We are delighted to announce that one of our project managers here at Natural Power, Geum Chrystal, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Project Development category at this year’s Young Professionals Green Energy Awards.
Despite having only started with Natural Power in September 2019, and having changed career at this time, Geum has led the public local inquiry (PLI) on aviation lighting acting on behalf of Fred. Olsen Renewables Ltd for the proposed Crystal Rig Wind Farm (Phase IV) (“CR4”). Taking on a project at this stage in the consenting process is a considerable challenge and one that Geum has negotiated very successfully gaining a detailed understanding of the site and project specifics very quickly.
In addition, with the PLI focusing on the new, untested and highly technical topic of visible aviation lighting of turbines over 150m it was even more demanding. Through collaboration with lighting manufacturers, aviation specialists, landscape architects and scientists, Geum has grasped the issues relevant to the project as well as the progression of the wider onshore wind industry and stakeholders with great enthusiasm and attention to detail. Geum has co-ordinated the inputs from leading industry, legislative and scientific specialists allowing the project’s legal team to present a very robust case to provide both CR4, and the onshore wind industry, the best possible chance of a positive outcome.
Emily Galloway, Principal Project Manager in the Planning & Environment team at Natural Power, said: “As well as greatly improving our in-house understanding of aviation lighting for the purpose of this project, Geum’s initiative on this subject is already informing work by Scottish Renewables, other trade bodies and the Scottish Government. It has already begun to challenge and develop wider thinking on methodologies, policies and procedures that can be implemented to allow better and more informed consideration of this subject in the future.
“We are delighted her work is being recognised by the industry and look forward to seeing this bright young talent shine.”
Geum joined Natural Power in September 2019 as a project manager in the planning team. She holds a practising License in Property Law having previously worked as a solicitor in several Scottish law firms. Her role at Natural Power is to manage the progression of renewable energy projects through the planning and EIA processes.
The final winners of the Young Professional Green Energy Awards will this year be announced via video on Scottish Renewables’ Twitter feed during Young Professionals Green Energy Awards Week which takes place from 15th – 19th June.
Good luck to all the finalists.