Name: Andrew Taylor  

Role: Principal Environmental Consultant

You haven’t been at Xodus long, what attracted you to join?

Joining Xodus to support a more intentional move into new energies in APAC, as a contribution to addressing climate change, was an opportunity to be a part of the global movement towards decarbonisation which is paved with really important challenges. 

How does this role support the development of the energy/offshore wind/hydrogen industry?

At the moment, we are primarily focussed on two offerings. Firstly, we are increasingly supporting clients with identifying how their traditional businesses could transition. This includes consideration of revenue and investment, culture, infrastructure and operational footprint. We look at the existing organisation and paint a picture of the opportunities which align with the organisation’s philosophical and business objectives. Secondly, we are supporting developers with understanding the market and technical opportunities and challenges associated with renewable projects, including green hydrogen.

What is the most interesting project you have been involved in while at Xodus?

Two projects come to mind: 1) We are working with the UK National Oceanography Centre on a project to validate and accredit a site for blue and green carbon credit generation; and 2) market analysis which has identified the scale of renewables to support Australia’s hydrogen ambition.

What are the biggest risks that OW Developers face right now in Australia?

Only one region has been identified by the Federal Minister as suitable for offshore wind – the Bass Strait Gippsland area. There are at least 18 projects proposed offshore Australia, with many of these offshore New South Wales and Western Australia. If more declarations aren’t made soon, there’s a risk that Australia’s infant offshore wind sector will stagnate or lose attractiveness as a global investment location.

What is the one piece of advice you would give a developer?

Collaborate! We should be working collectively to develop the industry efficiently. Australia’s offshore regulatory regime is complex and requires a substantial demonstration that impacts and risks are managed to as low as reasonably practicable – this can and should be a shared challenge which leverages marine spatial planning and builds a collective knowledge base on environmental impacts. Collaboration will also be key to securing vessels for Australia, when we have very little capacity locally.