What is your role at Xodus?

My role at Xodus is Principal Environmental Consultant within the Environment Division. I focus on helping clients navigate the planning system, support in achieving consent for their coastal and offshore projects and demonstrate compliance with relevant regulatory bodies by successfully discharging consent conditions. With a background in hydro-sedimentary processes, seabed mobility and scour assessment, I also strive to support clients in optimising design and assessing risks to assets through metocean and seabed characterisation during key engineering phases.

How/why did you become a specialist?

I have always been interested and inspired by marine and coastal environments and fascinated by the physical processes governing these regions. My journey to becoming a specialist began after completing my master’s degree. I was invited to apply for an industry-based PhD. This programme suited my interests and skillset and allowed me to explore, learn, and develop within a framework that combined commercial enterprise with research and development. This opportunity inspired me to continue my studies and continue to specialise in my chosen field.

What attracted you to Xodus?

I was attracted to join Xodus because of their involvement across the entire energy industry, which positions them uniquely to support the transition to low-carbon energy networks. Their global presence and strong industry reputation prompted me to initiate early conversations. During the interview process, I had positive discussions with colleagues that highlighted the team's ambition, the opportunities for personal and professional growth within the organisation, and their collaborative culture. The team’s commitment to providing the best quality support for clients was clear and this inspired me to join Xodus in October 2024.

Why is your environmental discipline so important to the energy industry right now?

Regulatory bodies, statutory consultees, consultants, and engineers are grappling with the challenge of industrialising our coastal waters. Several major developments are progressing through the planning system across the UK and Ireland, posing significant challenges in terms of balancing conservation objectives with the need for energy security for future generations. This balance is particularly critical in my field, where the cumulative and long-term impacts of large-scale projects on the observed marine and coastal physical processes are difficult to fully quantify in a changing climate. I am inspired by this challenge and through the application of robust science, strive to support conscientious developers in meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the success of nationally significant infrastructure projects.

What is the most interesting project you have been involved in while at Xodus?

Since joining Xodus, I have primarily focused on finalising large-scale Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects for major offshore wind developments. However, the most interesting and inspiring project has been my involvement in the Eastern Green Link 2 transmission network subsea cable project. This project aims to extend the resilience of the electrical grid network. Throughout my career, I have been focused on the development of the offshore wind industry and therefore have been aware of the requirement to upgrade the grid. This cable, and other subsea cable networks in development, will strengthen grid connections, allowing the UK to fully exploit the energy yield of developments constructed following the ScotWind leasing round.