Q&A |
KGSI strengthens US presence
With new offices in Sacramento and Seattle, KGS Group International Inc is deepening its support for the aging hydropower infrastructure in the US. General Manager Andi Bogdanovic shares how the company is driving innovation, local engagement and long-term sustainability across key regions
What prompted KGS Group International Inc. to expand its US presence, particularly in Sacramento and Seattle? KGS Group International Inc. (KGSI) has expanded its operations to better serve the growing demands of the hydropower sector. This expansion particularly supports our clients, including Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Tacoma Power. This strategic move was made to strengthen and support the nation’s hydropower infrastructure, understanding that it contributes approximately 43% of all hydropower generation in the Northwest and Rockies regions.
Above: Andi Bogdanovic
KGSI’s offices in Seattle and Sacramento (in operation since 2023) a provide local knowledge and the ability to respond promptly to meet the needs of local clients.
How do these locations support your company’s mission in the hydropower sector? At KGSI, we recognize that the hydropower community has limited resources to meet growing demands. As part of our commitment to strengthening the sector, we are focused on contributing to local communities, particularly in Seattle and Sacramento. These regions are vital hubs for hydropower, and we aim to support their growth through workforce development, infrastructure improvements and community engagement initiatives. Additionally, we are proud to contribute to job creation in the United States by supporting employment opportunities that drive innovation and sustainability in the industry. Our purpose is to build lasting relationships with
the promise of building things to last. By investing in people, technology and collaboration, we are helping shape the future of hydropower.
How has your company’s expansion benefited clients in these regions? By establishing a presence in establishing a presence in Seattle and Sacramento, we have provided critical services that help utilities maintain compliance, improve reliability, and extend the lifespan of their assets.
For our major clients we have provided condition assessments to evaluate structural integrity and identify maintenance needs. We conducted FERC Part 12 condition assessments and periodic inspections to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate potential risks. Our electrical, mechanical and geotechnical engineers have helped our clients
38 | May 2025 |
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address complex challenges associated with aging hydroelectric facilities. These services are essential as many hydropower facilities in the US are over 50 years old, requiring ongoing inspections, upgrades and modernization efforts to meet safety and performance standards. By being locally positioned in Sacramento and Seattle, we can provide faster response times, localized expertise and hands-on support to help clients maintain and optimize their hydropower assets.
With the Seattle office’s expansion, how is KGSI adapting to the growing hydropower demand in Washington and Oregon? KGSI is actively adapting to the growing hydropower demand in Washington and Oregon by continuously expanding our staff to meet the increasing needs of our clients. This growth is the driving force behind our investment in a larger office space, ensuring we have the resources and capacity to support the region’s evolving hydropower infrastructure. We are also excited to announce new personnel in the near future, further strengthening our expertise and ability to deliver comprehensive hydropower solutions.
Additionally, we have promoted Nathan Rockwood
to oversee our business expansion in Washington and Oregon. Nathan brings over 25 years of experience in hydropower and is currently serving as the President-Elect of the Northwest Hydro Association, demonstrating his deep commitment to the future of hydropower. Together with myself as US General Manager, our combined leadership will support utilities, enhance regional partnerships and drive innovation in the hydropower sector.
KGSI offers a broad range of hydropower engineering services. Which of these areas have seen the most demand recently? We have seen a need for all hydro disciplines, including structural, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical and hydrology and hydraulics. These services remain essential as the industry focuses on maintaining aging infrastructure, ensuring regulatory compliance and optimizing hydropower facilities for long-term sustainability. Performance testing of turbines to enhance efficiency for power generation has also been of interest.
One of our greatest strengths is having all these disciplines in-house, allowing our experts to collaborate to provide comprehensive solutions. By
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