Stantec expanding Caribbean, Latin America operations

Edmonton-based architectural, engineering and consulting group Stantec is widening its footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean, driven partly by the region's energy requirements.

"As an example, our energy and resources team has been supporting the government of Guyana and its state-run utility [GPL] with both new power generation and transmission projects," Dave Bernier, senior vice president, energy at Stantec, told BNamericas.

Guyana Power & Light (GPL) forecasts that its customers will hit 265,000 in 2028, up by 40,000 from 2023. This year's government budget includes funds to build 369km of transmission lines and 343km of distribution lines, among other infrastructure.

The Guyana work builds on Stantec's consolidated presence in Puerto Rico, where the company has been helping modernize the power grid and supporting the island's recovery from severe weather events for nearly a decade, Bernier said.

"We anticipate being a key resource as the island continues developing more reliable baseload generation and the necessary transmission infrastructure for the foreseeable future," added the executive, who highlighted Puerto Rico's need for reliable power generation.

Luma, which operates the US territory's transmission and distribution network, recently awarded Stantec an US$80mn master service agreement.

Regarding Puerto Rico's energy storage push, Bernier said that Stantec is identifying opportunities and expects to support projects on the island.

"Stantec has installed more than 1.5GW of energy storage projects providing 7.5GWh of grid relief throughout North America."

Read Energy storage project enters Puerto Rico procurement pipeline