Insights for what's next

Explore practical perspectives that turn complex challenges and emerging trends into real-world outcomes.

26 items
nuclear abstract
Q&A

Powering up nuclear growth: Why the right planning process matters

With 37 years of planning experience, Ian Fletcher has tackled key infrastructure challenges across sectors. For the past 17 years, he’s focused on securing approvals for some of the U.K.’s most complex programs, including the Thames Tideway Tunnel and Southampton to London Pipeline. Major infrastructure demands bold problem-solving and deep collaboration—two hallmarks of Ian’s award-winning career. He has led six major development consent orders (DCOs), the planning and approval mechanism for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). Now, as civil nuclear energy becomes a Critical National Priority for the U.K., Ian is bringing his consenting process skills alongside Jacobs’ wider nuclear capability, helping guide projects through the high-stakes planning process. In this Q&A, Ian shares insights on how effective consenting can accelerate nuclear development and what’s ahead for the first small modular reactors (SMRs) in the U.K. How does getting the consenting process right help nuclear projects succeed? DCOs come with numerous commitments and conditions. It’s about getting the details right to ensure better implementation. In civil nuclear, developers face multiple hurdles, from financing to strict regulatory requirements. Planning is one of the most visible, and often most challenging, parts of the process, especially as it provides the public the clearest opportunity to weigh in. Successful consenting sometimes means pushing back, even on client requests. The key is knowing when to say yes and when to say no to protect long-term project outcomes. That decision-making depends on experience—especially in surveying, mitigation and design— where the greatest cost impacts are often defined

Ian Fletcher
Power plant with tree
Big Questions

How do we rapidly deploy resilient energy infrastructure at scale in today’s fast-paced market?

As gas generation sees a resurgence globally, clients face a new set of challenges: strained supply chains, compressed schedules and unprecedented demand. Decarbonization needs prioritizing — but challenges can arise when energy systems move faster than technology, supply chains or commercial realities allow. In many markets, gas-fired generation continues to play a critical role as a dependable source of power, especially as access to renewables increases and demand accelerates from sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers. The focus isn’t just on building gas assets; it’s on how they’re built. Today’s gas facilities are designed with adaptability in mind, enabling future transitions to lower-carbon fuels or sustainable alternatives. Speed to market, operational flexibility and lifetime efficiency are equally important, with balanced deployment strategies and diverse technology solutions meeting dual targets of reduced emissions and maximum output. This is especially evident in the surge in energy demand driven by the global data center boom happening now — particularly in the U.S. Staying ahead of the increasingly competitive landscape is a key focus for Jacobs’ Power Generation and Global Market Director Steve Vincent, who works with major corporations and developers to deploy reliable on-site integrated power generation systems for variable load infrastructure. A global perspective on energy transition A 20-year Jacobs veteran who has lived and worked across seven countries, Steve brings a truly global perspective to gas generation. His career spans all forms of power development in places like Kenya, Saudi Arabia and the U.S, leadership roles across Asia, and most

What will drive the next phase of energy growth?
Big Questions

What will drive the next phase of energy growth?

Mike Klooster accelerates growth for Jacobs’ energy and power clients at a pivotal moment for the industry. With decades of experience, he works with clients to navigate evolving energy demands, strengthen partnerships and scale solutions that deliver reliable, sustainable outcomes.

Mike Klooster
Power Systems
Big Questions

How do we strengthen energy systems at speed?

Across global markets, energy providers face relentless pressure: deliver faster, manage supply chains and maintain system reliability. Fiachra Ó Cléirigh brings curiosity, collaboration and a systems mindset to address today’s most complex infrastructure challenges.

Fiachra Ó Cléirigh
Energy and Power
Big Questions

How do we connect renewables and new technologies to the grid?

Joe Fox works with utilities, developers and large end-users like data centers on connecting renewable energy and emerging technologies to the grid. With more than 20 years in power and power delivery, he advises on transmission planning, grid interconnections and grid modernization solutions, helping clients respond to rapid load growth and the evolving demands of the energy transition.

Joe Fox
Transmission Line cable
Big Questions

How do we build more resilient power systems?

As power systems become more digital and interconnected, resilience must become a core design principle. Geev Mokryani explains why future grids should be planned to adapt and recover from increasingly complex disruptions.

Geev Mokryani
Group of people discussing
Big Questions

How do we plan for the next generation of power demand?

Electrification, AI infrastructure and renewable energy are reshaping power demand faster than traditional planning models can adapt. Jacobs’ Senior Associate Director, Future Energy & Power Systems, Chris Boden explains why the future grid requires a fundamentally different approach.

Christopher Boden
AI Infrastructure
Thought Leadership

The hidden challenge behind gigawatt-scale AI infrastructure

The race to build AI infrastructure is accelerating. But as individual data center demand regularly exceeds gigawatt scale, power system design is emerging as one of the industry's biggest challenges. Are traditional approaches still fit for purpose?

Lara Kruk
OT Cybersecurity
Big Questions

How can utilities modernize the grid without increasing cyber risk?

As utilities modernize electricity networks, embedding operational technology (OT) cybersecurity from the outset is essential to delivering a more resilient, reliable and future-ready grid. In this feature, Jacobs Associate Director of OT Cybersecurity Fikret Yildirim explores why cyber resilience must become a core design principle for successful grid transformation.

Fikret Yildirim

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    From developing climate resilience and transitioning to a low-carbon future, to modernizing and transforming infrastructure, governments and businesses face critical challenges. How they respond will define our future.

    As our clients navigate these challenges, we help them think differently – working together to pioneer tomorrow's infrastructure solutions and build the foundations for a prosperous, secure future. 

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