Two major events coming to Perth within weeks of one another have cemented the “increasingly important role” the city plays in Scotland’s renewable energy sector.
Scottish Renewables, the industry body which represents green energy generators, is holding its annual Hydro Conference on May 18 and also launching a Low-Carbon Heat event on June 7.
Renewables businesses based in the city include UK utility SSE, wind power and hydro-electric developers RWE Innogy UK and Kilmac Energy, hydro consultants Green Highland Renewables and contractors I&H Brown.
The conferences – to be held at Perth Concert Hall – will attract around 180 delegates from across the UK and Europe, with two hydro companies coming from the Czech Republic.
Stephanie Clark, policy manager for Scottish Renewables said: “Perth can boast companies which operate at all levels, from engineers working on highly specialised wind farm projects to hydro developers and multi-national energy companies.
“The city sits between the central belt, where Scotland’s highest populations are concentrated, and the Highlands, where the high winds and fast flowing rivers which generate most of our renewable energy are to be found. Perth is playing an increasingly important role in both the generation of renewable energy and the focal point for discussion and debate about Scotland’s energy future.”
Green Highland Renewables, which has more than 20 employees working from their Perth HQ and a Dingwall office, was established in 2007 and specialises in developing small-scale hydro projects.