Electricity generation from renewable sources isn’t some fad that will soon fade away. In fact, the opposite is true, says Adam Bernardi, who oversees renewables at Burns & McDonnell. Renewable energy sources — solar, onshore and offshore wind, and hydropower — will help stabilize U.S. energy costs as new technologies advance to meet decarbonization goals.
“Nearly every company has its hands in the renewable energy space, which is really exciting," Bernardi says. "It’s in the cars that many of us drive, in the offices where we work and in our homes.”
The market for renewables in the U.S. is growing exponentially. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration data, renewable energy production and consumption reached record highs in 2021, playing an important role in U.S. energy security.
“Technology surrounding renewables is evolving rapidly,” he says. “It can be challenging, but also a lot of fun.”