Path to Zero Podcast: Arcadis' Heather Polinsky on Grid Modernization Challenges and Innovations

In a special edition of Path to Zero, recorded from the Reuters Global Energy Transition event in New York City, host Tucker Perkins sits down with Heather Polinsky, the Global President for Resilience for Arcadis. The Dutch sustainable design, engineering and consulting company’s mission is to accelerate a planet-positive future and improve quality of life for all.

Heather Polinsky and her team provide holistic sustainable solutions for Arcadis clients dealing with the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and water scarcity. Before heading up the Resilience business, Heather was Arcadis’ Chief Operating Officer in North America.

Key Takeaways and Insights from Tucker’s interview with Arcadis’ Heather Polinsky:

Challenges and Innovations in Grid Modernization
One of the central topics discussed is the modernization and expansion of the energy grid. Polinsky highlights the difficulty of connecting distributed energy sources, like offshore wind and solar, to population hubs through an outdated grid. She discusses the importance of financial investment in new lines, substations, and modernization efforts to prevent energy loss and improve efficiency.

A Commitment to Energy Transition and Sustainability
Polinsky shares her insights on why she's speaking at the Reuters Global Energy Transition event: to be part of the vital conversation on energy transition. As a leader at Arcadis, she emphasizes their commitment to sustainability and resilience, working with both public and private clients across various sectors, including oil and gas, mining, water utilities, and industrial manufacturing. Arcadis' work ranges from building residential buildings and universities to environmental remediation and climate adaptation projects.

Embracing Technology and AI
Technology and artificial intelligence are crucial in optimizing energy transmission and distribution. Polinsky mentions the use of sensors and AI to monitor and manage power lines, adjusting energy flow based on real-time conditions. This technological advancement can increase the capacity and reliability of existing infrastructure. Additionally, she highlights the role of data science in improving decision-making and operational efficiency.

Equitable Clean Energy Access
Polinsky passionately discusses the need for equitable access to clean energy. Arcadis is committed to diversifying its workforce to reflect the communities it serves and supports early stakeholder engagement. This approach ensures that even smaller projects in economically disadvantaged areas receive the attention and funding they need.

The Role of Hydrogen in the Energy Transition
While acknowledging that there is no single solution to the energy transition, Polinsky talks about the potential of hydrogen as part of the equation. Arcadis is involved in hydrogen projects worldwide, from the UK to Brazil, focusing on feasibility and implementation. She discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with hydrogen, including the use of existing infrastructure for transport and the environmental considerations of hydrogen production.