Utility-scale solar and battery storage development continue driving demand for specialized commissioning and high-voltage expertise across the North American construction sector. PCL Construction announced that Donny Kiehn, district commissioning manager within the company’s solar division, was selected for Engineering News-Record Texas & Southeast’s 2026 Top Young Professionals program.
The industry recognition program honors construction and design professionals under age 40 based on leadership, technical expertise and industry involvement.
Kiehn oversees energization and commissioning activities tied to PCL Construction’s utility-scale solar and battery energy storage portfolio throughout North America.
His responsibilities include coordinating commissioning programs that align technical system requirements with field execution during project delivery. Project experience associated with the role includes substations, transmission systems and high-voltage electrical infrastructure supporting large-scale renewable energy developments.
Commissioning and energization activities have become increasingly important within utility-scale solar construction as project owners and developers place greater emphasis on grid reliability, operational readiness and safety compliance during startup phases.
PCL Construction stated that Kiehn also contributes to the company’s electrical safety and commissioning procedures associated with energized solar facilities and grid interconnection work.
The role includes oversight of operational controls, training procedures and risk-management practices connected to high-voltage construction environments.
As renewable energy projects continue increasing in scale and technical complexity, contractors and developers are expanding commissioning and electrical infrastructure capabilities to support utility interconnection requirements and long-term system performance.
Engineering News-Record’s Top Young Professionals program evaluates candidates based on professional experience, leadership activities and community involvement across the Texas and Southeast construction markets.
Recognition programs tied to technical leadership roles have become increasingly prominent within renewable energy construction as the industry seeks to strengthen workforce development and specialized infrastructure expertise.
For developers, EPC contractors and infrastructure owners, utility-scale solar construction increasingly depends on experienced commissioning leadership capable of managing complex energization and high-voltage operations.
The recognition of commissioning and grid-integration professionals also reflects broader industry demand for specialized technical talent as renewable energy and battery storage projects continue expanding across North America.
Source: PCL Construction.
