DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy projects, has appointed Dr James Forde as its new Group Ecology and Environmental Manager.
Headquartered in Buttevant in North Cork, DP Energy has over 30 years’ experience in developing, constructing and operating renewable energy assets globally. The company is committed to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods in all of their developments, and to date has developed over 1GW (1000 MW) of energy projects, the majority of which are already built and operational
DP Energy has an immediate pipeline of 7GW of wind and solar energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada, with 750MW due to enter construction in 2023. These projects variously incorporate both on and offshore wind, solar and ocean energy technologies.
In his new role at DP Energy, James will engage his extensive experience to support the development of DP Energy’s global portfolio of renewable energy projects.
During his almost 20 years working in the ecology and environmental sector, James has gained significant experience in the provision of strategic technical and environmental advice for developments across a wide range of sectors in both Ireland and the UK, including offshore and onshore renewables, telecommunications, flood relief schemes, port and harbour developments, and energy generation and transmission.
As well as the provision of strategic environmental advice, James also has considerable experience engaging with licencing and competent authorities, engineers, contractors, regulators and other stakeholders in finding effective environmental solutions to meet the needs of major infrastructure projects.
James holds a Degree in Applied Marine Biology, a Master’s in Shellfish Biology and Fisheries from the University of North Wales, Bangor, and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Galway. James is also a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
Commenting on the appointment, Adam Cronin, Head of Offshore at DP Energy, said: “We are delighted to welcome James to the DP Energy team as he will play a crucial role in ensuring we fulfil our ambitions for a sustainable, cleaner future. As our new Group Ecology and Environment Manager, James will offer significant support to the DP Energy team in the delivery of strategic environmental and ecological objectives. His wealth of knowledge will enable us to continue navigating the eco-system in which we are working, and an appreciation of the objectives and mechanisms of national and international environmental legislation and policy. Myself and the entire team at DP Energy are very much looking forward to working with James.”
In Ireland, DP Energy has submitted Foreshore Licence applications for three offshore wind projects around the Irish Coast and to develop these projects, DP Energy has partnered with global energy leader Iberdrola, one of the world’s largest renewable energy producers. Iberdrola has substantial experience in offshore wind development and, importantly, shares DP Energy’s commitment to a sustainable and ethical approach to development. Delivery of these three schemes hoped to be operational by 2030, will significantly contribute to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.