“As the world becomes more energy-conscious, the rise of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects are timely as they become not just alternatives but the very backbone of an alternative energy for a sustainable future,” says Sashaank Padmanaban, an industrial engineer at CSI Electrical Contractors, Inc., who shares his first-hand experience navigating utility-scale solar and battery storage projects.
The evolving objective of contemporary energy sectors transcends mere production. It’s no longer solely about power generation; the process now involves storage, stewardship, and strategic distribution with precision. Padmanaban asserts that utility-scale PV and BESS projects are pivotal in this sophisticated energy paradigm, establishing unprecedented benchmarks for harnessing renewable resources with outstanding efficiency and foresight.
According to recent forecasts by the International Energy Agency (IEA), with solar PV’s installed power capacity almost triple, almost 1 500 GW over the period, it can exceed natural gas by 2026 and coal by 2027, becoming the largest in the world. As an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Project Manager, Padmanaban shares his insights on this new energy domain, explaining why PV and BESS projects are the next big thing in renewable energy.
Unveiling Utility-Scale PV and BESS Projects
Utility-scale PV projects, often considered the giants of the solar realm, can harness solar power extensively. “These power plants are integral to the grid’s evolution, capturing solar energy on a scale that sustains whole communities,” Padmanaban notes.
He continues, “Their transformative potential lies not just in energy production but also in the fundamental reshaping of our energy framework.”
BESS comes into play as a crucial counterpart to solar panels. Padmanaban elucidates that excess electricity is stored in vast battery systems during peak solar hours. When demand surges or production dips, this stored energy is reintroduced into the grid, ensuring a consistent supply.
In 2023, the fusion of BESS with utility-scale solar is more than a mere trend—it’s an operational imperative. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that “54.5 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electric capacity will grace America’s power grid this year, with solar and battery storage accounting for substantial portions of this growth.” Moreover, forecasts indicate that renewables will constitute 26% of US electricity generation by 2024, with BESS playing a critical role in this expansion by delivering a stable and clean energy supply.
According to Padmanaban, these technologies form a symbiotic alliance, transforming the essence of renewable power. They ensure eco-friendly energy’s dependability and economic viability and provide broader community access, positioning renewables as a superior, cost-effective choice to fossil fuels.
Padmanaban on the Frontlines
Padmanaban’s involvement in this renewable revolution comprises around five years of managing utility-scale solar and battery storage projects, leading to pioneering electrical designs that meet client needs and reinvent industry benchmarks.
His portfolio, managing over 500 MW of solar and battery projects and contributing to a cumulative 2,000 MW, reflects his exceptional leadership and technical understanding. His contributions to the electrical, civil, and mechanical disciplines and his project management skills have made PV and BESS projects a keystone service at CSI Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Beyond project implementation, as a 2023 Judge for the Globee Awards for Leadership, Padmanaban extends his expertise to educating others about large-scale energy solutions by rewarding up-and-coming leaders and experts in the renewables sector. His narrative in Solar Power World highlights the necessity of merging project management techniques with advanced engineering tools to enhance the operational impact of large-scale solar and battery storage systems.
He asserts, “Achievement in this field isn’t just about project completion; it’s about pioneering innovations, refining processes, and delivering excellence. Each endeavor I undertake is a testament to our commitment to advancing the industry with inventive solutions and comprehensive EPC services.”
A Balance of Challenges and Opportunities
As the renewable energy sector looks to the future, the road is lined with both challenges and opportunities. The transition to a cleaner energy grid is fraught with technical, regulatory, and economic hurdles. Padmanaban acknowledges that the rapid scale-up of utility-scale PV and BESS projects may outpace the necessary regulatory and infrastructure developments, as the grid isn’t ready for such a seismic shift. Yet, for him, these are not insurmountable obstacles but a boost for further innovation–an opportunity to innovate, improve, and lead the way to a sustainable future.
Amidst these challenges, the secret to success lies in the human element. Leaders like Padmanaban are the industry’s visionaries, driving change and inspiring innovation. His approach to project management—emphasizing collaboration, risk management, safety, and client engagement—is a blueprint for success in a complex and critical industry.
Padmanaban shares, “The work we do in utility-scale PV and BESS projects is more than a job; it’s a mission. We’re not just engineering projects; we’re engineering hope, opportunity, and a legacy of a cleaner, more resilient world through energy.”
