In the expansive landscape of energy exploration and infrastructure development, precise land surveying is indispensable. At the core of this critical operation is RRC’s dedicated Land Surveying team, serving as the backbone for numerous successful oil & gas and renewable projects across diverse U.S. locations. 

The Land Surveying team shoulders a multifaceted range of responsibilities vital for project execution and compliance. Their duties span from conducting thorough land surveys to ensuring regulatory adherence and laying the groundwork for seamless energy infrastructure construction and maintenance. We sat down with Gary Box, Senior Vice President overseeing Land Surveying, Brad Ames, Client Executive Project Manager, and Obi Ubasineke, Land Surveyor, to dive into the team’s journey, outlook, and distinctive approach. 

Evolution and Growth

The team has evolved and grown significantly in the last three years. “We are a team of 75 people. Since 2020, we have fully diversified into a renewable powerhouse, with a 17,200% growth margin at the end of 2023. We are projecting 2024 to have the same growth pattern, as we are locking in strategic partners and long-term relationships,” notes Gary.  

Clientele and Challenges 

“Our client roster includes industry giants like Rosendin, Blattner and RES,” Brad shares. However, he notes that clients understand the concept of land surveying but lack clarity on specific requirements. “We bridge this gap by offering guidance and clarity throughout the process,” he adds. “For instance, let’s say the client wants an ALTA* survey. We ask them to fill out a table A and they don’t know what it is. Recently, we’ve had meetings with the clients where Obi has set out and explained the table A. We have gotten emails after saying, “Thank you, no one’s ever done that for us before.”  

Obi adds, “Another problem is being able to effectively get a project schedule for a timeline from the client. There’s a lot of hurry up and wait and then they want it tomorrow.”

*ALTA (American Land Title Association) Survey plots each element in a title report where easements and encroachments are on the property. 

Recent Projects and Impact 

Brad recounts a recent project where meticulous surveying unveiled critical discrepancies, saving the client from costly errors. “We’re doing a huge project for a major EPC* client, for which we were hired to do the construction survey. We suggested verifying the surface and ground elevations before the start even though it wasn’t in our scope. They agreed, and we found that the surface was up to 2-foot elevation off. Our client’s contractor didn’t agree with our findings, but when the client checked for themselves, sure enough, we were right. Our team’s commitment to accuracy and reliability fosters client trust, earning us larger projects,” he emphasizes. 

“We saved this same client a lot of money on another project. We were doing some as-builts,** and they had us out there shooting so many things and I told them, why don’t we just square it off? That saved them about $200,000. They were very happy with that and that’s the way we’ve done every project since. RRC’s goal is to assist the client and become a project partner to win more work and become an important part of the client everyday thought process. Those are just some examples of how we’ve grown to be dependable.” 

*Engineering, Procurement and Construction 

** As-built: A set of drawings that are marked-up by the contractor building a facility or fabricating a piece of equipment that show how the item or facility was actually built versus the way it was originally designed. At the completion of a project, the as-built drawings describe what was actually built. 

Team Differentiators 

“From the client’s perspective, Survey always answers the call, we never say no and we always figure out a way,” Brad emphasizes, highlighting the team’s unwavering dedication to problem-solving. “Every client has said those things,” he adds, underscoring the team’s reputation for reliability and responsiveness.  

Obi echoes Brad’s sentiments, shedding light on the team’s distinctive approach to client interactions. “At RRC, we prioritize understanding the client’s needs,” he explains. “We take the time to learn what they want and need to complete their plans, suggesting solutions that not only align with their objectives but also optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” Obi elaborates, emphasizing the team’s commitment to going the extra mile.  

Brad further emphasizes the importance of building meaningful relationships with clients. “We listen, we visit the field, we share meals, and engage in personal conversations,” he says. “Clients want a partner who will listen and assist them, and that’s what we strive to be,” Brad asserts, emphasizing the team’s role as a trusted ally in every project. 

Obi underscores the team’s commitment to transparency, a cornerstone of their client relationships. “We are 100% transparent if there’s accountability that needs to be had, which doesn’t happen often.” Transparency is non-negotiable, even if it means advising clients to opt for alternatives that might not directly benefit the team financially. “That’s just building the relationship with that client,” Obi adds, illustrating the team’s integrity and dedication to client success. 

Brad emphasizes the importance of their consistent delivery of exceptional customer service. “In the latest client satisfaction survey at RRC, Land Surveying scored 20% higher than all other teams in the company,” he reveals proudly “that says it all.” 

Future Trends 

Obi highlights ongoing explorations into innovative surveying techniques such as lidar, UAVs, bathymetric surveying, sonar, and geomagnetic surveying. “We’re not just keeping up with new equipment; we’re constantly exploring diverse surveying methods beyond just boots on the ground,” he adds. 

Vision for Land Surveying 

Brad envisions RRC’s Land Surveying team combining surveying, testing, Private Utility Locating (PUL), Storm Weather Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and drone services into a comprehensive offering. “Combining these services in one entity streamlines processes and enhances efficiency,” he asserts. “Right now, every company other than RRC has to hire five in different individuals to each of those five things. RRC has all those in house, so why not combine them in one truck? Our team has already started on three of them – survey testing and slip in the truck. We’re working on getting all five pulled in the same truck. Why would a client hire five different companies if he could hire one company to do it all? That’s our goal.” 

Team Dynamics

“Our camaraderie extends beyond work,” Obi mentions that the team shares personal bonds, enabling seamless collaboration. “I think a big reason we work so well together is because we have friendships outside of work. We talk about things outside of work, we know each other’s families. Just the culture that we have I think is it goes a little deeper than work. That’s a huge part that I’ve noticed. ”  

Brad echoes this sentiment, emphasizing trust as the cornerstone of their dynamic. ” There are some guys here I’ve known since I was 13. Survey is a big industry, but a small world and the biggest thing in survey is trust. I can trust if Obi tells me he’s going to have a delivery at a particular time, it’s going to be done and that he’s going to take the time I’ve spent with clients breaking bread into consideration before he gives me a deliverable. Clients trust us because they see the trust within our team,” he remarks. 

In conclusion, RRC’s Land Surveying team stands poised at the intersection of tradition and innovation, embodying reliability, expertise, and adaptability crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of energy infrastructure development. As the team continues to expand its capabilities and uphold its commitment to excellence, Surveying’s impact reverberates across the energy industry, driving progress and success. 

At the ACP’s Operations, Maintenance & Safety Conference coming up in San Diego on February 21-23, Sandra Laird, VP of Field Services at RRC, is set to take part in a panel discussion on quality assurance and work management—an area traditionally overlooked in the realm of clean energy conferences. We caught up with Sandra to get the inside scoop on her upcoming presentation and what it means for the industry. 

The ACP conference, renowned for its focus on safety and maintenance, has taken a bold step this year by incorporating quality assurance into its agenda for the first time. Sandra Laird, with her extensive experience in engineering and construction, has been invited to contribute her valuable insights to this initiative. 

At the heart of Sandra’s presentation is the integration of quality control and assurance methodologies into the construction process of clean energy projects. She emphasizes the importance of adopting robust quality systems to prevent issues and minimize risk, ultimately ensuring the reliability and longevity of clean energy assets. 

During the panel discussion, Sandra will delve into various aspects of quality management, from identifying common construction pitfalls to implementing effective quality controls. With a focus on practical solutions and real-world examples, she aims to equip attendees with actionable insights to enhance the quality of their projects. 

One of the most anticipated aspects of Sandra’s presentation is the interactive format. Rather than a traditional lecture-style session, Sandra and her fellow panelists will engage in a dynamic dialogue with the audience, encouraging questions and discussions on pressing industry issues. This inclusive approach promises to foster a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and shared. 

Reflecting on her selection as a panelist, Sandra expresses gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of quality practices in the clean energy sector. She acknowledges the importance of industry collaboration and welcomes the chance to exchange ideas with fellow professionals at the forefront of clean energy innovation. 

Stay tuned for updates from Sandra’s presentation at the ACP conference, and join us in applauding her pioneering efforts to raise the bar for quality assurance in the clean power industry. 

Recap

In my previous post, I delved into the significant challenges posed by inaccuracies in grading plans on large-scale solar PV power plants, highlighting issues such as cost overruns and disputes during the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) phase. I used a hypothetical example of a 6-inch elevation error over 1,800 acres to illustrate its potential impact on project costs and schedules.  

I identified three exacerbating factors: the scarcity of suitable, flat land for development, challenges in lidar survey execution, often due to the under utilization or inexpert application of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) technology, and the constraints of horizontal single-axis tracker systems on uneven terrain. I also discussed the complexities of managing spatial data, emphasizing the importance of precise specifications in coordinate systems and the role of derivative products in geospatial analysis.  

Building on this foundation, this article focuses on RRC’s strategic expansion in remote sensing. This initiative aims to enhance our ability to provide authoritative advice, advanced products, and specialized services in the renewable sector, particularly in wind, PV solar, and BESS projects.  

Great News!  

We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our leadership team: Karen Schuckman, joining us as a Remote Sensing Subject Matter Expert. Karen’s extensive background includes her most recent role as Associate Teaching Professor of Geography at Penn State University, where she specialized in remote sensing and geospatial technology. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS).  

Karen’s professional journey spans both the private and public sectors. Her notable tenure includes positions such as Geospatial Technology Leader at URS (2005-2006) and various leadership roles at EarthData group (now Fugro) from 1995 to 2005. Her contributions to the field are substantial, including leading remote sensing efforts during the Hurricane Katrina response and spearheading lidar acquisition for the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program.  

Before her private sector involvement, Karen worked with the USGS National Mapping Division in California and served as Vice-Chair of the NOAA Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES). She is a member of the National Research Council Committees on Floodplain Mapping Technologies and FEMA Flood Map Accuracy. Karen’s credentials are impressive, holding ASPRS certifications in Certified Mapping Scientist, Lidar and a Certified Photogrammetrist; along with a couple of Professional Land Surveyor licenses. She earned her Master of Science in Geospatial Information Systems from Penn State University.  

2023 marked another record year for RRC, driven by growth and the trust our customers placed in us. This success motivates our executive team to restructure our services and operations, aiming to enhance our quality while meeting the demands of a growing industry. Stay tuned for exciting updates as Karen, with the support of the executive team, finalizes the planning for RRC’s next significant advancement!   

Miguel Silva, Sr. VP, RRC Companies  

RRC holds the status of a Sustaining Member with the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)  

In a pivotal collaboration with the Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP), RRC is rewriting the narrative on experiential learning for future engineers. Tim Chairet, RRC’s Member Representative and the program’s alumni, and Mike Kraft, Senior VP of Electrical Engineering at RRC, recently shared insights on the program’s transformative impact. 

The MECOP program’s unique partnership yields benefits across the board. Universities thrive on the success of their students, who, in turn, gain invaluable practical experience through two six-month paid internships, providing a significant edge in the competitive job market. Simultaneously, companies benefit by securing access to a pool of skilled and motivated workers. 

Chairet emphasized the program’s unique structure and benefits: “It’s a collaborative ecosystem that extends beyond traditional models, fostering a thriving community and alumni network. When I went through the program, I felt it gave me the right tools to be successful in the workforce.” 

The program, headquartered at Oregon State University, serves as a nexus for five universities and companies in the Pacific Northwest. Adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic, MECOP responded by expanding remote opportunities and eliminating relocation hurdles for students. 

Kraft highlighted the program’s impact on students’ professional journey: “MECOP breaks the mold of traditional education, offering students a chance to gain a year of practical experience. This not only sets them apart in the job market but also helps them navigate diverse career paths within their field.” 

Students who decide to intern at RRC gain access to the company’s impressive bench of industry experts, creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages collaboration across different fields and degrees. The program’s modest yearly fee underscores its commitment to fostering talent. Chairet emphasized the broader impact: “MECOP isn’t just about individual gains; it’s about building the next generation of competent engineers who are motivated to make a positive impact. We’re not just providing opportunities; we’re shaping the future of the industry.” 

Interns enrolled in the MECOP program enjoy a host of advantages, ranging from breaking the monotony of traditional college experiences to gaining a year’s worth of industry exposure. At RRC, the interns benefit by being exposed to multiple engineering disciplines including substation, electrical, and transmission line engineering to name a few, all adding to their unique learning experience. 

Chairet summed up the essence of MECOP: “It’s not just a program; it’s a movement. MECOP equips students with the tools they need, exposing them to diverse disciplines within a company committed to renewable projects. These students aren’t just learning; they’re motivated to change the world for the better.” 

In an era where collaboration and innovation drive success, RRC’s MECOP program stands out as a beacon of transformative education, steering the trajectory of aspiring engineers toward a future marked by competence, motivation, and sustainable impact. 

For more information about RRC and to stay updated with the latest news, please follow us on LinkedIn. 

by Miguel Silva, SVP, RRC Companies

Inaccuracies in grading plans often lead to significant cost overruns and contentious disputes among parties involved in the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of large-scale solar PV power plants. Consider the ramifications of a 6-inch elevation discrepancy across a 1,800-acre site: this could result in up to 1.45 million cubic yards of additional earth being moved, drastically affecting both contracted cost and schedule.

This article aims to shed light on a critical problem that adversely impacts both the cost and construction schedule of solar projects. With costs of major solar project components such as PV modules, inverters, and trackers decreasing, the expense of grading or earthworks has become a significant fraction of total project cost. This issue is further exacerbated by three main factors:

1. The scarcity of flat land available for developing and building these projects.
2. The lack of adherence to proper specifications and best practices in the execution of lidar surveys, often exacerbated by the underutilization or improper use of UAV technology.
3. Horizontal single axis tracker system limitations to adapt to uneven terrain and slopes.

• Remote Sensing, particularly in the context of UAVs and their capabilities in data collection.
• Spatial Reference System
• Derivative Products

Inaccurate grading plans manifest as discrepancies between civil IFC documents and field measurements, including elevation and earthwork quantities, during construction. Other associated risks relate to flooding and inadequate hydraulic/drainage analysis. These discrepancies arise from various sources, some of which could be organized in the following categories:

While each category could merit its own detailed analysis, we will briefly touch on each to foster open discussion, particularly focusing on the evolving role of UAVs in remote sensing and their impact on the accuracy and reliability of large-scale solar PV project planning..

Remote Sensing

Remote Sensing, as defined by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), is ‘the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment, through the process of recording, measuring, and interpreting imagery and digital representations of energy patterns derived from non-contact sensor systems.’

In the context of our discussion, we will focus on the collection of topographic data using lidar (light detection and ranging) technology. There are numerous methods for collecting ground elevation data using lidar. For large land areas, the most common approach involves using sophisticated sensor packages mounted on flying platforms such as fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, and/or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).

With technological advances and the proliferation of UAVs (also known as drones), many individuals and companies have started offering mapping services based on lidar and aerial photography. However, often these services are provided without the necessary minimum training, appropriate equipment, or both.

To avoid errors which later will impact construction cost and schedule, it is crucial when requesting lidar services from vendors to ensure that they have a qualified lidar mapping scientist and/or photogrammetrist assigned to manage the project. In some states, like North Carolina, a professional license is required to perform these tasks; in other states like Texas, agencies such as the Department of Transportation require work to be supervised by ASPRS Certified Professional even though licensure is not required under state law.

Spatial Reference System

‘A spatial reference system (SRS) is the georeferencing and coordinate system assigned to geographic data. It defines how geographic data is mathematically transformed onto a flat map. The correct spatial reference settings and transformation allow geographic data that has different coordinate systems to line up in a Geospatial Information System (GIS).’ (Ref. University of Connecticut, CT ECO).

Many errors in spatial data arise from incomplete specification of the project coordinate system. This can result in small but significant discrepancies in horizontal and vertical coordinates and can lead to misunderstandings, particularly at project interfaces where information and deliverables are exchanged between various contributing parties.

As an example, a user might specify ‘NAD 83 State Plane Texas Central,’ expecting consistent interpretation by both users and software (e.g., ArcGIS vs. Civil 3D). However, within this state plane zone, numerous instantiations exist, each based on different NAD83 adjustments. For instance, there are ten different versions of NAD83 Texas State Plane Central, all sharing the same Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) code.

This situation can cause significant challenges in projects where precise geographic data alignment is crucial. It’s essential for users to not only specify the map projection but also be aware of the underlying datum and adjustment used to avoid potential errors and inconsistencies.

Derivative Products

Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) point cloud data enables us to create a wide array of spatial information products, often referred to as ‘derived or derivative products.’ These products are crucial for effectively understanding and addressing geospatial challenges. Examples include, but are not limited to, digital elevation models (DEM), digital surface models (DSM), digital terrain models (DTM), canopy height models (CHM), triangular irregular networks (TIN), contours, and land XML surfaces.

It is essential to understand project tolerances (e.g., pile reveal, slope constraints, etc.) and the accuracy and application of data (e.g., for post-development hydrology studies, grading plans, energy simulations, shadow analysis, etc.) to determine the appropriate type and format of derivative product required. For instance, various modeling techniques for topographic and hydrologic surfaces cater to different user applications in hydrology studies, such as:

• Photogrammetric DTM.
• Lidar DTM with no supplemental breaklines.
• Hydro-flattened lidar DTM.
• Lidar DTM with enhanced breaklines.
• Hydro enforced lidar DTM.
• Hydro conditioned lidar DTM.

Beyond these, there are numerous other elevation derivatives that should all be created from the same certified source, whether it is a lidar point cloud or a photogrammetric stereo model. These derivatives include:

• Hillshades
• Slope maps
• Aspect maps
• Curvature maps
• Profiles and cross-sections
• Height above ground maps
• Viewshed maps
• Watershed maps

Just because UAVs are readily accessible, and numerous online services offer a wide range of associated services from planning aerial missions to processing remotely sensed data, we must resist underestimating the complexities and challenges in specifying, collecting, and delivering lidar and imagery data, along with its many derivative products. In my home country of Venezuela, there’s a saying, “Zapatero a su zapato,” which translates to “let the cobbler stick to his last” in English, or in other words “stick to what you know.  In the surveying and engineering professions, the commonly used phrase is “practice within your area of expertise.”

Embracing this popular wisdom, RRC has embarked on an ambitious journey to expand our team with individuals who bring the necessary knowledge and expertise. Our goal is to enhance our ability to provide authoritative advice, products, and services to the industry. So, please stay tuned for future updates!

RRC Companies, as a multidisciplinary engineering firm specializing in the renewable sector including wind, PV solar, and BESS, leverages Project Development Engineering team expertise supporting development and construction (approximately 95 GW), along with the resources of our Geotechnical Engineering, Land Surveying, and Civil Engineering groups. We are ideally positioned to address the challenges described above and to provide new, comprehensive, and reliable services to the industry.

Miguel Silva

Senior Vice President

RRC Companies

RRC is a Sustaining Member Company of American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)

by Jimmy Li, RRC Companies

The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) industry is a young and rapidly evolving sector in the world of renewable energy. With the growing demand for clean energy solutions, the BESS industry has seen substantial growth. However, this growth comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in markets like the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) regions, which are among the most active and lucrative for BESS projects. One of the significant challenges faced by developers and owners is ensuring the security and efficiency of their systems, which often involves implementing advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.  In this article, we will delve into the top challenges faced by developers and owners in these regions and explore potential solutions to address them.

Commercial Operation vs. Scope of Work Document

One of the primary challenges in the BESS industry, particularly in the ERCOT and CAISO markets, is aligning the commercial operation of the project with the initial Scope of Work (SOW) document. Often, the commercial terms and logistics are not fully established when the project’s scope of work is put together. As a result, developers and owners may realize during the commissioning phase that adjustments are needed to meet their commercial requirements at the Commercial Operation Date (COD).

This challenge can lead to significant risks and delays during construction, as the project schedule and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) contracts are already set. To mitigate this challenge, RRC’s experts recommend that the operation team gets involved in the project’s design phase as early as possible. Simon Chee, Senior Vice President of RRC SCADA, explains that “collaboration between SCADA engineers and the commercial team can ensure a clear understanding of how the plant needs to be operated, under various scenarios such as PV priority and BESS priority. Involving end-users at the project’s design stage can help finalize the Scope of Work requirements, reducing schedule delays and uncertainties.”

Additionally, having a dedicated SCADA project coordinator from day one can help manage the testing requirements and deliverables effectively. This coordinator should ensure that all parties involved in the SCADA-related aspects of the project work together seamlessly.

CAISO and SCE Testing 

In California-based projects, interfacing with Southern California Edison (SCE) can introduce unique challenges related to testing requirements. As more BESS projects are added to the California market, CAISO and SCE are evolving their testing requirements. Owners and developers may find themselves unaware of certain tests that need to be performed, leading to last-minute scheduling and potential project delays.

Furthermore, CAISO point testing in California requires full telemetry data from the actual source device, rather than using forced values. Coordinating the availability of this data, such as MET station data, can become a rush demand, as it needs to be online before CAISO point checks can take place.

To address these challenges, RRC recommends experienced SCADA coordinator or project manager dedicated to the commissioning phase is crucial. This individual can manage and monitor milestones and deliverables to ensure they are on schedule. Additionally, incorporating a detailed SCADA schedule into the construction schedule with clear milestones can help avoid last-minute surprises.

Fast Frequency Response in ERCOT

In ERCOT, fast frequency response (FFR) is a critical requirement for BESS projects. ERCOT’s ancillary services demand that power plants respond within 250 milliseconds after receiving a command. Achieving this rapid response is challenging, as it requires coordination and communication between power plant controllers, meters, and inverters at an incredibly fast rate.

The default communication protocol for inverters, robust TCP, is slow and can hinder the ability to meet the 250-millisecond requirement. To address this challenge, manufacturers are developing high-performance MODBUS drivers that enable faster communication between inverters and power plant controllers.

Additionally, some manufacturers are working on inverter-level support for fast frequency response, allowing inverters to respond without explicit commands from power plant controllers. However, this approach is still in development.

Another solution, as implemented by RRC, involves using unique communication protocols and efficient control systems to achieve fast frequency response in BESS projects. This approach can help meet ERCOT’s demanding requirements.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for the successful implementation of BESS projects in ERCOT and CAISO markets. Challenges related to commercial operation alignment, testing requirements, and fast frequency response can impact project schedules and substantial completion dates. Failure to address these challenges can lead to significant financial losses for project owners.

RRC stands out among engineering firms as it can support BESS projects from inception to completion. With a comprehensive range of services, including project development, geotech, civil, structural, electrical, and SCADA engineering, as well as land surveying, field services, and Construction Materials Testing (CMT), RRC covers every aspect of a BESS project. Our expertise and track record in addressing the challenges faced in ERCOT and CAISO markets make us a valuable partner in the rapidly evolving BESS industry.

For more information about RRC, please follow us on LinkedIn. 

by Sergei West, RRC Companies

With its inaugural webinar on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), RRC has launched “Energy Tech Talks with RRC,” a series of technical sessions developed for the community of renewable energy professionals. The Energy Tech Talks aim to share the vast pool of industry knowledge accumulated by RRC’s experts with the company’s clients, industry peers, and its own team members and to engage them in a conversation about the present state and the future of renewable energy.

“We saw the need for these webinars in our conversations with clients. The market is growing so quickly, bringing in new talent from multiple adjacent sectors. There are nearly two decades’ worth of industry insight that RRC can share with these new market entrants. As one of the top engineering companies in the renewable space in North America, we welcome all as we push for clean energy independence,” shared Mike Kraft, Senior Vice President for Business Development and Electrical Engineering. “People who’ve worked in renewable energy for some time can stay abreast of the trends and technological advances by attending Energy Tech Talks. Meanwhile, new talent can use our webinars to get acquainted with the sector.”

RRC plans to roll out new webinars monthly. After the initial broadcast, webinars will be available for replay on-demand. All the webinars can be accessed through RRC’s webinar channel, where users can also sign up to receive updates when a new technical session is announced. Registration is free and open to industry professionals. All live and on-demand viewers can request a certificate of attendance, which professional engineers may use toward professional development hours.

Energy Tech Talks will cover a breadth of technical areas for wind, solar, and BESS markets, taking full advantage of RRC experts’ multidisciplinary knowledge. The future webinars will cover project development, geotechnical, structural, civil, electrical, and SCADA engineering, as well as land surveying, private utility locating, construction material testing, and field services. RRC has already held two successful live webinars. The first on trends in the development and implementation of energy storage systems, and the second on how to address poor quality and workmanship on solar installations. Both webinars are now available on demand.

The next live webinar, “Sizing and Optimizing PV/BESS for Remote Locations,” is scheduled for December 06, 2023.

For more information about RRC and to stay updated with the latest news, please follow us on LinkedIn.

by Sergei West, Corporate Communications Manager, RRC Companies

Engineering News-Record (ENR) 2023 Top 500 rankings of U.S.-based engineering firms are out, and RRC Power & Energy, LLC has improved its standing across the board. I sat down with Mohammed H. Abusalih, P.E., Senior Vice President at RRC Power & Energy, to get an in-depth look at the factors driving this success and what lies ahead for RRC.

Sergei West (SW): First of all, congratulations on the remarkable progress RRC has shown in the ENR rankings. How do you feel about the leap from 384th to 289th position this year?

Mohammed Abusalih (MHA): Thank you! It’s indeed a big achievement. Being in ENR’s top 500 is a major milestone, and this year, our growth has been truly remarkable. RRC jumped almost 100 positions in the overall rankings. We’ve also seen a substantial improvement in specific sectors, such as solar, where we moved from outside the top 10 last year to the 8th position this year. It’s all a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust our clients have placed in us.

SW: Your rise in the rankings, especially in the wind and solar segments, is noteworthy. To what do you attribute this significant achievement?

MHA: It’s a mix of several factors. Our increasing volume of work, our growing client base, and our reputation for quality deliverables and expertise in renewables are certainly the main drivers. The industry growth has also been in our favor, particularly after the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed by Congress and signed into law in August 2022, which fueled more development activities for renewables.
Also, our multidisciplinary project approach has been a key differentiator. Sixteen years ago, RRC started as a geotechnical and structural engineering firm in the wind industry. Today, we work in solar, wind, and energy storage, supporting our clients with Project Development Engineering, Civil, Structural, Geotechnical Engineering, Substation, T-line, and Balance of Plant design, Land Surveying, Advanced Studies, SCADA, Private Utility Locate (PUL), and Field Services.

SW: How do you ensure synergy between departments when working on multidisciplinary projects?

MHA: Our approach has evolved over the years. We’ve moved from functioning in isolated silos to a more integrated team environment. Our multidisciplinary project managers act as quarterbacks, ensuring seamless collaboration and optimizing designs. Feedback is crucial for us, and we continually learn and tweak our processes to deliver better results for our clients.

SW: With such notable achievements, what message do you believe RRC is sending to the renewable energy market?

MHA: RRC stands out as an established consultant engineering company deeply committed to the renewable industry. Our 16-year track record speaks for itself, but we’re not resting on our laurels. We envision ourselves as one of the top three consultant engineering firms in renewables in five years.

SW: Beyond the rankings, what are the core values and priorities you wish to convey to your stakeholders?

MHA: Our core values revolve around promoting employee happiness, client satisfaction, delivering quality, and emphasizing safety. We pride ourselves on responsiveness and have always placed a premium on safety. We listen to feedback and strive for continuous improvement.

SW: Lastly, who would you like to acknowledge for this notable achievement?

MHA: First and foremost, our dedicated employees. Without them, none of this would be possible. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to our clients for trusting us with their projects. It’s a collective effort, and everyone at RRC, from technical to corporate, plays a vital role.

In a strategic move that reinforces its ambition to expand into international markets, RRC Companies has become a member of Brazil’s premier wind energy association, ABEEólica – Associação Brasileira de Energia Eólica. Established in 2002, ABEEólica has been at the forefront of championing the cause of the wind energy industry in Brazil, actively representing firms from the entire production chain. Its advocacy has helped wind energy to emerge as a clean, renewable, and strategic energy source in Brazil.

RRC, founded in 2007 and based in Round Rock, Texas, has reached numerous milestones in the wind industry. The firm has designed over 22,000 wind turbine foundations, representing 55 GW , or approximately 40% of the total wind capacity in the United States. RRC’s design portfolio includes over 360 foundation projects in 30 U.S. states and select international markets, such as Canada and Australia. The firm’s track record in reliability and safety is virtually unmatched – RRC has never had a performance-related retrofit of a WTG foundation.  

Elbia Gannoum, the Chief Executive Officer at ABEEólica, warmly welcomed RRC, stating, ” ABEEólica is very happy to have RRC as a member. It is a company with extensive experience in the US and the ambition to establish itself internationally as a leader in consulting for the renewable energy sector.”

Miguel Silva, Senior Vice President at RRC International, highlighted Brazil’s unique market dynamics, remarking, “Brazil stands out as one of the most mature yet dynamic markets for wind power, both in South America and globally, and by joining ABEEólica, we hope to tap into its potential. That is why we plan to offer our newest proprietary design – the Braced Tube Foundation – in Brazil before any other market. We believe the design’s ability to reduce material requirements by up to 40% will resonate particularly well with Brazil’s leading utility owners, developers, and EPCs.”

RRC is a top-tier designer of utility-scale renewable projects for wind, solar, and BESS. The company is uniquely positioned among U.S.-based engineering firms to offer the full scope of engineering services: project development, geotechnical, civil, structural, electrical, and SCADA engineering, as well as land surveying, field services, and construction material testing.

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RRC Power & Energy is proud to announce the debut of its brand-new Braced Tube design, an important advancement in wind turbine generator (WTG) foundation design technology that is now available for implementation and construction for wind energy projects nationwide. The Braced Tube design is patented under US law. It utilizes bracing shallow beams, which enhance lateral support, a deep tube portion, improved geotechnical verification procedures during construction, and a tapered excavation option that uses less lean concrete. With reduced material requirements for rebar and concrete and shorter concrete placement durations, the Braced Tube Foundation can be completed under a shorter construction timeline and with less labor force needed to build, potentially resulting in substantial project cost savings. Through extensive analysis via industry-leading engineers and state-of-the-art testing facilities, the Braced Tube design has been proven to perform with an extraordinarily high degree of safety. It is a deep foundation – over twice as deep as a typical gravity foundation – with patented bracing beams and a tapered shape. These characteristics contribute to its highly stable and reliable structure that is material-efficient.  The Braced Tube Foundation typically saves approximately 20% to 30% of concrete and rebar/steel quantities compared to a typical gravity foundation. These material savings percentages increase in higher capacity and taller turbines. In addition, the Braced Tube foundation has a smaller diameter than the gravity foundation, creating less environmental impact. Before, during, and after construction, RRC engineers and qualified on-site personnel undertake batteries of tests on the Braced Tube Foundation, including, among others, extensive geotechnical engineering subsurface investigations and advanced laboratory evaluations, to ensure successful, safe construction as well as minimal impact on the surrounding lands. RRC’s senior leadership, including the company’s founder and President Bill Bong, plans to unveil this new design at the CLEANPOWER 2023 Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 22-25. RRC’s experts will conduct open presentations of the new design at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 23, and Wednesday, May 24, in booth #4158. Delegates may RSVP to one of the sessions here. Attendees may also stop by RRC’s booth any time to get more information on the patented Braced Tube Foundation design and how it can be harnessed for their upcoming wind energy projects. To stay in touch with RRC Companies, please follow our LinkedIn page.