Renewable Energy

Renewable energy development is accelerating worldwide to deliver a low-carbon energy mix to address the climate emergency. Solar farms, hydropower, onshore and offshore wind and geothermal projects are expanding rapidly, as countries decarbonise their energy systems. 

As renewables expand so does the potential for increased biodiversity impacts that can affect project viability, lender approval and long-term operational licences. Managing the biodiversity risk of a renewable energy project is not optional - lenders increasingly apply international standards that require demonstrable biodiversity due diligence. Regulators in many markets are tightening environmental assessment requirements. And conservation groups scrutinise developments closer than ever, particularly in ecologically sensitive habitats.

Our expertise 

The Biodiversity Consultancy works with lenders, investors and developers across the renewable energy sector – from hydropower and onshore wind to offshore wind, solar and geothermal. We apply our biodiversity expertise across the project lifecycle to identify risks and develop pragmatic management approaches that align with good international industry practice and global goals for biodiversity.  

Our work includes: risk screening and critical habitat assessment at the design stage; scoping, design and coordination of field surveys; design of mitigation measures within Biodiversity Action and Management Plans; selection of metrics and indicators to monitor biodiversity outcomes and development of offset plans and review and evaluation of progress towards a projects biodiversity goals.   

We help clients build the evidence base they need to secure financing, meet consent conditions and demonstrate credible progress against biodiversity commitments, whether these are lender requirements or voluntary targets aligned to global frameworks.