June 21, 2024 (Paris, France) – Oikon and the partner company Supernatural are members of a newly formed European consortium to provide premier ecological research and consultancy services for renewable energy projects across the continent. The European Renewable Energy & Wildlife Consortium (ERWC) proudly brings together several of Europe’s leading ecological consultancies with extensive expertise in wind and solar energy development and its impacts on wildlife. The main goal is to enable responsible renewable energy development while protecting nature.
Besides the Croatian companies Oikon and its co-partner Supernatural, the ERWC founding members include Waardenburg Ecology and its subsidiary BESE (the Netherlands), Écosphère and its subsidiaries TBM Environment and Somme (France), and Nature Conservation Consultants (NCC) and its subsidiary Marine Biodiversity Surveys – MBS (Greece). Through this unique strategic partnership, the companies will take collaboration on renewable energy studies to the next level, exchange knowledge and staff, establish uniform quality standards and research protocols, and offer a cohesive Europe-wide strategy. They are dedicated to advancing renewable energy projects while ensuring high standards and effective wildlife protection and ecological research.
“With the rapid growth of offshore wind and other renewable developments across Europe, there is a critical need for high-quality ecological research and consulting and international collaboration,” said Dr Wouter Lengkeek, Scientific Director of Waardenburg Ecology, which will serve as the ERWC’s administrative hub. “By combining our skills and experience, the ERWC can ensure these vital energy projects and uphold the highest standards for assessing and mitigating ecological impacts.”
The CEO of Oikon, Dalibor Hatić, pointed out that by participating in this consortium, Oikon and Supernatural will be able to include Croatian expertise and experience in the field of nature and environmental protection at the European level. “This strategic partnership opens the door to participation in major international projects that require a high level of expertise and considerable resources. The development of renewable energy projects in Croatia will further improve access to the latest research results, techniques and capacities to mitigate negative environmental impacts, which will help us achieve national climate targets and biodiversity conservation goals,” Hatić stressed.
Additionally, Mirna Mazija, director of the Supernatural company, points out: “The experience of the Croatian team of experts in the development of projects using renewable energy sources is at a very high level, and we are recognized as one of the key partners in the creation of professional excellence that this European consortium promotes.“
The ERWC will provide significant benefits for the responsible use of renewable energy. This is essential for meeting climate goals and biodiversity ambitions. It will implement consistent standards to evaluate and mitigate environmental impacts on wildlife and biodiversity while establishing Europe-wide quality benchmarks for ecological research related to energy projects. In addition to combining their firms’ technical capabilities and specialist knowledge, the ERWC partners see opportunities to pursue larger renewable energy contracts requiring international experience and resources. These opportunities align with their companies’ purpose and help them achieve their ambitious goals as leading ecologists.
About the ERWC founding members:
Established in 1988, the Écosphère Group is one of the main independent French engineering and consulting groups specialized in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine biodiversity. Our group, with its subsidiaries TBM Environment and Somme, has over 200 employees, covers a wide range of services: environmental assessments, regulatory issues, consultancy for environmental policymaking, ecological engineering and project management, etc. At the same time, our in-house R&D department develops innovative technological tools, methodologies, and protocols for scientific programmes.
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NCC (Nature Conservation Consultants) Ltd is an environmental planning consultancy focusing on the conservation of nature and biodiversity. Since 2010, we have provided consultation in environmental planning issues and implement innovative conservation activities for the protection of biodiversity. We provide evidence-based, innovative and effective solutions by making use of all the possibilities offered by modern technology and the relevant applied scientific research, and by collaborating with a constantly enriching network of expert scientists.
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OIKON Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology is a leading licensed and accredited consulting company and research institute in the field of applied ecology in Croatia and the region. With 26 years of experience, we design practical, pragmatic, feasible, and cost-effective development solutions that meet clients’ needs while preserving the natural and cultural heritage. With us, development is natural.
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Since our foundation in 1979 we develop, combine and utilize the knowledge of more than 160 ecological experts to restore and maintain a healthy balance between people and the natural world. We look for ways to prevent damage to wildlife and habitats but also benefit them. By co-creating with our clients and striving for balance between realism and idealism. We consult nature.