Specialist offshore wind engineering consultancy Wood Thilsted signs an MoU with multiple industry leaders and research institutions to reimagine a truly Nature Inclusive approach to wind farms.
**London | Bristol – UK, 19th November 2024 – **Wood Thilsted Partners Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several pioneering companies and institutions to launch a Joint Industry Project (JIP) focused on advancing Nature Inclusivity in offshore wind farm design. This collaborative effort aims to explore and redefine what it means to create offshore wind farms that positively impact natural ecosystems throughout their lifecycle.
The imperative to decarbonise the global energy system through renewable energy sources like offshore wind is paramount for climate resilience. Indeed, International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol recently declared we are entering an “age of electricity,” reflecting the rapid deployment of renewable sources such as solar and wind to meet the unprecedented growth in electricity demand. However, a renewable energy transition must not come at the expense of natural environments.
“As well as the race to net zero, there’s an equally pressing need for nature recovery and ecosystem restoration,” said Danny Bonnett, Wood Thilsted’s Director of Sustainability and Chair of the JIP. “It’s no longer enough to merely minimise harm; we must move towards creating measurable, positive impacts on biodiversity and natural systems. This project is a crucial step toward integrating regenerative principles into offshore wind farm design.”
A Comprehensive, Lifecycle Approach
The JIP will explore Nature Inclusivity at every phase of wind farm development, from initial planning and construction to decommissioning, considering the full scope of a wind farm – from offshore turbines to onshore substations. By integrating innovative environmental design and operational practices, the project seeks to make positive contributions to biodiversity, supporting marine and coastal ecosystems throughout a project’s lifespan.
Leading players from across the offshore wind value chain and engineering have expressed interest in joining the JIP as founding members, including Arup, COWI and NIRAS, among others, who are currently advancing through internal approval processes.
“It’s inspiring to see this level of commitment from key industry stakeholders who recognise the dual imperative of protecting nature while advancing renewable energy,” Bonnett added.
Environmental Impact Meets Business Opportunity
The need to address both climate change and biodiversity loss is increasingly influencing regulatory frameworks and project standards. For instance, recent regulatory shifts in the Netherlands emphasise environmental performance in project evaluations, while Denmark is encouraging practices that go beyond simply reducing negative impacts. In the UK, onshore Biodiversity Net Gain regulations are now in effect, with similar standards anticipated for marine environments in future Allocation Rounds.
“While gaining a competitive edge is not the objective of this JIP, participants will benefit from early access to progressive strategies and insights,” noted Simon Turpin, Project Manager for the JIP. “This knowledge-sharing could offer a valuable advantage as Nature Inclusive design becomes more integral to project success.”
Invitation for Wider Participation
While the JIP does not aim to establish a Marine Net Gain metric – other organisations and initiatives are working on metrics specific to individual countries – it will keep up to date on related developments and welcomes additional industry participants. Broader collaboration will enhance the impact and innovation potential of this pioneering project.
“The strength of this initiative lies in collective insight and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Tackling the twin challenges of climate and nature loss is a generational challenge that demands a globally coordinated response,” concluded Bonnett. “The more expertise we bring to the table, the stronger our solutions will be.”
For more information on the JIP and to register your interest in participating, please email NatureInclusive@WoodThilsted.com.
About Wood Thilsted
Wood Thilsted is a specialised offshore wind engineering consultancy designing the transition to clean energy. The company’s unmatched experience in end-to-end offshore wind, from project exploration to operation and lifetime extension, is delivering some of the world's largest offshore wind farms more efficiently and at progressively lower cost. As a Certified B Corp, the company continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a responsible business in the renewable energy industry.
Media Contact: James Kavanagh
Email: jka@woodthilsted.com
Website: www.woodthilsted.com
Photo credit: ShutterDesigner / shutterstock.com
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