IN A pivotal event set to shape Scotland’s renewable energy landscape, leading law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM) is hosting its annual conference on November 9 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. This highly-anticipated seminar, regarded as one of the most insightful gatherings in the renewables sector, will delve into Scotland’s ambitious goals, focusing on the theme ‘Reaching the targets – 2030’.
Scotland has been a trailblazer in renewable energy, with the Scottish Government setting the target of deploying 20GW of onshore wind by 2030. At the heart of the discussions will be the exploration of how the industry can achieve these targets and what needs to be done to propel Scotland toward a greener, more sustainable future.
Andy McFarlane, Head of Renewables at WJM, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing together some of the leading voices in renewables during this pivotal moment for Scotland’s energy sector. He highlighted the significant changes in Scotland’s consenting landscape following the adoption of NPF4 – Scotland’s National Planning Framework, making this year’s discussions particularly pertinent. McFarlane stated, “We look forward to bringing together some of the leading voices in renewables at this pivotal point for Scotland’s energy sector.”
The conference will feature a panel of experts, including Fraser Gillies, Head of Planning and Managing Partner at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, David Bell from David Bell Planning Ltd, Patrick Smart, Energy Networks Director at RES, William Hazell, CCUS and Hydrogen Sector Lead, and Kai Beale, Senior Engineer for Energy Transition at Ramboll. The event will also welcome Morag Watson from Scottish Renewables and Neil Douglas from BVG Associates for a Q&A session, promising a diverse and comprehensive perspective on Scotland’s renewable energy future.
One of the key focal points of the seminar will be the exploration of various strategies, including the repowering of wind farms and turbines, battery storage, and green hydrogen initiatives. These discussions will shed light on how industry players must adapt and rethink their approaches to ensure the future-proofing of renewable energy sites across Scotland. McFarlane emphasised, “Our panellists will explore the repowering of wind farms and turbines, battery storage and green hydrogen, as well as the ways in which industry players must rethink their approach to future-proofing sites.”
The timing of the conference is significant, coinciding with the signing of The Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal by the nation’s government and major industry players. This collaboration underscores Scotland’s commitment to achieving Net Zero and sets the stage for transformative measures in the renewable energy sector.
In addition to the insightful discussions, the event will also feature an exhibition celebrating WJM’s rich history of working in renewables, showcasing the firm’s contributions to Scotland’s renewable energy landscape.
Last year’s event attracted over 100 renewables professionals from across the country and beyond, reflecting the industry’s enthusiasm for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. With this year’s conference building upon the success of the past, attendees can expect a thought-provoking exploration of Scotland’s energy future, highlighting the strides made and the road ahead in the journey towards a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
For those interested in attending this groundbreaking event, places are free and can be booked by emailing events@wjm.co.uk, offering a unique opportunity to engage with experts, learn from industry leaders, and contribute to Scotland’s renewable energy revolution.
