Overview

Environmental Impact Assessment for Marine Renewable Energy Developments (MRED) is a complex multidisciplinary exercise requiring co-ordinated activity by ecologists, engineers, planners, device manufacturers and construction contractors among others. While the needs of each MRED are unique, every EIA should address the concerns of the public and regulators, in a manner specific to the site, in line with best practise guidelines. 
 
Developed by University of Galway, in partnership with Industry, this Micro-Credential offers a unique combination of research-led teaching and problem-based learning to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key issues influencing the future of energy sustainability.
 
It will equip learners with the knowledge and tools to develop Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR), in line with best practise guidelines in cooperation with regulators, ecological specialists and the site development team. Learners will be skilled in dealing with the ecological assessment needs of the industry in general, and their own company and site-specific developments in particular. Learners will also develop a peer network of MRED professionals, to facilitate the sharing of best practise and innovation, as technology evolves and new areas are developed. The target audience of this micro-credential will be professionals involved in the energy sector who wish to understand more about environmental impact assessment in the planning process. It will also be of interest to graduates pursuing a career in the energy sector.

Funding: Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy has approved this course for funding for professionals employed in the renewables sector. Funding is limited and subject to availability on the date of request. Please email training@windenergyireland.com for more information. The subsidised fee is €800.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be over 21 years of age. Applicants must have a primary degree with a 2.1 or above, or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

What you will Learn

The structure of this micro-credential will be designed to address both the general considerations necessary to comply with the requirements of environmental impact assessment at a proposed MRED site, and the application of best practise using case studies in the Irish context that are relevant to proposed MRED developments in the near future.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the Requirements of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for MRED licensing.
2. Recognize and describe the roles of various stakeholders and the importance of consultation in the process of producing a successful EIAR.
3. Articulate the requirements and formats of EIA Screening and EIA Scoping reports in line with best practise guidelines.
4. Detail the requirements and format for EIAR related to offshore renewable energy developments in line with best practise guidelines.
5. Describe the purpose and appropriate information to include in the EIAR under the topics: Considering Alternatives, Describing the Proposed Project, Describing the Baseline, Assessment of Effects, Mitigation, Monitoring and Residual Effects.
6. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of producing a coherent, accessible and useful report that deals effectively with each topic, and also cross references between topics to avoid duplication, enabling interaction between factors to be considered effectively.
7. Describe an effective process of document review to best present the information in the EIAR.

Course Outcomes
On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level 9.

Learning Outcomes

1. Policy context and approach to ecological assessment for MRED licensing in Ireland. This deals with the requirements EU directives including the EIA Directive, the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive, the Water Framework Directive (WFD), Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Directive. It also includes additional Irish legislation including (amongst others) the Foreshore Act, the Planning and Development Act and the Electricity Regulation Act and the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan.
2. The principles of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and more focussed Appropriate Assessment (AA) in Natura 200 sites. This includes an explanation and clarification of the separate emphasis of EIA and AA in protecting the environment, in how they inform decision-making, requirements for evidence and consultation.
3. The roles of participants in EIA and AA including developers and project designers, environmental specialists, competent authorities, statutory consultees and government agencies, transboundary consultees, the public and NGOs.
4. Project lifecycle and infrastructure including offshore renewable energy technologies, project lifecycle phases and connection to grid systems.
5. Baseline ecological assessment and monitoring including subtidal and intertidal seafloor habitats and communities, birds, marine mammals and basking sharks, marine reptiles, coastal processes, cultural heritage and fisheries.
6. Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Natura Impact Statements (NIS). Integration of EIS and NIS. Communication and consultation between contributors, developers and regulators.
7. EIA screening, EIA scoping, detailed description of the EIS document requirements and format.
8. AA Screening, detailed description of the NIS document requirements and format.
9. Optimising EIA and AA screening, monitoring and assessment to integrate the EIS and NIS into a cohesive assessment.
10. Site-specific considerations, evidence and uncertainty, confidence in assessments, mitigation and monitoring measures. Drawing conclusions. Further monitoring requirements and planning.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Contact

If you have any questions about this course, please contact:

Microcreds

Email: microcreds

How to Apply

From the 1st May 2025, you can apply for any Semester 1 Micro-credential through our Online Application Portal.

Learn more about our application process.

Apply here: Online Application Portal

When completing your application please make sure to select the following categories:

College/Interest Type: Science & Engineering

Academic Programme: Select your micro-credential from the drop-down list

Academic Term: Select the academic term Autumn 2025 (Semester 1) or Spring 2026 (Semester2)