Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG)

Are you looking for a job that takes you to some of the most incredible locations around the world while supporting a more sustainable future? That’s what we're offering here at Venterra Group. Reach out to Kellie Caulder to find out more about the Survey Rep opportunities on offer - resourcing.geoscience@venterra-group.com #Helpingwindpowergrow #geoscience #job #engineeringjob #energytransition #clientrep

From 01 February 2025, new regulations and guidance for assessing risks to the water environment in Scotland will take effect. These changes are set to redefine compliance standards, and our expert team is ready to support you. Here's what's new: 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 (𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀) 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 covers the classification standards for the assessment of quality in the water environment, including details of updated environmental quality standards. Find out more - https://lnkd.in/eR-ZNvdX 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 (𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀) 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 details the process for classifying the status of water environment features, including chemical, physical, and ecological components. Find out more - https://lnkd.in/etrvAUqK 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘀, 𝗪𝗔𝗧-𝗣𝗦-𝟭𝟬-𝟬𝟮, shares updated guidance for assessing contamination risks to groundwater. Find out more - https://lnkd.in/e99quKMF 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 is a new set of groundwater standards for assessing inputs of substances to groundwater, which replace the previous RPVs. Find out more - https://lnkd.in/esJZNyq3 Alan Shepherd, Head of Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering, said, "The introduction of these regulations reflects a significant evolution in Scotland's environmental assessment framework. Our team's technical expertise and deep understanding of these updates can help you stay ahead of regulatory change and safeguard Scotland’s water environment." Contact Alan Shepherd and his team in Edinburgh for guidance on incorporating these updates into your projects. Venterra Group #EnvironmentalLeadership #WaterEnvironment #Sustainability #ScotlandRegulations

Yellow River Wind Farm in Co. Offaly, Ireland, has generated its first power, marking a significant milestone in Ireland’s renewable energy journey.   This 101MW project, developed by SSE Renewables, will power the equivalent of 67,000 homes annually, supporting Ireland’s 2030 renewable energy targets with secure, homegrown clean energy. Construction commenced in October 2022, with turbine deliveries and installation starting in December 2023.   Our Design team is proud to have played a key role as Civil Balance of Plant Designers. The team designed the access roads, hardstands and foundation subformations for all 29 N117 turbines installed on-site by Nordex Group, including four clear span bridges required for access across the site. The geotechnical design solution for one of the foundations was verified by conducting advanced 3D Finite Element Analysis using Plaxis 3D (calibrated using in-situ geophysical and plate load tests) to overcome challenges presented by an adjacent operational quarry. We also assessed and evaluated the delivery route for the large turbine components, tackling logistical challenges across the public road network and designing site access tracks and water crossings to ensure efficient and safe transport and operations.   Congratulations to Farrans Construction, SSE Renewables, and everyone involved in this project. We’re proud to have contributed to powering a greener future for Ireland. Venterra Group #HelpingWindPowerGow #WindPower #WindEnergy #EnergyTransition #FiniteElementAnalysis #EngineeringInnovation #Plaxis Bentley Systems

We’re looking for Geotechnical Client Representatives to join an exciting offshore drilling project in Taiwan, starting in April 2025.   In this role, you’ll play a crucial part in supervising and overseeing offshore drilling operations.   What we’re looking for: ⚫ Availability for 5 rotations ⚫ Candidates who already have or are willing to obtain the right to work in Taiwan ⚫ Valid UKOG Medical, Sea Survival and First Aid Certification   If you’re interested, please send your CV and availability to resourcing.geoscience@venterra-group.com quoting reference 240318, or contact Kellie Caulder for more information. Venterra Group #Geotechnicalengineering #Drilling #Offshorewind #Recruitment #Taiwan

As 2024 draws to a close, we'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. To capture the spirit of the season, we’re delighted to share this stunning photograph taken by our colleague, Benjamin Van Der Merwe, during a recent site visit to a wind farm in the snow-covered Scottish Highlands. Thank you for your continued support this year. Here’s to a 2025 filled with progress, innovation, and collaboration. #renewableenergy #windenergy #sustainability #christmas #Energytransition

Our Edinburgh team celebrated the advancement of Scotland’s renewable energy sector at the Scottish Green Energy Awards, hosted by Scottish Renewables. From our Scottish base in Edinburgh, we support the renewable energy industry with engineering solutions tailored to meet the sector's complex requirements. Over the past two years, the team has more than doubled in size, reflecting the growing demand for expertise in renewable energy. The team’s capabilities span onshore and offshore wind, solar, battery energy storage, and grid improvement, enabling us to work on exciting projects such as: ⚫ Civils design for SSE Renewables Yellow River wind farm in Ireland. ⚫ Detailed civils design for Timahoe solar farm in Ireland. ⚫ Ongoing civils design for SSE Renewables Aberarder wind farm in the Scottish Highlands. To find out more about how our Venterra Design Team can support your renewables project, reach out to Emer Owens. Venterra Group #renewableenergy #windenergy #greenenergy #windpower #Scottishgreenenergyawards

We were proud to see the Timahoe North Solar Farm, a project significantly supported by our team, was the focus of the recent Engineers Ireland webinar.   During the session, Conor Sheridan (ESB) and @Máirtín Naughton and Shane Scally (Bord na Móna) highlighted the challenges and innovative engineering solutions required to develop Europe’s first solar development on a cutaway peat bog.   At various stages of the project, we collaborated with the developers, Voltalia (EPC Contractor) and Wills Bros Group (Civil Contractor) to develop cost-effective foundation solutions tailored to the unique demands of building on peat. Our contribution included specification and interpretation of the pile testing regime, drainage optimisation study and detailed design of all civil works (11km approx. of floated access tracks, drainage, earthworks for the 110kV substation platform and peat repositories).   Once operational, the 108 MWp project will provide enough energy to power the equivalent of around 25,000 homes.   To find out more about how we support solar developments on challenging ground conditions, please reach out to Tim O'Shea or Andria Loppas. Venterra Group Image: Bord na Móna #renewableenergy #solar #solarpower #energytransition #civilengineering #engineering

Announcing, that our Venterra Group Marine Advisory and Ports & Harbours teams will attend the 2024 Wind Energy Ireland Trade Show in Dublin on the 6th and 7th of November. These teams bring unmatched expertise, with a proven track record advising governments, investors, and developers on marine and port infrastructure to support offshore wind around the globe.   Our colleagues, some of the most experienced across the Venterra group, have wide-ranging technical capabilities in marine environmental sciences and planning, design, and investment for ports dedicated to offshore wind. From Europe to Asia and beyond, they’ve supported the planning, design and delivery of marine infrastructure that enables sustainable energy development on a large scale.   If you are attending, please connect with any of our colleagues Jeannine Dunne Diarmuid O'Loan William Brown Joey O'Connor James McAteer and Garron Lees to tap into their wealth of knowledge and learn how we’re supporting the future of renewable energy through robust, innovative marine and port solutions. Venterra Director of Marine Advisory, Jeannine Dunne, will be speaking on the panel 'Building Confidence in Port Infrastructure to Deliver Offshore Wind' at tomorrow's event. Further details on the panel discussion here: https://lnkd.in/eMDnRed8 #HelpingWindPowerGrow #EnergyTransition #OffshoreWind #Ports

Strategic investment in port infrastructure is a critical foundation for supporting offshore wind development worldwide. We're delighted to confirm that Venterra Group Director of Marine Advisory, Jeannine Dunne, will be speaking on the panel 'Building Confidence in Port Infrastructure to Deliver Offshore Wind' at tomorrow's Wind Energy Ireland event in Dublin. This discussion will explore how optimised, well-supported ports are essential to offshore wind projects' commercial viability and efficient deployment. Speaking ahead of the event, Jeannine said: “Given the significant scale of investment required, the urgency of building offshore wind farms out of Irish ports cannot be overstated. This is a crucial step to ensure the commercial viability of offshore wind and deliver the lowest electricity price to Irish consumers. To deliver an offshore wind farm, the development process must be optimised at every project step, including the installation strategy for the offshore infrastructure. This requires the offshore components to be stored within an acceptable distance of the wind farm, to ensure that work can be progressed onsite continuously during suitable weather windows. Ports, in addition to their primary function, can also serve as catalysts for other offshore wind and marine-related activities. We have seen hubs develop around ports for activities such as offshore wind logistics and research and development. As we move towards decarbonising other sectors such as pharma, agri-food, and tech, we are now exploring port environments for green energy parks. This presents a vast opportunity for ports in Ireland to generate high-value employment opportunities, particularly in rural and semi-rural locations. However, to fully realise this potential, ports with viable proposals must be supported in finding solutions to funding challenges. The urgency of this support cannot be overstated, as we do not want to be standing here in 20 years looking at the lost opportunities, pondering “if only” regretting investment that passed Ireland by and went elsewhere.” #helpingwindpowergrow #windenergy #windpower #energytransition #portsandharbours

Our team presented three papers at the European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering in Lisbon, Portugal. At Venterra Group, our investment in research is a key driver of innovation, and these contributions highlight our ongoing commitment to advancing geotechnical engineering and supporting the growth of wind energy. Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Louis-Marin Lapastoure, presented two papers. Firstly, he shared his prediction of the lateral monopile response to monotonic loading in dense sand. The research was based on an experimental field test campaign to refine the existing database of the lateral load response of monopiles with low slenderness ratios. The findings, based on tests conducted at Blessington, Ireland, contribute to the improved prediction of stiffness and ultimate capacity of monopiles, further supporting the optimisation of foundation designs in the offshore wind sector. Authors: L.M. Lapastoure, D. Igoe Find out more - https://lnkd.in/eE-EG5R2 Louis also shared insights into modelling offshore monopiles via 3D finite element analyses. This paper presents advanced numerical modelling techniques for monopile foundations subjected to horizontal loads. The research highlights the use of 3D finite element analyses and demonstrates the accuracy of a novel "dummy beam" approach, which has the potential to enhance both the precision and efficiency of monopile foundation design. Authors: D. Gaudio, A.B. Batilas, L.M. Lapastoure, A. Loukas, J. Lee, T. Joseph, I. Thusyanthan Find out more - https://lnkd.in/eVDwSGd8 Research Engineer Emma Gallagher, shared her expertise on the impact of geotechnical variability on the installation of suction caisson anchors. Her paper investigates the influence of geotechnical spatial variability on the installation of suction caisson anchors for floating offshore wind turbines. By employing Monte Carlo simulations, her research provides critical insights into failure probabilities during installation, facilitating the development of more reliable and efficient anchor designs. Authors: E. Gallagher, S. Buykx, C. Reale, D. Igoe Find out more - https://lnkd.in/eauhA8hi If you would like to find out more about our current research or find out how we can support your project, please reach out to Paul Quigley. #geotechnicalengineering #research #researchanddevelopment #helpingwindpowergrow #energytransition #offshorewind #windpower