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.

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.

This course has been approved for funding, for a 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.

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.

Learning Outcomes

1. Policy context and approach to ecological assessment for MRED licensing in Ireland. This deals with the requirements EU directives including the EIA Directive, the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive, the Water Framework Directive (WFD), Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Directive. It also includes additional Irish legislation including (amongst others) the Foreshore Act, the Planning and Development Act and the Electricity Regulation Act and the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan.
2. The principles of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and more focussed Appropriate Assessment (AA) in Natura 200 sites. This includes an explanation and clarification of the separate emphasis of EIA and AA in protecting the environment, in how they inform decision-making, requirements for evidence and consultation.
3. The roles of participants in EIA and AA including developers and project designers, environmental specialists, competent authorities, statutory consultees and government agencies, transboundary consultees, the public and NGOs.
4. Project lifecycle and infrastructure including offshore renewable energy technologies, project lifecycle phases and connection to grid systems.
5. Baseline ecological assessment and monitoring including subtidal and intertidal seafloor habitats and communities, birds, marine mammals and basking sharks, marine reptiles, coastal processes, cultural heritage and fisheries.
6. Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Natura Impact Statements (NIS). Integration of EIS and NIS. Communication and consultation between contributors, developers and regulators.
7. EIA screening, EIA scoping, detailed description of the EIS document requirements and format.
8. AA Screening, detailed description of the NIS document requirements and format.
9. Optimising EIA and AA screening, monitoring and assessment to integrate the EIS and NIS into a cohesive assessment.
10. Site-specific considerations, evidence and uncertainty, confidence in assessments, mitigation and monitoring measures. Drawing conclusions. Further monitoring requirements and planning.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

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