ScottishPower Renewables is developing four offshore wind farms off the coast of East Anglia making them a world leader in clean energy. East Anglia ONE was the first of these to receive development consent and began construction in 2018.
Services Used
- Stakeholder Relations
- Community Information Office
- Event Management
- Creative and digital
The Challenge
Delivering timely stakeholder communications and managing corporate reputation whilst effectively incorporating DCO requirements across a large geographical area.
The Solution
Being the first of its kind in this area not only were ScottishPower Renewables dealing with large-scale construction but also reputation management.
The onshore cable route spanned 40km across fields and minor roads as well as rivers, motorways and train lines. Working closely with the construction team it was key to understand the programme, how works were being executed and what mitigation measures were being undertaken.
From this, timely project updates were provided to stakeholders, ensuring that they understood the works programme, both short and long-term, how the project was working to minimise impacts of activity and that work was being carried out in accordance with DCO requirements. In parallel, construction of the wind farm and operations and maintenance base was carried out and updates of progression were communicated within wider project updates.
Communications activity included the development of strong and concise key messaging, risk management and updates or advanced warnings of construction activity via website updates, letters and emails. Building on the wider SPR reputation by highlighting project benefits through communication activity and facilitation of representation at community and industry events.
Accessible community liaison was also important, with open lines of communication for enquiries and complaints from community members about noise and dust which were dealt with swiftly.
The Results
Efficient stakeholder management and communication allowed the construction team to progress with works on the ground with minimal delay and interruption. Construction was completed in 2020 and the project is now generating enough energy to power 630,000 homes.
