Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) has written to the UK Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and new Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, inviting her to meet energy companies operating in Northeast Scotland. The letters congratulate Fahnbulleh on her appointment. AREG said the UK faces an important moment in delivering energy security, economic growth and net-zero goals, and called for close collaboration between industry and government to achieve a managed energy transition.
In its letter to the Energy Secretary, AREG asked for policy measures that would draw in investment, speed up planning and consenting decisions, protect jobs, and give businesses long-term certainty as they scale up clean energy projects.
AREG Chair Jean Morrison said the group's aim is to make Northeast Scotland "a centre of excellence for the UK energy transition." Morrison said AREG has worked on behalf of its members in the energy supply chain for more than 20 years, and that it supports members in accessing opportunities to speed up the development and deployment of renewable energy. She said a balanced approach is needed to deliver long-term energy security and economic prosperity, and that the UK's established oil and gas industry continues to help grow renewables through transferable skills, innovation, engineering expertise and decades of experience operating in difficult conditions.
Liz Paddon, AREG's Operations and Development Manager, said "clear, consistent policy signals" would help protect thousands of high-value jobs, draw in private investment, and deliver secure, affordable, clean energy to UK households and businesses. Paddon said the Northeast is "ready to deliver," citing the region's skills, infrastructure, technology and international reputation.
AREG was founded in Aberdeen in 2003 and describes itself as the UK's original energy transition organization, working at the meeting point of energy transition, technology and policy in Northeast Scotland. It works closely with industry bodies, public sector partners and academia, and represents more than 260 member companies spanning offshore and onshore wind, hydrogen, solar power, carbon capture, geothermal energy and other low-carbon technologies.
