Clare Lavelle is the Project Director for Buchan Offshore Wind, leading the development of one of the UK’s most innovative floating offshore wind projects, which will deliver clean and secure electricity to over 1.4m homes. She brings over two decades of experience in energy infrastructure, with a strong track record of delivering complex, low-carbon projects and influencing policy across the public and private sectors.
Clare began her career as a mechanical engineer in the energy networks sector before moving into renewables development, delivering complex and innovative first of a kind offshore energy projects. Prior to joining Buchan Offshore Wind, Clare was the Director leading Arup’s Energy business in Scotland, where she led large multidisciplinary teams delivering sustainable energy solutions across the UK and internationally. Her expertise spans offshore wind, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and energy systems integration—supporting the transition to net zero through strategic leadership and technical excellence.
Clare is also a Non Executive Board Director at Scottish Renewables, the industry body representing Scotland’s renewable energy sector, where she contributes to shaping policy and driving the transition to net zero
Her leadership and impact across the energy sector have been widely recognised. Clare was named one of Women Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Energy and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s Director of the Year for her leadership in low carbon energy transition, and the Karen Burt Memorial Award for outstanding technical excellence and advocacy in engineering. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Vaasa for contributions to engineering and energy innovation.
She is a strong advocate for values-driven leadership, believing that purpose-led organisations are better equipped to tackle complex challenges and deliver long-term impact. Clare champions leadership grounded in integrity, collaboration, and accountability—emphasising the importance of aligning technical ambition with societal and environmental goals. She has spoken widely about how embedding core values into strategy, culture, and governance can help organisations deliver more meaningful and resilient outcomes. A passionate advocate for diversity in engineering, Clare mentors early-career professionals and speaks regularly on the importance of inclusive leadership in the energy transition.
Outside of work, Clare is passionate about health and wellbeing and enjoys yoga, travelling, and discovering new experiences with her family.
