RSK Group buys Cogency to boost Australian renewables

RSK Group has acquired Melbourne-based planning, environmental assessment and engagement consultancy Cogency, expanding its Australian services for renewable energy and clean infrastructure projects.

Cogency advises public and private sector clients on major renewable energy developments across Australia, covering planning approvals, environmental assessment and community engagement. The addition is expected to strengthen RSK's support for projects from early strategy through to approvals and compliance.

Founded in 2022, Cogency focuses on wind, solar and battery energy storage projects, while also advising on clean technology, circular economy, property and infrastructure schemes. Its services include site selection, due diligence, approvals strategy, development applications, environmental and social assessment, stakeholder engagement and ongoing compliance.

The acquisition builds on RSK's existing planning, approvals and engagement work in Australia. It also adds another specialist business that can be connected with the group's services in environmental assessment, ecology, heritage, acoustics, geotechnical work and engineering.

Recent projects

Among Cogency's recent assignments is the Glenrowan Battery Energy Storage System in Victoria's Central North Renewable Energy Zone. The consultancy said it helped Akaysha Energy and BZ Renewables secure planning approval for the 400 MW/1600 MWh project through community engagement and a planning permit application, with approval granted under the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program.

Cogency also prepared the development application for the approved Weasel Solar Farm at Bothwell in Tasmania. The project includes a 250 MW solar and battery development, with about 4,000 solar panel arrays and a 144 MW/576 MWh battery energy storage system.

Another project listed by Cogency is the Hazelwood North Solar Farm in Victoria's Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone. The approved development covers about 1,100 hectares and includes a 450 MW, four-hour battery energy storage system.

The transaction is part of RSK's wider expansion in Australia, where the group has been building a multidisciplinary environmental, infrastructure and engineering business. RSK Australia was established in 2021 as part of the group's international growth strategy, with renewables identified as a key area for expansion.

Cogency will retain its brand and continue to be led by Managing directors Adam Terrill and Rebecca Wardle. Clients will continue to receive services under the same name and management structure.

Terrill and Wardle said the move would extend the firm's reach while preserving its existing operating model.

"We started Cogency with a point of difference: a purpose-led consultancy with a climate focus. We are delighted to be joining a values-aligned organisation in RSK, whose global presence and breadth of expertise will enable us to extend our reach and deliver more for our clients, communities and the environment.

There are exciting opportunities to grow our impact and collaborate with specialists across the group. At the same time, it will remain business as usual for Cogency. Our clients will continue to receive the same clear, proactive advice, responsive boutique service and hands-on director involvement under the same brand and management," said Terrill and Wardle, Managing directors of Cogency.

Energy transition

For RSK, the acquisition reflects demand for specialist advice as renewable energy and related infrastructure projects move through increasingly complex planning and stakeholder processes. Cogency's work in approvals strategy and engagement will complement expertise already held across RSK's Australian businesses.

Alan Ryder, Chief Executive Officer of RSK Group, linked the deal to that trend.

"The energy transition is creating strong demand for advisers who can combine strategic thinking with detailed knowledge of planning, approvals and stakeholder engagement. Cogency has built an impressive reputation in these areas and will help us provide an even more joined-up service for clients from the earliest stages of project development.

Cogency's purpose-led culture, climate focus and practical, director-led approach align closely with RSK. By connecting its experience and relationships with services across the wider group, we can support clients tackling complex energy and environmental projects while building on the expertise already established within our Australian businesses," said Ryder.

Steve Abbott, Divisional and Board Director at RSK, said the acquisition would strengthen the group's planning and approvals work in the Australian renewables market while preserving the characteristics that made Cogency successful.

"We are pleased to welcome Adam, Rebecca and their colleagues to RSK. Cogency adds further depth to our planning, approvals and engagement expertise across Australia's renewable energy sector, while retaining the qualities that have driven the business's success.

Its strong client relationships and integrated approach will create new opportunities for collaboration across RSK and help clients access relevant expertise from across the group. The acquisition reflects our long-term commitment to the Australian market and will support Cogency's continued development," said Abbott.

Andrew Butler of AMC Advisory advised on the acquisition.