SSE Renewables outlines plans to work collaboratively with fishing industry

The report, launched at Scottish Renewables’ Offshore Wind Conference in Glasgow, outlines the steps taken by SSE Renewables to build upon the existing relationship within the fishing industry and how both sectors can positively co-exist in a busy marine environment.

The inaugural report focuses on the development processes and presents SSE Renewables’ key principles of communication, collaboration and co-existence, which aim to facilitate more synergy when co-locating with the fishing industry by minimising negative impact and maximising shared benefits.

SSE Renewables is committed to ensuring all its operations are built on a framework that understands, acknowledges and seeks to address the fisheries sector’s concerns and viewpoints and allows fishers to comment on development activities.

Michael Walker, Head of Offshore Consents GB for SSE Renewables, said: “The transition to net zero must be fair which is why we are working proactively and collaboratively with commercial fisheries across all jurisdictions that we operate within to understand their needs and concerns.

“The development and building of offshore wind energy at scale and pace is essential for meeting global net zero targets, however it is crucial we appreciate that there are other marine users who may be affected by our activities.

“We are committed to working with commercial fisheries which is why we’ve published a report of this nature for the first time. It underlines our vision to build upon our existing relationships with our neighbours in the marine environment as we continue to accelerate the growth of our offshore wind portfolio.”

Fingal McKiernan, SSE Renewables Commercial Fisheries Manager, said: “Offshore wind will form the backbone of the transition to net zero. If we are to decarbonise our world, we must ensure we also safeguard the needs of our fisheries sector for future generations. We believe we can only achieve this if we work together; through transparency, co-operation and understanding. We can learn from the past, but we must now look forward.

“We hope this report, outlining our vision, will lay the framework for strengthening our relationships with the fisheries sector and facilitate successful co-existence in the marine environment.”

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “Offshore wind is the backbone of our future energy system and developing its full potential will bring benefits not just to coastal communities, but to the whole country.

“As an industry we are committed to ensuring that the transition to that clean energy system is a just one and that existing users of the sea are treated fairly as these multi-billion-pound projects are constructed and operated.

“The document which SSE Renewables has produced provides a great starting point for wider discussion between the renewables and fishing industries and will, I am sure, be welcomed as the two industries seek to work closely together.”

Download the document here.