All-Energy ’08 will eclipse all previous versions of the annual showcase for the UK’s renewable-energy sector when it takes place in Aberdeen this week, the organisers said yesterday.
The two-day event opens at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on Wednesday, with a record number of exhibitors and visitors signed up to attend.
All-Energy project director Judith Patten said: “There are more exhibitors filling more space and more speakers, while registrations to attend are coming in at a record pace from home and overseas.”
Around 4,000 people from all corners of the globe poured through the doors of the UK’s largest renewable-energy exhibition and conference last year.
Miss Patten said registrations for the event were already 25% up on the 2007 total, with inward missions helping to attract delegates from as far as China and Japan. All-Energy is held in association with the British Wind Energy Association, Scottish Renewables and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG).
Morag McCorkindale, AREG’s chief operating officer, said: “The renewables industry is an exciting place to be right now.
“There are companies in Aberdeen city and shire who have what it takes to innovate and compete in a fast-growing, multibillion-pound global sector.”
She added: “We look forward to meeting many visitors to All-Energy ’08 and having the opportunity to share our capabilities and future ambitions.”
All-Energy ’08 will open with a welcome from Aberdeen Lord Provost Peter Stephen and keynote presentations from two energy ministers – Holyrood’s Jim Mather and Norway’s Liv Monica Stubholt.
Industry speakers taking part in the opening plenary session include Scottish and Southern Energy chief executive Ian Marchant and John Westwood, managing director of energy sector analyst Douglas-Westwood.
UK Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks, is unable to attend for the initial session, but will contribute to a later discussion of European Union renewable energy targets.
Among the many speakers on day two will be Energy Technologies Institute chief executive David Clarke, Japanese consul general Kenichi Suganuma and Scottish Parliament economy, energy and tourism committee convener Tavish Scott MSP.
More than 380 companies from a dozen countries will be showcasing products.