Member News: Thought Leadership Piece by Jordan Ferguson, CEO of Pier Solutions

February 12, 2025
Member News: Thought Leadership Piece by Jordan Ferguson, CEO of Pier Solutions

The Importance of Suitable Energy in Our Transition

As the world grapples with the pressing challenges of climate change, the demand for sustainable and suitable energy sources has become paramount. The energy transition is not just a buzzword; it represents a fundamental shift in how we generate, distribute, and consume energy. At Pier Solutions, we recognise this critical juncture and are committed to playing a pivotal role in the energy landscape of tomorrow. We focus on providing solutions-based engineering supporting the full infrastructure of the energy transition; call it ‘’Engineering The Energy Transition’’.

Understanding Suitable Energy

The term “suitable energy” encompasses a range of energy solutions that are not only viable but also sustainable, efficient, and capable of meeting the growing demands of society. Suitable energy sources, including renewables like solar, wind, and hydroelectric, offer the promise of reducing our carbon footprint while ensuring energy security. However, transitioning from traditional fossil fuels, particularly oil and gas, requires a concerted effort across industries and sectors.

The Role of Pier Solutions

At Pier Solutions, we have a unique vantage point. Our extensive experience in the oil and gas, subsea and marine sector has provided us with the technical expertise and operational knowledge necessary to lead in this transition. Our multifaceted approach integrates design and engineering, manufacturing and production, and installations and integrations both onshore and offshore—all essential components of delivering successful energy solutions.

Design and Engineering

The foundation of any successful energy project lies in its design and engineering. Our team at Pier Solutions is dedicated to developing innovative designs that not only meet regulatory requirements but also align with sustainability goals. We harness advanced technologies and methodologies to create solutions that are efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

For instance, our engineers utilise modelling software to simulate various energy generation scenarios, allowing us to optimise designs before implementation. This proactive approach minimises risks and enhances project outcomes, ensuring that our clients receive the most suitable energy solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Manufacturing and Production

Once a design is established, the next critical step is manufacturing and production. At Pier Solutions, we pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art facilities that are equipped with the latest

technologies. Our manufacturing processes are designed to uphold the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Investing in local talent and resources is at the core of our manufacturing philosophy. We believe in utilising the exceptional skill sets available within our community and across the UK. By fostering local partnerships and investing in our workforce, we not only enhance our production capabilities but also contribute to the economic growth of the regions we operate in.

Installations

The final phase of any energy project is installation, where our commitment to excellence truly shines. Our installation teams are trained to execute projects with a focus on safety, efficiency, and reliability. We understand that the successful implementation of energy solutions is crucial for achieving desired outcomes.

Our teams work closely with clients to ensure that installations are completed on time and within budget. We utilise best practices in project management to navigate potential challenges, ensuring that each project phase aligns with the overall vision and objectives.

Improving Transformation Skill Sets

As we transition from oil and gas to renewable energy sources, there is an urgent need to improve transformation skill sets within the workforce. The oil and gas industry has long been a cornerstone of our economy, and the expertise gained from years of operation is invaluable. However, to navigate the complexities of the energy transition, we must embrace new skills and knowledge.

At Pier Solutions, we are committed to investing in the upskilling and reskilling of our workforce. This commitment is not just about enhancing technical skills; it encompasses a broader understanding of sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and innovative technologies. By equipping our teams with the necessary tools and knowledge, we empower them to thrive in the evolving energy landscape.

Local and National Competence

The UK boasts an exceptional level of competence across various sectors, particularly in engineering and technology. At Pier Solutions, we recognise the importance of harnessing this local expertise to drive the energy transition. Collaborating with educational institutions, industry bodies, and local communities is essential for fostering a workforce that is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Our partnerships with universities and training organisations enable us to create tailored training programs that address the specific needs of our industry. By investing in our workforce, we not only enhance our operational capabilities but also contribute to building a skilled workforce that is essential for the energy transition.

Positioning for the Future

At Pier Solutions, we are positioning ourselves as the go-to engineering and delivery specialists for adopters and developers navigating the complexities of the energy transition. Our comprehensive approach to project delivery, combined with our commitment to local talent and sustainable practices, sets us apart in the industry.

We understand that the energy transition presents both challenges and opportunities. As we work with developers and adopters, our focus is on providing innovative solutions that meet their unique energy requirements. By leveraging our expertise across all disciplines, we ensure that projects are delivered effectively, efficiently, and sustainably.

Navigating Energy Requirements

The future energy landscape will require us to be agile and adaptable. As energy demands evolve, we must be prepared to navigate these changes while securing our energy requirements. At Pier Solutions, we are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve by continuously monitoring industry trends and engaging with stakeholders to understand emerging needs.

Our proactive approach enables us to anticipate challenges and develop strategies that align with our clients’ goals. By fostering strong relationships with our partners, we create a collaborative environment that drives innovation and ensures that we remain at the forefront of the energy transition.

Conclusion

The journey towards suitable energy is a collective effort that requires commitment, innovation, and collaboration. At Pier Solutions, we are excited to be part of this transformation, and we are dedicated to providing engineering and delivery solutions that will help secure our energy future.

By improving transformation skill sets, leveraging local competence, and positioning ourselves as leaders in the energy transition, we are confident that we can navigate the complexities of this evolving landscape. Together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient energy future for generations to come.

As we embrace this journey, let us remember that the path to suitable energy is not just about technology; it is about people—our talented workforce, our communities, and our commitment to a sustainable future. I personally believe if we harness the expertise, industry knowledge and experience we can achieve and develop more suitable energy solutions to meet expectations and improve our views on how and when we make the transitions.

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