Scottish Supply Chain and Grid Leaders Join RIDG
RIDG Team Expanding Ahead of ScotWind
Renewable Infrastructure Development Group (RIDG) has welcomed two high profile additions to the business with one of Scotland’s leading supply chain champions and one of the UK’s top grid and power offtake specialists joining the team as the company gears up for ScotWind.
Isla Robb will lead on Supply Chain and Skills, working to ensure that the RIDG approach to project delivery is innovative, commercially competitive and maximises Scottish and UK domestic content. Isla has worked in the public sector for 16 years, previously leading Scottish Enterprises’ offshore wind supply chain and skills activities.
Marc Smeed joins from Xero Energy (part of ITP Energised) and will lead the company’s Grid and Power Offtake workstreams. Marc is an experienced grid specialist and Chartered Electrical Engineer. Having worked in offshore wind since 2008 he has been directly involved in the connection of over 20GW of onshore and offshore energy projects. Marc will focus on optimising power offtake arrangements including system security and affordability, key challenges for all Scottish offshore projects.
Isla Robb, Associate Director – Supply Chain and Skills, said:
I am absolutely delighted to be working with RIDG to help bring their projects to fruition. This is a great time to be working in offshore wind and this company has innovative and forward-thinking ideas to ensure success.
“It is a great opportunity to build on the work that RIDG has already done with potential suppliers based in Scotland and allows me continue to work with many of the companies and skills providers I have worked with, this time from a project perspective, and to take it to the next level, to the bid stage and beyond.”
Marc Smeed, Associate Director – Grid and Power Offtake, said:
2020 is an exciting year for the Scottish offshore wind industry with the new Sectoral Marine Plan, ScotWind leasing round and the Scottish Government’s hydrogen policy statement.
“Having worked in the Scottish offshore wind supply chain for 12 years, I’ve been lucky enough to have first-hand experience working with many of the key global offshore wind players. As a talented, home-grown team, RIDG is extremely well placed to contribute to Scotland’s success as we lead the world into a net zero future.
“RIDG has the vision and capability to bring together strategic partnerships and break down old barriers between sectors to ensure the best possible outcome for Scottish consumers and businesses alike.”
Keith Williamson, Technical Director said:
As recognised experts in their respective fields, Marc and Isla bring a wealth of experience to the RIDG team as we ramp-up for ScotWind. I am delighted that they have agreed to join us at the outset of such an important period for the offshore wind industry and the wider energy transition in Scotland.”
