The Energy of Orkney: Leading the Way in Island Innovation

November 10, 2021
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Date(s) - November 10, 2021
9:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Humanity is currently facing some of its greatest ever challenges through the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis is being played out against the backdrop of something that has much more serious consequences for our planet and for all of us – climate change.

We urgently need to change the way we live and work long term if we are to have any hope of turning the tide on global warming.

We already know that renewable energy holds the key to slowing the rate of climate change. Crucially, renewables also have the potential to drive the global economic recovery that’s now needed – and to do it sustainably.

In Orkney, we’ve been at the forefront of innovation in the energy sector for generations, working in harmony with our natural resources for thousands of years.

We’re a small community – seen as remote by some – but we punch well above our weight in the energy world.

Orkney’s reputation for excellence and innovation places us at the centre of the renewable energy industry. More marine energy devices have been tested here than anywhere else in the world, and with moves into low carbon technologies, battery storage solutions and a huge uptake of electric vehicles and charging points, it’s not just the fertile farmland of these islands that will be green for years to come.

We’re fiercely proud of our clean energy track record in Orkney, and our status as a global centre of excellence for renewables research, innovation and development, and as a living laboratory, but we don’t jealously guard our knowledge. We’ve achieved much, but it has all come through collaboration.

Now, as the world faces its greatest threat, we believe the Orkney way could hold the key to building a more sustainable future for humanity, while driving a green economic boom in the process.

Against the backdrop of COP26 and the world’s biggest climate change discussion, come and hear our story.

Register to attend 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