Shóna Guinan: Driving renewable energy innovation and offshore wind development

A passion for sustainability: From marine consultancy to offshore wind

"I started my career in marine consultancy straight out of university, but offshore wind and renewables were always my target," explains Shóna. 

Her passion for offshore wind was fuelled by a strong belief in sustainability and the environmental benefits it offers. With a clear focus from the outset, Shóna steered her career towards a role that would help secure a cleaner energy future. 

"I actively worked toward this path because I could see the potential for growth in the industry and how important it was for meeting sustainability goals."

Since kick-starting her career, Shóna has honed her skills in marine consultancy, combining technical expertise with precise project management. Her work primarily focuses on delivering Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for large-scale infrastructure projects. 

Stepping into her first role seven years ago, Shóna has developed a diverse skill set along the way. Her expertise spans marine and intertidal ecology, ornithology, underwater sound studies, and project management. She appreciates the technical aspects of her work; however, her favourite area of focus is project management – which she sees as her core strength and passion. 

While childhood aspirations may have leaned toward marine biology, Shóna says that in project management and consultancy, she’s well and truly found her niche. 

“It’s exciting to help implement a client’s vision and work on solutions that really make an impact," she shares. 

According to Shóna, project management offers a unique vantage point by providing the opportunity to implement strategic client solutions while adapting to evolving demands of offshore wind development.

"As a project manager, you get a bird’s-eye view of everything," she says. "You’re involved in all aspects of the project – from managing technical risks to making tactical decisions – while maintaining a broader perspective on energy innovation.” 

Driving offshore wind growth: From the UK to emerging markets

In under a decade, Shóna has seen transformative growth in the offshore wind sector. 

"Since joining RPS, the team has provided support to an increasing number of projects around the UK, with huge growth in Scotland and also other parts of the world, like Australia," she enthuses. 

Most recently, Shóna has been the Offshore EIA Coordinator for the Morven Array Offshore Wind Farm Project, located approximately 60 kilometres off the coast of Aberdeen in Scotland. With the potential to produce significant wind energy that could power up to three million UK homes. 

Shóna played a pivotal role from the project’s inception, overseeing the ongoing development of the Offshore Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report and Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA), and various approvals strategies. She also managed the development of the project design envelope process and the Offshore EIA Scoping Report. 

Her contributions extend to another UK flagship project. Shóna has also made her mark on the Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm, situated in the treacherous North Sea, renowned for its strong winds and high waves. Delivered by SSE Renewables, this project could generate enough clean energy to keep the lights on across six million homes, making it one of the world’s largest offshore wind opportunities. Shóna’s role included coordinating and developing key consenting documents.  

Working on such high-profile projects in the UK, is a great source of pride for Shóna. 

"These projects have huge potential for renewable energy generation and for supporting local communities through job creation," she explains. 

Having played a significant role in the UK’s advanced offshore wind industry, Shona also brought her expertise down under, working as an advisor to support Australia’s first offshore wind project – Star of the South, situated off the coast of Gippsland, Victoria. With the potential to supply up to 20 percent of the state’s electricity needs, Star of the South represents a critical step for Australia’s energy future.  

Collaborating with RPS’ Australian-based team, Shóna provided approvals advice on the Star of the South, the most advanced offshore wind project in Australia, with a focus on the project design envelope. She also managed the review of documentation through coordination of UK technical specialists. 

While studies have shown that Australia has some of the best wind resources in the world, compared to the UK, the offshore wind energy sector is still in its infancy – there’s much more progress needed to mirror Europe’s shift towards renewables and provide a reliable source of decarbonised electricity. Shóna’s contribution in the form of lessons learned from the UK, has been vital in helping this emerging market avoid common pitfalls.

"One of the most valuable things for new industries is learning from established markets, such as the UK. By applying lessons learned, for instance the project design approach and stakeholder engagement strategies, countries like Australia and New Zealand could accelerate the pre-application phase for projects," she states. 

Tackling industry challenges in offshore wind development

As with any rapidly growing sector, offshore wind faces its fair share of challenges. 

"In the UK, there are ongoing hurdles to be faced such as concerns around sensitive receptors, grid connection options and expected changes to the legislative landscape" notes Shóna. 

Despite these challenges, Shóna views them as opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and industry growth. Her proactive approach has ensured successful collaborations between developers, regulators, and communities. As a project manager, she thrives on orchestrating multidisciplinary teams and overseeing technical and strategic aspects to deliver impactful results.

While Shóna has built an impressive career rooted in her passion for sustainability and renewable energy, she says mastering challenges in the offshore wind sector often benefits from drawing on the insights of colleagues with diverse backgrounds and industry experience, particularly those transitioning from oil and gas to offshore wind. 

"The environmental assessments and technical skills from oil and gas are transferable to renewables. It’s all about working with hard infrastructure in the marine environment, so that expertise brings a lot to the table."

New horizons: Supporting offshore wind in New Zealand

Shóna’s next professional chapter takes her to New Zealand, where the conditions are excellent for offshore wind, like Australia, across the ditch. Studies of Aotearoa estimate that offshore wind could generate 10,000 jobs and contribute nearly $50b to the country’s GDP. According to the New Zealand Wind Energy Association, offshore wind farms could yield two to three times more electricity than from solar PV systems of an equivalent size.  

With this promise, Shóna has embraced the idea of uprooting herself, leaving the familiarity of her UK home, and transitioning to a new hemisphere. Based in Auckland, she’s assumed a senior marine consultant role, supporting both New Zealand and Australian offshore wind projects – bringing a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. 

"I’m excited to bring my experience from the UK and Australia to help support emerging industries in New Zealand," she says.

By leveraging her knowledge of project lifecycles, stakeholder collaboration, and environmental assessments, she aims to support sustainable growth and guide local teams and clients through the early stages of offshore wind development.

"The industry in New Zealand is at a very different stage, and there have been some policy challenges. But there’s real potential, and I hope my knowledge of project lifecycles and regulatory processes can make a difference."

Advice for aspiring offshore wind professionals

For those looking to build a career in offshore wind and follow in Shóna’s footsteps her advice is simple: embrace collaboration, stay passionate, and be willing to learn. 

"There are so many ways to get involved in the industry—whether it’s through technical roles, regulatory work, or project management. My advice is to look at the bigger picture and think about whether you’d prefer a technical route or a more strategic role. Whatever path you choose, a passion for sustainability will be key."

"It’s such an exciting and rewarding industry to work in, and it feels great to be part of something that’s shaping the future of energy."