A well-respected figure in the industry, Stuart Clough joins us to discuss offshore wind farms and APEM’s Remote Sensing team, which uses the most powerful medium format camera in the world.
The importance of environmental surveys to offshore wind farm development
Location is important to the energy sector, but none more so than wind farms, where the natural environment and renewable energy meet in a way quite different from any other development across the coastline. For investors in offshore wind farms, location often poses the most important question: ‘How will it affect the environment?’
Assessing the potential effects of proposed wind farm sites on wildlife is vital, and as consultants it is our role to provide robust scientific data to quantify the impact new developments in the wind power sector will have on their surroundings in relation to other areas. We assist both the wind energy industry and nature conservation organisations by making sure the growth of wind energy projects is performed within the framework of current regulations.
Aerial surveying methods are used for a variety of applications including environmental impact assessments for offshore wind farm sites and for monitoring the habitat use and migration patterns of birds and mammals. We use some of the most advanced imaging equipment in the world to undertake environmental surveys and report on how habitats and species could be affected by development, positively or negatively.
The rigours of the data collection and analysis throughout the entire process mean we are a trusted partner to all parties, whether they are a power company, developer or regulator.
