This article originally appeared in the Western Australia Defence Review and is written by Jillian Formentin, Wood’s Head of Engineering (APAC West), Australian Professional Engineer of the Year 2024 and GAICD FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER.
In the dynamic world of industrial operations, one discipline quietly drives performance, safety and profitability - brownfield engineering. Often overshadowed by the allure of new builds, this field is the cornerstone of sustainable industrial success.
What is brownfield engineering?
Brownfield engineering focuses on modifying, upgrading or extending existing infrastructure. Unlike new, greenfield projects that begin with a blank canvas, brownfield requires deep insight into legacy systems, operational constraints and the delicate balance between innovation and preservation.
It’s about revitalising ageing assets while ensuring they remain safe, efficient, and compliant.
A skillset that sets brownfield engineers apart
Brownfield engineers are uniquely equipped with a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving agility and operational awareness. They navigate across disciplines - mechanical, electrical, civil and systems engineering - often within the same project. This versatility is essential when working within the tight physical and operational constraints of existing facilities.
Their approach is grounded in fit-for-purpose engineering. Rather than chasing theoretical perfection, they deliver practical, tailored solutions that align with the asset’s condition, the environment and client goals.
The result? Solutions that are technically sound, economically viable and operationally sustainable.
Integrity, operational excellence and discipline: the keys to project success
Successful brownfield engineering projects hinge on values like integrity, discipline and a commitment to excellence. Engineers in this field make high-stakes decisions that prioritise safety, compliance and long-term asset health - often under pressure and with incomplete data.
No two brownfield projects are alike. Engineers must adapt to legacy systems, undocumented modifications and evolving operational needs. This demands flexibility, creativity and composure under pressure. Whether integrating new technology into a decades-old plant or rerouting systems around live operations, brownfield engineers excel where others hesitate.
Meticulous documentation, rigorous change management and clear stakeholder communication are non-negotiable. A single oversight can lead to safety risks or costly downtime. Brownfield engineers must maintain a laser focus on detail while keeping the broader operational picture in view.
Maximising the value of existing assets: Optimisation and life extension
In today’s capital-intensive environment, organisations are focused on maximising the value of existing assets. Greenfield builds are costly and time-consuming; the real opportunity lies in asset life extension.
Brownfield engineers are the architects of this strategy. Through smart upgrades, targeted maintenance and innovative retrofits, they extend the life of critical infrastructure -often by decades.
This approach not only reduces capital expenditure but also minimises environmental impact and enhances system resilience. In an era where sustainability and cost-efficiency are paramount, brownfield engineering is not just relevant - it’s indispensable.
An example of how we’re doing this at Wood? We’ve delivered a major retrofit contract across more than 20 offshore and onshore facilities in South East Australia. The aim? To execute smart, measured modifications that help a major operator continue efficient oil and gas production, for longer.
The strategic value of brownfield engineering
Brownfield engineering is the strategic enabler of industrial continuity and growth. It’s where innovation meets pragmatism and where engineering excellence directly translates into operational success. For professionals across all sectors, this field offers a powerful avenue to make a lasting impact.
In the grand pursuit of industrial transformation, brownfield engineering is the engine driving sustainable progress.