EngD Project Title: Standardization of environmental monitoring equipment to support the commercialisation of tidal stream technology
Industrial Partner: Proteus Marine Renewables
Educational and professional background
Thomas graduated from the University of Durham with a First Class (Hons) Degree in Biological Sciences (BSc), focusing on ecology, conservation, animal behaviour, evolution and crop science. In 2022, Thomas completed a marine biology research internship at the University of Victoria (Canada) studying retina development in flatfish larvae, and then completed a second research internship the following year at Newcastle University, assessing the ecological impacts of algal blooms caused by agricultural run-off along the Northumbrian coastline.
Following his graduation, Thomas then worked for the Peak District National Park Authority as the Nature Recovery Officer, where he helped to coordinate conservation efforts by different stakeholders throughout the national park. Here he developed an understanding of the complex ecological and social impacts of new developments and how to monitor and mitigate them to help ensure consents are granted.
What attracted you to studying with IDCORE?
“Renewable energy has become an increasingly relevant and interesting topic in recent years, however it is not something that I had encountered much in my background. IDCORE’s wide range of modules, that allows you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills across so many fields related to the sector, especially in areas within engineering disciplines that I did not have much experience in, greatly appealed to me. I have also always wanted to further my education and complete a research degree, and was very interested in how IDCORE balances the furthering of academic knowledge with a practical, industrial focus that directly contributes to real-world applications, giving me industrial experience alongside the completion of my doctorate.”
What attracted you to the Renewable Energy Sector? What aspects of the industry do you find most inspiring, interesting, or important for the future?
“The climate crisis is by far the most pressing issue humanity faces in the 21st century. I have always been interested in helping to reduce the impacts of this in some way, which is why I began my career in conservation and ecology. However, as long as such high amounts of carbon are continually emitted into the atmosphere, the efforts of conservationists will be futile as the climate rapidly changes in a dramatic and unpredictable way. The renewable energy sector interested me as it the most effective way of reducing these emissions whilst still meeting energy demand and allowing people to continue living comfortable lives.
As a conservationist, I find the conflicts of interest between developers and conservation groups particularly interesting, and understand both sides’ point of view. My project at Proteus, which focuses on environmental monitoring, will help to reduce this conflict by shedding more light onto the impacts of ORE developments and inform how to mitigate negative ones. I find the concept of creating developments with net benefits to the marine environment particularly interesting and inspiring.”
What ambition would you like to fulfil as a Research Engineer?
"The objective of my project is to work towards a standardised method of collecting ecological data of sites before developments are installed and a standardised monitoring system to assess the impacts of tidal turbines on the environment during operation. I am hoping that, once developed, this method can be rolled out to speed up the consenting of tidal stream projects across the world, with only minor modifications where needed. I hope my project will help to increase the amount of renewable energy developed across the world, whilst ensuring that the marine environment is protected or even improved."
