Can access to energy determine whether a project moves forward at all?
Jérémie Côté: For remote industrial projects, energy is often one of the first realities that needs to be assessed. You can have a resource, a viable process and a strong business case, but none of that matters if you can't power the operation reliably. In mining projects, for example, energy sits alongside logistics and workforce availability as one of the key factors that can determine whether a project moves forward.
Alireza Khosroshahi: From an energy planning perspective, one of the first questions is whether a project can be energized. If grid access is being considered, we need to determine whether a transmission connection is available and whether the grid can supply the required load.
It’s rarely as simple as seeing a transmission line nearby and assuming power is available. We still need to understand how much capacity is available, how long the interconnection process will take and whether those timelines align with the project schedule. That's why organizations are starting these conversations much earlier in the planning process.
“If you can’t energize your project, then it's not a project anymore.” — Alireza Khosroshahi, P.Eng., Senior Engineer, Transmission Planning
Energy availability is no longer only a technical question. Investors are often asking the same thing: Will the project have access to the power it needs, when it needs it, and can that supply be relied upon over the lifetime of the project?
What should organizations do when project schedules move faster than grid connection timelines?
Jérémie Côté: We're seeing this challenge more frequently across industries. A project may need to be operational in two or three years, while the timeline to secure a grid connection can extend much longer. As a result, energy planning is becoming a key part of project scheduling rather than a task completed later in development.
“If the grid can't meet your schedule, you need to evaluate what will power the project until it can.” — Jérémie Côté, P.Eng., Director, Thermal Power Generation
One approach we’re discussing more frequently with clients is a bridge-to-grid strategy. If grid access won't be available when the facility is ready to start operating, organizations need to identify what energy source will support the project in the meantime. Depending on the site and power requirements, that could mean behind-the-meter generation using thermal, renewable energy or a hybrid approach. Waiting too long often means fewer options and less flexibility.
Alireza Khosroshahi: Project schedules and grid connection timelines aren’t always aligned. Even when power is available, organizations need to understand when it can realistically be delivered and what requirements apply in their jurisdiction.
The process can vary significantly across provinces and states. Capacity, interconnection studies, utility approvals and regulatory requirements can all affect project timelines. In some cases, the infrastructure exists, yet projects still face delays because access to power takes longer than expected.
That's why interconnection planning needs to happen early. Today, energy availability is as much a scheduling and risk management consideration as it is a technical one, particularly for projects facing long interconnection queues.
If the analysis reveals a gap between the project schedule and interconnection timeline, developers may need to consider alternative options such as co-locating load and generation, whenever possible, phasing the project or using temporary alternative power connections.
What does a resilient energy strategy look like today?
Alireza Khosroshahi: A resilient energy strategy starts with recognizing that no single energy source is immune to disruption. Extreme weather, drought conditions and growing electricity demand are placing increasing pressure on energy systems and highlighting the importance of diversification.
Relying on a single resource may work under normal conditions, but resilience comes from having options. Stronger grid interconnections, diversified generation resources and additional capacity can help maintain reliable service when unexpected events occur.
Ultimately, resilience is about preparing for events that could realistically affect operations and having a plan in place before they occur.
Jérémie Côté: From a project perspective, resilience starts with understanding how critical power is to the operation. For some facilities, a short outage may be manageable. For others, even a brief interruption can affect production, equipment or operational performance.
That's why resilience often goes beyond simply connecting to the grid. Depending on the project, it may involve energy storage, backup generation or a combination of technologies designed to maintain operations when conditions change.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution. Every project is different, which is why resilience needs to be evaluated based on the site's operational needs and energy constraints.
Aligning project schedules with interconnection and energy realities
Reliable energy can no longer be treated as a late-stage project consideration. Access to power, interconnection timelines, regulatory requirements and resilience all influence how projects are planned and executed.
The earlier these questions are addressed, the more options organizations have. Understanding energy realities from the outset can help avoid delays, reduce uncertainty and support better project decisions.
