AREG newsletter

LUNCH & LEARN AND SUPPER & LEARNIn association with Aberdeen City Council, AREG is launching a series of learning events. These short sessions are intended to increase awareness of local capabilities, gain access to other AREG members’ experience and create new networking and business development opportunities. The first meeting will be at the National Hyperbaric Centre on the evening of 29th September 2015, 6-8pm. The host for the evening will be Lieutenant Commander Richard “Soapy” Watson. Latterly, Richard was Head of Diving Training in the Royal Navy before joining the NHC as Global Training Manager in January 2015.

www.aberdeenrenewables.com

NEWSLETTERDELIVERINGA RENEWABLE FUTURE

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE

READ moRE INSIDE

US AmBASSADoRTo THE UK VISITS AREG

NATIoNAL HYPERBARIC CENTRE

A KEY PRoJECT FoR THE EURoPEAN oFFSHoRE WIND INDUSTRY

Councillor Jenny Laing, Leader Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeen City Council is committed to the development of a sustainable economy, job creation and preservation, and to building and maintaining quality of life and equality of opportunity for our citizens. It is for this reason that I convened the Oil and Gas Summit in February (2015) and why we are vigorously pursuing an effective City Deal for large scale investment in the city.

For these same reasons the City Council has been active in renewables for more than 15 years. We have long recognised how this exciting new growth area would add to our existing industrial base and be a key contributor to building a 21st Century sustainable energy industry.

Our energy industry is critical to the sustainability of our economy, our quality of life and opportunity for our citizens. Aberdeen’s energy skills are transferable and the rise of new renewable technologies offers huge opportunities both at home and overseas.

In the past 15 years we have seen encouraging progress. Aberdeen City and Shire is now the largest employer in offshore wind in Scotland by some margin. This is a significant achievement and one we can be proud of. Not only are our companies and organisations making inroads into offshore markets but also into diverse fields such as bio-energy, heat, solar, biomass and electricity storage. In addition, we are making Aberdeen an attractive location for pioneering energy projects – the City Council’s own H2 hydrogen projects and the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre in which AREG is a joint venture partner being the most prominent.

However there are still challenges with the development and integration of renewables and these must not be underestimated. I am convinced that our energy industry can play a vital role in addressing and overcoming the challenges by applying the innovations and solutions in which our people are so well versed and for which Aberdeen is globally renowned.

NEWFoR2015

Vattenfall, and AMEC Wind Energy the company it acquired in 2008, has worked closely with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. The wind project has a long and colourful history and through our collaboration we feel we have forged a strong relationship. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Jason Ormiston, Head of Public and Regulatory Affairs, Vattenfall

AREG continues proactively to endorse you, our members, your capabilities and Aberdeen City and Shire as a “go to” energy business and problem solving location. In 2014 – 2015 we promoted your interests by exhibiting, networking and distributing membership directories at All-Energy, Scottish Renewables Annual Conference also Marine and Offshore Wind conferences. In addition we welcomed over 150 delegates to our international trade reception in May, played a prominent role in All-Energy 2014 business breakfast and the Scottish Green Energy Awards. At all these events we experienced a buoyant interest in our membership and the capabilities of our network of contacts. Also in 2014, for the first time Renewable UK, AREG and Aberdeen City Council hosted a business reception for the Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind conference. 100 people attended an animated evening and exchange of news, views and contacts. In total, this provided potential exposure for AREG and its members to over 10,000 delegates, all with a keen interest in renewable energy.

We shall be continuing these activities in 2015 – 2016 and are scheduled to attend the following conferences:

PRomoTING oUR mEmBERS

Jean Morrison, Chair of AREG

AREG looks forward to another year in the renewables industry with customary enthusiasm. As with every other year we are aware that there will be opportunities and successes but also challenges and risks.

In 2014 -2015 Aberdeen has continued to develop and consolidate its position as a globally competitive energy capital in terms of supply chain and UK and international markets. Also in 2014 full consent was awarded for the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC), a project that will be very important for delivering government and industry ambitions for offshore wind. We also recently saw Europe’s largest fleet of hydrogen buses appear on Aberdeen’s streets.

I am aware that many of you - our members - are facing particular challenges as you endeavour to win renewable energy business. A recent challenge has been the decline in industry certainty regarding support mechanisms however some of the challenges are the same as they have always been. These include consenting and development timescales,

improving engineering and technology solutions, finance and grid access and connections. If the renewable energy technologies are to prosper these challenges still need to be addressed and that will require action by all interested parties: government, regulators, industry, technology developers and financiers.

In this context AREG will continue to play its part by informing and promoting our membership and by continuing our lobbying, intervention, influence and communication activities. We will also continue to work closely with Aberdeen City Council to develop new events tailored to our members’ very broad spectrum of needs, specialities and interests. These events will feature the best market intelligence and information available, highlighting diversification opportunities and assisting members to forge new relationships and explore new markets and development opportunities.

I look forward to leading AREG for another year and also to working with, and on your behalf, to realise the economic potential of the renewable energy industries in Aberdeen City and Shire.

oPPoRTUNITIES AND CHALLENGESIN 2015

If you would like your company or organisations to have a special involvement at any of these events, please contact Agata Kowal, AREG Membership Officer on [email protected] or on 01224 523169.

2015/16 ExhibtionProgrammeAll-Energy (May 2015)

Scottish Renewables Marine conference (September 2015)

Scottish Green Energy Awards (December 2015)

Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind conference (January 2016)

Scottish Renewables Annual conference (March 2016)

Estimated exposure for AREG and our membership is potentially 11,000 delegates

The Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation a decade ago. The organisation has been essential for Aberdeen City and Shire to grow from the oil and gas capital of Europe to the energy capital of Europe. Hydrocarbons will be essential to drive both Aberdeen’s and the world’s economy for years to come, but renewables generation and efficient mitigation will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power.

Robert Collier, Chief Executive, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce.

AREG has always been ahead of the curve, ensuring that Aberdeen and Scotland are looking to the future of the energy sector, not just the here and now. With almost half of Scotland’s electricity now coming from renewables, and the sector responsible for thousands of jobs across the country, we are well down the road to the transition that AREG set up to support. However, there are still lots of opportunities for companies to get into the renewables supply chain, where the organisation plays such a key role in making connections for businesses in Aberdeen. We look forward to working together on the transformation of our energy sector over the next ten years!

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables.

AREG has always been ahead of the curve, ensuring that Aberdeen and Scotland are looking to the future of the energy sector, not just the here and now. With almost half of Scotland’s electricity now coming from renewables, and the sector responsible for thousands of jobs across the country, we are well down the road to the transition that AREG set up to support. However, there are still lots of opportunities for companies to get into the renewables supply chain, where the organisation plays such a key role in making connections for businesses in Aberdeen. We look forward to working together on the transformation of our energy sector over the next ten years!

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables.

Project partners Vattenfall and AREG continue to press ahead with this strategically important scheme, which has the potential to put the North-East of Scotland at the forefront of one of the world’s fastest growing energy sectors.

The windfarm will be a test-bed for new technology, installation, operations and maintenance techniques for the deployment of offshore wind. This will cut the cost of deployment, speed up offshore wind development – and bring investment of up to £230million into local green generating capacity. The project has also been awarded a European grant of 40million euros in recognition of its significance for the European offshore wind industry, and offers this region the opportunity to secure a share in a market which could be worth more than £100billion over the next 20 years.

In 2014, the scheme was granted a marine licence and planning consent for the

onshore substation and export cabling. Together with the 2013 consent from the Scottish Government under Section 36 of the Electricity Act, the project became fully consented for construction.

Also in 2014 a judicial review instigated by the Trump Organisation was dismissed by the Court of Session in Edinburgh; an appeal, however, was subsequently brought. The result of this was announced in June and that was the dismissal of all the grounds of appeal. Andy Paine, project director for EOWDC and head of offshore wind development in the UK, said: ‘We are delighted that the Scottish Courts have yet again supported the EOWDC, a much needed investment in Scotland’s and the North East’s energy infrastructure.

The decision by the Scottish Courts brings closer a technologically-advanced offshore wind sector supporting a sustainable and secure energy supply at lower cost. The EOWDC will also prove to be an integral, flagship project for Aberdeen City and Shire’s enterprising

Energetica initiative, positioning the region as a renewables leader.’

An appeal hearing regarding the onshore planning permission for the substation and cable route brought by the residents of Blackdog was also rejected in June.

Meanwhile, the project partners continue to engage with investors to advance the scheme while the legal challenges are in progress. Discussions are encouraging and substantive talks should start when the legal process is concluded.

Aberdeen City and Shire has a unique advantage in being able to capitalise on its world-class upstream offshore oil and gas supply chain. Many of our businesses are diversifying their expertise, which is directly applicable to offshore renewables and which will contribute significantly to this region’s future prosperity.

The creation of the EOWDC is a chance which the North-East cannot afford to miss and project partners would like to see construction start 2017/18.

A KEY PRoJECT FoR THE EURoPEANoFFSHoRE WIND INDUSTRY

Ambassador Barzun was National Finance Chair for President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign and was previously the US Ambassador to Sweden from 2009 – 2011. This was the first visit by a US Ambassador to Aberdeen since that by then US Ambassador Joe Kennedy in1938.

The Ambassador also visited Arria Research and Development, a company based at the University of Aberdeen and which is developing cutting edge artificial intelligence. The Arria natural language generation engine analyses data, translates this into a narrative providing accessible cross-disciplinary information to inform decision making and reducing cost and risk. Thousands of tailored reports can be created from complex data in seconds and the engine is currently used by the Met Office and in the NHS.

For more about the US Embassy in the UK go to:

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/specialrelationshipmagazine/

For more about aria go to www.arria.com

US AmBASSADoR To THE UK VISITS AREG

Dr Gowri Sripada, Senior Lecturer at University of Aberdeen and Arria Research & Development, Matthew Barzun US Ambassador to the UK, Professor Steve Logan, Chair of the Strategic Business Ventures Group University of Aberdeen.

In October 2014 US Ambassador to the UK, Matthew W Barzun, held a round table discussion in Aberdeen with a group of AREG members about renewable energy industry challenges and opportunities, existing trade relationships with the US and plans and ambitions to enter the market.

HAVE YoU BEEN To THE UNITED STATES oF AmERICA?

Yes No Yes but only to Florida

Tweet your reply @MatthewBarzun

AREG’s programme of members’ meetings is designed to provide briefings on key issues and drivers in developments in the renewables industry to assist and support our membership in their endeavours to win new business for their companies and organisations. We are privileged to have featured some of the most prominent people engaged in the development of the renewable energy industries.

The roster of speakers in 2014 included

• Tom LoTurco, Deputy Project Director, EDP Renewables

• Dan Pearson, CEO, Meygen

• Tim Cornelius, CEO, Atlantis Resources Corporation

• Lord Provost of Aberdeen

• Jeremy Sainsbury OBE, Director, Natural Power

• Gordon McIntosh, Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure, Aberdeen City Council

• Andrew Jamieson, Chief Executive Officer, ORE Catapult

• Nigel Homes, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association (SHFCA)

AREG members also feaured prominently:

• DNV GL

• RSK

• Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

• Divex Global

• Neptune

• Jigsaw

• HOBESCO

Topics included Finance for Renewables, Moray Offshore Renewables Meet the Buyer event, Wave and Tidal Seminar with international delegations , Renewable Energy Innovation and Acceleration, Aberdeen H2 hydrogen projects, Offshore Wind construction and Members Showcase featuring 6 AREG members.

The first event of the 2015/16 programme was held on June 23rd and featured Allan Taylor, Head of Renewables Supply Chain, DECC.

In a new development, in addition to the keynote speaker we are offering two show case positions in each members meeting to AREG members.

If you would like to present, host or sponsor a meeting, contact Agata Kowal on [email protected] or on 01224 523169. If you have suggestions for topics, speakers or new formats, please contact Morag McCorkindale, Chief Operating Officer on 01224 522104 or at [email protected]

PRoVIDING mARKET INTELLIGENCE

NATIoNAL HYPERBARIC

CENTRE – ABERDEEN’S HIDDEN GEm

Jeremey Sainsbury OBE,Director of Natural Power.

The NHC provides a wide range of services from training, hyperbaric welding, subsea testing and consulting to customers worldwide.

Having been involved in the diving industry for many years their understanding of extreme environments enables NHC to provide professional advice and services to customers of all industry markets. With renewables being a growing market sector within commercial diving, the NHC is tailoring new training courses to meet global demand.

During your visit to the National Hyperbaric Centre you will see their 16-man saturation diving complex - exactly as you would see on a dive support vessel but land-based and the only one of its kind in the UK. They also have one of the world’s largest test facilities where depths of up to 8000msw and heights of up to 55,000 feet can be simulated. You will also see the 900,000 litre capacity test tank which hosts diver trials, equipment testing and ROV exercises. The test tank also boasts excellent views of Aberdeen!

Another unique feature of the National Hyperbaric Centre is that they have an on-site working NHS hospital unit – the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit. NHS Grampian patients are regularly admitted for oxygen therapy treatment and divers (mainly recreational) with decompression illness are treated here supported by the NHC’s Life Support teams.

News of other events will follow.

29th September 2015, 6- 8pm www.nationalhyperbariccentre.com

If you are interested in attending or in hosting your own lunch and learn event, please contact -

Agata Kowal AREG Membership Officer on [email protected] or on 01224 523169.

Do you have news or case studies you want to share and promote? Please let us know and we will forward to AREG members, or include in our website or publicity activities.

Morag McCorkindale, Chief Operating Officer on 01224 522104 or at [email protected]

YoUR NEWS

AREG WELComES NEW mEmBERSAREG has been pleased to welcome several new members. Together they bring a wealth of skills to the group and their diversity reflects the range of opportunities offered by the renewables markets. Their offerings include survey and support vessels, offshore engineering, subsea equipment, planning, real estate and asset management, telecommunications, small scale renewables, integrity and inspection services, and safety equipment

Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers www.brucestevenson.co.uk

Caledonian Conservation Ltd www.caledonianconservation.co.uk

Caithness Chamber of Commerce www.caithnesschamber.com

El Roboto Ltd

www.design.el-roboto.co.uk

Emtelle UK Ltd www.emtelle.com

Energyst Rental Solutions LP www.energyst.com

Green Moray Renewables www.greenmorayrenewables.co.uk

Mistras Group www.mistrasgroup.co.uk

National Hyperbaric Centre www.nationalhyperbariccentre.com

NHS Grampian www.nhsgrampian.org

NOF Energy – Affiliated www.nofenergy.co.uk

Pondera Consult UK www.ponderaconsult.co.uk

RIG Engineering SAS Ltd www.rig-engineering.info

Ross Survival www.rosssurvival.com

Rural Energy www.ruralenergy.co.uk

Savills (UK) Ltd www.savills.com

In 2014, AREG representatives had a constructive meeting with the Deputy Mayor of the City of Stavanger, Bjorg Tysdal Moe. We will be working with the Greater Stavanger Partnership to identify mutual areas of interest and potential co-operation.

We will also be investigating businessopportunities in Northern Sweden to better understand the Swedish

contribution to the North Sea oil and gas industry and associated opportunities for companies and organisations in Aberdeen City and Shire in this market.

If you would like to register an interest in these areas, please contact Morag McCorkindale, Chief Operating Officer on 01224 522104 or at [email protected]

NEW AREAS oF INTEREST

This year, AREG will be seeking to connect our members with key overseas markets for renewables. We will be collaborating with Aberdeen City Council to provide briefing meetings on four key markets: USA, Canada, Japan and South Korea. The briefings will be a practical introduction to business opportunities in these regions and will feature a

market introduction with overview and practical advice from individuals and organisations who are experienced in these markets.

To register an interest in these events or to volunteer to present, please contact AREG direct on [email protected] or on 01224 522104.

LooKING oUTWARD To oVERSEAS mARKETS

Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging companies, government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. As AREG enters its next decade of operations, Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with the team as we look to increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Maggie McGinlay, Director of Energy, Scottish Enterprise.

Becoming a member of AREG complemented the Council’s membership with Energy North and is consistent with the efforts of Orkney Renewable Energy Forum. It has opened up exciting new opportunities for both Orkney and AREG to build on their network of contacts and to collaborate for mutual advantage.

Jan Falconer, Head of Strategic Development and Regeneration at Orkney Island Council.

DECC, who have maintained a small renewables presence in our Aberdeen office, have enjoyed a productive relationship with AREG during their first 10 years of existence. AREG have organised a number of interesting and informative events that we have attended – and at which we are often challenged – constructively and intelligently. AREG have been a real focal point for the renewables community in Aberdeen City and Shire and has been instrumental in bringing the opportunities to the companies within the region. They have been extremely helpful when we have been asked, often at short notice, to host ministerial meetings and events.

Ian Furneaux, Offshore Wind Analyst, Office for Renewable Energy Deployment, DECC Aberdeen.

For membership details please contact -Agata Kowal at [email protected] or 01224 523169

AREG, Marischal College, Business Hub 4Ground Floor North, Broad StreetAberdeen AB10 1ABT: +44 (0)1224 523630 F: +44 (0)1224 523180

CoNTACT DETAILS

AREG EvENTS 2015 - 2016

14th June 2015, 12-2:30pm St Nicholas Room, Town House, Aberdeen

Renewable Energy Policy Keynote speaker: Allan Taylor, Head of Supply Chain, Office for Renewable Energy Deployment, DECC – The New Renewable Energy Policy LandscapeEmma Robertson, Senior Associate, Stronachs LLP – Onshore Renewables: Legal Issues for Landowners and Developers Mistras Group - Stuart Ley, General Manager

National Hyperbaric Centre – Richard Watson, Global Training Manager

19th August 2015, 12-2:30pmSt Nicholas Room, Town House Aberdeen

Offshore windOffshore wind has seen significant growth and rapid change. Learn from some very experienced and senior industry players.Keynote speaker: Alan Duncan, Senior Associate, BVG Associates Ltd - Outlook for Offshore Wind: Opportunities for Scottish CompaniesStephen Fox, Panliska Ltd - Wind Opportunity in FinlandDavid Hamdy, Senior Engineer, Tymor

Marine - Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Windfarms

29th September 2015, 6-8pmNational Hyperbaric Centre office, 123 Ashgrove Road West, Aberdeen

Supper and Learn at the National Hyperbaric Centre (NHC)Experience offshore life at the only onshore saturation diving complex in the UK - as you would see in a dive support vessel. Host: Lieutenant Commander Richard “Soapy” Wilson, formerly Head of Diving Training in the Royal Navy

29th October 2015, 12-2:30PM St Nicholas Room, Town House Aberdeen

Membership showcaseFind out more about your fellow members and what they can do for your business.Burness Paull - One of the strongest energy/renewables law teams in ScotlandMackinnons - Extensive legal experience in the marine sector and world wide scope Wild Well – Advanced engineering experience in the renewable sector

Energyst - One of the world’s leading providers of power rental solutions. Other speakers to be confirmed.

26th November 2015, 12-2:30PMSt Nicholas Room, Town House, Aberdeen

Finance for renewables Raising finance can be a challenge. Whilst the market is maturing, it is important to be aware of wider options available.Keynote speaker: Andrew Smith, Head of Renewable Energy Investment Fund (REIF) - Support for the Delivery of Renewable Energy or Innovative Renewable Energy Technology.

Other speakers to be confirmed.

8th December 2015, venue to be confirmed

AREG Annual General MeetingJoin the AREG team for a review of the year, hear from interesting speakers, network and enjoy some festive cheer - watch for forthcoming details.

21st January 2015, 12pmSt Nicholas Room, Town House Aberdeen

Lunch and Learn with Rural Energy – BiomassDraw on Rural Energy’s extensive experience and gain a pragmatic insight into the actual delivery of biomass projects.Mike Smith, Business Development Manager, Rural Energy - Introduction to Biomass and the Dos and Don’ts

18th February 2016, 12-2:30PMSt Nicholas Room, Town House Aberdeen

InnovationHear from knowledgeable speakers who are pushing the boundaries of existing practice to support new diversification and business opportunities.Mike Collins, Senior Geologist, ARUP - Deep Geothermal Single Well TechnologyGeorge Rafferty, Chief Executive Northern Offshore Federation (NOF

Energy) – NOF Energy and innovation. Other speakers to be confirmed.

9th March 2016, lunchtime, venue to be confirmed

Lunch and Learn at the Centre for Understanding Sustainability in Practice (CUSP) Robert Gordon UniversityCUSP has been working with the Indonesian government to enable the deployment of marine energy in Indonesian waters. Host: Dr Alan Owen, Director, CUSP – Indonesia: Marine Energy Industrial Development and Opportunities

17th March 2016, 12-2:30PMSt Nicholas Room, Town House Aberdeen

Standards and Health and Safety For RenewablesAs renewable technologies mature and grow the development of commonly understood and accepted standards and practices becomes even more important. This event offers the opportunity to learn from AREG members active in this field.Neil Kermode, Managing Director, the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) – Setting Standards for a New Industry – the EMEC ExperienceNigel Holmes, Chief Executive Officer Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association (SHFCA) – Hydrogen Technology, Standards and Future

ProspectsOffshore Wind speaker to be confirmed

To present at an AREG event, to sponsor, or to find out more information about any event or AREG activity, please contact Agata Kowal at [email protected] or 01224 523169

Networking ReceptionWatch for news of our annual business networking event.

The latest thinking and practical information on renewable energy business development

www.aberdeenrenewables.com