Exponent's Energy Clients Profile

Exponent, Inc. (Energy Clients)

March 1, 2010

Company Profile
Exponent is a scientific and engineering consulting firm that provides solutions to complex technical problems. Our
multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, physicians, and business consultants performs in-depth research and
analysis in more than 90 technical disciplines. At Exponent, we pride ourselves on the high quality of our approximately
900 employees. More than 600 are degreed technical professionals, and more than 350 have earned an M.D. or Ph.D.
Operating in 19 regional offices and 4 international locations, Exponent is publicly traded on the NASDAQ exchange under
the symbol EXPO.

Over the years, we have received recognition for assisting clients with their most important challenges or dire disasters.
We have investigated most of the major industry crises that make the news: the grounding of the Exxon Valdez, the
walkway collapse at the Kansas City Hyatt, the flooding of downtown Chicago, and the attack on the World Trade Center.
However, most of our work is actually helping clients assess their daily technical issues and make informed business
decisions.

The problems that Exponent tackles take many forms other than disasters or accidents involving a product or property. It
may be a technical, health, or environmental issue related to a developing product, such as potential radiation from cell
phones, whose resolution needs to be accurate, innovative, and cost effective. A regulatory issue may have a critical
impact on a client's future business, and may turn on how the product can be sold or serviced. Often, a client calls
because a production facility is suffering unusual down time, or a production machine has failed, or the recently received
component parts just don't seem to work right. We assist clients contemplating any business transaction that requires
careful scientific research and analysis as part of the due diligence, including assessments of the value of intellectual
property and patents.

When a major disaster strikes, the media is not far behind, and an affected client needs answers now. Our team will
perform either in-depth scientific research and analysis, or very rapid-response evaluations, to provide our clients with the
critical information they need. The Exponent name is recognized for its integrity, objectivity, independence, and
professionalism. Our corporate core values drive a commitment to client service that enables us to provide consistently
high quality to client's world wide. We are proud to say that our in-house quality management system is certified to ISO
9001. Exponent is also authorized by the General Services Administration to provide professional engineering services to
federal agencies. Our clients include a wide range of manufacturers, utilities, insurers, industry groups, government
agencies, venture capital companies, and law firms. Our professionals have provided consulting services to many of the
Fortune 500 companies and numerous government agencies.

©2010 Exponent, Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.exponent.com 888.656.EXPO Page 2 of 26

Practice Areas and Offices
Exponent's integrated practices offer a multifaceted perspective that leads to innovative solutions that produce bottom-
line results. Through our network of U.S. and international office locations, we offer more than 90 different disciplines,
including capabilities in:

Environmental Sciences Engineering

Ecological & Biological Sciences Biomechanics
Environmental & Earth Sciences Buildings & Structures
Health Sciences
Civil Engineering
Electrical & Semiconductors
Chemical Regulation & Food Safety Engineering Management Consulting
Epidemiology & Computational Biology Materials Science & Engineering
Exposure Assessment Mechanical & Aeronautical
Occupational & Environmental Health Thermal Sciences
Toxicology & Mechanistic Biology Vehicle Engineering
Other Sciences Sectors
Human Factors Construction
Statistical & Data Sciences Defense Technology Development
Energy
Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals
Visual Communications


Main Service Areas
The four main areas of consulting that Exponent provides are: Failure Analysis & Prevention, Environmental &
EcoSciences, Health Sciences, and Technology Development

Failure Analysis and Prevention
Our Failure Analysis and Prevention practice is the nation's largest and most experienced consulting group that
specializes in the investigation, analysis, and prevention of failures and accidents. Whether we are investigating
an incident that happened in the past, or assisting in the development of a new product or service, Exponent
offers specialized knowledge and resources to assist its clients in making informed decisions. We believe in a
multi-disciplinary approach to scientific problems that provides new perspectives and insights and enables
development of creative, cost-effective solutions.

During the past 40 years, we have conducted more than 30,000 investigations in areas such as fires and
explosions, human performance, electrical engineering, civil and structural engineering, product and process risk
assessment, and biomechanics.

Environmental and EcoSciences
Exponent's Environmental Sciences and EcoSciences practices have a large and diverse team of scientists,
biologists, toxicologists, natural resource analysts, and engineers that provide proven, cost-effective, scientifically
defensible, and realistic assessments and solutions to complex environmental issues related to contaminated land
and water, industrial and other development, and sustainability and restoration of resources, and technologies
and products. Our practices are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in environmental risk
and impact assessment, ecotoxicology, natural resource damage assessment (NRDA), and ecological restoration.

Our services include environmental air quality evaluation, ecological and human health risk assessment,
environmental economics analysis, natural resource damage assessment, site investigation and liability
management, toxic tort claims investigation, toxicology consultation, and water resources and water quality
management. We offer technical, regulatory, and litigation support to industries that include mining and minerals,
petrochemicals, forest products, shipbuilding, railroads, aerospace, and defense, along with trade associations and
law firms.

Health Sciences
Exponent's Health Sciences practice specializes in solving complex problems related to health and the
environment, especially problems that require an experienced, multidisciplinary team of scientists and regulatory
consultants. Exponent has one of the foremost health sciences consulting practices in the United States. Our
scientists, physicians, and regulatory specialists provide unparallel, interdisciplinary expertise to evaluate the full
range of environmental and public health issues that face our nation and the world. These issues include potential
health effects associated with environmental agents, chemicals, consumer products, food safety and nutrition, and
pharmaceutical products. Indeed, members of our staff are leaders in developing the risk assessment
methodologies that are essential to address the complexities of these health issues. Our national and international
clients rely on us for incisive and objective assessments that address physical, chemical, and biological
phenomena in order to arrive at solutions that can be relied upon to make important decisions.


Technology Development
Exponent's Technology Development practice helps our Department of Defense clients stay current with and
benefit from rapidly evolving civilian technologies. Drawing on our multidisciplinary engineering, testing, and
failure analysis and prevention expertise, we identify and leverage the best in COTS (commercial off-the-shelf)
technologies to create integrated combat systems and modules cost-effectively, without sacrificing reliability. Our
engineers and scientists work in the field alongside Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines to ensure we
understand your problems and to rapidly deliver solutions.

Additional Facilities and Resources
Vehicle Test and Engineering Center: Exponent operates a 147-acre Test and Engineering Center (TEC) in
Phoenix, Arizona. This laboratory facility provides product development and testing support for a variety of
industries. We study vehicle performance and re-create on- and off-road collisions under virtually every condition,
for vehicles ranging from bicycles to tractor-trailers. We develop specific test methodologies to assist our clients
with their product development efforts. Our test facility includes a two-mile oval track, durability course, 10-acre
skid pad, and 1,200-foot crash rail, allowing engineers to study vehicle performance and recreate collisions under
virtually every condition, for vehicles ranging from bicycles to tractor-trailers.

Materials Analysis Laboratory: Exponent operates laboratory facilities that provide comprehensive materials
analysis services, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS),
high-magnification metallography, hardness testing, and surface evaluation. We provide lab capabilities for
mechanical testing, electronic testing, and chemical and thermal evaluation. We integrate our lab with a number
of Exponent's other 90 technical disciplines to offer complete programs in failure analysis, materials evaluation,
and failure prevention.

Visual Communication: Exponent's visual communications staff combines art and science to help clients create
compelling, fact-based visual displays that communicate complex subject matter, conveying important information
to audiences unfamiliar with the matters at hand. We rely on pictures — printed, displayed on a computer,
projected onto a screen, or presented as virtual reality — to reveal and explain what words alone cannot. Specific
components include animation, graphics, multimedia, video, and photography. Through these media, we present
comprehensible explanations of complex issues, conveying important information to audiences unfamiliar with the
matters at hand.

Comprehensive Database: Exponent also maintains one of the largest collections of computerized failure,
accident, and incident data in the world. Our databases contain more than 350 million accident and incident
records on motor vehicles, air crashes, consumer products, fires, occupational injuries, and most other accident-
related topics.


Construction Project Advisory Services

Overview
Exponent’s construction consultants represent a
multidisciplinary team that offers Project Advisory Services
to support your project from the programming and design
phase, through project planning, throughout the course of
construction, and to project completion and close-out. Our
Project Advisory Services include but are not limited to:

Critical Path Method (CPM) Schedule — Preparation
and Review

Exponent provides Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling
services, including baseline schedule and update
preparation. These services also include CPM schedule
reviews to ensure conformance with contract specifications
and other project requirements.

Project Team, Documentation, and Process Evaluation

Successful construction projects are the result of multiple
decisions made by contrasting team members. Exponent has
the experience and tools to evaluate the project team and its
decision-making, operational, and administrative processes,
to enhance its probability of succeeding. Industry studies
have shown that the final cost and schedule of a project are
strongly influenced by the quality and effectiveness of the
project team.

4D Modeling/Design Conflict Analysis

Exponent has specialized expertise in 4D modeling, which combines a 3D model of a project design with the project
schedule and/or cost and resources in order to create a “virtual” project model. 4D models help your project team
become more effective in communicating, planning, analyzing, and optimizing project scope and schedule. Exponent
also provides 3D design conflict analysis services, which can be applied during the project’s design phase to identify
potential design errors and omissions (E&O) or constructability issues that could lead to delays and/or increased
project costs. These services eliminate the tedious manual checking of 2D drawings to significantly reduce the
expensive consequences of incomplete and inaccurate design. Exponent can also provide after-the-fact E&O design
conflict analysis services for use in dispute resolution.

Change Order Evaluation

With our broad experience and background in the construction industry, Exponent assists our clients with the
preparation, review, and evaluation of change orders to determine and quantify changes with respect to scope, time,
and/or price. These services ensure that a client is fully considering the effects of a change on both the contract price
and time.

Time Extension Evaluation

In addition to our CPM scheduling services, Exponent provides time extension evaluation and Time Impact Analysis
(TIA) services in the case of project delays and/or impacts, appropriately allocating the associated responsibility and
cost for such delays and/or impacts.


Cost Recovery Audit

The construction industry continues to find itself challenged by the administration and resolution of unexpected
changes and claims. An alternative to the more traditional methods of dispute resolution is a “cost recovery” process
that blends the positive aspects of these traditional dispute resolution methods and attempts to reduce or eliminate
some of the more unpleasant aspects of those methods. Exponent’s Construction Consulting professionals have the
experience and expertise to assist in developing, implementing, and managing a Cost Recovery Audit.

Fraud Consulting, Investigations, and Internal Audit Co-Sourcing

Exponent’s staff has the ability to assist in the development of project controls, including ways to avoid fraud, waste,
and abuse. The use of appropriate controls, verifying to see that controls are properly implemented, and effective
project team communications can minimize losses in this area. This experience also assists in the effective
implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley procedures. Exponent engineers and accountants can also manage or assist
internal audits with investigations of the project operations as a whole, or with specific allegations, if necessary.

Contract Compliance Reviews and Contract Closeout

Modern-day construction contracts incorporate many requirements, from material specifications to MBE compliance
reporting to specific costing and billing processes. Exponent can enhance owner efforts to determine whether or not
the work bargained for was installed or invoiced in compliance with contract documents. Our geotechnical, structural,
civil, and building technology engineers and auditors can enhance an owner’s capacity to monitor these issues. This
service can be performed at project end or on an interim basis.


Independent Engineering / Engineering Economics

Overview

Energy is a broad field for lenders, encompassing oil and gas
projects, midstream pipelines and terminals, fertilizer and biofuels
plants, downstream polymer and petrochemical facilities, and
thermal power generating stations with private sector and state-
owned company sponsors. Exponent provides expert engineering
and other services on behalf of lenders during loan origination
and, upon financial close, during the construction and operations
phases of energy projects.

Exponent is highly qualified to assist during the origination phase
of energy project financings, providing technical due diligence and
market analysis services on behalf of lenders. Such services have
included review of major equipment procurement contracts,
supplier capabilities, the technical capacity of sponsors and their contractor(s) to effectively manage and perform,
design plans, conformance of project specifications with local and international norms and standards, necessary
permits and approvals from local authorities, EPC contracting strategy and structure, quality assurance/quality
control (QA/QC) plans, and project economic assumptions. We can validate the suitability of the sponsor’s projections
for project construction costs and assess the probability of cost overruns (estimate contingencies). We evaluate the
sponsor’s timetable for construction given the scope of an energy project and external factors such as resource
limitations. Affected markets in need of analysis might include fuel supplies for a power project, or raw material and
product markets for a project in the downstream segment. We are often called upon to provide risk assessments,
audit borrower’s financial models or estimate project cash flows for analysis of key financial ratios. Exponent makes
recommendations to complete or improve the project’s investment and operations plans, if appropriate.

To assist financial institutions in administrating projects in their portfolios, Exponent has experienced and
knowledgeable personnel for construction and operations phase monitoring of energy or oil and gas projects. We
work together with lenders to assure that the liquidated damages, cost controls, contingencies, and insurance policies
proposed by the sponsors for both construction and operation are sufficient. Once loan agreements are executed,
Exponent provides oversight services during the project construction phase including cost monitoring and reporting
as well as monitoring for contract compliance; engineering design, procurement and construction progress;
environmental damage mitigation efforts; and schedule impacts related to major equipment fabrication and delivery
as well as cost monitoring and reporting. In addition, we inspect for the development of required infrastructure for a
project and provide certifications to the lenders with regards to financing at closing, disbursements, technical
completion, and final completion, as necessary.

During operations, we review the annual budgets for projects,
including operating and maintenance expenses and sustaining
capital expenditures, and assess (when applicable) project
expansion plans. Exponent can evaluate the operating
management plan and technical aspects of all contractual material
related to performance guarantees and operations, and
compliance with applicable provisions and requirements. We have
been asked to assess trends in raw material and products
markets, including furnishing updated estimates of supply and
demand in markets affecting project profitability and margins, and
to provide review and comment on the borrower’s forecasts and
projections. As part of the review of operating and maintenance
cost projections, we provide annual (or more frequent) monitoring
reports during the operations phase.


Exponent’s energy consultants, business analysts, and discipline engineers provide support to lenders throughout the
design and construction process. Our capabilities extend to analyzing or supporting claims during project
construction. Moreover, we can address complex engineering problems on energy projects either in construction or
operations.

This technical, market analysis and project economics support is not just for lenders – we also provide support to
project companies, and as needed/requested, the attorneys whom support the transactions.

Exponent has helped energy and alternative fuels project developers with site selection studies, marketing plans and
strategies, feasibility studies, process technology assessments, preliminary capital and conversion cost estimates,
analysis of supply chain logistics, and development of project economics/financing models and project memoranda.


Energy Economics

Overview

Technology comparisons frequently come down to a need to make
decisions involving engineering economics. Companies developing
energy projects or considering investments in alternative or
renewable energy technologies need reliable and considered views
of competing technology options and their comparative
economics. Exponent’s experienced staff provides clients with
expert advice on energy-industry economics and the key drivers
for oil, gas, and chemical projects.

Grounded in a thorough knowledge of the underlying engineering
principles, our specialists are highly qualified to analyze technical
and economic aspects at each step in the value chain, from
wellhead or mine mouth to burner tip. We have experience in
evaluating hydrocarbon processing and power project revenues
and costs. Exponent analysts understand energy markets, and plant and pipeline operations, and this broad expertise
allows us to assist clients in acquiring a fundamental grasp of conversion costs, transportation costs, and supply-
chain logistics. We can assist in determining upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas project feasibility. If
you have issues that involve exploration and development costs, reserves growth, overall plant production costs,
returns on capital employed, debt service coverage ratios, assessment of risk, or the economics of capacity
expansions, Exponent provides the technical and business consultants to support your analysis.


Fossil Plant Services

Overview

Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—are a non-renewable source of
energy. Formed from plants and animals that lived up to 300 million years
ago, fossil fuels are found in underground deposits. The fuels are burned to
release the chemical energy that is stored within them. Over 85% of our
energy demands are met by the combustion of fossil fuels. The burning of
fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide, of which it is estimated that natural
processes can absorb only about half, so there is a net increase of
atmospheric carbon dioxide per year. Carbon dioxide is one of the
greenhouse gases that is alleged to contribute to global warming, causing
the average surface temperature of the Earth to rise, which some climate
scientists believe will cause major adverse effects.

We provide our clients with a team of engineering, construction, environmental, risk, and health specialists that is
unique in the industry. The value that Exponent brings to its clients includes:

Proven experience on high-profile projects of national and international significance
Current, in-depth functional knowledge of engineering fundamentals: mechanical, structural, metallurgical,
chemical, electrical, environmental, and others
Scientific understanding and experience in environmental and health perspectives
Convergence of our skills in risk, reliability, and vulnerability analyses
Operational knowledge of the fossil plant industry, from construction to O&M to public health and ecological risk
management.

Exponent’s engineering services address the utility industry’s needs for design, construction, repair, and retrofit, with
a focus on:

Risk and Reliability Assessment
Reliability and Maintenance Programs
Remaining-Life Assessment
Safety and Process Risk Management
Thermal Sciences (Fires and Explosions)
Material Deterioration (Metal, Concrete)
Pipe/Boiler Integrity
Electrical Engineering
Corrosion Science and Engineering
Construction Consulting
Structural Performance
Root-Cause and Corrective-Action Assessment

Exponent has been asked to evaluate environmental and health issues relating to utility generating plants for many
years. We have evaluated cutting-edge issues and technologies, and monitored and assessed ecological and human
health impacts. Our expert environmental services include a broad range of capabilities, such as:


Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Mercury Deposition
Air Quality Studies/Permitting
Air Dispersion Modeling
Human Health Risk Assessment
Ecological Assessment
Water Quality and Hydrology
Site Investigation and Remediation Consulting.


Nuclear Plant Services

Overview

Exponent offers unparalleled multi-disciplinary expertise and rapid response capabilities to provide stewardship in
addressing complex engineering and scientific problems. We provide our clients with a team of engineering,
construction, environmental, risk, and health specialists that is unique in the industry. The value that Exponent
brings to its nuclear power generation clients includes:

Proven experience on high-profile projects of national and international significance—often in a dispute resolution
setting
Deep, functional knowledge of engineering fundamentals: mechanical, structural, metallurgical, chemical,
electrical, and more
Nuclear power generation operational knowledge
Scientific depth in environmental and health perspectives

Exponent entered the nuclear power consulting business in 1974,
when the firm, then known as Failure Analysis Associates, was
selected to provide technical support to the Electric Power
Research Institute (EPRI) in the areas of structural integrity,
materials behavior, and life prediction. Since then, we have
entered into commercial services, instrument manufacturing, and
sales of computer software in direct support of electric utilities
and original equipment manufacturers. Our staff has provided
expert testimony for a wide range of industrial and governmental
clients. We continue to rank among one of the largest consulting
firms in the number of plant component remaining-life
assessments and failure investigations conducted, as well as in
the volume of sponsored research and development contracts
awarded. In addition, we have invested our own funds in developing advanced services and equipment for power-
plant maintenance, asset management, and failure prevention.

Exponent’s project experience includes nuclear component reliability and remaining-life assessments for reactor
pressure vessels, steam generators, and primary piping. In addition, Exponent has evaluated hundreds of equipment
failures for the nuclear power generation industry, spanning a wide range of component types, including steam
generators, reactor pressure vessels, reactor coolant pumps and pump seals, diesel generators, valves, piping,
electric generators, and turbines. With conversion, upgrade, development, and commercialization projects around the
world, Exponent is reputed for creating innovative approaches to new electric power-plant configuration and
maintenance management of existing plant equipment and systems. By combining the methods of component and
plant condition assessment with reliability analysis and economic optimization, we help utilities reduce costs and
increase productivity. In addition to plant mechanical integrity-related services, Exponent personnel have experience
in various aspects of power system design, control, operation, and maintenance. Our experience includes
development of procedures for outage/maintenance management, design for reliability, reliability-centered
maintenance for high-voltage substations, on- and off-line diagnostics for transformers and breakers, control and
protection systems, plant O&M training, and failure analyses.

Exponent’s engineering services address the utility industry’s needs for design, construction, repair, and retrofit, with
a focus on:


Business improvement consulting
Licensing and regulatory compliance
Human performance
Risk and reliability assessment
Safety and process risk management
Reliability and maintenance programs
Root cause and corrective action assessment
Engineering (equipment and systems)
Remaining-life assessment
Thermal sciences (fires and explosions)
Material deterioration (metal, concrete)
Pipe/boiler integrity
Corrosion science and engineering
Construction consulting
Structural performance
Environmental consulting
Health and safety
Spent-fuel storage and transportation

Nuclear utility work has required stringent quality assurance requirements. Exponent is ISO 9001 certified and
conducts work in strict accordance with a quality control program that meets 10 CFR 50, Appendix B.


Combustion Equipment

Overview

The consultants at Exponent perform engineering analyses of boiler
and turbine systems for the power generation industry. Our multi-
disciplinary engineering team has experience with the equipment,
processes, and controls associated with combustion turbines, steam
turbines, and power boilers. We consult on issues related to radiant
and convective heat transfer; multiphase fluid flow; solid, liquid, and
gaseous fuel combustion; pollutant formation and abatement; material
suitability; and control system failures.

Exponent engineers are principal members of the NFPA 85 (Boilers &
Combustion Systems) technical committee of the National Fire
Protection Association, and the C-16 (Thermal Insulation) and F-03
(Gaskets) technical committees of the American Society of Testing and
Materials (ASTM).

Turbines

Exponent has investigated many steam and combustion turbine failures. Our expertise in the interaction between
high-temperature fluids and rotating machinery is recognized internationally. Specifically, our thermal and fluid
experts perform acoustic, fluid dynamic, and vibrations analyses. We are familiar with turbine control systems and
their limitations under operational upset conditions. We have consulted on the consequences of fuel changes in
combustion turbines.

Boilers

Exponent has consulted on all aspects of boiler design and operation
and for all sizes and styles of boilers. Often we are called upon to
investigate breaches in pressurized water or heat-transfer fluid vessels
and piping, fuel explosions, structural failures, water chemistry and
corrosion, and burner safeguards. We have performed third-party
reviews of the configuration of combustion instrumentation and
controls, and their adherence to relevant fire protection standards.

Air Pollution Control

Exponent engineers have analyzed issues related to rapid performance
degradation of SCR catalyst systems for NOx control. We have
developed methods for estimating release rates of particulate matter from fabric filter baghouses with one or more
failed bags. Our experts have consulted on carbon burnout issues in coal flyash, and rates of mercury volatilization
(and downstream particulate recapture) in coal combustion.

Materials

We have addressed problems associated with refractory degradation and premature thermal insulation failure. We
consult on steam blowouts from failed gaskets, and we interact with metallurgists in our Materials practice to assist
with fluid or thermal issues that can create conditions for boiler tube or turbine blade failures. Our experts have
testified on the historical use of asbestos insulation and gaskets in power generation, including the chronology of
suitable alternatives becoming available.


Managing Energy Industry Vulnerabilities to Climate
Change

Overview

Depending on projections from climate model(s) or from historical trends, climate change could lead to substantial
impacts on properties, facilities, and the workforce or it may have minimal to no influence. The various outcomes
reflect regional variations as well as uncertainties in the methods for estimating impacts. Whether the concern is
physical, ecological, or human health impacts, catastrophic or mild effects, immediate or long-term consequences,
there can be little doubt that climate change will affect the ways that companies conduct business and manage risk.
The quantification of future potential impacts and associated uncertainties requires understanding the drivers,
effects, and potential management strategies at regional levels for enterprise risk management.

Areas of particular importance for risk management include:

Climate-related changes to the financial value or performance of client’s operations and assets
Impacts of the clients’ emissions upon the biological, ecological, and physical environment
Extreme weather events such as drought, flooding, and hurricanes
Impact on company staff of infectious disease, heat stress, waterborne diseases, and injuries from extreme
weather events
Integrating climate change in traditional catastrophe modeling
Liabilities associated with corporate climate change management
Litigation associated with business continuity such as interruptions in the supply chain, utility services, and
communications
Litigation and liabilities associated with contract disputes from transactions and acquisitions

Climate change also presents business opportunities for new products and services for mitigating and offsetting
greenhouse gases, and encouraging sustainable practices that lower risk profiles and vulnerability. Exponent provides
energy industry clients with sophisticated analyses that combine the results and reliability of regionally-relevant
climate models with available trend analyses. This analysis provides a range of predictions and associated
probabilities along with the consequences. This information provides the technical bases for judging risks to assets
and operations. It can also be used for estimating risk exposure and for developing appropriate risk management
strategies meaningful to specific client needs and degree of vulnerability.


Exponent Climate Change Services

Analysis of climate change models and uncertainty analysis within a regional context and in a format that can
then be applied to management decision-making
Application of a transparent and comprehensive vulnerability framework to provide risk analysis and risk
management recommendations that are specific to the challenges facing a specific energy industry company, or
the industry as a whole
Economic exposure analysis from climate change risks
Land-use planning and management analysis of natural resources such as forestry, agriculture, and wetlands to
mitigate climate change effects
Identification and analysis of sustainable business practices to decrease exposure to climate change risk
Product liability analysis of green technologies
Analysis of the liabilities that might arise from carbon-offset projects
Creation of vulnerability maps for various outcomes and associated probabilities


Utility Risks & Impacts in Carbon Capture & Storage

Overview

Over 85% of U.S. energy demands are met by the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas). This process
also produces carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas (GHG). Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is one of the
solutions being proposed to reduce GHG emissions. CCS is really a group of technologies for capturing CO2 at a
power plant before it is emitted, transporting it to a suitable storage site, and storing it on a long-term basis.

Carbon Capture

Carbon capture involves removing some or all of the CO2 rather than releasing it to the atmosphere. Doing so may
involve process modifications at the pre-combustion (gasification), combustion (oxy-fuel), or post-combustion
(solvents/sorbents) stages. The success of carbon capture depends on the technical and cost effectiveness of the
project, and demonstration of regulatory compliance. Engineering economic studies should be conducted to evaluate
the operational risks and cost of carbon capture at the plants. These would include comparison with other
alternatives to reduce GHG emissions, such as boiler efficiency upgrades or co-firing with biomass. Generators also
need to consider financial options that may be available, such as purchasing carbon offsets, in managing their GHG
emissions. To reach that end, Exponent offers the following skills:

Regulatory compliance reviews
Process performance evaluations
Design reviews and feasibility studies
Cost/benefit analyses
Risk analyses
Chemical analysis
Mechanical, electrical, and structural evaluations
Combustion equipment performance
Reliability, availability, maintainability (RAM) studies
Metallurgy/materials evaluation
Corrosion science and technology

Transportation

Once the CO2 has been captured, it will need to be transported to a suitable site for long-term storage. Because of
the volumes, current thinking is that it will be transported via pipelines either as a gas or compressed into liquid
form. In either case, it will probably require additional preparation at the site, which may involve new treatment
facilities. Exponent has extensive experience evaluating natural gas and liquid natural gas pipelines and is familiar
with the technical and regulatory aspects of that industry. Based on that experience, Exponent can provide
assistance in the following areas:

Evaluation of treatment required for transport
Loss-of-product risk in transport evaluations
Hazard risk in transport analysis
Metallurgy/ materials evaluation
Corrosion science and technology
Cost and liability assessment and strategy development


Carbon Storage

Currently, the leading candidate options for long-term storage
include depleted oil and gas reservoirs, operating oil reservoirs
(where the CO2 is used for enhanced recovery operations) and
deep saline formations (both onshore and offshore). Some of
these potential sites may already be well characterized, while
others may require more extensive analysis to assess their
suitability. Our staff has the needed geological, geotechnical, and
geochemical skills and experience to assist with site
characterization.

Once the site is selected, wells will be constructed using
technology and techniques that have been developed in the oil
and gas industry. Because of our involvement in major projects in
that industry, our staff is very familiar with the associated technology.

Monitoring will be necessary to demonstrate secure storage on an on-going basis. Direct monitoring tools and
techniques can be used to measure concentrations of CO2 near the well bore; however, most monitoring will be
undertaken by indirect methods such as seismic, gravity, electromagnetic surveys, and satellite imagery. Our staff
has experience with these techniques.

Requirements for decommissioning after the storage site is full will undoubtedly be included in the future regulations
governing CCS. At the very least, a decommissioning plan will have to be prepared, submitted, and maintained. That
plan will most likely have to include quantification and modeling of residual risk. Our staff has helped prepare many
such plans.

With expertise in local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, environmental impact assessment, ecology,
toxicology, chemistry, chemical forensics, geology, hydrology, and environmental engineering, our staff provides a
range of services that includes the following:

Formation geochemistry
Geological engineering
Reservoir engineering
Aquifer engineering
Salt dome engineering
Site characterization
Geotechnical testing
Geochemical and operational consulting
Environmental chemistry and formation geochemistry
Environmental analyses of drilling fluids, and drilling pits and ponds
Containment monitoring
Drilling technology
Occupational health
Civil engineering (subsidence, heave, and hydraulic fracturing)


In summary, our staff performs risk analysis ranging from compliance to total business-based approaches, and
addresses the critical issues. We provide our clients with a team of engineering, construction, geology,
environmental, risk, and health specialists that is unique in the industry.

The value that Exponent brings to its clients includes:

Proven experience on high-profile projects of national and
international significance
Current, in-depth functional knowledge of engineering
fundamentals: mechanical, structural, metallurgical, chemical,
electrical, geological, environmental, and others
Ability to integrate technical and business disciplines in solving
complex problems
Scientific understanding and experience in regulatory and
environmental matters
Convergence of our skills in risk, reliability, vulnerability, and cost/
benefit analyses
Extensive experience and operational knowledge of both the fossil plant industry and the oil and gas industry,
from construction to O&M to public health and ecological risk management.


LNG - Risk & Reliability

Overview

Exponent staff has broad experience performing LNG hazard analyses, as well as
qualitative or quantitative risk assessments for LNG plants. This experience covers
LNG liquefaction facilities, LNG receiving terminals (both onshore and offshore), and
LNG storage and peakshaving plants.

Exponent’s risk analysis services include:

LNG hazard analysis for onshore and offshore facilities
LNG spill and pool spreading
Vapor dispersion exclusion zones
From storage, transfer, and process equipment areas or impoundments
From transfer-area trenches
Integral models (DEGADIS) and CFD (Fluent)

Thermal radiation exclusion zones
Exponent has performed thermal radiation hazard distance calculations, for spills into impoundments as
well as spills over water, using a variety of models, such as LNGFIRE3 and other variations of the solid
flame model.
Exponent has extensive experience using CFD fire modeling tools, such as the Fire Dynamics Simulator
(FDS), for both small- and large-scale fires; CFD tools such as FDS can be used to model LNG pool fires in
cases where the fire is significantly affected by the presence of buildings or other obstructions.
Probability of ignition of LNG vapor clouds
Waterways suitability assessment
Hazard zones for large vessels

Flash fire hazard distances

Review and comments on LNG standards and regulations
24 CFR 51 (HUD)
49 CFR 193 (DOT)
33 CFR 127 (USCG)
API 521
NFPA 59A
EN 1473

Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard and Operability
(HAZOP) Studies, and Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)
External hazards such as docking and maneuvering of ships and aircraft crashes
Natural hazards such as lightning, floods, and earthquakes
Internal hazards such as leaks from LNG piping, storage, and process areas in the terminal
Special cases hazards such as neighboring LPG/gasoline storage, vehicle traffic, electric installations, and
communication failure between ship and terminal


Variations in gas quality can raise reliability concerns for pipeline
companies, multi-user LNG import terminals, LNG traders and
marketers, gas distributors, and especially end users of natural gas
fuel such as power-station owners. The potential for downstream
problems related to imported natural gas is compounded by a lack of
industry-wide agreement on parameters for measuring and assessing
gas quality and interchangeability.

“Natural gas” is not pure methane; it contains a variety of heavier
hydrocarbons, inert species, and other components. Every gas source
has a different proportion of these constituents. Interchangeability is
the ability to substitute one gaseous fuel for another without
materially changing the performance and safety of pipeline systems and end-use equipment.

Common parameters that have been used to define an acceptable operating range are gas heating value, the “Wobbe
Index,” specific gravity, and restrictions on components such as heavy hydrocarbons and inert gases (nitrogen and
carbon dioxide).

Exponent can analyze these issues and their effect on a company’s operations. Solutions need to be found that
protect the performance, safety, and emissions of natural gas equipment without unduly restricting the LNG supplies
that can be used.


Clean Coal Technologies

Overview

The United States is the Middle East of coal. For companies
looking to expand the use of this indigenous resource in more
environmentally suitable ways through the use of advanced and
emerging technologies, Exponent provides technical, economic,
and market analysis skills and expertise.

We offer specialized consulting services to technology providers,
project sponsors, project developers, and special-purpose project
companies seeking to deploy clean coal technologies to develop
coal resources in the United States, and in other countries such as
India, China, and Australia. We also can assist Engineering &
Construction (E&C) firms designing clean coal facilities, and the
financial institutions and attorneys that support these projects.

The types of assistance that the energy experts at Exponent can offer include project cash-flow analysis, financing
model development, techno-economic comparisons of available technologies, end-product market analysis,
assistance with solutions for CO2 issues, and project risk assessments.

Exponent consultants have conducted market study investigations of coal-to-liquid (CTL) and gas-to-liquid (GTL)
products, and provided scoping and screening studies of petroleum coke and coal gasification projects. Our engineers
have assessed available coal gasification technologies (both above ground and underground) and evaluated
integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) and various co-production (polygeneration) schemes using coal,
petcoke, and blended feedstocks. Exponent has expertise in performing reliability, availability, and maintainability
(RAM) studies for particular clean coal project configurations. Our consultants have worked with the major power-
block equipment suppliers and can recommend whether project sponsors should consider purchase or self-generation
for a project’s electricity or fuel needs. We have experience with direct and indirect coal liquefaction processes, and
the production of power, steam, and hydrogen in utility islands using gasification and steam reforming technologies
for supply to host facilities such as oil refineries.

Once the synthesis gas is generated, we have evaluated the suitability of different cleanup technologies and the
options for carbon capture and conversion of the syngas into marketable clean fuels, petrochemical intermediates,
and end-use commodities. Among the processes that our consultants have considered are methanol, nitrogen
fertilizers, synthetic natural gas (SNG), methanol to gasoline, and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.


Renewable Energy Services

Overview

Exponent offers unparalleled multi-disciplinary expertise and rapid response capabilities to provide stewardship in
addressing complex business, engineering, and scientific problems. We provide our clients with a team of business,
engineering, construction, environmental, risk, and health specialists that is unique in the industry. The value that
Exponent brings to its clients faced with the rapidly evolving renewable energy area is:

Power generation, transmission and distribution regulatory, systems, and
operational knowledge
Organizational assessment, change management, and business startup
expertise
Deep, functional knowledge of engineering fundamentals: mechanical,
structural, metallurgical, chemical, electrical, economics, and more
Proven problem solving experience on high-profile projects

Implementing state and national renewable energy policies including carbon reduction
and energy efficiency creates change for existing market participants as well as creating
new entrants. Exponent’s expertise in technical and business facets of the energy
system and markets provides a one-stop shop for support in this critical area.

Exponent’s veteran energy industry staff have hands on technical and managerial
experience including but not limited to the areas of technical/equipment assessments,
organizational assessment, process and procedure development, change management,
regulatory support, environmental assessments, NERC compliance, climate change
evaluations, energy economics, corrective action plans, financial transaction support,
maintenance and construction advisory services, risk management, and business startup
activities.

Exponent can assist utilities, renewable energy developers, transmission developers, and
investors from the project feasibility stage thorough commercial operations. Exponent’s
approach in assisting clients with their renewable energy projects is broken into three
phases: Situational Assessment, Detailed Implementation Plan and Budget Preparation/
Business Case, and Plan Execution.


Engineering Management Consulting

Exponent’s Engineering Management Consulting practice is focused on helping its clients
achieve their goals. Exponent’s veteran energy industry staff have hands on technical
and managerial experience including but not limited to the areas of technical/equipment
assessments, organizational assessment, process and procedure development, change
management, regulatory support, environmental assessments, NERC compliance,
climate change evaluations, energy economics, corrective action plans, financial
transaction support, maintenance and construction advisory services, risk management,
and business startup activities. In addition, through its alliance partners, Exponent is
able to provide transmission system analysis and market assessments using proven industry models.

Electrical Systems

Exponent has worked closely with electric utilities in matters related to power
generation, distribution, and transmission. These studies and investigations range from
line-siting studies to the failure analysis of major electrical equipment. Exponent has the
expertise needed to analyze complex problems in power plant generating equipment and
electrical and control systems; transformers, switchgears, circuit breakers and related
relay and control systems; and other electrical power handling equipment. Our staff has
expertise in both AC and DC transmission systems. In addition to conducting root-cause
analyses related to equipment and system failures, electrical system configurations and
breaker/relay coordination, Exponent has successfully mobilized interdisciplinary teams in electrical, mechanical, and
thermal areas to investigate fires and explosions due to electrical origin.

Environmental Sciences

Exponent’s scientists and engineers provide proven, cost-effective, scientifically
defensible, and realistic assessments and solutions to complex environmental issues.
Our services include: environmental forensics, particularly advanced chemical
fingerprinting; chemical transport and fate analyses in air, soil, surface water,
sediments, and groundwater; technical support for regulatory compliance; real estate
transactions and brownfield development; economic analyses; sustainability
assessments; site remediation; product liability evaluations; and human health and
ecological risk assessments. Our ecological scientists, biologists, toxicologists, and
natural resource analysts provide scientifically defensible solutions and strategic support
on complex environmental issues related to contaminated land and water, industrial and
other development, and sustainability and restoration of resources, and technologies
and products. Exponent is recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise in environmental risk and impact
assessment, ecotoxicology, natural resource damage assessment (NRDA), and ecological restoration.

Mechanics & Materials

Exponent’s metallurgists, polymer and corrosion scientists, electrochemists, and
ceramists have many years of experience in the prevention and analysis of material
failures. As a result of this close familiarity with all types of materials, our scientists and
engineers have a unique ability to provide advice on how to avoid problems early in the
design cycle, when materials are being selected. Exponent provides clients with a
thorough comprehension of current or potential designs to determine vulnerabilities
before failures occur, develop appropriate mitigation methods, and provide post-failure
investigations. Consultants review the reliability of processes and products for a variety
of industries, including transportation, heavy industry, energy, and consumer products.
Our projects range from modeling fluid flow characteristics in a system, to predicting the remaining lifetime of
structures and components, to establishing design and operating envelopes for processes and technologies.


Zuhair M. Ibrahim, Ph.D., P.E.
Senior Engineer
Thermal Sciences
Los Angeles
zibrahim@exponent.com
(310) 754-2707

Professional Profile

Dr. Ibrahim applies mechanical engineering, thermodynamic, and fluid dynamic principles to the study of processes
in turbomachinery, fires, explosions, and a variety of other combustion devices. Dr. Ibrahim is especially interested
in investigation and analysis of problems related to turbo machinery and combustion. He has analytic and
experimental experience with the analysis of thermo-acoustic instabilities in gas turbines.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Ibrahim worked as a combustion consultant at Solar Turbines Incorporated. His
research involved developing tools to predict and mitigate the impact of combustion-driven acoustic instabilities on
gas turbines used for power generation. He has also worked as a research engineer at United Technologies Research
Center (Pratt and Whitney R&D group), where he carried out numerous studies related to the investigation,
optimization, and enhancement of turbine, afterburner, and rocket performance.

Dr. Ibrahim also served as a country consultant with the United Nations Development Programme in East Africa
where he helped oversee the implementation of several infrastructure projects.

Credentials & Professional Honors

Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 2007
M.Sc., Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2002
M.Eng., Aerospace Engineering, University of Alabama, Huntsville, 2000

United Technologies Research Center’s Outstanding Technical Achievement Award, June 2003
AIAA award for 2nd Place Technical Paper in South-Eastern Student Conference, April 2000


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