The Scotsman’s Green Energy Conference announces its clean agenda
Scotland has set an ambitious climate target to reach netzero emissions by 2040, with big plans to dramatically increase domestic levels of green power and become a world leader in the sector.
So can the country emerge as a frontrunner on the global stage? This is just one of the questions to be considered at The Scotsman’s annual conference on green energy, being held in Inverness next month. In a packed programme, attendees will hear the latest on how the country is progressing towards its goals, and what lies ahead.
Discussions will also focus on the role the Highlands and Islands have to play in the move to a low-carbon society and what practical measures will be needed for success.
People and businesses are being urged to sign up for the summit, which includes a range of speakers from industry and government, as well as panel events with Q&A sessions.
Already confirmed are representatives from organisations including electricity network provider SSEN Transmission, West of Orkney Wind Farm, Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, Vattenfall, RI Cruden, and Aurora Energy Services, as well as Skills Development Scotland and Highland Council.
STV journalist Nicola Mcalley, a news reporter for the region for the past 24 years, will host the event. She says: “The Highlands and Islands has been at the forefront of the energy
industry for decades and is on the cusp of a pivotal new era.
“I’m sure this timely event will offer plenty of opportunity for discussion and lively debate about
what the future holds for the region.”
Chris Bell, head of stakeholder engagement for SSEN Transmission, the event’s headline sponsor,
says: “We look forward to using this platform as a great opportunity to discuss our shared vision of enabling Scotland’s renewable energy potential, and how the planned £20bn Pathway to 2030 investment in our transmission network is critical to help deliver lasting socio-economic benefits, energy security and achieve climate change targets.”
Frank Elsworth, UK development director for onshore wind at Vattenfall Wind Power, adds: “Welldesigned renewable energy projects present a huge opportunity to the Highlands and Islands.
“Events like this are vital to encourage a proactive dialogue between developers, politicians, decision-makers and businesses in order to ensure benefits arising from renewable schemes are captured within the region.”
Stuart Mcauley, project director for West of Orkney Wind Farm, says: “This year, our focus is on ports and harbours, which – with the right investment in new infrastructure – will be key enablers in the roll-out of offshore wind and will bring skilled jobs and economic opportunities to the communities they serve.
“Collaboration will be critical, and the Highland and Islands Green Energy Conference is the ideal forum for us to discuss how we can all work together to realise our joint ambition.”
The Scotsman Green Energy Conference 2024 is being held on Wednesday, 5 June at Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness. Tickets can be booked online at www.nationalworld events.com/higc-2024