SHETLAND’S own renewable energy exhibition and conference, Dynamic Shetland, takes place next month.
The first day on Wednesday will see Alex Kemp, professor of energy economics and finance at Aberdeen University, deliver a speech on Shetland’s energy profile.
Scottish energy minister, Fergus Ewing, will give an introductory address by video presentation, and other speakers include Calum Davidson, Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s energy director, who will give details on the support available for new energy generation projects in the region.
There will be presentations on cutting-edge energy projects underway around Shetland, including an update on the NINES smart grid funded by Ofgem and SSE, and the plans for the UK’s first commercial scale wave farm being co-developed by Pelamis and Vattenfall.
On day two, a limited number of spaces are also available for delegates to tour some of Shetland’s supply chain companies, and potential development sites.
The event has been organised by Shetland Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise with support from Energy North and the Shetland Renewable Energy Forum.
Councillor Alasdair Cooper, event chairman, said: “I’m delighted to announce the launch of the Dynamic Shetland event and the opportunity to bring some of the biggest and brightest names in the renewable energy sector to Shetland.
“It was clear from All Energy 2011 in Aberdeen in May that there is a real buzz around renewables development here and we want to show what we can do.
“We have some serious projects in development, from our Viking Energy Project to the Pelamis/Vattenfall Aegir joint venture to the SSE NINES projects, and considerable interest around the Shetland interconnector which would allow us to export power to the mainland.
“Together with Shetland Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Energy North and Shetland Renewable Energy Forum, we realised that it was time to show the world exactly why Shetland should be at the forefront of any renewable energy project developers mind – we have fantastic natural resources, we have the infrastructure and can provide the support needed to get developments off the ground.
“Our top-quality engineering, manufacturing and support companies can add real value. Dynamic Shetland will show this to a wider audience.”
For more details, e-mail Robin Sampson from Shetland Renewable Energy Forum on: info@shetland renewables.com
