Clare Davies

After graduation...

I was employed as a Graduate Offshore Developer for Innogy, working with a team to submit an application for development consent for a large offshore wind farm. I then came to work for BVG Associates, a renewable energy consultancy. 

I lead activities on global offshore wind market data analysis and forecasting and support offshore wind developers and tier 1 suppliers to write supply chain plans. I also work closely with the Green Port Hull Programme to help businesses in Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire enter the offshore wind market.

Completing the MSc in Marine Renewable Energy made me focus my career path and gave me a valuable understanding of how environment, engineering and economics interact in this industry.

Tell us about your research project

My project title was 'Cetaceans and marine renewable energy in the UK: A risk assessment'. Using GIS software, I mapped areas of high offshore wind, wave and tidal resource alongside cetacean abundance and completed a qualitative risk assessment on how different generating technologies have the potential to impact upon different species.

One of my highlights was visiting the Wave Hub Project (a plug-and-play test site for innovative renewable energy technologies) in Cornwall. I knew I wanted to get into renewable energy when I graduated so I also enjoyed attending conferences to find out more about the industry.

My project deepened my appreciation of how offshore wind will play a vital role in future energy generation, and how I wanted to be a part of the industry's growth.

Offshore wind farm at sunset. Image courtesy of Getty Images.
shutterstock wave image