Scottish Renewable conference goes online
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THE green economic recovery from coronavirus and Scotland's net-zero target will be at the heart of discussions at Scottish Renewables’ annual conference in September.
The event, which will be held in a virtual format for the first time, will take an in-depth look at the policies and public attitudes which underpin the new energy industry.
The event will take place over three days, from Monday September 1, and will feature speakers from business, policy, politics and the sector regulator.
Delegates will be able to take advantage of immersive networking experiences, a virtual exhibition hall and professionally-produced, broadcast-quality online sessions.
Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “We have experienced some unimaginable changes to our way of life in 2020.
"Climate change also brings deep challenges that needs us to change our behaviour as well as re-thinking how our economy runs for the sake of people across the whole world. Energy will be central to this and decarbonising our electricity, heat and transport supplies at pace is the only way we will be able to meet our net-zero goals here in Scotland and help others globally to tackle climate change."
Despite the challenges this year has brought, she was able to point to good news in the renewables energy sector.
“The past year has seen dramatic developments across all renewable energy technologies, including the re-introduction of onshore wind into the Contracts for Difference mechanism, the launch of the first offshore wind leasing round in Scottish waters for a decade and progress on the foundations to decarbonise heat at scale,” she added.
“As an industry body we worked with our members to support them through coronavirus, and it's now time to reflect on the steps we need to take to make sure that renewable energy is truly at the heart of a green economic recovery from this global pandemic, as well as society's journey to net zero.”
The event will be held as seven sessions over three days from Monday to Wednesday, with the programme now available to view online at www.scottishrenewables.com/events/40-srac20/programme.
Highlights include:
An opening session on how our climate change response is reshaping the energy industry, featuring Chris Stark, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change and Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of Ofgem.
A session looking at new sector changing technologies, with speakers from Octopus Energy, PassivSystems and Piclo alongside Dr Jan Webb, professor of sociology of organisations at the University of Edinburgh.
A planning session on day three where speakers from Brodies LLP, Burness Paull, RWE Renewables and the Scottish Government will ask what can be done to produce a better planning system.
Matthieu Hue, chief executive of main conference sponsor EDF Renewables, commented: “There is definitely a lot to talk about from sharing our views on our continued Covid-19 recovery to the requirements and opportunities of reaching the all-important net zero. It will certainly be worthwhile being together at the Scottish Renewables annual conference.”
