Working together to secure a sustainable energy future
The impacts of climate change continue with devastating effects for humanity. With governments, industry, investors, and communities around the world demanding bold sustainable thinking, RPS can navigate the complexity. Something we’ve proudly been doing for 50 years.
Solving problems that matter
The 27th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) will bring parties together to accelerate action to meet global decarbonisation goals while securing a sustainable and affordable energy supply.
RPS specialists' partner with clients to navigate their energy transition goals - across energy transition, renewables, and other low carbon solutions. This includes improving the sustainability of the built environment, diversifying to renewable energy sources and creating both shared and social value from infrastructure development. Explore a selection of our insights and case studies related to these important topics below.
A just and sustainable energy transition
Climate change is shaping how governments and industry strategically adapt their business models to find balance – between meeting current and future energy and infrastructure needs while investing in a sustainable future for all.
RPS is acting on its purpose to create shared value and is delivering exciting work to shape a bright future for the generations to come.
Insights
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Top 5 ESG-related questions limited partners ask during fundraising
Investor interest in investment funds that integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into the investment process has never been higher.
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UK's Oil and Gas Authority mandates ESG reporting
In March 2021, the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) reported on the results by their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) taskforce focused on the 'E' of ESG.
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More is more when engaging young people
It is often thought that young people don’t participate in engagement processes because they ‘just don’t care’. It’s a common misconception but is the truth more likely that young people are just very ‘easy-to-ignore’?
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Reimagining the circular economy
It’s important that ‘reimagine’ is first on the list. To restore environmental systems and create economic structures that allow people to prosper within them, we need to reimagine how we do things.
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Climate change and the global health crisis
As organisations, governments and individuals around the world look for solutions to the impact of climate change, Dr Jennifer Napier considers the role of healthcare professionals in addressing the impact of climate change.
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Securing Biodiversity Net Gain on logistics sites
With sustainable development high on the agenda, the impact of the built environment on our natural world is a key consideration in the planning process. Hannah Knight, Principal Ecologist looks at the challenges of securing BNG on logistics sites.
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The role of occupational health in transitioning to a greener future
The Covid pandemic sharpened employers’ focus on employee health, safety, and wellbeing, and thus brought the role of occupational health into the limelight. But what of the role of occupational health in the face of climate change?
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A social value approach key to Gippsland's transition to renewables
A widespread transition to renewables is our best chance of ensuring a sustainable and liveable future on this planet. But we must also ensure that our communities stand to benefit more immediately, and that those benefits are ongoing.
Our projects
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Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal Project, Fort Nelson First Nation
This historic project is 100% Indigenous owned and led, and will provide reliable and clean electricity, as well as abundant direct heat for buildings and greenhouses, creating new opportunities for economic growth for this remote community.
Ryan Dickie
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E-learning for offshore wind consenting in the UK
RPS designed an e-learning solution to help new decision-makers enhance their knowledge of the consenting process, including giving them rapid and effective onboarding tools as part of the Offshore Wind Industry Council's Pathways to Growth program.
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ESG strategy development for national energy company
To align business with investor requirements and to benefit from the opportunities that arise from good ESG, RPS was selected to help this national energy producer in Africa achieve their corporate vision and move towards a low carbon economy.
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Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) Program
RPS is supporting Queensland’s Department of Education to deliver sustainability upgrades at more than 800 schools across the state. Work has begun with photovoltaic (solar) panel installations and a range of other power and money-saving measures.
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Anglian Water integrated urban drainage project
Anglian Water required a system which is resilient to the effects of growth, climate change and severe drought; to minimise water and carbon footprints; to enhance biodiversity and to increase the resilience of natural systems in the region.
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UXO survey and clearance for AGOCO in Libya
Using our extensive experience in the region, detailed desk-top studies, training of local personnel, and UAV technology, RPS designed and implemented a targeted and cost-effective mitigation plan, enabling the safe deployment of seismic crews.
Renewable energy consultants
It’s expected that the demand for global energy will increase by 50% over the next 30 years. At RPS, we employ some of the world's best onshore and offshore talent across many fields including environment, oceans and coastal, planning and approvals, due diligence and advisory. With deep local and international expertise, our specialists define, design and manage pragmatic solutions to support the development of renewables infrastructure.
Insights
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How partnerships will help us address the offshore wind industry's challenges
In the first of a new series of insights, RPS’ Alun Williams, who has been in the industry since its beginnings in Europe, talks about what he sees as one of the most important solutions to these issues.
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Key lessons Australia can take from the UK offshore wind experience
With the Australian offshore wind industry in its infancy, it’s important we establish some fundamentals at the outset. We can do that – in part – if we look a little further offshore.
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Is solar for you? 8 key considerations for solar energy developments
As concerns over energy prices and security of supply escalate, many organisations and individuals are exploring renewables as a solution. Here, we share eight key points to consider when embarking on a solar project.
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Geothermal energy challenges: what holds us back from tapping into this abundant energy source
With an increased effort towards developing more renewable energy to help reach net zero carbon targets, it's about time we drill down into some of the realities about geothermal energy, its challenges and applications.
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Why airports should consider solar
The carbon footprint of the aviation industry has been a contentious issue for a long time. Offsetting their emissions is no small feat - but tapping into solar energy, a ready-to-use technology, could help pave the way.
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U.S. offshore wind permitting: the SAP, the COP, and the regulatory process in between
As the U.S. offshore wind industry continues to gain momentum, we explore the permitting regime in more detail and deliver some insights regarding the Construction and Operations Plan (COP), some of the associated challenges and potential solutions.
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Could training help solve global offshore wind bottlenecks?
Increased government focus on meeting net-zero carbon targets is shining a light on existing challenges for Offshore Wind. For developers and regulators, a deeper knowledge of the sector and its processes could ease the pressure.
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Offshore wind Korea: Obtaining a local and international licence to operate
In Korea, each new offshore wind project will need to navigate the critical first step of obtaining the much needed environmental permits and licences.
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Is hydrogen the answer for a low-carbon aviation future?
The aviation sector is committed and actively working to develop innovations that will catapult itself toward a low-carbon future. But what role can hydrogen play in achieving this target and what is its impact on airport infrastructure?
Our projects
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Star of the South, Victoria, Australia
RPS is providing environmental services and planning expertise to support Australia’s first offshore wind project. If approved, Star of the South would offer a clean and reliable source of energy with the capacity to power up to 1.2 million homes.
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Fisheries co-existence study, Japan
Our client was keen to understand how they might manage the interaction of their proposed developments with the fishing industry, maximising the opportunities for co-existence and minimising the risk to ongoing project development.
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Equinor and RPS successfully launch LiDAR buoys, Ulsan South Korea
July 2020, RPS delivered two Floating LiDAR buoys to collect the data that will determine future investment decisions. Over 12 months, a feasibility study into the viability of wind resource will be conducted.
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Hydrodynamic and sediment transport modelling of subsea cable installation, Block Island Wind Farm, Rhode Island
As part of the Environmental Impacts Assessment, RPS delivered this modelling study to evaluate the sediment trajectory and fate from jet plow cable burial operations and near shore cofferdam re-fill activities.
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Thang Long Offshore Wind Project Vietnam
Enterprize Energy were keen to develop an understanding of the site’s seabed conditions, such as bathymetry and seabed features, with particular interest of sand waves for the considerations of conceptual design, feasibility and constraint studies
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Pacific Hydro community engagement
Providing ongoing support to the Pacific Hydro’s Engagement and External Affairs team, RPS has shaped Pacific Hydro’s community and stakeholder engagement activities for new wind, solar, hydrogen and battery storage projects across Australia.
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Waddi Wind and Solar Farm, Australia
RPS is supporting Tilt Renewables to progress an innovative renewable energy initiative featuring both wind and solar generation technologies near Dandaragan in Western Australia.
Low carbon solutions
As communities continue to grow, so too does the demand to secure affordable low carbon energy supplies. Our teams shape transformational projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance the productivity of energy infrastructure, liveability and sustainability of the communities we live in.
Together with our people, global capabilities, technology, and data management solutions across the asset lifecycle, we work together with our clients to create social value and forge a healthier, greener and more sustainable future.
Insights
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Peatlands and Nature Recovery Networks: The Environment’s Bill of the ball?
The Government’s recent announcement, setting out plans to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change is a crucial step in safeguarding the environment. So what are the implications for developers and landowners moving forward?
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The importance of subsurface gas storage as part of the energy transition mix
The transition to a “Net-Zero” economy and an increased reliance on renewable sources of energy for electricity generation, subsurface gas storage will be necessary to supplement the more intermittent renewable energy supplies.
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Stick or twist: to retrofit or build new?
One of the questions at the top of the agenda for property owners looking to reduce their carbon footprint is should we retrofit, or build new? We discusses how to weigh up your options and choose the right route for your project.
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Decarbonising social housing stock: steps to prioritise net zero carbon investment
The social housing sector is facing a monumental decarbonisation challenge. And not all of it can be tackled at once. So, with it comes the big question – how to prioritise investment?
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What to consider when storing CO2 underground
CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide, transporting and storing it in underground reservoirs. In CCS projects, the largest source of uncertainty is storage. To manage this uncertainty, there are several factors to consider.
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The pros and cons of heat pumps - what you need to know
If no new gas boilers should be sold after 2025 to meet Net Zero targets by 2050, the alternative low carbon option is heat pumps, but are they worth it? Associate Director, Phil O'Loughlin answers the most commonly asked questions.
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The comparative benefits of storage in depleted and deep saline reservoirs for CCS
Both depleted oil and gas reservoirs and deep saline reservoirs offer potentially viable CO2 storage solutions. We examine some of the pros and cons of each.
Our projects
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Norcem Carbon Capture and Storage project, Brevik Norway
The cement industry accounts for 5-7% of global CO2 emissions annually. Norcem will build a full-scale carbon capture and storage facility at their factory to reduce CO2 emissions by 400,000 tons p/a - almost 1% of Norway's total emissions.
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Measuring and reducing carbon for HS2 Enabling Works
Our team provided design services for a series of enabling works for HS2. A key requirement was to accurately measure the carbon footprint at each design gateway and to deliver solutions to meet 30% carbon reduction target.
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Energy and sustainability assessments for Woodside Square
This site includes a mixture of new build and refurbished buildings. RPS carried out energy and sustainability assessments to advise how to maximise the sustainability rating of the historic and new build elements for the community.
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Pre-FEED study on Carbon Capture and Storage in support of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan
Ervia is the company responsible for the delivery of Ireland’s national gas and water infrastructure and services. RPS delivered a Pre-FEED study to Ervia to support the business case development for this CCS project in Ireland.
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The living bog: restoring raised bogs in Ireland
To reverse losses and tackle high rates of greenhouse gas emissions from damaged peatlands, the Living Bog Project aimed to restore and raise awareness of the importance of conserving these unique peatland habits.
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Northern Lights CO2 transport and storage - baseline seismic survey planning and optimisation
On this ground-breaking carbon transport and storage project, RPS is supporting Northern Lights JV to acquire baseline seismic data using our Osprey software.
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Baseline 3D seismic survey for the Northern Endurance Partnership’s CCS project
Industrial view of the Middlesbrough skyline
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CO2 Injection Feasibility Study for Carbon capture and storage, Canada
Our client identified an opportunity for an underground storage facility by converting a depleted gas reservoir to CO2 storage. RPS reservoir engineers supported them in determining the economic viability of this potential project.
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Carbon Capture and Utilisation Plant, Winnington
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which includes carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), is positioned as one of our greatest weapons in the fight against climate change. Our team played a vital role in bringing the UK's largest CCU project to life.
Tata Chemicals Europe
RPS Group – a bold path to net zero by 2030
RPS has set an ambitious, science-based, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target across our value chain by 2030. For the same period, we are also setting a bold aim to have transitioned strongly towards Net Zero.
- Managing Emissions - Science based and aligned to a 1.5ºC pathway
- Target: c46% reduction in GHG emissions (Scopes 1-3) by 2030
- Path to Net Zero: Aim to have strongly transitioned to Net Zero by 2030
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