RSK Group expands Australian energy transition services with Cogency acquisition

RSK Group has announced the acquisition of Cogency, a specialist planning, environmental assessment and engagement consultancy, as part of its strategy to expand its Australian energy transition services. Cogency advises on major renewable energy projects across Australia, helping clients navigate planning approvals, environmental assessment and community engagement.

Cogency complements RSK’s existing planning, approvals and engagement capabilities, adding further depth in these areas and creating new opportunities to connect services from across the group. Together, the businesses will help clients navigate the full life cycle of renewable energy and clean infrastructure projects.

Strategic renewable energy advice from project concept to approval

Founded in 2022 and based in Melbourne, Cogency advises public and private sector clients on projects across Australia. Its work spans the project life cycle, from site selection, due diligence and approvals strategy to development applications, environmental and social assessment, stakeholder and community engagement, and ongoing compliance.

Cogency has particular experience in wind, solar and battery energy storage projects, alongside work in clean technology, circular economy, property and infrastructure. Its integrated planning and engagement model helps clients understand approval pathways, manage project risks and navigate complex regulatory and stakeholder environments.

Recent projects include the following:

• Glenrowan Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Cogency helped Akaysha Energy and BZ Renewables secure planning approval for this 400 MW/1600 MWh project in Victoria’s Central North Renewable Energy Zone. The approval followed community engagement during 2024 and 2025 and a comprehensive planning permit application. The project received no objections and was approved through the Victorian Government’s Development Facilitation Program.
• Weasel Solar Farm: Cogency prepared the development application for this approved 250 MW solar and battery project at Bothwell, Tasmania. The proposed development includes about 4000 solar panel arrays and a 144 MW/576 MWh BESS, with the application addressing the site’s characteristics and Tasmania’s planning and environmental standards.
• Hazelwood North Solar Farm: Cogency lists this 450 MW development in Victoria’s Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone among its renewable energy projects. The approved scheme covers about 1100 hectares and includes a 450 MW, 4-hour BESS.

The acquisition supports RSK’s strategy to provide clients with integrated, multidisciplinary solutions. Cogency’s expertise in project strategy, approvals and stakeholder engagement will create new opportunities to combine services from across RSK Australia, including environmental assessment, ecology, heritage, acoustics, geotechnical services and engineering, where this adds value for clients.

Cogency retains its brand, leadership and director-led service

Adam Terrill and Rebecca Wardle, who will continue to lead the business as managing directors, said: “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.”

RSK expands integrated environmental and planning support in Australia 

RSK Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “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.”

RSK Divisional and Board Director Steve Abbott said: “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.”

The acquisition adviser was Andrew Butler, AMC Advisory.