Working together will keep us on target for net-zero
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The threat from climate change has led to governments around the world – not just in Scotland and the UK – setting ambitious carbon reduction targets.
So ambitious, many commentators believe, that they will not be achievable by organisations working alone.
That is a view shared by Fred Olsen Renewables, which has been involved in the green energy sector since 1996, and why the business is supporting the best public sector collaboration category at the second Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards in April.
Development manager Finley Becks-Phelps said: “Fred Olsen Renewables is proud to sponsor the best public sector collaboration award 2020. To achieve carbon reduction targets, both at an organisational and national level, collaborative working across a range of industry stakeholders and sectors will be required.
Submissions from project teams across the region are encouraged where effective collaboration has resulted in the successful delivery of project outcomes.”
Judges at the awards, which are organised by Highland News and Media and supported by independent law firm Harper Macleod, will be looking for public sector projects which showcase collaboration and best practice in energy project delivery between the public, commercial and third sector.
A perfect example of such collaborative thinking was the Fair Isle Project which became the first winner of the category at the 2019 awards.
This saw Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Water and Shetland Islands Council join forces to use wind and solar power to deliver 24-hour electricity to the island, which lies midway between Orkney and Shetland.
Not only has this transformed life for the island’s present population, who no longer have to endure eight hours of enforced darkness every night, it also offers the hope of a brighter future as previously there was little point in building new homes on the island because of the sparse electricity capacity.
To qualify for the award, projects must have been carried out or reached financial close within the last 24 months and should showcase collaboration between the public sector, commercial sector and/or third sector.
The second Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards will be held at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Thursday, April 30, and will follow on from the 11th annual Harper Macleod Scottish Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Conference (SHREC) at the same venue.
This will look at the exciting developments taking place on land and sea in the renewables sector in the Highlands and Islands, and the issues raised by the climate change challenge.
To enter any of the eight open categories at the Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards, visit hnmedia.co.uk/renewable-energy-day
The deadline for entries is Saturday, March 28.
Tickets for the awards dinner can also be purchased at the same site, while tickets for SHREC can be booked by calling 01463 796666 or visiting www.harpermacleod.co.uk/events
The conference is free to attend, but spaces are limited and must be reserved.
