Dr Caroline Roche - Offshore Environmental & Consents Manager, Energia Group

As part of getting planning permission for a wind farm the project will normally have a number of environmental conditions and need a Habitat Management Plan. An Environmental Advisor works closely with civil, mechanical and electrical engineers and other specialists to ensure these conditions and plans are delivered.

Speaking about her role on the offshore team Caroline said, “My role is really exciting and no two days are the same. I lead on the environmental elements of our offshore wind projects including foreshore license applications, planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and public consultations. I am incredibly fortunate to work with a team of experts on projects that will help to deliver on Ireland’s climate action targets by decarbonising our energy supply.”

Caroline has always had an interest in marine life and our coastal environment and having graduated from the National University of Ireland Galway with a Ph.D in Benthic Ecology and a degree in Marine Science she worked with a leading marine consultancy for over 15 years prior to joining Energia Group in 2019.

She added, “Last year we reached a key milestone in the development of the North Celtic Sea offshore renewable energy project, as seabed surveys off the coast of Waterford were successfully completed. This was a really exciting phase of the project given my academic background and the delivery of these surveys really highlights the enormous variety of roles in the offshore industry as we continue to make progress towards delivery.”

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Wind Energy Ireland