News

TNEI have been appointed by Towards Zero Carbon Bute (TZCB), an island wide project established for Bute residents and organisations to help reduce impacts on climate change, to undertake a feasibility study and provide technical advice to investigate the potential for a community wind energy project on the Isle of Bute. As part of the project TNEI will assess the feasibility of three separate sites, considering all constraints (technical, physical, environmental and economical) and make recommendations to TZCB with regards to constraints, site layout, capacity and estimated development costs. The project will be led by TNEI’s Glasgow office who will work closely with TZCB and Community Energy Scotland (CES) throughout the duration of the project.

In July 2013 TNEI advertised for three new graduate consultant positions with the Planning & Environmental Group. The advertised roles, which will be based in TNEI’s Newcastle upon Tyne and Glasgow offices, attracted over one hundred applications. Andy Edgar, Director of TNEI “‘s Planning & Environmental Group, said: “We have been delighted by the number and quality of the applications. The adverts were placed as part of our growth plans for 2014 and in response to a strong order book for the rest of 2013.” Short listing of the preferred candidates is currently underway with interviews planned before the end of August.

Rachel Hodges has recently been appointed managing director of specialist consultancy TNEI. Joining TNEI in 2005 Rachel has over a decade of experience in the power systems and renewable energy sectors; with specialist knowledge around offshore renewables. Working closely with TNEI’s management and team of expert consultants in both Power Systems and Planning & Environmental she will continue to drive the business strategy forward in this specialist space. Previous managing director, Graeme Bathurst, will continue to remain an associate, but is taking the time to pursue other opportunities. “I have a real passion to lead this business that others, like Graeme Bathurst and Steve Elliott, have worked so hard to build over the years” said Rachel. “As a business, we thrive on the generation of novel ideas and concepts that can make a difference. We will all rise to the challenge and I am delighted that I will be taking

Working on behalf of Hallam Land Management, TNEI has recently submitted an application for Planning Permission in Principle to North Lanarkshire Council for a 50 unit residential development in Moodiesburn. TNEI has acted as planning consultant and overall project lead and has been responsible for guiding the development through the EIA screening process, successful pre-application consultation and discussions (including holding a public exhibition), undertaking Habitat Surveys and managed the input of a number of specialist consultancies to co-ordinate the overall planning submission. Colin Lavety, Principal Consultant – Scotland, who has managed the project, said “We are pleased to have worked with Hallam on this project and this demonstrates our flexibility and ability to work in different sectors. Our Planning Team have experience across a wide range of sectors and we are keen to diversify and develop our portfolio of residential projects further in the future.”

Following a lengthy determination process the Planning Inspectorate has allowed the appeal for a single wind turbine at Greenhills Farm near Lingdale in Redcar and Cleveland. Site appraisal, planning and environmental support throughout the development, submission and appeal process was provided by TNEI’s Newcastle based Planning and Environmental team. TNEI delivered feasibility assessment followed by a robust scheme design process that was informed by proportionate levels of environmental assessment and consultation with key stakeholders. Scheme design took into account the findings of survey and assessment works with TNEI utilising in-house ecology, ornithology, noise and shadow flicker capabilities. A development evolved that minimised all environmental impacts, including impacts on the nearby North York Moors National Park and residential properties close to the site, while still generating substantial volumes of electricity. An iterative design process resulted in the proposal to install a single wind turbine with a blade tip height of up

Anna Ferguson, Principal Power Systems Consultant, hasbeen accepted onto the Scottish Renewables Grid Workgroup. The workgroup’s objectives include investment in grid infrastructure, ensuring an optimal regulatory framework for the development of the renewable industry and ensuring renewables play their part in operating a safe and efficient electricity system. The Grid Group will provide expert advice to Scottish Renewables on key issues facing the industry relating to electricity network and investment.