Commitment to Cutting-Edge Renewable Energy Solutions on Display in Scotland

All-Energy 2018 Glasgow, the UK’s largest renewable and low-carbon energy exhibition and conference, began on May 2 having broken a record even before the doors opened. For the first time in the show’s history, four government ministers were scheduled to speak with Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, delivering the keynote in the opening plenary session.

During the two-day event, more than 7,500 attendees were able to listen to and meet with more than 460 speakers—including the four ministers, and nearly 50 CEO’s and executives—and visit the stands of more than 360 exhibiting companies. Conference sessions were held covering new developments in offshore wind, in particular floating offshore wind; the state of the art as well as potential of wave and tidal energy; energy storage; hydrogen; and other solutions.

The conference has also highlighted the growing split between the Westminster government and Scotland, in particular with renewable energy development and deployment. Many presentations touched on frustrations with Brexit, the UK governments’ stance on onshore wind, and Scotland’s ability to achieve its own goals of adopting more carbon-free energy and achieving energy independence. On display at the large trade exhibition were hundreds of Scottish companies and organizations as well as international energy solution providers showcasing their latest offers.

Long an advocate of both clean energy and increased Scottish political independence, a passionate Nicola Sturgeon (Figure 1) delivered the keynote speech on Wednesday morning calling on the UK government to immediately reintroduce a route to market for more onshore wind projects. Saying it was “hard to articulate” her government’s frustration with Westminster over the latter’s ongoing embargo of price support for the sector, Sturgeon promised that “the Scottish government will continue to be a voice and help the UK government arrive at a decision to give a route to market to onshore wind … Not to do so would be a betrayal not just to this generation but to future generations,” she added.

1. Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, delivered the keynote in the opening plenary session during All-Energy 2018 Glasgow. Source: Lee Buchsbaum

ScottishPower chief executive Keith Anderson was equally emphatic as he exclaimed, “I cannot believe I am standing here again asking for onshore wind support.” Citing the latest polling numbers that show 76% of Brits are in favor of onshore wind, he said “politicians should listen to the public. Scotland is driving green growth in the UK and the government’s priority should be securing the future of onshore wind.”

Despite these challenges, the UK offshore wind industry remains confident that it will secure a sector deal to support 30 GW of installed capacity by 2030. Offshore Wind Energy Council co-chairman Benj Sykes said the industry is aiming to have an agreement this summer. The proposed agreement requests “visibility” on future auctions that would support 2 GW of capacity annually for delivery beginning in 2024. In return, the industry has promised to increase direct employment from around 15,000 jobs today to 27,000 while boosting exports from £500 million to £2.6 billion. Siemens Gamesa UK director Clark MacFarlane said the industry is working on plans to develop “five or six” regions or clusters specializing in offshore wind.

Also announced was the Floating Wind Joint Industry Project (JIP) report that outlines technology challenges and prioritizes innovation needs for the sector in order to reach cost parity with other energy technologies. A summary of the main findings from the first phase of technical projects was launched on Thursday by Scotland’s Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse.

—Lee Buchsbaum (www.lmbphotography.com), a former editor and contributor to Coal Age, Mining, and EnergyBiz, has covered coal and other industrial subjects for nearly 20 years and is a seasoned industrial photographer.