EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPERS TO COLLABORATE IN THE SEIA PROCESS

Descriptions

The overarching aim of this project is to understand the potential options for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) developers to collaborate during key stages of the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) process and provide recommendations for how these could, potentially, be put into practice. Bids should outline details of the methodological approaches, including which people/organisations should be consulted and how they will be recruited. The methodology to be used in Workstreams 1-3, as well as how data gathered will be incorporated into the project, should be clearly stated with justifications for the chosen approach. Careful attention must also be given to the ethical and data protection sensitivities that might occur at any stage of this project. Tenderers should consult and follow the social research ethics guidance . A full ethics assessment must be included in the tender setting out ethical issues together with approaches for handling or mitigation. Any ethical issues relating to the use of incentives should be covered. It is important to address how the need for informed consent – in line with Scottish Government standards - with workshop participants is obtained and if extra considerations are needed for any potential respondents (e.g. those whose first language is not English). The tenderer should also consider whether any areas of this project might have commercial sensitivities for developers, and how such sensitivities can be approached within the project and within the developer collaboration options developed during the project. The anticipated programme of work is outlined below. Bidders, however, may wish to suggest alternative or additional methods to deliver the project’s aims within the available budget and timescale, and these can also be proposed in your tender. Task 1.1 – Conduct a rapid literature review looking at examples of collaboration between developers Task 1.2 – Conduct research with ORE developers to understand current practises and perceptions of collaboration. Task 1.3 – Map out and consult a wider groups of stakeholders involved in SEIAs Task 2.1 – Synthesising the findings of Workstream 1 into an interim report Task 2.2 – Organise and conduct workshops with developers to discuss options and collect developer feedback Task 3.1 - Produce recommendations for developer collaboration. Task 3.2 - Dissemination of findings.