Energy consultancy Xodus has partnered with Scottish sustainability consultancy Glic to maximise the social benefits of future offshore wind farms.
The two companies have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding ahead of Scottish Renewables’ annual Offshore Wind Conference in Glasgow.
It marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between Xodus and Glic, aimed at conducting comprehensive social impact analyses for communities affected by renewables developments.
Under the terms of the MoU, the pair will work together to ensure feedback from impacted community stakeholders is heard, taken on board and implemented when delivering offshore wind projects.
Jamie MacDonald, Global Offshore Renewables Director at Xodus, said: “It is brilliant to be able to get this partnership with Glic over the line, and just in time for this year’s Scottish Offshore Wind Conference, where industry will come together to discuss how our exciting sector can deliver for the benefit of the whole country. 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.
“It is important to stress that maximising the social value of renewables projects isn’t simply a box ticking exercise, it’s a win-win for everybody. For local communities, it can deliver a host of advantages, such as improved infrastructure, enhanced job opportunities and benefit funds. Similarly for developers, such initiatives build and solidify relationships in the region, setting them up for success from the outset of the project.”