In this episode of What On Earth!, we’re joined by Ross Fairley, Senior Partner at Burges & Salmon, who brings over 30 years of experience in renewable energy projects to the table.

We dig into what project success really looks like — and what it takes to get there. From assembling the right team to securing Final Investment Decision (FID), Ross shares hard-earned insights from decades in the field.

🔍 In this episode:

• What separates successful renewable energy projects from those that fall short
• The critical roles and qualities developers should seek in their teams
• How the landscape is shifting as the “easy” project sites disappear
• The increasing complexity of renewable projects — and how to navigate it
• Ross’s one bold idea that could unlock more successful projects

Whether you're a developer, investor, policymaker, or just curious about the evolving energy transition, this episode offers a front-row seat to the real-world challenges and solutions in the sector.

Something a bit different for What On Earth! We were delighted to recently record a live podcast at a SPARC event at Pembrokeshire College, West Wales. The event saw over 150 female STEM students from around Pembrokeshire come together at the college for a STEM focussed day led by the What On Earth! podcast which saw our own Michelle Hitches chair a panel event with Louise McDonnel from RWE along with Madeline Cowley of Marine Power Systems. The panel led by Michelle talked about their STEM journeys and experiences in renewable energy ending with an audience Q&A. We loved the energy in the room and the engagement from the students. A great episode that we know you will like! We reference Jonathan's recent Linked In post on the subject https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7313834203383488512/

In this episode we talk to Donna Sutherland from Veri Energy about the challenges and opportunities facing oil and gas. Our focus is on Sullom Voe Terminal (SVT) in the Shetland Isles and the opportunity its unique proximity to legacy oil and gas infrastructure, water and renewable electricity will enable a genesis of the site in the net zero world. However there are challenges! We discuss government policy and support for projects like SVT and what needs to happen to enable investment in such projects. We look at social barriers and behaviours that need to change to allow a "right" transition. And we ask Donna if she was given one wish of government what would that be!