The Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives (IEA) is a prominent player in heavy civil construction, with its subsidiary White Construction engaging in intense competition with the industry leader Mortenson for the top position in wind power engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) in the country.
Having completed over 23 gigawatts (GW) of wind projects in the United States and Canada, IEA recognized the need to expand its involvement in the solar sector.
According to Joe Broom, Senior Vice President of Solar at IEA (ranked 19th on the 2022 Top Solar Contractors list), the company had undertaken solar projects earlier, primarily in Canada, but shifted its focus to the growing U.S. market in 2019.
To regain confidence, IEA initially tackled solar projects under 100 megawatts (MW). Today, the company has refined its approach by collaborating closely with a select few component suppliers, enabling them to grasp efficient installation processes for faster project completion.
IEA has now transitioned to bidding on larger projects and maintaining a robust workload.
While IEA’s dominance in wind construction was somewhat accidental – originating from subcontracting on an early wind farm – its ascent in the solar sector is a deliberate strategy.
Broom highlights that one of the significant advantages of working within a large corporation is the ability to harness its extensive workforce.
Despite its current emphasis on solar, IEA remains committed to the wind industry and is actively engaged in both sectors.
