Parth Sheta

Energy Storage Engineer

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I joined the organization two years ago as an energy storage engineer. My main role involves designing for both solar and storage projects. The design incorporates transformer size, cable size, and many other components. I deal with the interconnection applications for various states from the submission stage up until we receive the cost estimate. On certain projects, I assist with commissioning relays, and I often help with maintenance in terms of engineering support.

What led you to a career in Engineering, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

I was always interested in engineering, so I studied electrical engineering in college. It was a simple decision for me – engineering is what I know. In terms of the renewables sector, my last job involved designing parts and conducting arc flash studies. One project brought to our company was the design of a rooftop solar system for one of the sites. I found this really interesting and was fascinated by working on solar sites. After this, I began looking for another job opportunity at companies within the solar or renewables sector.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I’m a big foodie; I don’t think many people know that about me. My favourite spots to go to are probably Mexican joints. Thankfully my wife is an amazing cook because I don’t cook much.

What is the main thing that you would like to cross off your bucket list?

I want to go skydiving. About a year and a half ago, I went bungee jumping, and I feel like skydiving would be more challenging. I wasn’t scared of heights at all before I went bungee jumping, but now I’m a little more scared, but that’s what makes it so much more fascinating. Maybe one time, when I go home to India, I’ll visit Dubai and go skydiving.

What is your favorite way to spend your free time?

I like to spend my free time with my family and friends, just hanging out with good conversation and a glass of beer. I love to listen to music as well; I’m a big fan of Bollywood music. I like A.R. Rahman – he’s an artist from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. I also love sports. I play cricket, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and sometimes basketball. I like to play any sport and try new ones. I haven’t had any training or been on official teams, but I do sports often in my free time.

What is a movie that you never get tired of rewatching?

One of the movies I recently watched was An Unfinished Life with Morgan Freeman and Jennifer Lopez. It was a bit slow, but I liked how heartfelt it was; I like movies with strong emotional connections. Interstellar is also a great movie. I typically rewatch comedies like We’re the Millers when they come on TV because those are ones you can never get bored with.

If you could only get delivery or takeout from one local restaurant for the next 3 months, what spot and meal are you picking?

Maybe gnocchi from Scaddabush. I really love it with pesto.

X-Caliber Rural Capital (“XRC”) and L’Anse Warden Electric Company (“LWEC”), a subsidiary of Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (“GSI”), have closed on a refinancing for LWEC’s biomass power plant located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (“UP”).

This refinancing, in part backed by the USDA’s Business & Industry (“B&I”) loan program, enabled LWEC to refinance short-term financing, which was utilized for various capital improvements and investments to the plant.

In addition to providing a competitive long-term financing solution, the transaction will enable a continued positive impact on the UP’s rural community economy.

LWEC’s biomass plant will continue to provide reliable baseload power to the UP’s grid and support the region’s energy infrastructure. This is all made possible through the experience, dedication, and expertise of the local workforce.

Working with XRC has allowed LWEC to access financing with impact – an effective solution for the good of the community, including local job creation and retention.

X-Caliber Rural Capital’s B&I program supports many rural business development projects, including business expansion, business acquisition, equipment purchases and installation, and working capital.

This transaction outlines how USDA programs support job retention and creation in rural communities nationwide.

LWEC’s commitment to providing renewable energy throughout our community and region remains steadfast, and this collaboration with XRC will further strengthen that commitment for the foreseeable future.  LWEC and GSI are thankful for XRC’s partnership and advocacy and look forward to working with them in the years ahead.

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI), the North American renewable energy subsidiary of Libra Group, is officially announcing its Canadian Office location. This is part of the recent strategic acquisition of Saturn Power, including their roster of seasoned developers and their solar and battery development pipeline.

The office, located in the picturesque community of Baden, which is part of Waterloo Region, Canada’s renowned technology epicenter, will host a number of GSI team members and will serve as an ongoing hub of development for their North American operations.

“As we continue to expand its reach throughout North America, enhancing our Canadian presence will enable GSI’s team to increase its capabilities in developing essential renewable energy projects in this burgeoning market.” said Mazen Turk, GSI’s Chief Executive Officer. “Establishing a Canadian office is the first step in what promises to be a period of growth and progress over the coming weeks and months for GSI, as we strive towards our strategic goal of growing GSI’s renewable energy pipeline in North America.”