Renewables

As the renewable energy sector adapts to shifting federal policy and market pressures, developers and owner-operators face a narrowing window of time to capitalize on federal energy tax credit incentives. The Reconciliation Bill, otherwise known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), dramatically shortened the deadline to qualify for federal tax credits: wind and solar projects must either begin construction by July 4, 2026, or reach commercial operation (COD) by December 31, 2027. This maintains a window of opportunity, but it won't last long. In August this year, the Treasury Department released updated guidance on start-of-construction qualification for wind and solar projects seeking to capture the IRA tax credits that were revised in July's federal reconciliation bill. Treasury removed the 5% safe harbor, which previously allowed projects to qualify as "under construction" if at least 5% of total project costs had been incurred. Now, project sponsors are left relying on the physical work test threshold, and meaningful construction activity at the project site is essential to qualify projects as having started construction. While this raises the bar, certain provisions offer an alternative route: binding contracts for equipment uniquely specified for the project may still provide a pathway to eligibility. There is still a chance that the Treasury Department could release additional guidance, especially for updated restrictions regarding Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC). Adding to the complexity, all wind and solar permitting is now subject to the Department of the Interior, and ongoing tariff concerns for critical components are creating additional hurdles for meeting the eligibility deadlines. However, project developers continue to move assets forward, and Ulteig remains positioned to help navigate these challenges on accelerated project timelines. This article explains why developers of solar and wind renewable energy projects must move quickly under the new rules and outlines how Independent Engineering and Ulteig’s holistic project delivery services can provide clarity, risk mitigation and strategic support in navigating this rapidly evolving environment. The Role of Independent Engineering in De-Risking M&A With shifting federal policies, new incentive deadlines and evolving eligibility guidelines, every decision in a potential M&A scenario carries heightened stakes. For stakeholders seeking clarity, Independent Engineering (IE) provides more than just technical assessments—it delivers confidence in the face of ambiguity. By leveraging unbiased third-party evaluations, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of a project's or portfolio's strengths, risks and underlying assumptions. Early identification of critical risks or "fatal flaws" allows for stronger negotiation positions and better-informed investment decisions. IE not only reviews the technical soundness of a project but also analyzes contracts, permitting status and energy production estimates—helping to spot vulnerabilities before they become obstacles. Ulteig's Holistic Approach to Project Delivery and Owner's Representative in Today's Market "Complexity doesn't end with due diligence. As policy changes cascade into permitting, interconnection and supply chain risks, developers and owners need holistic insight, not just a checklist," said David Schmitz, Ulteig's Manager of Project Management. "A knowledgeable partner can help navigate these intersections, offering strategic guidance that aligns with both immediate priorities and long-term value creation." Ulteig's deep bench of engineering expertise and energy market knowledge positions us as a trusted partner for developers and IPPs. Our Project Delivery and Owner's Representative services extend beyond IE to include: Owner's Engineering (OE) to guide projects from inception to completion, or at any point along the way, placing the owner's interests at the heart of the project lifecycle. Program and Project Management (PM), Project Controls and Construction Management (CM) to augment client teams with skilled staff and accelerate project delivery timelines. Clients can benefit from expertise that integrates technical analysis with market conditions and project delivery experience. This collaborative approach means staying ahead of regulatory changes, anticipating hurdles and building flexible strategies that keep projects on track, even as requirements shift. While the immediate priority for developers will be advanced-stage projects with near-term COD, this integrated approach allows Ulteig to support clients throughout the full lifecycle of a project—from acquisition through commercial operation—ensuring continuity, clarity and confidence in every decision. Learn More About Ulteig's Vision to WIRE THE FUTURE  By strategically collaborating with clients, partners and industry stakeholders, Ulteig is helping to accelerate the future of the US power grid through megaprojects and the Journey of a Line. Download the full report.

Arc flash studies are a cornerstone of electrical safety, especially in RENEWABLE ENERGY projects. While initial studies are often completed during project development, many owners overlook the importance of 5-year restudies—a potential oversight that can lead to safety and compliance risks. At Ulteig, we’re helping clients stay ahead of these challenges with proactive planning and expert analysis. The 5-Year Requirement According to OSHA and NFPA standards, arc flash studies must be re-evaluated every five years. This isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a regulatory requirement. Failing to comply can leave owners legally liable in the event of an incident. Ulteig helps clients meet this deadline by tracking study timelines and sending reminders. Common Challenges and Our Solutions Many clients face tight timelines for restudy compliance, sometimes due to gaps in internal tracking processes. Ulteig works closely with owners to inform them early, making it easier for clients to stay compliant without worry of the deadline approaching. Technical Tools and Expertise Ulteig leverages industry-standard software tools like EasyPower, ETAP, SKM, and ArcPro to deliver accurate and reliable arc flash analysis. Our experts help clients understand the results and implement recommendations effectively. The Hidden Risk of Faded Labels Arc flash labels are only UV-rated for five years. Faded or unreadable labels pose a hidden risk on-site. Ulteig ensures that updated labels are delivered as part of every restudy, helping clients maintain a safe and compliant environment. Why Clients Choose Ulteig Whether we performed the original study or not, Ulteig is equipped to support 5-year restudies with speed and precision. Our team maintains base models from PAST PROJECTS, which can streamline the restudy process. We also offer stand-alone studies for brownfield sites and new clients seeking a trusted partner. Looking Ahead Arc flash restudies are more than a checkbox—they’re a proactive investment in safety and operational continuity. Ulteig is committed to supporting our clients with the tools, expertise and foresight needed to keep their project teams safe and meet regulatory requirements. CONTACT US to get started on your restudy or learn more about Ulteig’s capabilities in POWER SYSTEM STUDIES.

Introduction to Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) present exciting opportunities to enhance the efficiency of the power grid. Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) is a type of GETs that seeks to adjust the fixed-in-time (static) capacity ratings of an electric power grid based upon ambient conditions, such as temperature and wind speed, to allow for greater flow ratings. DLR offers the opportunity to reduce generation and load interconnection costs based upon adjusted transmission input parameters rather than installing physical infrastructure that can be more costly and time-consuming to deploy. Ulteig's Collaboration on Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) Research Ulteig, in collaboration with LineVision and Energy Exemplar, is helping to drive research to explore the integration of DLR into the electric grid. Using Energy Exemplar’s software PLEXOS®, and its associated 2024 Eastern Area Interconnection Nodal Data Set, along with information provided by LineVision related to uncertainty in dynamic ratings, Ulteig has developed models that assess both the potential benefits and associated risks of DLR. In conjunction with research at the Purdue University Energy Efficiency Center, preliminary results show the potential for DLRs to make a significant positive difference related to both generation and load interconnection. Impact of DLR on Transmission Congestion and Generation Curtailment Research findings indicate that DLR can reduce transmission congestion and generation curtailment by over 50%, provided that critical transmission constraints are identified and effectively mitigated through dynamic ratings. While these impacts vary based on system conditions, Ulteig conducts detailed analyses using both constant and time-varying dynamic ratings to quantify the benefits DLR brings to the power grid. This analysis can accommodate data center load growth, electrification initiatives, energy storage solutions, and traditional thermal generation interconnection. Future Prospects: Ulteig and LineVision's Commitment to DLR Implementation Looking ahead, Ulteig remains committed to advancing DLR implementation alongside its strategic partner, LineVision. Ulteig is ready to help utilities and developers explore the value of DLR. Ulteig and LineVision can help clients quantify the benefits and risks of DLR to move projects from concept to reality. Stay tuned for the specifics when this research is published with the Association of Energy Engineers. Contact Ulteig today to learn more about our Energy Market Modeling expertise and how we can support your grid modernization efforts.   Written by Andrew Kramer, Ph.D, CEM, CMVP, REP  Energy Market Modeling Engineer

The renewable energy industry is evolving rapidly, bringing with it complex challenges, from regulatory hurdles to financial uncertainties. At Ulteig, we understand these obstacles and are here to help. Our Developer Services Suite combines decades of deep industry expertise with cutting-edge technology to empower energy developers and owners. With tailored insights and actionable strategies, this suite is designed to help you reduce risk, accelerate timelines, and maximize the value of your investments. Why Choose Ulteig’s Developer Services Suite? If you’re in the early stages of renewable energy development, our suite provides critical insights to help you succeed: Risk Reduction: Anticipate and mitigate potential issues early, paving a smoother path to project completion. Accelerated Development: Gain clarity on risks and access customized solutions to keep projects on track and within budget. Market Forecasting: Leverage advanced modeling to identify opportunities, optimize operations, and enhance revenue potential. Comprehensive Solutions for Every Stage Our suite is designed to address the complexities of renewable energy development. While each functionality is available individually, bundling them unlocks even greater value and efficiency: Transmission & Interconnection Planning: Assess grid capacity and infrastructure to identify optimal project sites and mitigate risks associated with energy delivery challenges. Buildable Area Analysis: Evaluate topography, land use, and constraints to determine viable construction zones, enabling efficient site planning and avoiding costly redesigns. Environmental & Permitting Services: De-risk your project by identifying potential regulatory and environmental obstacles early, ensuring compliance and minimizing delays during review processes. Siting & Layout Optimization: Perform in-depth analysis to optimize site design, balancing technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness to enhance project viability. Production Modeling: Conduct precise energy yield analyses to validate performance expectations, support financing, and maximize long-term profitability. Energy Market Analysis: Leverage market trends and forecasts to evaluate project viability, optimize revenue strategies, and inform data-driven decision-making for enhanced performance. Why Bundle Services? By bundling our Developer Services Suite, you gain access to a fully integrated approach that leverages Ulteig’s expertise across multiple domains. This not only accelerates project timelines but also enhances outcomes through a cohesive, streamlined process. Develop with Confidence Ulteig’s Developer Services Suite is designed to serve as your trusted advisor in navigating the complexities of renewable energy development. Together, we’ll help you unlock your project’s full potential while mitigating risks and maximizing returns. to learn how our services can help to de-risk the path forward for your renewable energy projects. Connect with us today to learn how our services can help to de-risk the path forward for your renewable energy projects.