Driving Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Greener Future

Jason Colbenson is a Senior Quality Assurance Specialist at Dairyland Power with over two decades of expertise in welding, fabrication, and NDE oversight. Certified by AWS and ASNT, he ensures compliance with industry standards and codes while spearheading comprehensive quality procedures. With ASNT NDE Level III certifications in MT and PT, along with a Level III certification through the American Society of NonDestructive Testing, Jason remains at the forefront of industry advancements. As a member of the Electrical Power Research Institute’s Boiler Reliability Interest Groups, he plays a key role in safeguarding power generation operations’ reliability and integrity.

Could you share some insights into your professional journey in the industry and your current roles and responsibilities?

My journey in the industry began when I pursued a two-year degree in non-destructive testing at Ridgewater College back in 1997. Shortly after, I landed a job as an X-ray technician inspecting aluminum welds, primarily focusing on aluminum heat exchangers in the initial stages of my career. Subsequently, I pursued further education, earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from UW Stout in May of 2009. Following that, I transitioned to Dairyland Power, a transmission and generation utility in the power industry. My tenure at Dairyland Power started as a Quality Assurance Technician, and over the years, I progressed to become a Quality Assurance Specialist before assuming my current role as a Senior Quality Assurance Specialist.

In my current capacity, I oversee various aspects of our operations, including managing our welding program for inhouse operations at our power generation plants. Initially, we had seven plants, but now we’re down to just one coal-fired unit. One of my key responsibilities is managing our National Board “R” stamp program for in-house weld repairs on our pressure vessels, boilers, and power piping. We undergo audits every three years for recertification, ensuring that our quality system manual is up to date and compliant with industry standards. Additionally, I oversee our in-house boiler inspections and coordinate repair plans as needed, focusing on maintaining the reliability and integrity of our power generation operations.

Over the past 15 years, Dairyland Power has transitioned from primarily coal-fired power generation, with seven units, to just one, alongside a growing demand for renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

 How have you observed the industry evolve over the past few years, and what recent trends or challenges have emerged that leaders like yourself are navigating?

Over the past 15 years, Dairyland Power has transitioned from primarily coal-fired power generation, with seven units, to just one, alongside a growing demand for renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. To ensure safety and reliability during this transition, we are utilizingnatural gas plants to support renewable energy. Advanced emission control technologies have been implemented on our remaining coal unit to ensure environmental sustainability and meet clean power demands.

What technological trends do you foresee that could disrupt the power industry as a whole?

In our assessment, coal stands out as a dependable energy source, while natural gas offers lower carbon emissions compared to coal, although it still contributes to carbon emissions. Then, there’s solar and wind power, which are cleaner options with minimal emissions. However, their reliability is contingent upon weather conditions - solar power relies on sunlight, while wind power depends on windy conditions. For us, the crux lies in balancing reliability with environmental considerations. Base load power, essential for continuous energy supply, predominantly stems from coal and natural gas generating facilities.

Could you share any ongoing project initiatives that you’re currently involved in and provide some insights into them?

We’re currently engaged in the permitting and licensing process for a new natural gas power generation unit in northern Wisconsin. This facility will be a significant addition to our portfolio, offering cleaner energy generation. While construction hasn’t commenced yet, we’re making significant strides, and we anticipate breaking ground within the next year or two.

When it comes to specifically electrical testing, where do you see the space heading?

From my perspective, natural gas serves as a reliable bridging power source as we transition towards greater reliance on solar and wind power. However, for wind and solar energy to become more viable, future advancements in battery storage are essential. Currently, the technology for large-scale battery storage to effectively store power generated from wind and solar sources isn’t fully developed. Thus, addressing the challenges associated with battery storage is a significant priority in our industry.

What would be your piece of advice to your fellow peers?

keeping an open mind and continuously learning are essential principles in any field. With the dynamic nature of the industry and constant advancements in technology, it’s crucial to remain adaptable and receptive to new ideas and developments. There’s always something new to discover, explore, and master, and embracing a mindset of lifelong learning ensures that we stay at the forefront of innovation and remain valuable contributors to our field.