Weekly Briefing: November 21, 2025
- Socially Adept Solutions
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Week of November 17, 2025
Nationwide Nuclear Energy Resurgence Across the US is Being Fueled by AI Buildout
The Trump administration is accelerating nuclear energy development and linking it to U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence by directing federal agencies to fast-track reactor approvals, expand funding, and revive dormant facilities, including a $1 billion DOE loan to restart Three Mile Island Unit 1 by 2027.
Industry leaders at the American Nuclear Society conference highlighted both opportunity and urgency, citing up to 100 GW of U.S. generation expected to retire by 2030, efforts to complete abandoned projects such as the VC Summer plant, and strong interest from private investors and hyperscale energy buyers, even as major cost, regulatory, and safety challenges remain.
New federal directives aim to quadruple U.S. nuclear capacity by 2050 by supporting small modular and advanced reactors, expanding domestic fuel production, and accelerating design approvals. Developers involved in DOE pilot programs report rapid progress, with some expecting early reactor demonstrations by 2026.
Despite rising momentum, the sector faces hurdles including lawsuits over plant restarts, long-standing environmental and regulatory constraints, unresolved spent-fuel storage issues, questions about cost-overrun protection, and significant workforce shortages that industry and government leaders say must be urgently addressed.
Construction Employment Ticks Up in September, Confidence Stays Cautious
Construction employment rose by 19,000 jobs in September, and over the past year, construction employment increased by 38,000 jobs, representing a 0.5% increase.
The increases were concentrated in non-residential construction: non-residential employment increased by 16,300 jobs, with non-residential specialty trade adding 11,100 jobs, heavy and civil engineering adding 4,900, and non-residential building adding 300.
The unemployment rate for the construction industry rose to 3.8% in September, while the overall unemployment rate for all industries increased from 4.3% in August to 4.4% in September.
Despite the uptick in jobs, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) noted that the industry has added only 2,000 jobs since March of this year and pointed to signs of weakening in non-residential construction activity. Contractor confidence remains modest, with nearly half of ABC members expecting staffing to increase over the next six months, while fewer than 12% expect reductions.
November 17, 2025
Ardurra Group (Ardurra), a Florida-based provider of engineering and design services to public and private firms nationwide, backed by Littlejohn & Co., has acquired MKN & Associates (MKN), a California-based firm that provides water and wastewater engineering services to municipalities and government agencies. By leveraging MKN’s technical capabilities and client relationships, Ardurra will enhance both its water practice and presence in the Western U.S. “MKN has built one of California’s premier water and wastewater practices,” noted Ernesto Aguilar, President and CEO of Ardurra. “Their reputation for solving complex challenges and their strong client relationships make this partnership an exciting opportunity to build on our shared strengths.”
November 17, 2025
Pape-Dawson Engineers (Pape-Dawson), a Texas-based civil engineering and professional services firm, backed by Palm Beach Capital, has acquired Coffman Associates, a Kansas-based airport planning firm. This strategic move further enables Pape-Dawson to provide planning, design, and infrastructure capabilities to airport clients. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Coffman Associates team to the Pape-Dawson family,” stated Trey Dawson, President of Pape-Dawson. “Their specialized expertise in airport planning and well-earned reputation in the aviation industry are an incredible asset to our firm as we aim to provide more comprehensive services and resources to our airport clients.”
November 17, 2025
TPG Capital (TPG), a California-based global alternative asset manager, and La Caisse, a Canada-based global investment group, have partnered to acquire a majority interest in Pike Corporation (Pike), a North Carolina-based firm that provides infrastructure engineering and construction solutions for the electrical grid. This move will support Pike as the firm works to address multiple issues facing the electric grid, including aging infrastructure, load growth, and climate-driven stress. “TPG’s and La Caisse’s investments mark an exciting new chapter for Pike and provide us with the resources to execute our shared vision for Pike as the leading national provider for energy infrastructure solutions,” commented James R. Wyche, CEO of Pike. “I look forward to working with TPG, La Caisse and our other stakeholders to continue helping our customers achieve their goal of providing affordable, reliable energy.”
November 18, 2025
ZenaTech, a Canada-based technology company specializing in AI drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, has acquired Rampart Surveys, a Colorado-based land surveying firm. This acquisition establishes ZenaTech’s first Drone as a Service presence in the Central Western U.S. “Rampart Surveys brings longstanding client relationships, deep surveying expertise, and drone-based topographic survey experience to help accelerate our DaaS business,” stated Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech. “Drone-based surveying can transform Colorado’s rugged mountainous terrain and agricultural markets alike, turning the state’s toughest landscapes into opportunities for faster, safer, and more precise land measurement, while revolutionizing crop inspection, analysis, and health monitoring for more sustainable farming.”
November 19, 2025
Mainline Environmental (Mainline), a New York-based environmental solutions firm, backed by Evolution Capital Partners, has acquired HSE Consulting Services (HSE), a New York-based environmental, health and safety, and laboratory services firm. This acquisition strengthens Mainline’s ability to provide full-service environmental solutions to various clients across New York, while also allowing HSE to expand its geographic reach and widen its impact. “We are thrilled to welcome the talented HSE Consulting team to Mainline,” stated Dan McGowan, CEO of Mainline. “Brian King, [HSE President,] and his team have built an exceptional reputation over 25 years.”
For National Stormwater Day, Freese and Nichols hosted a hands-on HEC-RAS 2D modeling workshop for Texas A&M engineering students, helping them connect classroom learning to real-world water resources practice while further preparing them for careers in water-based engineering. The firm’s Stormwater and Dams and Levees teams guided students through lectures and modeling exercises on spatial precipitation, bridge hydraulics, and visualization tools. They wrapped up the event with games and raffles, reinforcing Freese and Nichols’ “Engage as Family” value.
The EFCG Weekly Briefing summarizes the week’s key news in the AEC industry, including M&A updates, and micro- and macro-trends, aggregated from industry-focused and global news sources.
To send any additional press releases or news from your firm that you would like us to share please email Clay Han at chan@efcg.com.