b'Member News March 2022 27VolunteersMedal win for Ground-breaking reportinfluential Elaine Elaine played a key role in overseeing the production of the IETs March 2021 report (Offshore energy infrastructure landscapingUK and Elaine Greig BSc MEng CEng FIET, Director at Theneighbouring waters) and Renewables Consulting Group (RCG), is the worthypromoting its recommendations. recipient of the 2021 IET Volunteer Medal. The publication explores the need to deploy offshore networks in a The award recognises Elaines invaluable contribution to the IETmore integrated way, to enable the Energy Policy Panel, which she joined in 2018. The Panel doesntnecessary key infrastructure for the lobby, but it plays a key role in helping the UK government toUK to achieve its net-zero ambitions. understand the potential outcomes of various energy policy options. Elaine said: There are numerous Elaine has learned a great deal fromcommittees and interest groups, her fellow Panel members. And notand focus tends to land with just on the technical front: Whenconsideration of the technical and youre working with people whosecommercial aspects of offshore minds are razor sharp and who havewind and associated infrastructure such extensive experience, knowledgedevelopment, followed by and expertise, you hone your skillsenvironmental and marine use. in presenting information in a clear,The IET report recommends that succinct and targeted way.the same consideration is also given to the social aspects, the Living the values imminent coastal bottleneck. Elaine Greig BSc MEng CEng FIET, recipient One aspect of the Panel thatAnd that the connections of the 2021 IET Volunteer Medal between active interest Elaine particularly appreciatesgroups are strengthened.is its courteous, collaborative ethos. The Energy Policy PanelThe publication sparked The Panel is a realis a great example of puttingmany discussions within the powerhouse of knowledge.the IET core values of Integrity,offshore transmission space about the means to improve Its 17 members are allExcellence and Teamworkcollaborative efforts between brilliant, which at first I foundinto practice, she said.different stakeholder groups and slightly intimidatingI wasrepresentatives. Elaine said: Many worried about whether IdThe Panel is a calm and verypeople were very receptive to respectful environment where be able to keep up, buteveryones contribution is valuedthe reports recommendations I soon realised that myand heard. In contrast to someand keen to be part of the fears were unfounded. commercial environments, it issolution. I hope it will make a refreshing to have open discussionslasting and positive difference towards a shared goal. but its still too early to tell.Read more attheiet.org/meet-our-volunteers'