We provide a full range of project development services by a combination of self-perform resource and external consultants as needed. In all cases, we retain the commercial and economic aspects in-house as well as the overall management of the work in order to ensure that specific requirements of each project are consistently prioritized and addressed in terms of outcomes and schedule.
We recognize that every project is different and our solutions are flexible and tailored to the specific objectives, priorities and timescales in each case. Our services are also highly responsive and adaptable to changes, which can inevitably arise during the development process. Services may be ad hoc, short- or long-term and we welcome incentivised arrangements to align with key objectives and milestones.
- ad hoc advisory
- short-term audits and assessments
- studies
- permitting phase management
- execution phase strategy and planning
Commercialization of project opportunities
Commercialization of project opportunities is the overall goal of project development and is achieved through a combination of opportunity assessment, commercial solutions, techno-economics and project management. Each aspect is essential to the overall success of the project, enabling the best opportunities to be selected, effective commercial solutions to be employed, techno-economics to be optimized and the whole process to be efficiently managed.
Opportunity assessment
Rapid 360o reviews to support selection and decision-making through appraisal of technical, financial, risk and overall project viability factors.
Commercial solutions
Structuring and implementing commercial arrangements for project opportunities based on assessment of risk and value in the market.
Techno-economics
Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to establish basic project definition, assess economics and competitiveness, and outline the plan for development.
Project management
Planning and management of project development phases and project teams including scoping, engagement, direction and supervision of third party services.
Opportunity assessment
Assessments of projects and potential opportunities provide valuable insights into key strengths, weaknesses and risks, which will inform development strategies, project economics forecasts and investment decisions.
Our project assessments are an objective appraisal of project proposals and investment opportunities, identifying the key characteristics and drivers based on our experience of the challenges inherent in the engineering and construction of similar projects worldwide. Assessments are flexible in terms of scope and level of effort, and may be comprehensive appraisals, or reviews focused on specific concerns and areas of interest.
In addition to reviews of information provided in project proposals, we draw on our project execution knowledge and experience to analyse significant drivers where information is not typically presented – for example, the implications and impacts of site location on constructability and productivity factors.
- due diligence
- opportunity screening
- data room reviews
- risk assessments
- techno-economic appraisal
- commercial analysis
Commercial solutions
A viable commercial structure and the corresponding binding agreements between the relevant parties are essential for any project opportunity to be initiated and progressed.
These commercial arrangements generally require significant coordination and negotiation effort as they must address and satisfy the various requirements and different objectives of multiple parties. These will potentially include landowners, developers, shareholders, investors and offtakers.
We apply our knowledge and experience of typical commercial arrangements and an understanding of the objectives of various parties, including entry and exit strategies.
- corporate structures and formations
- ownership and partnering options
- financing
- commercial structures
- transitions and exit strategies
Technical studies
Pre-feasibility and feasibility stages are key to establishing initial definition of project locations, technologies and scope of facilities as well as external factors including environmental and permitting requirements. The technical definition supports cost estimates and analysis of project economics including estimates of levelized costs for comparison with market benchmarks.
We provide a comprehensive capability for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies using a combination of in-house resources supported by associates and selected consultants according to project location and specific scope objectives. We are able to provide complete feasibility scopes, or focus on particular aspects in an advisory role as required.
- pre-feasibility reports
- feasibility studies
- technology configuration
- risk assessments
- permitting plans
- development planning
Project economics
Project economics are at the heart of the development process, with the continuous objectives to minimize costs and optimize proposed facilities to generate the maximum return on investment. Levelized costs of production (LCOX) are key metrics and provide a benchmark for assessing market competitiveness.
Our in-house techno-economic models are used to calculate and optimize LCOX values by combining the plant production model with cost estimate data and economic and financial analysis calculations.
Our plant production model enables optimization of process facilities by calculation of hourly feedstock and production volumes for varying sizes of process units.
- economic analysis
- LCOX calculations
- plant production modelling
- process unit optimization
- capital and operating cost estimates (CAPEX and OPEX)
Project management
Project management and controls provide the essential framework for effective development activities and are increasingly important as the development process moves forward and project activity intensifies.
We are able to manage overall project development activities, combining self-perform elements with inputs from other specialists and consultants. We know that the effective management of third party scopes, interfaces and common objectives is key to achieving development milestones.
Management services may also be provided as stand-alone advisory support as required – for example, the formulation of development plans, contracting and execution strategies for conceptual, FEED and construction phases.
- overall management
- supplier selection and supervision
- planning, cost and schedule control
- contracting and execution strategies
