Natasha Jones will present on effective brainstorming techniques for solving challenges related to water availability and equipment limitations at solar power projects located in dry environments. The presentation will discuss Bechtel's experience with the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System project, the world's largest solar thermal power system under construction. Tips to be covered include preparing properly, agreeing on the problem, utilizing facilitation, involving the right participants, following brainstorming rules, and ensuring ideas are implemented.

1. WE 13: The Annual Conference for Women Engineers
Getting Your Feet Wet When Trying to Stay Dry:
An Exercise in Brainstorming
Presented by Natasha Jones
CIVIL
GOVERNMENT SERVICES
MINING & METALS
OIL, GAS & CHEMICALS
POWER

2. Contents
Project Highlights
The Environment
Overview of the Challenge
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Turning Ideas into Innovation
Brainstorming Tips
Putting the Pedal to the Metal
Conclusion: Reflection Time

3. Project Highlights
• Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating
System
• Located in San Bernadino County,
California
• World’s largest solar thermal power
system under construction – 392 MW
• BrightSource Energy’s Luz Power Tower
550 technology
• 600 football fields worth of mirrored
surface area
• Completion scheduled for 2013
© Bechtel | 3

4. The Environment
© Bechtel | 4

5. Overview of the Challenge
• Extremely limited water
availability
• Water quality considerations
• Key equipment temperature
limitations
• Unknown needs of supporting
solar operation
• Uncharted operational territory
© Bechtel | 5

6. Light at the End of the Tunnel
• Combination of dry and wet
technologies
• Materials suitable for service
and environment
• Modifications to proven
technologies to address modern
challenges
• Subcontractors with a
collaborative attitude
© Bechtel | 6

7. Turning Ideas
Into Innovation
© Bechtel | 7

8. Brainstorming Tips
• Know where to go: prep
• First agree on the problem
• Facilitation is key
• Plan your players
• Individual and group brainstorming
• Methodology
• Follow the rules
• Don’t limit to one session
© Bechtel | 8

9. Putting the Pedal to the Metal
• Consider a field trip
• Deeper discussion
• Decision-makers
• Use experts
• Create and implement
© Bechtel | 9

10. Conclusion: Reflection Time
• Our unique experience on
Ivanpah project reminded
us of the importance of
effective and correct
brainstorming
• Tackle one issue at a time
• Input from various
disciplines
• Not always necessary to re-
invent the wheel
• Know how to implement
and follow through
© Bechtel | 10

11. Questions?
nljones@bechtel.com
© Bechtel | 11