Dynamic Shetland, Shetland’s new energy event, officially launched its website (5 October) at www.dynamicshetland.co.uk .
Aimed at attracting the “biggest and brightest names” in renewable energy from all over Europe, the website aims to show the market every aspect of Shetland’s massive energy potential, and attract potential customers to the isles to see for themselves.
Dynamic Shetland will be based at the Clickimin Leisure Centre in Lerwick on 16 and 17 of November 2011, and will include a video introduction from the Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing MSP. There will be presentations by Professor Alex Kemp from Aberdeen University, a respected authority on the UK energy industry, and Calum Davidson, Director of Energy and Low Carbon for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Tours to key renewable energy sites will be available.
The event aims to ensure that Shetland is firmly on the map as a source of renewable, sustainable energy, and demonstrate the high quality and experience of Shetland companies involved in the industry. It will also illustrate the support available from key agencies and the way local facilities can enable renewable energy developments. There is already significant interest from developers, suppliers, media and influential industry figures.
Alastair Cooper, Dynamic Shetland’s chair , said: “ I’m delighted to announce the launch of the Dynamic Shetland website – it’s a great opportunity to attract some of the biggest and brightest names in the renewable energy sector to Shetland.
“It was clear from All Energy 2011 in Aberdeen in May that there is a real buzz in renewables development prospects around Shetland and we want to show what we can do.”
Already under development in Shetland and around its coastline are the Viking Energy windfarm, the Pelamis/Vattenfall Aegir joint venture and the Scottish and Southern Energy NINES project. There is also considerable interest around the Shetland interconnector, which would allow the export of power to the mainland.
“We realised that it was time to show the world exactly why Shetland should be at the forefront of any renewable energy project developer’s mind,” said Mr Cooper . “We have fantastic natural resources; we have the infrastructure and can provide the support needed to get developments off the ground. Our top quality engineering, manufacturing and support companies can add real value, and Dynamic Shetland will show this to a wider audience.”
The event brings together Shetland Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Energy North and the Shetland Renewable Energy Forum.
Katrina Wiseman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Shetland as a location to international developers, particularly those involved in wave and tidal energy, offshore wind and electricity grid development. The event will also provide local businesses with an invaluable chance for dialogue with key players within the renewable energy industry.”
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Source: hie, October 07, 2011