What is your role at Xodus?
I am an Environmental Specialist acting as a subject matter expert on marine mammals, seabirds and fish ecology. I also take a keen interest in making sure the work we deliver is of the highest quality that it can be, using the best available evidence, and in helping clients understand the risks of their projects from an environmental perspective to forge a clear pathway to consent.

How does this role support the development of the industry?
As a former research scientist, I keep a keen eye on research developments in relation to the effects of human activities on marine ecology, not just in identifying where novel impacts are being identified but also where the growing evidence base suggests that environmental consequences are less than we thought they might be. This understanding of the significance of environmental impacts helps the industry to scope their environmental assessments, to focus assessment effort where it is most needed. My role is ideal for me as it permits me to maintain my inquisitive, scientific, problem-solving brain (“thinking like a scientist”) in support of our clients very tangible goals.

How do you think consultants can help at this moment when offshore wind is suffering headwinds?
The timelines to gain consent for offshore wind projects remain one of the challenges being faced by the industry just now. Good consultants have a major role in helping manage this: working with both clients and regulators/advisers to produce applications for permits and consents that are streamlined, efficient and clear; and even, in some cases, challenging or pushing back on regulatory requirements where the evidence doesn’t support the advice. We should not look to invent problems; we need to be working to find solutions. Ultimately, we all want clean energy, and consultants can assist with lowering the hurdles throughout the process to develop the projects that will deliver it, especially in bringing our knowledge of mature markets to new locations, such as Australia.

What are the biggest risks that OW Developers face right now?
Coming to terms with the withdrawal of several putative “big players” from the market having paid very inflated costs for seabed leases; political upheaval in the US creating pressure on the viability of projects and enhancing chaos in the supply chain; and in Scotland specifically, the risk of impacts to seabirds continues to delay the consenting of projects which will likely get worse as the cumulative picture gets more complex. Some of my most recent work has been in relation to offshore wind in Australia, and there the authorities are dealing with new environmental issues that have not been observed in other parts of the world. These “new markets” are desperate for expertise to help them understand these risks and assess them appropriately. I feel fortunate that Xodus is already established in Australia and so we have the opportunity to provide this expertise.