The Sustainable Transportation Changemaker

Ladan Ghods is passionate about finding innovative solutions to make the world a better place. Electrification became a significant chapter in her career, aligning with her belief in transitioning to a greener future.

United States | Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Reading Time : 3:05 minutes

Ladan was inspired to follow in her father’s footsteps when she picked electrical engineering as her college major. She grew up in an engineering family and, after graduation, discovered she was passionate about it, too. It was not that long ago that electrification and renewable energy were university-based topics, now she is applying these principles to first-of-their-kind projects to electrify transit, ports and more.

Discover more about Ladan’s passion for leveraging electrification to contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

What is the biggest challenge in your field that you’re working to help resolve?

My work in electrification is bringing a new source of energy to systems that are not finite and can be reproduced. Electrification has many benefits, such as improving air quality and creating new jobs, and it is leading to new innovations and technologies. It has helped move us from relying on oil and gas to new sources of renewable energy, such as wind and solar.

With the shift to more electrification comes the challenge of implementing new technologies such as battery storage. A lot of my work is focused on helping clients understand the pros and cons of these technologies and how transitioning to electrification can help them meet their future goals.

The cable management system PortMiami’s Shore Power Project will extend the medium voltage cables from the connector pit to cruise ships at the port.

What are some impactful projects you have been a part of?

I have been involved in several fleet and bus electrification projects. Decarbonizing transportation is one of the challenges cities and counties face. Public transportation is one of the largest carbon producers, so fleet electrification is one change that improves the environment. I also work on projects to build charging hubs for heavy-duty trucks and optimize routes for recharging stops based on battery size.

Another area of my work is port electrification. When vessels and cruise ships are docked, the engines remain on to power restaurants and pools on board. Connecting to shore power provides a clean energy transfer to the vessel, allowing them to turn off fossil fuel generators. In June, we were excited to celebrate the launch ceremony for PortMiami’s Shore Power Project. As engineer of record, WSP helped establish the shore power system, working with various manufactures, suppliers and cruise lines throughout the project.

In what ways will electrification help advance a more resilient future?

Electrification will help us achieve energy independence. It provides efficiency and economic benefits, as well as improved air quality. By reducing greenhouse gases and carbon, we can enhance the quality of the climate while also creating new jobs and developing innovative technologies.

Ladan Ghods

Vice President, Electrical Engineering

United States

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Electrification has many benefits, such as improving air quality and creating new jobs, and it is leading to new innovations and technologies.

How does the work you do support the energy transition?

One thing I have noticed is that electrification is new for many clients. I support them in developing requirements for the transition and educate them on different types of energy transition projects. For example, I share how they can use their land to install solar panels to produce local generation instead of relying on a utility. I help clients select charging equipment based on their electrification needs and develop phased implementation approaches, as some projects can take several years to complete.

Why do you enjoy working at WSP?

What is amazing about working at WSP is the number of resources available. We have all disciplines in-house, making working on complex projects very easy. Previously, I worked for a company with only two disciplines. When we faced a challenge, we had to contract with other companies. At WSP, I can get help or support for any project by collaborating with colleagues in the U.S. or tapping into expertise worldwide.

Ladan advises clients on implementing bus fleet electrification projects.

One thing I have noticed is that electrification is new for many clients. I support them in developing requirements for the transition and educate them on different types of energy transition projects.

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The Sustainable Transportation Changemaker

What is the biggest challenge in your field that you’re working to help resolve?

What are some impactful projects you have been a part of?

In what ways will electrification help advance a more resilient future?

Related themes and tags

How does the work you do support the energy transition?

Why do you enjoy working at WSP?

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International

Americas

Africa

Asia

Europe

Middle East

Oceania

The Sustainable Transportation Changemaker

What is the biggest challenge in your field that you’re working to help resolve?

What are some impactful projects you have been a part of?

In what ways will electrification help advance a more resilient future?

Related themes and tags

Changemakers (52)

How does the work you do support the energy transition?

Why do you enjoy working at WSP?

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