Araí Monteforte joined Tetra Tech in 2014 and brings a background in engineering to the energy and international development markets.
As the Chief of Party for the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE) program, she works with USAID partner countries to reinvent national electric grids and develop the policies and institutional, regulatory, and technical solutions needed to provide sustainable, reliable electricity for future generations. Araí provides technical assistance for strategic energy planning, grid integration, and competitive procurement to help policymakers, utilities, and regulators modernize energy sectors and create policies that enable renewable energy markets to flourish.
SURE has supported auctions to procure nearly 4 gigawatts of clean energy generation capacity that will result in 36 million tons of CO2e emissions reduced through 2030, and has mobilized $3 billion in investment for clean energy. Araí also manages the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) work in Burkina Faso and MCC’s first regional compact in West Africa, helping the U.S. and partner governments reform national energy sectors.
She spent two years in Senegal as the resident advisor for the USAID Power Africa Transactions and Reforms Program and has advised governments, utilities, and financial institutions to evaluate, design, and implement sustainable energy policies and projects. Araí has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Computer Science and a Master of Science in Reliability and Quality Engineering from the University of Arizona, as well as a Master of Arts in International Economics and Energy from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
What are creative ways our clients and partner countries are addressing the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy?
Transitioning from long-standing practices to new, economically beneficial approaches requires careful consideration. Adding more renewable energy requires a robust electricity grid to manage the fluctuations in solar and wind power, ensuring minimal energy loss during transmission. Stronger grids also enable the adoption of innovative business models, such as electric vehicles and distributed renewable systems like solar home solutions. Many countries are taking new approaches to deciding when, where, and how to invest in their power grids.
Many countries are scaling up renewable energy and opening their markets to private investment. Auctions are one of the main policy tools to achieve these goals and enable governments buy renewable energy competitively. Renewable energy providers offer the price at which they will sell their electricity, and buyers can choose the one—or more—with the lowest price. Recently SURE’s partner country Colombia awarded contracts to 11 new solar farms that have a combined capacity of 800 megawatts. The prices they bid were 15 percent below the market. These projects are expected to bring in $850 million in investment, create 4,700 new jobs throughout the country, and reduce carbon emissions by 465,000 tons every year. Since 2017 Tetra Tech has supported successful auctions in Kazakhstan, Mexico, Serbia, Senegal, Pakistan, and India, as well as a previous successful auction in Colombia.
Why is the circular economy important as part of scaling up renewable energy?
For energy infrastructure to be reliable and cost-effective, materials such as solar panels, wind turbines, and battery components must be produced, maintained, and repurposed in a responsible manner. A resource-efficient, circular approach prioritizes durability, refurbishment, and recycling of critical materials. Ensuring these materials are effectively reused can lower costs, prevent supply disruptions, and reduce environmental risks associated with disposal.
Circular economies also open opportunities for new businesses and jobs by expanding industries focused on material recovery, manufacturing innovation, and advanced engineering. Strengthening these capabilities helps developing countries keep hazardous materials out of landfills.
What else is Tetra Tech doing to support responsible energy policies and practices globally?
Tetra Tech partners with governments, donor agencies, private sector leaders, and financial institutions to promote energy policies that balance economic growth and environmental resilience. Our work supports energy infrastructure modernization, diversified power generation, and regional market integration, helping nations become more self-reliant and less dependent on volatile energy imports.
For example, in Burkina Faso, Tetra Tech assisted the government with the implementation of a $500 million MCC Compact to improve energy access and infrastructure. This includes working with regulators, utilities, and stakeholders to strengthen domestic power generation and increase participation in regional energy markets. In Namibia, we are supporting the development of a competitive hydrogen economy to advance industrial growth and attract foreign investment. Additionally, we recently worked with Ukraine to launch a strategy for developing its hydrogen sector, positioning the country as a potential supplier to European markets.
How do energy, economic growth, and workforce development intersect?
Strengthening the energy sector is essential for job creation and economic development. However, many industries, including energy, must expand their workforce pipelines to meet growing demands. Encouraging broader participation in energy-related fields—particularly among women and underrepresented groups—helps develop a skilled labor force and enhances business performance.
Tetra Tech integrates workforce development into all energy programs by promoting skills training, improving recruitment strategies, and addressing workplace challenges that deter talent retention. We collaborate with energy companies to create inclusive policies that expand hiring and leadership opportunities. Similarly, our energy workforce programs in Colombia ensure that local perspectives are incorporated into program design, strengthening talent pipelines for the industry.
I remember applying for an unpaid student internship with a national oil company in the Amazon rainforest, and they told me this was a male-centric field and to apply elsewhere. At Tetra Tech, I lead global energy projects and work with governments and utilities around the world. While progress has been made, energy remains a field with significant workforce gaps in many countries. By addressing these challenges, we help build a resilient, innovative, and competitive energy sector that supports long-term economic prosperity.