AREG NEWS: AREG launches Energy Futures networks

May 29, 2023
AREG NEWS: AREG launches Energy Futures networks

Building on the success of its inaugural Energy Futures Conference and Exhibition in 2022, Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) is set to launch a series of Energy Futures networks for 2023/24.

The AREG networks, centered around different industry specialisms, were set up to encourage collaboration among its diverse 280+ membership community, foster the sharing of information and best practices, explore challenges and opportunities as well as updates on the latest developments in the renewables sector.

AREG chair, Jean Morrison MBE, said: “We are thrilled to build on the success of last year’s conference with the launch of our networks. Set to create space for AREG members and stakeholders to discuss topical issues across a range of different specialisms, the networks feed into AREG’s core values, enabling renewable energy through intelligence sharing opportunities and membership networking.

She continued: “Kicking off with the communications network later this month, we will announce dates for future network meetings in coming weeks.”

AREG’s five Energy Futures networks include:

  • Supply Chain and Technology – chaired by Neil McIntosh, director of Aberdeen International Associates and sponsored by Fennex
  • Communications – chaired by Stephen Christie, communications, and external affairs manager at bp
  • Public Policy – chaired by Paul Robertson, head of public affairs at BIG Partnership
  • Professional Services – chaired by Rod Hutchison, AREG board member and a legal director at MacRoberts LLP
  • Renewable Energy-Young Professionals (RE-YP) – chaired by Graceann Robertson, marketing manager at Verlume and Charlotte Hartley, public affairs manager Storegga and sponsored by OPITO

The network meetings will run throughout the year, both online and in-person, beginning with the Communications Network, chaired by Stephen Christie.

The forum will meet virtually on Thursday, 22 June from 1-2pm, and will focus on the challenges and opportunities organisations face in communicating what they do as we progress through the energy transition. This is equally relevant for traditional oil and gas companies moving towards net zero and renewables organisations sharing their message in rapidly growing sectors such as offshore wind, CCUS and hydrogen.

Network chair, Stephen Christie said:

“I’m looking forward to exploring some of the key challenges we face in the energy sector, specifically around adjusting our communications practices to meet the sustainability expectations of employees, stakeholders, and consumers. Every organisation has slightly different factors that influence its messaging, but we are all working in the same space and can learn a lot from one another. Following a short presentation, there will be an informal discussion with the opportunity to pose questions to the group and speakers.”

To join any of AREG’s five networks, and to register your interest in Stephen Christie’s upcoming Communications Network meeting, please email [email protected]

As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, AREG has a limited number of sponsorship opportunities available, including the chance to sponsor AREG’s communications, public policy, or professional services networks. To find out more please click here.

Get in touch

AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce

The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy

Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall

Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise