Glic has partnered with global energy consultancy Xodus to maximise the social benefits of future offshore wind farms.
The two companies have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ahead of Scottish Renewables’ annual Offshore Wind Conference in Glasgow.
It marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between Glic and Xodus, aimed at conducting comprehensive social impact analyses for communities affected by renewables developments.
David Smart, director at Glic, said:
“After years of delivering social value assignments across multiple sectors including renewable energy and aquaculture, we are thrilled to be teaming up with Xodus and tailoring our offering for the offshore wind sector.
“In the coming decades hundreds of turbines will be placed in Scottish waters and we want to ensure that everyone benefits from this green energy boom.”
As part of their commitment to offer the full spectrum of technical and advisory services, Glic and Xodus have devised Social Value Strategic Planning, a specific offering to help guide community initiatives.
Underpinning the approach is both companies’ track record of community stakeholder management, project and environmental consenting support, socioeconomic impact assessments, and project delivery.
Representatives from both companies will attend Scottish Renewables’ upcoming Offshore Wind Conference 2024, where they will highlight the benefits of the MOU and how it can support future projects.
Jamie MacDonald, Global Offshore Renewables Director at Xodus, said:
“We are looking forward to strengthening our social impact capability, while also sharing our offshore wind expertise with our friends at Glic.
“For all the benefits that Scotland’s offshore wind industry has already brought and will bring, local communities have not maximised the potential benefits on offer , despite projects being located on their doorstep.
“This MOU will ensure that social responsibility remains at the front of the mind when delivering the next generation of Scottish offshore wind farms.”
Formed in response to the growing significance of renewable energy projects, the collaboration between Glic and Xodus signifies a shared commitment to fostering sustainable practices and social responsibility for the offshore wind sector.
While the advent of offshore renewables projects contributes significantly to net zero goals and green energy production, the impact of such schemes on local communities requires careful consideration.
Historically, socioeconomic impact assessments have often been unable to accurately record the concerns of local communities. Key challenges often arise late in the planning process which gives developers little opportunity to respond to them, placing strain on services and eroding damaging stakeholder trust.
But by engaging with local communities early on, Glic and Xodus aim to pinpoint and iron out potential issues before they can arise, increasing the value of offshore wind projects.