The hydropower engineering consultancy industry in the US focuses on leveraging water resources to generate efficient and sustainable energy. Companies in this sector range from specialized engineering firms to larger corporations offering integrated services. They provide project management, environmental assessment, and design for hydropower projects, catering to both private and public clients. As technology evolves, there's an increasing shift toward innovative solutions like small-scale and improved turbine designs, reflecting a broader trend towards renewable energy optimization. With growing concerns about climate change, hydropower's role in clean energy strategies is set to expand dramatically in the coming years.


This list features a mix of investors from venture capital firms to corporate entities all targeting the hydropower engineering consultancy sector. Predominantly based in key urban locations like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., these investors range in size from small teams of 11 to large corporations with over 10,000 employees. Founded between the mid-20th century and recent years, they invested in a wide array of projects, reflected in their 2024 deal counts, which include noteworthy investments by players like Blackstone and Breakthrough Energy. Their involvement highlights the crucial link between finance and sustainable energy solutions.


Top 14 Hydropower Engineering Consultancy Investors in the US


1. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government of Canada has been involved in several transactions that support renewable energy projects. For instance, it announced $25.45 million in funding for the Greenview Geothermal Power Project in Alberta, which, while focused on geothermal energy, reflects the government's commitment to clean energy initiatives. Additionally, it has provided grants to various organizations such as BQE Water, Exergy Solutions, Nergica, and the Saskatchewan Research Council, which are engaged in projects that may intersect with hydropower engineering and consultancy. These transactions highlight the government's role in promoting sustainable energy solutions, making it a relevant player in the hydropower sector.


2. Nv5

  • Website: nv5.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1947
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nv5

NV5 is a consulting and engineering company based in Hollywood, Florida, founded in 1947. The firm provides technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for infrastructure, utility, and building systems, serving both public and private sector clients. With over 100 offices, NV5 offers a diverse range of services, including environmental consulting, geospatial solutions, and construction quality assurance. Notably, NV5 has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities, including the acquisition of Weir Environmental, which may provide relevant expertise in environmental aspects of hydropower projects. Other acquisitions, such as Optimal Energy Inc., focus on energy efficiency, which could also relate to hydropower initiatives. While their primary focus may not be solely on hydropower engineering consultancy, their broad service offerings and relevant acquisitions suggest potential involvement in this sector.


3. Tetra Tech

  • Website: tetratech.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Pasadena, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1966
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: tetra-tech

Tetra Tech, Inc. is a prominent consulting and engineering firm based in Pasadena, California, specializing in water management, environmental services, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Founded in 1966, the company serves both government and commercial clients, leveraging advanced technologies and local knowledge to address complex challenges in resource management and compliance. Tetra Tech has been active in expanding its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Piteau Associates Engineering in March 2022, which likely enhances their expertise in water resource management. Additionally, their acquisition of RPS Group in September 2022 further strengthens their position in the environmental services sector. These transactions indicate Tetra Tech's commitment to enhancing its service offerings in areas that are crucial for hydropower engineering consultancy, making them a significant player in this field.


4. Bowman Consulting

  • Website: bowman.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Reston, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: bowman-consulting

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. is an engineering and consulting firm based in Reston, Virginia, founded in 1995. The firm provides a diverse range of services, including civil/site engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental consulting, catering to both government agencies and private sector clients involved in infrastructure projects. In recent years, Bowman has actively expanded its capabilities through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired MTX Surveying, Inc., a geospatial and project management company, which is expected to enhance their energy-oriented services. This acquisition aligns with their strategic growth initiatives and indicates a potential interest in sectors related to energy, including hydropower. Other acquisitions, such as McMahon Associates, Project Design Consultants, and Hole Montes, further demonstrate their commitment to expanding their engineering expertise, which could be relevant to hydropower projects.


5. Breakthrough Energy


Breakthrough Energy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, based in Kirkland, Washington, dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. They support innovative technologies and advocate for policies that promote clean energy solutions. Notably, Breakthrough Energy Ventures has invested in Natel Energy, a company focused on hydropower technology, including their Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT). In 2020, they participated in a funding round that raised $11 million for Natel Energy, and in 2021, they contributed to a $20 million Series B round for the same company. These transactions highlight Breakthrough Energy's active role in the hydropower sector, making them a significant player in the clean energy landscape.


6. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. The IFC aims to foster economic growth and address poverty through sustainable development initiatives. Notably, the IFC has been involved in various energy-related transactions, such as the partnership with FE Clean Energy Asia in Bhilwara Energy, which highlights their investment in energy infrastructure. Additionally, their recent financing arrangements for solar projects, like the one with Voltalia in Malawi, demonstrate their commitment to renewable energy. While the IFC's transactions do not specifically highlight hydropower projects, their overarching focus on energy and sustainability positions them as a relevant player in the hydropower engineering consultancy sector.


7. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments. Founded in 1985, the firm has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and investment strategies. In 2022, Blackstone acquired a majority stake in Geosyntec Consultants for $380 million, reflecting their belief in the growing demand for environmental engineering services amid climate regulations. This acquisition positions Blackstone within the engineering consultancy sector, particularly in areas that could intersect with hydropower projects. Additionally, their investment in Salas O’Brien, an engineering and technical services firm, further emphasizes their commitment to the engineering consultancy space. Blackstone's diverse investment approach, which includes private equity, real estate, and credit solutions, allows them to engage in various industries, including those relevant to hydropower engineering consultancy.


8. Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.


Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. is an asset management firm based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in alternative investment strategies. Founded in 1995, the firm offers a diverse range of investment products, including credit, private equity, real estate, and listed equities, primarily serving institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. Oaktree focuses on delivering superior investment results while managing risk through in-depth research and a commitment to client interests. Notably, Oaktree has made significant acquisitions in the engineering and energy sectors, including MWH Constructors, which specializes in construction and engineering services relevant to hydropower projects, and Enercon, which may have connections to energy solutions. These transactions highlight Oaktree's potential interest in the hydropower engineering consultancy space, making them a noteworthy player in this industry.


9. Westwood Professional Services


Westwood Professional Services is a corporate investor based in Plano, Texas, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in a variety of engineering services, including civil engineering, environmental consulting, and land surveying, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy and public infrastructure projects. In recent years, Westwood has expanded its market presence through several strategic acquisitions, such as Peloton Land Solutions, which enhances their service offerings in land development and energy consulting. Their acquisition of Main Line Energy Consultants further indicates their commitment to strengthening their capabilities in energy-related projects, making them a relevant player in the hydropower engineering consultancy space.


10. Bernhard Capital Partners


Bernhard Capital Partners is a private equity management firm based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investment management and private equity services, focusing on acquiring, operating, and growing businesses in the services and infrastructure sectors. Notable transactions include the acquisition of United Utility in 2018, which may involve utility services relevant to hydropower. In 2022, they acquired Boston Government Services, an engineering and cybersecurity firm, and Sterling Engineering & Consulting, enhancing their platform to serve the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, their acquisition of Strategic Management Solutions in 2024 aims to bolster their capabilities in management and technical consulting services, which could be beneficial for hydropower engineering projects. These transactions reflect Bernhard Capital Partners' strategic interest in sectors that could intersect with hydropower engineering consultancy.


11. Ares Management Corporation

  • Website: aresmgmt.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: ares-management

Ares Management Corporation is a prominent investment management firm based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in alternative investments across credit, private equity, and real estate. Founded in 1997, Ares serves institutional investors by providing tailored investment solutions aimed at achieving attractive returns. With a global presence and a diverse range of investment strategies, Ares focuses on delivering consistent performance and value creation for its stakeholders. Recently, Ares has been involved in significant transactions within the renewable energy sector, including a $700 million investment in X-energy, a company that develops advanced nuclear technology, and a substantial funding round for RSK Group, which is expanding its service offerings in environmental consultancy. These transactions highlight Ares Management's commitment to investing in sustainable energy solutions, which may encompass hydropower engineering consultancy.


12. New Mountain Capital


New Mountain Capital is a private equity investment firm based in New York, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, and net lease strategies, focusing on acquiring and building businesses in defensive growth industries. They provide capital and strategic support to help these businesses thrive. Notable transactions include the acquisition of TRC Companies, which operates in the environmental consulting sector, and Qualus Power Services, which provides engineering and consulting services in the power sector. Most relevantly, New Mountain Capital made a growth investment in Consor Engineers, a consulting firm involved in transportation and water infrastructure, which aligns with hydropower engineering consultancy. This investment indicates their potential interest in sectors related to hydropower and water management, further supporting their role in the broader engineering consultancy landscape.


13. Copley Equity Partners LLC

  • Website: copleyequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: copley-equity-partners

Copley Equity Partners LLC is a private equity investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in private equity investments in lower-middle market companies across various industries in North America. They provide equity investments and strategic support to help businesses grow and create long-term value. Notably, Copley has been involved in several transactions relevant to the energy sector, including the acquisition of Magna IV Engineering, a leading provider of power and automation solutions, which aligns with the hydropower engineering consultancy context. Other transactions include investments in Triton Environmental Consultants and Maxima Power Group, which, while not directly related to hydropower, indicate a broader interest in the energy and environmental sectors. Their approach focuses on founder-owned companies seeking capital and expertise to enhance operations and achieve sustainable growth.


14. Fifth Wall

  • Website: fifthwall.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: fifth-wall-ventures

Fifth Wall is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in technology investments for the real estate industry. Founded in 2016, the firm focuses on funding innovative technology companies that tackle critical issues such as climate change and infrastructure challenges. In 2023, Fifth Wall participated in a Series A funding round for Emrgy, a startup dedicated to deploying distributed hydropower projects, which highlights its engagement in the renewable energy sector. The firm also invested in Terabase Energy, which, while not directly related to hydropower, indicates a broader interest in sustainable energy solutions. Fifth Wall's clients include major corporations seeking strategic insights and access to cutting-edge solutions, further emphasizing its role in enhancing operations through innovative technologies.



Hydropower Engineering Consultancy Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Nv5Hollywood, Florida, United States (USA)1001-5000194710
Tetra TechPasadena, California, United States (USA)10001+19662
Bowman ConsultingReston, Virginia, United States (USA)1001-500019958
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)1001-5000199520
Westwood Professional ServicesPlano, Texas, United States (USA)1001-500019722
Bernhard Capital PartnersBaton Rouge, Louisiana, United States (USA)11-5020135
Ares Management CorporationLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)1001-5000199732
New Mountain CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500199910
Copley Equity Partners LLCBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)11-5020121
Fifth WallNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200201615


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