Orkney marine energy firms promote islands at major industry event

Orkney’s marine energy sector will have a strong presence at a major renewables industry event that gets underway in Glasgow today (Wednesday, 10 May).

All-Energy is the UK’s largest renewable energy conference and exhibition, bringing together buyers from the bioenergy, solar, offshore and onshore wind, hydropower and 'wave and tidal' sectors, as well as those involved in energy storage, heat, low carbon transport and sustainable cities solutions.

The annual two day event - taking place in the SEC - also gives industry suppliers, experts and thought-leaders from the renewable energy supply chain the opportunity to connect with new customers, increase their sales opportunities and expand business networks in a fast-changing marketplace.

Orkney’s delegation will include a mix of local marine energy supply chain businesses, public sector representatives and staff from the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).

Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Orkney Islands Council are supporting the 11-strong Orkney delegation’s attendance at the event, with the islands promoted through a special exhibition stand and marine energy supply chain brochure.

Graeme Harrison, HIE’s area manager for Orkney, said: “All Energy is the UK’s flagship renewable energy conference and exhibition, so it’s absolutely vital that Orkney has a strong presence in Glasgow.

“Whilst Orkney’s position at the forefront of the global marine energy sector is well known, and the expertise of our supply chain well respected, we can never rest on our laurels and must ensure we continue to interact with, and listen to, representatives from across the renewables industry.

“By attending events such as All Energy, we can both stay abreast of the latest developments within the sector and build on Orkney’s lead role in wave and tidal research. The event also represents a good opportunity to promote Orkney and tell the wider renewables story about our islands.”

Stuart Allison, economic development manager at Orkney Islands Council, said: “During All Energy we’ll be discussing the Draft Orkney Sustainable Energy strategy with a number of key stakeholders. We’ll also be getting the message across that Orkney, with all its local expertise, is the ideal location for the trialling and testing of innovative energy systems.”

Amongst the Orkney firms traveling to Glasgow are award-winning Stromness based marine operations specialists, Green Marine.

“We’re always proud to be part of the Orkney contingent at All Energy,” said Green Marine’s managing director, Jason Schofield. “Whilst the local marine energy supply chain is incredibly diverse, we all recognise the value in presenting a united front at such an important event. It’s good for Orkney and for us as a business.

“Green Marine now operates around the world, with our fleet of vessels, and the range of services we offer, continually expanding. Everywhere we go, our Orkney identity is a positive factor and it gives clients real confidence. Our renewables sector is well known for its hard work and willingness to innovate and we fully expect this year’s All Energy event to be a particularly busy one for all of us on the Orkney stand.”