Putting decarbonisation plans into action

March 6, 2020
Putting decarbonisation plans into action

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the energy transition is defined as ‘a pathway toward transformation of the global energy sector from fossil-based to zero-carbon by the second half of this century’.

This route to transition is being accelerated through ambitious climate goals, with the UK Government Climate Change Committee’s ‘Net Zero – The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming’ report recommending that the UK sets net zero targets for 2050, with a target of 2045 in Scotland.

The term ‘energy transition’ and the above-mentioned net zero policy targets have been widely publicised in recent years, with an ever-increasing public interest in the UK’s contribution to climate change. This is certainly not a new term for Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG). We have been working with our members in this area for the last 15 years to assist with this move into a new landscape.

Acting on behalf of our members since 2003, we have been developing renewable projects of key economic value as well as opening doors for companies who wish to move into the renewables sector. Given Aberdeen’s long-established position as Europe’s leading energy hub and its global reputation for energy project delivery, we want Aberdeen to be as famous for renewables as it is for oil and gas.

I am optimistic that we can achieve our ambition, with Aberdeen already receiving increased recognition for its role in the transition. A growing number of energy transition events are taking place in the city in the coming months, providing key opportunities for companies to share their activities and highlight progress on their decarbonisation journey. I would encourage you to look out for these events and get involved.

It is important not to underestimate the challenges that will lie ahead as part of the energy transition, in the run up to 2050 and beyond. However, looking back on what has been achieved in the last 15 years, particularly in offshore wind, I am confident of what we can achieve in the energy transition going forward.

If you would like to join around 160 existing AREG members from around the world who are already putting their decarbonisation plans into action, take a look at the AREG website for more information about becoming a member. Members receive several benefits including events, information, networking and business opportunities.

I hope to see you at an energy transition event in Aberdeen in the near future.

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