The energy industry isn’t facing a shortage of opportunity. It’s facing a growing challenge in execution.
Across the United States, companies are investing in new energy infrastructure, power generation, grid upgrades, and technology deployments. Yet many projects face mounting pressure from workforce constraints, supply chain disruptions, permitting delays, geopolitical uncertainty, and a more uncertain capital environment.
These issues were the focus of a recent Reuters Events webinar moderated by Energy Workforce & Technology Council President Molly Determan, featuring Lou Schick of Clean Energy Ventures and Jalal Nadeem of the Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA).
The panel discussed how investors are increasingly looking beyond project economics and focusing on execution. Workforce readiness, operational resilience, supply chain certainty, and the ability to deliver projects on time and on budget are becoming critical differentiators.
They also discussed the cost of uncertainty. Delays related to permitting, regulatory reviews, equipment availability, and workforce constraints can quickly disrupt schedules and increase costs across the project lifecycle. While companies can adapt to high standards and evolving market conditions, unpredictability makes long-term planning and investment decisions far more difficult.
The conversation also highlighted the continued importance of the energy workforce. While technologies like AI are improving efficiency and decision-making, successful project delivery still depends on skilled workers who can safely execute projects in the field.
The discussion reinforced a reality facing energy companies across the country: meeting growing energy demand requires more than investment. It requires the people, equipment, policies, and certainty necessary to move projects from approval to completion.
Thank you to Reuters Energy Live for another great event!
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