Renewable energy
As Australia and New Zealand pivot toward cleaner energy, the success of renewable infrastructure depends not only on innovation above ground, but on certainty beneath it.
Our geotechnical services play a critical role in ensuring wind turbines, solar farms, battery storage systems, transmission corridors, hydroelectric facilities, and waste-to-energy plants are built on stable, resilient foundations.
These services provide the technical backbone for safe construction, long-term performance, and environmental stewardship across diverse terrain and climate zones.
Our geotechnical support is valuable across a range of sectors within the renewable energy industry:
Wind energy
Wind farms demand geotechnical precision due to large turbine loads and remote, often rugged locations. Services include:
- Site investigations for turbine foundations
- Assessment of soil stiffness and bedrock depth
- Slope stability and erosion control
- Access road design and earthworks support
Solar energy
Solar installations require expansive, level ground and optimised subgrade conditions. Geotechnical input ensures:
- Ground characterisation for panel supports
- Earthworks and compaction testing
- Drainage and infiltration analysis
- Pavement design for maintenance roads
Battery energy storage systems (BESS)
BESS facilities are sensitive to ground movement and thermal conditions. Geotechnical services include:
- Foundation design for modular units
- Thermal resistivity testing for buried cables
- Settlement analysis and ground improvement
- Stormwater and runoff management
Transmission lines
Transmission corridors are often extensive and span varied geologies, requiring consistent geotechnical oversight. Services include:
- Tower foundation investigations across multiple terrains
- Electrical resistivity testing for earthing systems
- Slope and access track stability
- Geohazard mapping and mitigation
Hydroelectric infrastructure
Hydro projects interact directly with water and require robust geotechnical planning. Support includes:
- Dam and embankment design
- Seepage and groundwater modelling
- Rock mechanics for tunnels and spillways
- Sediment transport and erosion studies
Waste-to-energy plants
These facilities often repurpose industrial sites and require careful geotechnical evaluation. Services include:
- Contaminated land assessment
- Foundation design for heavy equipment
- Groundwater protection strategies
- Settlement monitoring and remediation planning
Geotechnical services ensure that each renewable energy project is tailored to its site conditions, regulatory context, and long-term operational needs.
From feasibility to commissioning, these services reduce risk, optimise design, and support sustainable development.
