The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Renewables group is powering ahead
Abe r de en Renewable Energy Group (Areg) has grown its membership over the past 12 months, with sign- ups coming from leading companies within the renewables sector, renowned industry bodies and energy companies who are placing an increased focus on clean energy.
Among the 40 new signups are Montrose Port Authority, a service hub for the North Sea energy sector, OGUK, the not-forprofit representative body for the UK’s oil and gas industry, Aker Solutions, a global provider of products and services to the energy industry, Ryse Hydrogen, creators of the UK’s first network of green hydrogen production plants and Opito, the energy industry’s skills and safety body.
They will be joining the ranks of long-term members such as Equinor, EC- OG,Shell,Xod us, Sparrows Group and Miros Scotland.
Jean Morrison , chairwoman of Areg, said: “With the record-breaking amounts of energy generated from renewable sources in the first quarter of the year and the ambitions to achieve Net Zero, we have seen a swell in the numbers of businesses looking to make the most of their own renewable capabilities.
“It has been encouraging to see the number of companies who are now working towards the energy transition.
“Our members span all areas of the renewables industry, putting ourselves in a unique position to promote the extensive capabilities of the local supply chain to UK and international markets.”
Areg was founded in 2003 to support firms seeking growth within the renewables sector. It provides opportunities for direct access to some of the industry ’s largest developers through its events. It also connects businesses with access to groundbreaking projects, both domestically and abroad and ensures members are provided with updates on emerging opportunities in the sector.
Areg is a member organisation of the strategic cluster Europe Leading Blue Energy (Elbe) which aims to position Europe as the world leader in blue energy.
Following the securing of EU funding, phase two of the Elbe project is due to begin imminently.
Ms Morrison added: “There’ s been a real appetite from our members to hear from like-minded businesses and organisations about current challenges as well as the vast opportunities out there.
“We’ve had a range of knowledgeable speakers discussing the expansion of existing technologies as well as the latest developments in new energy sources, such as green hydrogen.”
Due to Covid-19, Areg has hosted a series of webinars with members to continue the sharing of ideas and insight across the renewables industry.
The next webinar in this series is at 2pm on November 3 and will focus on hydrogen, with speakers from SGN and Wood.