Constructing a Clean Energy Future

Apex and MasTec Forge an Agreement to Drive the Renewables Revolution: An Expert Q&A

Cat Strumlauf, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
4 minutes

In an industry as dynamic and rapidly evolving as renewable energy, strategic partnerships can make all the difference. Apex Clean Energy and MasTec, two leaders in their respective fields, have signed a frame agreement to support Apex’s mission to accelerate the transition to clean energy. By combining Apex’s development prowess with MasTec’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) expertise, this collaboration is poised to overcome challenges and drive innovation in the sector. In this Q&A, four executives from MasTec share their insights on the partnership, the state of the industry, and the future of clean energy construction. They spoke with Apex’s Cat Strumlauf.

What makes the collaboration between Apex and MasTec a strategic fit for both companies?

The partnership between Apex Clean Energy and MasTec is a strategic powerhouse. Apex brings an impressive 65 GW+ development portfolio that spans wind, solar, storage, and more. MasTec, meanwhile, is a construction leader, ranked number one in wind and number two in solar and pipeline construction by Engineering News Record in 2023. Together, we’re uniquely positioned to accelerate the transition to clean energy. Apex’s confidence in MasTec as a long-term partner speaks volumes about the strength and potential of this collaboration.

The agreement between Apex and MasTec is a testament to the mutual trust and respect we have for each other’s capabilities and expertise. What stands out the most in our partnership is how seamlessly our cultures, teams, and fundamental principles resonate with one another. It’s this shared vision that sets the foundation for our success. We’re excited to see where it takes us.

—Kent Ennis, Senior Director of Strategic Accounts

Realizing projects of such scale will always be a challenge in and of itself. How does MasTec manage through execution issues?

MasTec’s commitment to safety and strong project leadership, honed through extensive experience constructing clean energy projects nationwide, is the bedrock of our success. In the dynamic world of construction, setbacks are inevitable. Transparent communication and close collaboration with partners like Apex are key to achieving positive outcomes. We take a proactive approach, addressing potential challenges head-on and ensuring that projects are managed effectively and efficiently.

Our strong industry relationships with original equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, vendors, and other EPC firms further enhance our ability to execute complex projects. These partnerships provide access to specialized expertise, resources, and innovative solutions, enabling MasTec to deliver high-quality results on schedule and within budget.
By leveraging our deep experience, commitment to safety, and collaborative approach, MasTec continues to be a trusted leader in clean energy construction, driving innovation and sustainability forward.

—Robert Monley, Project Executive

 

Realizing projects of such scale will always be a challenge in and of itself. How does MasTec manage through execution issues?

The renewable energy market is still evolving, and MasTec believes we’re just scratching the surface. As we approach the second half of the decade, we anticipate significant growth. As wind turbines and components like blades and generators increase in size, and geopolitical factors impact solar module availability, our operations teams must continuously assess and adapt to minimize safety and schedule risks for our clients’ clean energy projects. Crucially, attracting and retaining top talent will be vital for everyone’s success in the industry as we move forward.

—Troy Ochoa, Senior Vice President of Renewables Development

What are some of the most significant challenges facing utility-scale clean energy construction today? How does the partnership between Apex and MasTec help solve for some of those?

One of the biggest challenges industry-wide is securing enough skilled labor. MasTec boasts one of the largest workforces nationwide and is committed to continuous growth and retaining top talent. Our Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship Program, registered with the Department of Labor and certified by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, addresses provisions within the Inflation Reduction Act to build our workforce for the future. Partnering with Apex enhances our visibility into the project pipeline, supporting our efforts to retain skilled professionals.

Securing land, navigating complex permitting processes, cultivating community support, finding power purchasers, and obtaining financing pose formidable obstacles prior to construction. The most critical bottleneck is inadequate transmission infrastructure. Robust transmission permitting, cost allocation, and investment will be necessary to integrate clean energy at the pace required.

Apex excels at overcoming these challenges with a development and project delivery approach that complements MasTec’s strengths. By focusing on the early phases—site selection, engineering, land rights, transmission access, and resource assessment—Apex sets the stage for both companies to successfully bring clean energy projects to completion.

—Matt Tetrault, Senior Vice President of Operations

How has MasTec’s history and origin story—truly one of the American dream—influenced its approach over the years?

MasTec’s story is a quintessential American dream. Our founder, Jorge Mas Canosa, arrived in the United States from Cuba with nothing but determination. His early struggles, including his participation in the Bay of Pigs invasion and subsequent fresh start in Miami, forged a resilient spirit that has defined MasTec’s ethos, one perpetuated by his son and current CEO José Mas.

Central to MasTec’s philosophy is the belief in opportunity—not as a given, but as a potential to be realized through hard work and perseverance. This conviction, championed by Jorge and embraced by the company, asserts that the United States offers unparalleled prospects for success. This story is woven into MasTec’s culture, serving as a reminder to remain grateful and humble. Our approach to customers and strategic partners like Apex is rooted in shared values and mutual respect—the foundation for building successful projects together.

—M.T.

Authors

Cat Strumlauf

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

Cat leads Apex’s marketing and communications team, with a focus on corporate communications, content creation, and media and partner relations. Prior to joining the company, she worked in broadcast journalism as a reporter. Cat holds an MSJ from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and a BA in marketing and entrepreneurship from the College of William and Mary’s Mason School of Business.