Solar Development Manager Stephen Young prepares for a local informational neighborhood meeting. Our communities are important to our business. Their welcome and care drive us to play an active role and create lasting relationships.
raleigh Archives - Holocene Clean Energy
This month,
we welcomed Steve Young, our new Development Manager at Holocene Clean Energy. Steve’s experience and passions speak for themselves – we are thrilled to have you on board!
What got you interested in renewable energy?
My career started in project management for an Environmental Engineering firm in South Carolina. They got involved in renewable energy in 2005 and offered me the chance to get in on the ground level. That led to travel across the US and Canada to develop renewable projects and provide engineering and construction services. In 2008, I went to work for NextEra Energy, the largest renewable energy company in North America and the world’s largest utility. I learned best in class processes for development, engineering and construction, and operations of wind and solar plants. In 2010, NextEra provided an opportunity to move to western Canada to help launch their business in that country. We ended up loving it and stayed for 7 years. I really enjoy all aspects of the renewable industry from project inception, through design and construction, operations, and the business/financial side.
Why is the work that Holocene is doing important to you both personally and professionally?
The career move to come to Holocene was a big decision personally and professionally. I wanted to join a company with great leadership, a solid business model, and where I could make an impact within a team. Holocene offers all that and more. We are excited to be relocating to the Raleigh area and being a part of the substantial growth opportunities ahead. I believe Holocene is unique, innovative and smart about their market approach and has a great reputation and relationships. It is a privilege to join the team at this important stage for the company.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies/passions?
My wife would say moving is somewhat of a hobby as she counts 25 moves in 15 years of marriage (26 if you include Raleigh)! We have three kids age 14, 12, and 10 and enjoy doing life with them. We are passionate about people and focused on how our lives can impact others in our community and around the world. We enjoy skiing, water sports, getting outdoors, travel and spending time with extended family.
Each month, we will feature a team member and the work they are doing to help Holocene mainstream clean energy.
What got you interested in renewable energy- what’s your background?
In a big way, working at Holocene was my first step into renewable energy, having interned here over the time I was in undergrad at NC State, and now continuing as an Engineering Associate. I grew a passion for renewable energy in class and at work. Now, I am involved with renewable energy and storage research, clean energy international development, and facility engineering and design here at Holocene.
Why is the work that Holocene is doing important to you both personally and professionally?
Clean energy, environmental conservation, consciousness and equity are so important to me and my actions strongly reflect my beliefs therein. I am pleased that I can work somewhere and feel proud of the work that I do.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies/passions?
I love to travel and experience other cultures and learn languages. When I am around Raleigh, however, I enjoy biking, hiking, playing D&D and trying local coffee and beer.
Dustin Soutendijk develops solar site designs, manages energy models and advises on technical aspects of development. With 2+ years’ experience at Holocene, Dustin also draws from his energy storage research at NC State and PV installation experience to generate best-practice site designs. Dustin earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Water Resources from NC State University, graduating this past May.
Don’t miss any upcoming Energy Expert posts- subscribe to our newsletter, coming each month to your inbox!