Shining a light on the energy transition in the north east

January 7, 2020
Shining a light on the energy transition in the north east

It has been a busy and positive 12 months for AREG, with the diversity of our members continuing to grow. As part of our remit to bring new business opportunities and renewables investment to the city, we provided support, skills and networking for our members throughout 2019.

At our members’ event in May, many local companies signalled that they are actively looking at opportunities to diversify. Individuals from a range of supply chain and operator companies attended the breakfast at the Music Hall, which showcased AREG members who have successfully made the transition to renewables from oil and gas.

A dedicated Energy Transition Hub at this year’s SPE Offshore Europe exhibition and conference, echoed this enthusiasm for the energy transition and a shift in mindsets for a low carbon future. Running in parallel with Offshore Europe, we supported the programme for the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) delegation visit to Aberdeen. The WECP connects some of the world’s leading energy capitals to seek out and develop opportunities for learning, exchanges and engagement.

As part of the programme, we were proud to host an exclusive offshore visit and close viewing of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, off the coast of Aberdeen. The trip was an opportunity to bring AREG and WECP members together to discuss key projects and supply chain opportunities in renewables.

In October, we supported the Hydrogen Festival in Aberdeen which attracted around 700 delegates from the UK, Europe and the United States. Hydrogen opportunities within the North East were showcased, with opportunities to explore further and network with other delegates. It was a great success, with all participants speaking very highly of Aberdeen and its status as a hydrogen leader.

At our most recent members’ event in December, Paul de Leeuw, director of Robert Gordon University’s Energy Transition Institute, and Mike Sibson, office head of BGF in Aberdeen, discussed the importance of investing in skills and resources as the industry grows. Advances in technology and adapting to new business models were noted as key factors in Aberdeen’s energy industry over the next 10 years.

The year ended by celebrating achievements in the renewables sector at the Scottish Green Energy Awards in Edinburgh. We were delighted to be involved once again as a supporting sponsor and it was great to see that two AREG members won awards – Green Marine for the outstanding service award and Aberdeen City Council for the Sustainable Development Award and that the Beatrice offshore windfarm project was recognised with the judges Award.

In 2019, as we have done for the last 15 years, we opened doors for several companies new to renewables and going forward we will remain at the heart of helping to develop projects of key economic value in the future. We are looking forward to another successful year in 2020, with more member showcase events in the pipeline as well as AREG trade missions to France, Spain, Asia and the US.

Jean Morrison, Chair of Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group

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.

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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