AREG event to focus on investing in renewables future

December 2, 2019
AREG event to focus on investing in renewables future

An industry event is set to explore the importance of investing in skills and resources as companies look to exploit new business opportunities in the growing renewable energy sector.

The Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) is hosting its final event of the year at the Carmelite Hotel on Wednesday 11th December. Titled “Investing in the Future”, the event will give delegates the chance to engage with leading experts from academia and private equity investment.

The event, which is free to AREG members, will see Paul de Leeuw, director of the RGU Energy Transition Institute, discuss key industry dynamics and the possible implications for the workforce of the future. Mr de Leeuw has more than 30 years’ experience in the energy industry and has worked for several major companies, including Shell, Marathon Oil, Amoco, BP, Venture Production and Centrica Energy.

Mike Sibson, head of BGF’s office in Aberdeen, will discuss the market’s view of investing in energy companies and where he sees the opportunities for the renewable sector’s supply chain. To date, BGF has invested over £130 million in the North of Scotland. Mr Sibson is responsible for making equity investments in ambitious SMEs and working with them to realise their potential.

Jean Morrison, chair of AREG, said: “The north east will play an important role in the shift to a low carbon economy and investment in both skills and resources will be key. Our high-calibre speakers will share valuable insights to ensure that attendees can capitalise on the energy transition and win new business.”

Paul de Leeuw commented: “With Government targets in place for net zero by 2045 (Scotland) and 2050 (UK), the future is clearly going to involve a large shift towards renewable energy. A key component of a successful energy transition involves developing a world class offshore energy workforce, which is equipped with the right skills and capabilities to meet the sector’s future needs.”

Mike Sibson said: “Scotland produces one quarter of the UK’s total renewable energy output, and there is plenty of potential to accelerate production. We have the people and knowledge needed to create the new technologies that will facilitate the energy transition. But significant investment is also needed – and this investment has to be long-term. If we get this right, Scotland will be on track to become the world leader in renewable production and technology.”

The event takes place from 18:00-20:00 on Wednesday (December 11th) at the Carmelite Hotel in Aberdeen. Attendance is free for AREG members or £25 for non-members who wish to attend.

To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/areg-investing-in-the-future-registration-81464952867

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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.

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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