SSE Renewables has appointed Sandie Lengden as the new project director for the 4.1GW Berwick Bank offshore wind farm, marking a significant shift in leadership for one of the UK’s most ambitious renewable energy projects. Lengden takes over from Alex Meredith, who will transition to a new role focusing on onshore wind, solar, and battery development within the UK and Ireland.
Lengden brings a wealth of experience in renewable energy infrastructure and project leadership, according to Maria Ryan, SSE Renewables’ director of offshore development. “With a proven track record in managing complex energy projects, Sandie is well-placed to lead the project through its next critical phase,” Ryan said. This phase includes preparing the project for eligibility in the UK’s Allocation Round 7 renewable energy auction and moving closer to a final investment decision.
The Berwick Bank wind farm, located in the outer Firth of Forth, has recently received consent for its offshore array. Meredith, who has been at the helm of the project for the past four years, has been instrumental in navigating the project through a complex and evolving landscape. Ryan acknowledged Meredith’s contributions, stating, “His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the project through critical and challenging milestones culminating in the offshore array consent decision, which I sincerely thank him for.”
Meredith’s new role as director of development for onshore wind, solar, and battery in the UK and Ireland comes at a pivotal time for SSE Renewables. Heather Donald, SSE’s director of onshore wind, solar, and battery in the UK and Ireland, highlighted Meredith’s extensive experience. “He will bring his wealth of development experience across offshore and onshore wind technologies, including most recently leading the Berwick Bank team for the last four years, to provide leadership and direction to the development, land and estates, and consents and environment teams within the onshore development team as well as to wider support functions.”
The appointment of Lengden and the transition of Meredith to a new role reflect SSE Renewables’ strategic focus on both offshore and onshore renewable energy projects. This move could accelerate the development of the Berwick Bank wind farm while also strengthening SSE’s onshore renewable portfolio. The sector is watching closely to see how these leadership changes will influence the trajectory of these critical energy projects.