Engineering Inc. - July/August 2005 - (Page 44)

ONE ON ONE Sargent & Lundy Chairman Sees Growing Momentum on Nuclear Energy Front Q. Sargent & Lundy has consider on its path toward result, the reliability of the avail- done considerable work over- energy independence and the able grid capacity has become seas. What are some of the chal- protection of the environment. very important. A joint U.S.- lenges that you face internation- Obviously, important issues Canadian task force reviewing ally? such as waste disposal, financing the blackout has recommended and project lead-time must be institutional improvements to A. A challenge in working resolved. But I see a growing better monitor the grid as well abroad is that many countries momentum within the electric as reinforcing the weaker areas have markedly different business power industry to tackle these of the grid operation. Their rec- cultures and work ethics from matters. Reform is an imperative ommendations also remind us our own. Decision-making, at step toward getting more that the softer side of the grid times, can be extremely convo- nuclear projects under way. operations such as tree trim- luted and slow. In many cases, ming, operational coordination Q. Bud Wendorf is chairman, A significant amount of quality and craftsmanship are and protection coordination president and CEO of Sargent new power plant construction unacceptable, unless closely are as important to reliability as & Lundy LLC in Chicago. has been performed on a monitored and supervised. the grid capacity itself. Design-Build basis, especially Power plants to be located in a I believe the energy bill will for independent power produc- foreign country must be have a positive impact. Often, ers. What is your view of this designed to be built easily by the the greatest impediment to delivery method? local labor forces and to maxi- sound decision making is uncer- mize the utilization of local tainty in the regulatory and leg- A. The Design-Build con- materials. In Mexico, reinforcing islative processes. While the bill tracting strategy, and the impor- steel is not available in some of will not resolve debate on all Q. Sargent & Lundy has tant element of a fixed price, is the sizes normally used in foun- matters, if and when passed, it been a key player in the power clearly the financial commu- dation design. In Indonesia, will provide a reasonable blue- engineering business for more nity's preferred strategy and, bricks are used more often than print for this country's energy than 100 years. What lessons therefore, prevalent with inde- concrete for structure design. In issues. did the blackout in August pendent power producers. We China, tile is more commonly Q. What is the probability of 2003 teach us about the nation's do not believe, however, that used. In many countries, avail- meeting our nation's power power grid and steps that need this delivery method always is in able cable supplies may not needs by increasing the amount to be taken? And what is the the best interest of the owner match typical American cable of nuclear energy generated? potential impact of the new when considering project qual- specifications. How beneficial would regula- energy bill before Congress? ity, operability, cost, cash flow, Another challenge is working tory reforms be toward getting and schedule. Design-Build is with local engineers. It takes a A. more nuclear projects under The blackout affecting the best suited for straightforward lot of management supervision way? Midwest and Northeast projects such as gas-fired genera- to ensure that the design prod- reminded us that the reliability tion at a clear site. But it is less uct delivered by local engineers A. At Sargent & Lundy we of our nation's bulk power trans- effective for projects involving meets the same quality standards believe nuclear energy is a safe mission grid is critical to our major retrofits of existing gener- as our own design. and clean electric generation daily life. Since the blackout, ating stations where contingen- option that our country must our generating capacity has cies will drive costs up substan- increased in response to the tially if the contract is struck demand, but our transmission before adequate engineering is capacity has not kept pace. As a completed. 4 4 E N G I N E E R I N G INC. J u l y l August 2005

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Engineering Inc. - July/August 2005

Contents
From ACEC To You
News & Notes
Market Watch
Legislative Action
Cover Story: Interview with Senator Jim Talent
Well-Prepared Leadership
Remembering the Codes
Premium Increase Slowing
ACEC's 2005-2006 Executive Committee
Business Insights
Members in the News
ACEC Fall Conference
One on One
EEA Call for Entries
Institute for Business Management

Engineering Inc. - July/August 2005