The islands of Scotland are leading the renewable energy revolution, according to Highlands and Islands Enterprise Board member, Steve Thomson.
Mr Thomson will be delivering a presentation titled “Energy and the Islands” at the All Energy conference in Aberdeen tomorrow [Wed 23 May].
There are more than 50 inhabited islands in Scotland with a total population of 99,500, which is 23% of the total in the HIE area. These islands have favourable natural resources to support renewable developments and a history of success. Mr Thomson will emphasise the resourcefulness of local communities and the legacy of energy developments contributing to their success over previous decades – including oil and gas at Flotta and Sullom Voe.
Originally from Falkirk, Mr Thomson moved to Tiree with his family after falling in love with life on the island. He joined HIE’s Board in 2008 and is involved in a number of community ventures including Tiree Community Broadband, Tiree Renewable Energy Limited and Our Power based in Cairndow – run by local charity ‘Here We Are’.
Mr Thomson commented: “Our island communities are known for their resourcefulness, innovative ideas and creativity. They have a history of energy developments – back to the peak of the oil and gas industry across Scotland and they are now leading the way with renewables and new types of energy generation.”
The All Energy session will focus on the opportunities for renewable energy on islands – and address solutions to some of the challenges for islands, such as energy storage.
Mr Thomson will deliver his presentation on Wednesday afternoon [23 May], on the first day of the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference. The Highlands and Islands are being represented by 76 exhibiting companies in regional pavilions, including Orkney, Shetland, Caithness and Argyll – all coming together under the Hi-Energy banner.
The event at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre has attracted delegates from across the globe, with over 580 exhibitors from over 20 countries and 300-plus speakers.
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Offshore WIND staff, May 22, 2012; Image: hie