AIM HIGH TO REALISE LOW CARBON AMBITIONS Following COP26, we look at how the Highlands and Islands are well positioned to secure lasting benefit from the energy transition, and will help deliver net zero and build regional prosperity. Across the Highlands and Islands there are many examples of individual communities and businesses that are already making a difference in the world of energy transition and low carbon. From small-scale hydro schemes to companies innovating in solar and tidal power through to local wind generation and not-for-profit enterprises in the circular economy, the move to delivering net zero is gaining real pace at a community level. The significant, arguably unrivalled, natural resources of the region, from wind, wave and tidal through to our peatlands and coastline, mean that large multinational companies involved in energy transition innovation are seriously looking at the Highlands and Islands as a location to deploy at scale or to manufacture for a global market. Across onshore and offshore wind, solar and hydro power, bioenergy, green hydrogen production, tidal and wave energy, and more recently carbon sequestration, the Highlands and Islands are home to a range of collaborative energy transition and net zero projects which will be vital in terms of creating next generation employment opportunities and helping to maintain and strengthen communities across the region. Below, we capture some of these headline projects along with some personal reflections following on from COP26. A RENEWED FOCUS, A RENEWED MOMENTUM During COP26, companies and projects from the Highlands and Islands featured in a wide range of events, including those held within Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone. Hosted by Scottish Enterprise, in partnership with HIE, South of Scotland Enterprise and the Scottish Government, the programme of 24 events over the two weeks of COP26 attracted 1,066 in-person delegates and 1,631 virtual delegates. A total of 90 companies from far and wide showcased their net zero credentials via a virtual exhibition which all participants in the programme could access. 4
With HIE leading and contributing to some of the key sessions, notably on offshore wind, hydrogen and marine energy, it was an opportunity to put the spotlight on the spectrum of opportunities that exist within the region and now driven by the global commitment to net zero. Hosted in partnership with Wave Energy Scotland, the marine energy session provided a platform to highlight the important role that wave and tidal have to play in the transition. “Since it’s based on natural tide patterns, we can accurately predict the output of any tidal marine energy system long before it’s installed,” explains Neil Kermode, managing director of the Orkney-based European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC). “That makes tidal power a hugely valuable renewable energy source – and it’s important to share an ambitious vision at sessions like these to inspire people to see the vast possibilities.” HIE’s director of energy transition and net zero, Audrey MacIver, adds: “The Highlands and Islands have played a lead role in getting marine energy technology to where it is today. We’re already worldleading in the sector with innovative technology developers launching new concepts in our coastal waters, and an experienced supply chain that has evolved to support them. But we need to ensure that we continue to build on the work done over the past two decades.” Significantly, in recent months, increasing private sector investment in the marine energy sector has been very encouraging and HIE remains committed to working with its partners to move the sector to the next level by supporting a step change to commercialisation and beyond. The recent confirmation of tidal energy support within the UK Government’s next low carbon energy auction round represents a major boost for the industry.
