In order to meet climate change commitments and realise the opportunities of a low carbon economy, carbon reduction and renewable energy remain at the forefront our clients’ requirements. The combination of SQW’s renewable energy technology, planning, carbon reduction and economic expertise enables us to provide technically sound and commercially orientated advice.
We are leaders in the assessment of potential resource capacity and deployment pathways for renewable energy to enable the public sector to develop realistic targets to contribute to renewable energy and climate change commitments. We also work with developers and national and international bodies to develop best practice in the socio-economic assessment of renewables.
Examples of SQW Projects
Permitted Development Issues with Microgeneration
The Scottish Government commissioned a study to identify, understand, quantify and evaluate the permitted development (PD) issues associated with domestic wind turbines and air source heat pumps, in order to provide balanced quantified recommendations to Scottish Ministers on the granting of PD for the two technologies. The work included a literature review, a comprehensive stakeholder consultation (using small sectoral focus groups and larger discussion fora), a thematic analysis of focus group data and a Scotland-wide PD Regime Analysis using GIS mapping software for different regime scenarios.
Intelligent Energy – Good Practice Wind
SQW is one of 17 partners in a European Intelligent Energy project. With our partners we are researching best practice in environmental planning in offshore and onshore wind to address barriers to the deployment of onshore and offshore wind generation. The aim is to identify good practice in reconciling objectives on renewable energy with wider environmental objectives and actively involving communities in planning and implementation. Bringing together developers, regional and local government, environmental agencies and NGOs from different countries to share experiences, the partnership will develop a guide to good practice and a ‘how to’ toolkit, which will be used to facilitate deployment of renewable energy in support of the 2020 targets.
The Contribution of ICT to Energy Efficiency: Local and Regional Initiatives
The European Commission (Directorate General Information, Society and Media) commissioned SQW to conduct pan-European research and dissemination on local and regional initiatives for promoting energy efficiency through the direct and enabling roles of information and communication technology (ICT).
Development of a Methodology to Promote Social Acceptance of Wind Energy Projects in Ireland
Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland within their role in the International Energy Association Wind Task 28, commissioned SQW, in association with Dr Geraint Ellis of Queen’s University Belfast, to research methodologies for promoting social acceptance of wind energy in Ireland. Sometimes referred to as “soft issues” to differentiate them from technology aspects, environmental and societal issues have become pivotal to the deployment of wind energy in many countries. Even where the economics of wind energy are favourable, deployment can only occur when the public and the planning authorities accept the technology. The research will result in the development of best practice guidance around the issues of spatial planning, distributional justice, procedural design, instruments and skills, capacity and awareness.
Making the Most of the Employment Opportunities Associated with the Offshore Wind Energy Sector and its Supply Chain
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills tasked SQW to investigate the potential scale, timing, location and skills mix of employment opportunities in the offshore wind sector and its supply chain. The study involved a literature review, modelling of the nature of employment opportunities, consultations with employers and education and training providers and calibration workshops. The study sought to determine the nature of any barriers and market and other failures that might prevent opportunities coming on stream, and so whether there was a case for government intervention.
Analysis of the Carbon Emission-Related Aspects of the Economies of Three European Regions
Cornwall Council tasked SQW, on behalf of the Regions for Sustainable Change (a collaboration of twelve regions from ten EU member states), to analyse the carbon emission aspects of the regional economies of Cornwall (UK), Burgenland (Austria) and Marche (Italy). The specific objectives of the project were to identify the costs and effects of moving to a low-carbon economy in the three regions and develop and pilot an analytical framework, methodology and tools to assist the regions in this process and that can also be used by other regions.
Carbon Assessment Study
Scottish Enterprise commissioned an investigation into the carbon impact of the projects that it delivers to customers. The work involved calculating carbon emissions for a sample of current projects and developing an approach to calculating carbon emissions that could be input to the project development process. The findings fed into strategic advice on how to embed carbon impact assessment into the decision making processes of all Scottish Enterprise’s economic development activities.
Round 3 Hornsea Zone – Socio-economic Impact Assessment
EMU Ltd commissioned a strategic and project-level SIA for the proposed Hornsea offshore wind farm site. At the strategic (or zonal) level we provided a Zone Characterisation, a Zone Assessment Methodology and a Zone Environment Assessment in line with The Crown Estate Guidance. At a project level SQW assessed the socio-economic impacts of the first wind farm development and provided the socio-economic chapter for the Environmental Statement submitted to the Infrastructure Planning Commission.
Methodology for Quantifying Opportunities and Constraints in English Regions for the Deployment of Renewable and Low-carbon Energy
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC, Office for Renewable Energy Deployment) commissioned a methodology to allow regional bodies to assess potential for installed renewable capacity and low carbon energy on a consistent basis and set targets which mean that the UK meets its 15% renewables target. The methodology was based on best practice conducted within the regions, with refinements made to ensure consistency with the requirements of the renewables target.
Cumbria Renewable and Low-carbon Energy Capacity and Deployment Study
Cumbria County Council commissioned an up-to-date and robust evidence base in support of renewable and low-carbon energy planning policy and target setting. The study provided technical information on the capacity to accommodate renewable and low-carbon energy development in Cumbria, taking account of: the rural characteristics of the county; the full range of energy sources that could be deployed, including offshore wind and ocean energy; and opportunities and constraints to deployment.