RIDG Bolsters Team Ahead of ScotWind

Edinburgh-headquartered Renewable Infrastructure Development Group (RIDG) has expanded its team with two hires in preparation for the ScotWind offshore wind seabed leasing round in Scotland.

Isla Robb will lead on RIDG’s Supply Chain and Skills as an Associate Director, working to ensure that the RIDG approach to project delivery is innovative, commercially competitive, and maximises Scottish and UK domestic content. Robb previously led Scottish Enterprises’ offshore wind supply chain and skills activities, RIDG said.

”This is a great time to be working in offshore wind and this company has innovative and forward-thinking ideas to ensure success”, Robb said.

“It is a great opportunity to build on the work that RIDG has already done with potential suppliers based in Scotland and allows me continue to work with many of the companies and skills providers I have worked with, this time from a project perspective, and to take it to the next level, to the bid stage and beyond.”

Marc Smeed joins from Xero Energy, part of ITP Energised, and will lead the company’s Grid and Power Offtake workstreams also as an Associate Director. Having worked in offshore wind since 2008, Smeed has been directly involved in the connection of over 20GW of onshore and offshore energy projects, RIDG said. He will focus on optimising power offtake arrangements including system security and affordability, key challenges for all Scottish offshore projects.

”2020 is an exciting year for the Scottish offshore wind industry with the new Sectoral Marine Plan, ScotWind leasing round and the Scottish Government’s hydrogen policy statement”, Smeede said.

“Having worked in the Scottish offshore wind supply chain for 12 years, I’ve been lucky enough to have first-hand experience working with many of the key global offshore wind players. As a talented, home-grown team, RIDG is extremely well placed to contribute to Scotland’s success as we lead the world into a net zero future.”

Crown Estate Scotland plans to launch the ScotWind leasing this spring, after the publication of Marine Scotland’s draft Sectoral Marine Plan (SMP).

Keith Williamson, RIDG’s Technical Director, said: ”As recognised experts in their respective fields, Marc and Isla bring a wealth of experience to the RIDG team as we ramp-up for ScotWind. I am delighted that they have agreed to join us at the outset of such an important period for the offshore wind industry and the wider energy transition in Scotland.”