The North East and East Ornithology Group (NEEOG) has been named winner of the Environmental Excellence Award at RenewableUK’s Global Offshore Wind Awards 2025.
This prestigious accolade recognises NEEOG’s industry-leading approach to environmental stewardship and collaboration across the offshore wind sector. Formed in 2022 by twelve ScotWind projects, NEEOG brings together developers, the Scottish Government, Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (SNCBs), and NGOs to address strategic ornithological challenges and enable a sustainable energy transition.
A Benchmark for Industry Collaboration
NEEOG stands out as a unique example of industry-led best practice in developer collaboration. By breaking down traditional competitive barriers, the group has demonstrated how common consent-related challenges can be practically overcome. Through effective partnerships, NEEOG has funded approximately £6 million in scientific research and monitoring programmes, including:
- Long-term seabird population counts at protected sites
- Multi-year tracking data on kittiwake and auk species
- Strategic regional compensation measures to inform policy and guidance
- Innovation in drone use for colony surveys
- Consistency in assessing cumulative bird impacts in consent applications
Setting the Standard for Nature-Positive Progress
NEEOG’s achievements highlight what is possible when industry, government, and conservation partners unite for nature-positive progress. The group’s work not only supports the timely roll-out of the ScotWind project pipeline but also sets a benchmark for environmental excellence and collaborative innovation across the sector.
A Greener Transition, Done the Right Way
This award is a testament to the shared commitment of all NEEOG partners to deliver a greener energy future, whilst upholding the highest standards of environmental protection.
Congratulations to everyone involved in NEEOG.
