Dr Caroline Roche highlights her work in the renewable energy sector

Energia’s offshore wind expert and NUI Galway graduate, Dr Caroline Roche highlighted her work in the renewable energy sector as part of STEPs Engineers Week. Energia Group took part in STEPs Engineers Week, a celebration of the world of engineering in Ireland which runs from 5-11 March.

Dr Caroline Roche Project

Dr Roche is Energia Group’s Offshore Environmental & Consents Manager and she is working on the development of two multi-billion euro offshore wind projects, the North Celtic Sea located off the coast of Waterford and the South Irish Sea located off the coasts of Wexford and Wicklow. Combined, the delivery of these projects will supply enough electricity to power approximately 1 million homes and would make a considerable contribution to the decarbonisation of Ireland’s energy sector and the country’s overall transition to net zero.

Speaking about her role, Dr Roche said, “My role is really exciting and no two days are the same. I lead on the environmental elements of our offshore wind projects including foreshore license applications, planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and public consultations. I am incredibly fortunate to work with a team of experts on projects that will help to deliver on Ireland’s climate action targets by decarbonising our energy supply.”

Dr Roche has always had an interest in marine life and coastal environment and having graduated from the National University of Ireland Galway with a PhD in Benthic Ecology and a degree in Marine Science she worked with a leading marine consultancy for over 15 years before joining Energia Group in 2019.

As a member of Wind Energy Ireland’s Consenting and Fisheries Working Group, Dr Roche said, “I love that I am working on projects that have the potential to play a significant role in helping Ireland to decarbonise our energy supply and reduce greenhouse gas emissions thus protecting our environment.”

Dr Roche who is passionate about climate action and protecting the environment, she grew up learning about the natural world from David Attenborough’s books and programmes. Speaking about role models who helped her throughout her career she said, “Professor Brendan Keegan (NUIG) inspired me to pursue Benthic Zoology as my final year project as part of my degree in Marine Science and I went on to study that for my PhD under his supervision. He was regarded as a pioneer of seabed surveying in Ireland and it is so rewarding to utilise that knowledge and expertise in my current role.

Early on in my career, I worked on an offshore wind farm project with Brian Britton who was a passionate advocate for the industry. His drive, determination and confidence in the renewables industry certainly rubbed off on me as I continue to further my career in this exciting sector.”