me recharge and reset. I also love hiking with my dog, Jaz (sometimes Jazzy, depending on the mood). Any day outdoors without getting sunburned is a win in my book—just don’t invite me to a golf course!”
What are you currently reading?
“I recently finished Life 3.0 and am working my way through The Open Focus Brain. I’m also enjoying a documentary series about Thomas Jefferson. Next up on my reading list is How To Do Nothing which is a title I find aspirational.”
What’s been your favorite moment at KWRE?
“Attending Clean Power in Phoenix was truly memorable. Watching our team passionately engage with the latest technologies and realizing the industry’s global reach was inspiring. A highlight for me was when representatives from the Sovereign Fund of Ireland stopped by our booth to discuss hydrogen technology—we immediately connected. Moments like that remind me how small and interconnected the engineering world becomes when we share common goals and language.”