Leading European ecological consultancies form a strategic partnership to support the responsible development of renewable energy while protecting nature.
PARIS, FRANCE (21 June 2024) – A new European consortium has been formed to provide premier ecological research and consultancy services for renewable energy projects across the continent. The European Renewable Energy & Wildlife Consortium (ERWC) proudly brings together several of Europe’s leading ecological consultancies with extensive expertise in wind and solar energy development and its impacts on wildlife. The main goal is to enable responsible renewable energy development while protecting nature.
The ERWC founding members include Waardenburg Ecology and its subsidiary BESE (the Netherlands), Écosphère and its subsidiaries TBM Environment and Somme (France), Oikon and its co-partner Supernatural (Croatia), and Nature Conservation Consultants (NCC) and its subsidiary Marine Biodiversity Surveys – MBS (Greece). Through this unique strategic partnership, the companies will take collaboration on renewable energy studies to the next level, exchange knowledge and staff, establish uniform quality standards and research protocols, and offer a cohesive Europe-wide strategy. They are dedicated to advancing renewable energy projects while ensuring high standard and effective wildlife protection and ecological research.
“With the rapid growth of offshore wind and other renewable developments across Europe, there is a critical need for high-quality ecological research and consulting and international collaboration” said Dr Wouter Lengkeek, Scientific Director of Waardenburg Ecology, which will serve as the ERWC’s administrative hub. “By combining our skills and experience, the ERWC can ensure these vital energy projects and uphold the highest standards for assessing and mitigating ecological impacts.”
The ERWC will provide significant benefits for the responsible deployment of renewable energy. This is essential for meeting climate goals and biodiversity ambitions. It will implement consistent standards to evaluate and mitigate environmental impacts on wildlife and biodiversity while establishing Europe-wide quality benchmarks for ecological research related to energy projects. In addition to combining their firms’ technical capabilities and specialist knowledge, the ERWC partners see opportunities to pursue larger renewable energy contracts requiring international experience and resources. Opportunities matching their companies’ purpose and helping them to reach their ambitious goals as leading ecologists.
About the ERWC Founding Members:
Established in 1988, the Écosphère Group is one of the main independent French engineering and consulting groups specialized in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine biodiversity. Our group, with its subsidiaries TBM Environment and Somme, has over 200 employees, covers a wide range of services: environmental assessments, regulatory issues, consultancy for environmental policymaking, ecological engineering and project management, etc. At the same time, our in-house R&D department develops innovative technological tools, methodologies, and protocols for scientific programmes.
NCC (Nature Conservation Consultants) Ltd is an environmental planning consultancy focusing on the conservation of nature and biodiversity. Since 2010, we have provided consultation in environmental planning issues and implement innovative conservation activities for the protection of biodiversity. We provide evidence-based, innovative and effective solutions by making use of all the possibilities offered by modern technology and the relevant applied scientific research, and by collaborating with a constantly enriching network of expert scientists.
OIKON Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology is a leading licensed and accredited consulting company and research institute in the field of applied ecology in Croatia and the region. With 26 years of experience, we design practical, pragmatic, feasible, and cost-effective development solutions that meet clients’ needs while preserving the natural and cultural heritage. With us, development is natural.
Since our foundation in 1979 we develop, combine and utilize the knowledge of more than 160 ecological experts to restore and maintain a healthy balance between people and the natural world. We look for ways to prevent damage to wildlife and habitats but also benefit them. By co-creating with our clients and striving for balance between realism and idealism. We consult nature.