Insights for what's next

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

14 items
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

Steve Vincent
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

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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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