Challenge
RWE planned to develop a new gas-fired power station, gas pipeline and energy storage facility at its former Tilbury power station site. However, the project faced several key challenges:
- sensitivity about its fossil fuel focus amid a national transition to low-carbon energy
- the site’s ecological value and history of contentious local development
- a need to rebuild trust with local communities and stakeholders
- demonstration of the national infrastructure need while managing local environmental concerns
- achieving a streamlined Development Consent Order (DCO) process through proactive, compliant consultation.
Approach
Copper supported RWE with a strategic communications and engagement programme designed to:
- demonstrate the national need for highly efficient energy infrastructure
- highlight Tilbury’s suitability as a strategic site despite its ecological sensitivities
- engage early with local authorities, statutory consultees and community leaders, to build support and identify issues before formal consultation
- run a fully compliant, transparent DCO consultation, with clear documentation and stakeholder feedback mechanisms
- launch a balanced media engagement strategy to support public understanding and fair coverage.
Value delivered
Copper’s strategic approach enabled RWE to:
- generate high levels of local awareness, understanding and acceptance from authorities, stakeholders and communities
- build positive relationships that helped lay the groundwork for a streamlined consultation process
- achieve balanced media coverage, mitigating reputational risks
- successfully deliver the first phase of consultation, positioning the project for the next stage of the DCO process.
RWE Tilbury Animation_MOCKUP
Animation designs