Surveying company helps get the go-ahead for to major windfarms

The firm - which is based in Phoenix Court, Cleator Moor - has got the backing for floating developments at Kincardine Offshore, near Aberdeen, and Dounreay Tri, off Caithness.

Both developments will embrace new technology; turbines are attached to a floating structure, rather than the more traditional foundations in the seabed, increasing the choice of locations that the turbines can be anchored.

HiDef undertake bespoke surveys for wildlife from aircraft using ultra-high-definition video technology.

The data is then analysed in Cleator Moor, identifying birds and marine mammals such as seals and dolphins, and undergoes statistical analysis before reports are prepared to support planning applications.

HiDef has also provided surveys to the North West Coast Connection project proposing to link the planned development at Moorside, near Sellafield with Heysham, while its staff have represented onshore and offshore infrastructure developers in public examinations and inquiry, as well as providing ecological advice to smaller scale schemes.

In response, Martin Scott, an associate director at HiDef said: “We are delighted that the Dounreay Trì has been given consent by the Scottish Government and would like to congratulate the project team for gaining consent in such a short timeframe.

"We’re really proud that a small company from West Cumbria is supporting a cutting-edge technology by helping projects which have the potential to bring down the cost of offshore wind and enable this form of renewable energy to be even more financially viable.”

Marcus Thor, the Dounreay Trì Project Director, added: "HiDef’s experience and expertise in the ornithological sector is second-to-none and we do not believe that any other company could have supported us in the same way, and with the same level of expertise. HiDef has been an essential part of our journey to date and we look forward to continuing this relationship as we move forward.”