Overview

Environmental Impact Assessment for Marine Renewable Energy Developments (MRED) is a complex multidisciplinary exercise requiring co-ordinated activity by ecologists, engineers, planners, device manufacturers and construction contractors among others. While the needs of each MRED are unique, every EIA should address the concerns of the public and regulators, in a manner specific to the site, in line with best practise guidelines. 
 
Developed by University of Galway, in partnership with Industry, this Micro-Credential offers a unique combination of research-led teaching and problem-based learning to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key issues influencing the future of energy sustainability.
 
It will equip learners with the knowledge and tools to develop Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR), in line with best practise guidelines in cooperation with regulators, ecological specialists and the site development team. Learners will be skilled in dealing with the ecological assessment needs of the industry in general, and their own company and site-specific developments in particular. Learners will also develop a peer network of MRED professionals, to facilitate the sharing of best practise and innovation, as technology evolves and new areas are developed. The target audience of this micro-credential will be professionals involved in the energy sector who wish to understand more about environmental impact assessment in the planning process. It will also be of interest to graduates pursuing a career in the energy sector.

Funding: Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy has approved this course for funding for professionals employed in the renewables sector. Funding is limited and subject to availability on the date of request. Please email training@windenergyireland.com for more information. The subsidised fee is €800.

Meet the Micro-credentials Programme Team
The programme team at University of Galway will be running an online information session on this micro-credential, details below:

Date: Tuesday 17th December, 2024
Time: 7:00 – 7:45pm
Email: trainingeducation@universityofgalway.ie for the Zoom link

This event will provide useful information for students who have already signed up for this micro-credential and for those who have expressed interest in it. You will have an opportunity to meet the course director and learn more about the content of the micro-credential, teaching schedule and assessments.

Topics we will cover:

• Meet the programme team: welcome and introductions
• Outline of the Micro-credential
• Overview of CANVAS (online learning environment)
• Application and registration process
• Information on library access and other University services
• Q&A

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be over 21 years of age. Applicants must have a primary degree with a 2.1 or above, or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

What you will Learn

The structure of this micro-credential will be designed to address both the general considerations necessary to comply with the requirements of environmental impact assessment at a proposed MRED site, and the application of best practise using case studies in the Irish context that are relevant to proposed MRED developments in the near future.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the Requirements of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for MRED licensing.
2. Recognize and describe the roles of various stakeholders and the importance of consultation in the process of producing a successful EIAR.
3. Articulate the requirements and formats of EIA Screening and EIA Scoping reports in line with best practise guidelines.
4. Detail the requirements and format for EIAR related to offshore renewable energy developments in line with best practise guidelines.
5. Describe the purpose and appropriate information to include in the EIAR under the topics: Considering Alternatives, Describing the Proposed Project, Describing the Baseline, Assessment of Effects, Mitigation, Monitoring and Residual Effects.
6. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of producing a coherent, accessible and useful report that deals effectively with each topic, and also cross references between topics to avoid duplication, enabling interaction between factors to be considered effectively.
7. Describe an effective process of document review to best present the information in the EIAR.

Contact

If you have any questions about this course, please contact:

Microcreds

Email: microcreds

How to Apply

From the 1st October 2024, you can apply for any Semester 2 Micro-credential through our Online Application Portal.

Learn more about our application process.

Apply here: Online Application Portal

When completing your application please make sure to select the following categories:

Academic level: Micro-credentials and CPD
College/Interest type: Micro-credentials/CPD Postgrad Level 9
Academic programme: Science & Technology Micro-credentials - CPC15

You will need to manually enter the Module Name and Code under ‘Module Name’ on the second page of your application. Please copy the name and code below:

Environmental Impact Assessment MRED- EOS5110