In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth sits down with Brian Abeld, Vice President and General Manager of EV and Microgrid Infrastructure at Mortenson—one of the most forward-thinking builders in the renewable energy space.

As electrification accelerates and infrastructure lags behind, Brian gives a candid look at what it really takes to scale EV charging projects, integrate microgrids, and navigate the rapidly evolving regulatory and utility landscape. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience building wind, solar, battery storage, and now EV infrastructure, Brian shares how Mortenson is helping companies avoid costly mistakes—and future-proof their electrification strategies.

From EV fleet hubs to public transit projects and data center power solutions, this episode dives into the complexity of building what’s next.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why so many EV infrastructure projects go over budget—and how to avoid the “oh no” moment
• How Mortenson’s dual expertise in commercial buildings and energy is a game-changer
• Real-world strategies to design smarter, cut CapEx, and still deliver on grant and permitting requirements
• Why early engagement with EPCs, permitting agencies, and designers is essential
• The underestimated impact of poor site planning, oversized specs, and bad sequencing
• How microgrids and battery storage are closing the gap on grid limitations
• The role of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and AI in the future of EV and energy systems
• How to think long-term—without overspending upfront—on scalable EV charging infrastructure

Brian also breaks down lessons from a 20-phase EV project at a live transit site in Washington, D.C., how Mortenson helps clients design for megawatt charging systems (MCS), and why the next big shift in infrastructure will be led by data centers building their own microgrids.

Whether you’re developing an EV project, planning for fleet electrification, navigating utility delays, or just looking to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation is packed with battle-tested insights for the future of electrified infrastructure.

Key Topics:

• EV charging infrastructure strategy
• Preconstruction planning & permitting
• Microgrids for resilience and reliability
• Grid constraints & utility interconnection
• Fleet electrification & phased construction
• V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) technology
• Battery storage integration
• IRA compliance and labor standards
• Data center energy demand & AI impact

About Brian Abeld:
As Vice President and General Manager of EV and Microgrid Infrastructure at Mortenson, Brian leads strategy and execution across some of the most advanced electrification and clean energy projects in North America. His career spans nearly 20 years and includes leadership across wind, solar, battery storage, and power delivery.

About Mortenson:
Mortenson is a top-ranked builder and developer in renewable energy, with expertise in wind, solar, storage, data centers, and EV infrastructure. Their integrated approach to construction, engineering, and project delivery is helping reshape how America powers its future.

Learn more at www.mortenson.com
Brian Abeld on LinkedIn

Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/

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