SLOWLY but surely, energy use across the world is changing, with a real determination to replace fossil fuels with renewables.
We still have a very long way to go, but green power is an area where Scotland has a growing reputation as a global leader.
The Paris climate change conference last December committed countries to zero net carbon emissions by the second half of the century.
Scotland is well positioned on this: we already have some of the toughest targets in the world and a real commitment to leading by example.
Renewable energy doesn’t just impact on the environment: it’s big business too, providing commercial opportunities for companies of all sizes. Onshore wind alone, for instance, provides more than £7 billion worth of economic benefits.
FUTURE PROOF: Familiar sources such as Whitelee Wind Farm must be combined with new developments in energy storage, heat pumps, marine energy and smart grids.
This is a vast industry, covering a broad spectrum of forms of generation including onshore and offshore wind, wave and tidal, solar, hydro, biomass and more as well as associated technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Scotland is involved in all of these. All-Energy 2016, which is to take place at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre on May 4 and 5, is a major platform for businesses and stakeholders in the industry to assess opportunities, learn about the latest developments and network with each other.
The event is now in its 16th year, with an intense and busy programme including 10 different conference streams, a networking evening at the Glasgow Science Centre together with an interactive display and a packed exhibition complete with new dedicated zones.
There will be hundreds of exhibiting companies and expert knowledge of every aspect of renewables.
It really is nothing less than a one-stop shop for the industry – and, what’s more, the entire event is free to attend for those with relevant business or professional interests.
A star list of some 450 speakers includes Keith Anderson, Scottish Power’s Chief Corporate Officer and also Chief Executive of ScottishPower Renewables; Professor Sir Jim McDonald of Strathclyde University, also Chair of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board; Julian Leslie, Electricity Network Development Manager for the National Grid; and Jasper Rogler from the International Renewable Energy Authority.
ON STREAM: Scotland has produced hydro power for decades while use of biofuels is fast gaining momentum.
It’s a must visit event for anyone with a commercial interest in the sector – last year, more than 8000 visitors from over 50 countries attended.
This year’s programme is every bit as compelling, with a huge amount of expertise and information to be provided and shared.
As a major highlight of the renewables calendar, it’s not something anyone with an involvement would want to miss.
For further information, just visit www.all-energy.co.uk
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FUNDS POUR IN AS PROJECT POWERS ON
Atlantis Resources is committed to tidal stream power and has recently agreed a partnership with major private infrastructure investor, Equitix, which will invest at least £100m in Atlantis over the next two years and take a 25 per cent stake in each of Atlantis’ projects.
Atlantis’ Scottish portfolio includes the MeyGen project; the world’s largest tidal stream development project.
At 398mw of total installed capacity when fully constructed, this is new power showing just what it’s capable of.
Tidal turbines will be placed on the seabed to harness the kinetic energy of the tides, turning natural energy into electricity.
Since these tides are governed by the moon’s 28-day cycle, the behaviour of the water flows is entirely predictable and the electricity produced is assured.
In August 2014, Atlantis, majority owners of MeyGen, announced that it had agreed tiers for funding for Phase 1A of construction.
The project, based in the Pentland Firth, started off with a package worth £51m and has no shortage of enthusiastic investors.
The 2014 Phase 1A funding syndicate includes the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Crown Estates and Atlantis itself.
Speaking about the recent partnership with infrastructure investor Equitix, Tim Cornelius, chief executive of Atlantis, describes the agreement as “a very important step for us in engaging a partner with both vital experience of large infrastructure projects and access to extensive capital, coupled with a desire to work with us to accelerate further development of the UK’s tidal power industry.”
Atlantis already has a portfolio of permissions for tidal projects – five in all – in Scotland, and has every intention of building on those and adding others.
Its position seems assured. It acquired two projects from ScottishPower Renewable (SPR) last December in an all-share deal, including an additional 100mw development in the Pentland Firth and a 10mw project in the Sound of Islay.
These two projects sit alongside Atlantis Resources’ major 398mw project.
Tim Cornelius is absolutely confident: “We have already had two seasons of construction and we absolutely know what we’re doing. The technology is proven.
"There has never been a better time for this. Oil and gas are limping along while our technology is proven and infrastructure money is pouring in from pensions funds.
“We are able to use the oil and gas supply chain to get the skills we need in an environment that has a dearth of good projects."
The project will be established in phases with the first turbines
emitting power towards the end of this summer. The others will gradually be secured over the following few years.
Other projects in Atlantis’ portfolio are The Sound of Islay, Ness of Ducansby, Brough Ness and the Mull of Galloway.
In the view of Tim Cornelius, All-Energy 2016 is enormously important. He says: “We are closely involved with a whole range of different projects and potential partners.
"If it’s happening, we’re there and this exhibition and conference is a great way of meeting up with people of like mind."
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AN ARRAY OF BRIGHT IDEAS
THE Forster Group, exhibiting at the show, will be featuring a range of industry leading products and services for solar PV, including its award-winning in-roof technology for house builders; a commercial roof top solar offer and an Energy Efficiency Standard beating service for Registered Social Landlords.
Visitors to the stand will be able to see how solar PV panels can be neatly integrated into new roofs.
LIGHT FANTASTIC: PV panels look set to be favoured by the construction industry.
They will be able to ask about the services Forster provides for both new build and refurbishment projects.
As the 2015 change in the Scottish Building Regulations impacts upon the construction industry, this company’s response looks set to become one of the most popular solutions to the new regulations.
This is just one more example of how Scotland is a leader in this sector.
There are plenty more at the All-Energy Exhibition and Conference.
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