Private and public sector organisations in the Highlands and Islands are setting out their case to be rated one of the most successful energy industry hubs in the world at the industry's premier event this month.

The ambitious bid is being pursued by 41 companies and organisations from the region attending All-Energy, one of the energy industry’s most important international exhibition and conference events (May 19 and 20, AECC, Aberdeen). It is estimated to be the biggest single regional grouping at All-Energy this year.

The region will be demonstrating to the world's renewable energy industry a united message of determination to win business endorsed by no fewer than six local authorities, the North Scotland Industries Group (NSIG), representing more than 100 energy companies, and the economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

There are almost 600 companies and organisations with an interest in energy in the Highlands and Islands, operating in a wide variety of sectors including oil and gas to wind, tidal, wave, biomass, hydro and hydrogen. The region has pioneered significant developments including the world’s first deepwater offshore wind project and the establishment of EMEC, the world’s first and only full-scale, grid connected wave and tidal device test and accreditation centre.

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Ian Couper, chief executive of NSIG, said: “The Highlands and Islands is fast moving into pole position globally, particularly in renewable energy, through our combination of natural resources, technical expertise and development projects in hand. We have a huge range of companies successfully working in the UK and internationally from their bases in the region, across all main energy sectors.

“With the burgeoning energy activity in our area and so many of our companies presenting at All-Energy, it is clear that NSIG members, HIE and local authorities from Argyll and Bute, Highland, Moray, North Ayrshire, Outer Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney are now promoting the region's recognisable advantages into a major energy hub for Scotland, the UK and internationally.”

Orkney will represent a significant part of the Highlands and Islands presence at All-Energy where the Orkney Pavilion alone will host 11 businesses and organisations.

Orkney representative Liz Foubister said: "Marine energy generation requires committed collaboration among numerous agencies and partners. The Orkney representation at All Energy this year includes consultants, academia, developers and the local authority which sends a clear message to potential investors on our preparedness for success in this sector." The Orkney deputation will also be delivering a conference session on ‘The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters’.

Presenting at that session will be head of energy at HIE, Audrey MacIver, who said: “From Orkney, Caithness and Shetland, down to Argyll and Bute, the Highlands and Islands region is forging ahead and seizing the growing energy opportunities that oil, gas and renewables are creating.

“We are ambitious to support this industry development, and together with the private sector and local authorities, are highlighting the reality that the region is now a key Scottish energy hub.”

(GK)