The Scottish Chamber of Commerce international network is leading a trade mission to the World Expo in Dubai, aimed at highlighting innovation in clean energy and sustainability from across the country.
The Chamber has launched an open call for Scottish businesses to showcase their technologies and expertise during the January 2022 mission.
Having brought the world together at COP26, the group is urging businesses to keep the momentum going by highlighting their successes in green energy development, as part of the Expo’s broad theme of sustainability.
Featuring more than 192 country pavilions, the delayed ‘Expo 2020’ event will bring together people from across the world to connect and demonstrate world-leading innovation and technology. Some of the world’s most advanced technology is on show, offering an ideal platform for Scottish technical innovation.
Organisers of the mission pointed to Scotland’s credentials as a clean energy developer, having established the world’s first floating offshore windfarm – the 30-MW Hywind project off Peterhead – as well as being home to one of Europe’s largest hydrogen bus fleets.
They also pointed to plans to develop a 900-MW gas power station at Peterhead equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which would be the first of its kind. The project is aimed at capturing up to 1.5million tonnes of CO2 every year, 15% of the UK’s 2030 target.
Beyond these examples, Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Dr Liz Cameron welcomed interest from Scottish businesses working in renewable energy, low carbon heat, low carbon transport, offshore wind, blue and green hydrogen and oil and gas transition.
Commenting on the trade mission, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson MSP, said: “We have a long-standing heritage as energy engineering pioneers, from the development of hydro power to offshore wind, tidal energy and our ambition to become a Hydrogen Nation, and COP26 was an opportunity to showcase our expertise and commitment to being a global leader in a green energy transition.
“COP26 must deliver a lasting legacy for the people of Scotland and across the world. Expo 2020 Dubai presents us with a huge opportunity put Scottish companies in the spotlight, highlighting their innovation and pioneering spirit in developing cleaner energy systems to ensure a greener, fairer future for us all.”
The summit will be held in Abu Dhabi from 17-19 January, and is aimed at businesses making the transition from fossil fuels and driving the change towards net zero.
The UK Pavilion will also host Scotland’s ‘Race to Net Zero Day’ on January 19.
Along with the support of 30 local Chambers across Scotland, Scottish Chambers will use its global links through the international Chamber network to set up meetings with carefully matched companies from around the world.
A week of activities is being organised for the delegation, along with some free time for delegates to attend Dubai Expo and the World Future Energy Summit.
More information on the event can be found at exporthubscotland.com, where you can also register interest in attending.