Latest news with #All-Energy
The National
14-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Octopus Energy and Scottish Power in row over zonal pricing
Greg Jackson has slated Keith Anderson, the chief executive of Scottish Power, who is urging ministers against the introduction of zonal pricing, which would split the UK into price regions based on local supply and demand. Octopus Energy has said repeatedly that such a system could mean Scots benefit from some of the lowest energy prices in Europe. But the UK Government has said it will not split the country's energy market into regions if it raises people's bills in some areas. A decision on the issue is expected to be made in the coming weeks. READ MORE: Scottish households will pay more for energy than London, data says Anderson is set to tell delegates at the All-Energy trade show in Glasgow and "it is important the government is careful not to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory", urging ministers not to "derail the stable policy framework that attracts that capital". Anderson will say: "Don't tamper with a system that works. Policy uncertainty on big market reforms such as zonal pricing does not help in this regard." Jackson (below) has said the argument from Scottish Power is "astonishing". (Image: Tony Blair Institute for Global Change) He posted on Twitter/X: "It's astonishing to see an energy boss saying this is a 'system that works'. It may work for incumbent energy generators but it doesn't work for households or businesses struggling with Europe's highest energy costs. "The case for reform is clear." Despite claims zonal pricing would turn the UK energy market into a postcode lottery, analysis showed last month households in Scotland will already be paying more for electricity in the next year than those living in London. READ MORE: John Swinney won't pick side as energy giants debate zonal pricing Consumers in north Wales and Merseyside will pay £120 more than households in London for their electricity over the coming year, Cornwall Insight forecasts, while those in the north of Scotland will pay £96 more than those in the capital. The large differentials stem from variation in the charges levied on bills to fund the upkeep of Britain's 14 regional electricity distribution networks, which are regulated by Ofgem. The headline figure for the energy price cap on standard tariffs, which stands at £1849 a year at present, is a national average that masks such regional differentials. Octopus Energy's director for regulation Rachel Fletcher told the Sunday National earlier this year the arguments being made against zonal are 'overblown', adding the single wholesale price setup in the UK is 'bonkers and broken'. At the moment, Britain has one national energy price even though at any point in the day the cost of producing electricity differs radically around the country. READ MORE: Scots could get free electricity from zonal pricing, Octopus Energy boss says If an offshore wind farm in Scotland produces more electricity than the network can handle it is paid to turn off, or "constrained", and a gas-fired power plant in the south of England is paid to turn on. The constraint costs – which are collected from consumers – are huge and in 2022/23 they amounted to £1.5 billion and are projected to rise to £3.7bn by 2030, something Octopus considers a 'staggering waste of electricity'. Fletcher said the system is only going to become more wasteful as time goes on, and while she believes a zonal pricing system needs to be designed 'carefully', she said it makes logical sense to make the transition. Fletcher insisted there is plenty of evidence internationally of zonal pricing markets being extremely successful in attracting renewable investment, so there is no reason to believe that can't be replicated in the UK. She said: 'The international evidence does not support the idea that zonal would be a disaster for renewable investment. "It is untenable to say that zonal is incompatible with investment in renewables.'
Scotsman
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scotland's offshore wind ambitions are at an inflection point
The factors that led to Orsted ditching plans for a giant wind farm off the Yorkshire coast apply to Scotland too, writes Jeremy Grant Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... When delegates gather in Glasgow this week for the 'All-Energy' conference – billed by its organisers as the UK's largest low-carbon energy and renewables event – those from Scotland's offshore wind sector will arrive feeling apprehensive. Three years ago, Crown Estate Scotland (CES) kicked off one of the world's largest pipelines of offshore wind projects, known as ScotWind, by awarding option agreements that can be turned into leases to build and operate wind farms. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Projects were scoped out amid a tailwind of optimism about the potential for offshore wind to power millions of homes. But recently that has been replaced by headwinds that expose the hubris in the industry's initial ambition for Scotland's offshore wind potential. Fixed-bottom wind farms are commercially proven, unlike floating turbines in deep waters (Picture:) Last week, Danish offshore wind giant Orsted made the shock announcement that it would discontinue Hornsea 4, one of the UK's largest offshore wind farms. It blamed increased supply chain costs, inflation and heightened risk. Don't be tempted to assume this is an English problem, given that Hornsea 4 is off the Yorkshire coast. This was a wider market signal. Most of the factors that led arguably the world's specialist in offshore wind to cancel a 2.4-gigawatt project in England are the same faced by Scottish projects of a similar scale such as Ossian, a 2.6GW ScotWind project owned by SSE Renewables, Marubeni of Japan and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Others include zonal pricing, a scheme under consideration by the UK Government that would divide the UK into regions, with local demand and supply factors setting prices. Advocates argue it would help smooth out the cost of paying to curtail wind output in Scotland when the grid cannot cope while opponents, including industry group Scottish Renewables, say it would create a 'postcode lottery' for energy bills and increase the cost of investing in renewable energy projects. Jeremy Grant is a freelance writer and former Financial Times journalist Another is the fact that 60 per cent of ScotWind envisages vast floating wind farms in deep waters. This is commercially unproven, unlike the fixed-bottom wind farms that you see dotted on ocean horizons now. Not all the news is bad. A day after Orsted's bombshell, Spanish energy group Iberdrola, owner of ScottishPower, said it had received a £600 million loan from the UK's National Wealth Fund to build two subsea transmission cables linking Scotland with England. Last month, the UK government made available £300 million in grant funding through GB Energy for businesses prepared to make long-term investments in building a UK offshore wind supply chain. Yet the feeling that we are at an inflection point is inescapable. I understand that some ScotWind developers have asked CES to extent their current ten-year option agreements by a further five, because current market conditions mean they can't meet their original targets. Other ScotWind investors may look to sell out of projects, now that a lock-up period preventing such exits ended last month. Shell and bp's retreat from renewables means their ScotWind projects look vulnerable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In Glasgow, Chris Stark – a key figure in energy secretary Ed Miliband's team – is expected to give an update on the UK government's plan for 'Clean Power 2030'. Expect standing room only.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Popular Glasgow venue celebrates record-breaking 40th year
The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) is celebrating its 40th anniversary by marking a record-breaking year. The popular Glasgow venue has seen unparalleled growth in visitor numbers, revenue, and event diversity. In the 2024–2025 financial year, the SEC hosted 50 exhibitions, with 14 new events added to its most diverse portfolio of events to date. Read more: Talented singer-songwriter announces Glasgow gig The venue also reached record levels of new revenue, driven by a 430 per cent year-on-year increase in new business, contributing to a 35 per cent rise in turnover and a 28 per cent uplift in gross profit. Highlights of the year included 'Beyond Van Gogh', the SEC's longest-running event at 47 days, which captivated 50,000 art lovers with its immersive experience. Beyond Van Gough (Image: Supplied) Beyond Van Gough (Image: Supplied) The global fitness competition, HYROX, brought 40,000 competitors and supporters to Glasgow, with plans set to expand in the years to come. The UK's largest renewable and low-carbon energy exhibition and conference All-Energy reached a new milestone, achieving its biggest edition to date. The SEC also hosted events of cultural significance, such as the Titanic Exhibition, which highlighted Glasgow's historic connection to the ship, and the Halal Food Festival, which engaged both the local Muslim community and foodies from across the city. Dan Thurlow, director of exhibitions at the SEC, said: "This has been an extraordinary year for events at the SEC. Dan Thurlow (Image: Supplied) "We've not only welcomed back some of our most successful exhibitions but also introduced exciting new shows that reflect the evolving interests of our visitors. "Glasgow's accessibility, combined with the SEC's world-class facilities, continues to make it a premier destination for event organisers and attendees alike. "As we approach our 40th anniversary, we're stronger than ever, and we're excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead." The SEC's success is further emphasised by its commitment to sustainability, with the venue achieving Gold Standard in Green Tourism and implementing initiatives like its Sustainable Food Strategy. Gareth Rapley, portfolio director for energy and marine at RX Global, organisers of All Energy, said: "The SEC has been an outstanding partner in helping us maintain our position as the UK's leading renewable energy event. "Their support, combined with Glasgow's accessible location, has enabled us to attract a diverse audience from over 80 countries to date. "The extension of our partnership announced earlier this year is a testament to the strength of their offering."
Glasgow Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow's SEC celebrates record-breaking 40th anniversary year
The popular Glasgow venue has seen unparalleled growth in visitor numbers, revenue, and event diversity. In the 2024–2025 financial year, the SEC hosted 50 exhibitions, with 14 new events added to its most diverse portfolio of events to date. Read more: Talented singer-songwriter announces Glasgow gig The venue also reached record levels of new revenue, driven by a 430 per cent year-on-year increase in new business, contributing to a 35 per cent rise in turnover and a 28 per cent uplift in gross profit. Highlights of the year included 'Beyond Van Gogh', the SEC's longest-running event at 47 days, which captivated 50,000 art lovers with its immersive experience. Beyond Van Gough (Image: Supplied) Beyond Van Gough (Image: Supplied) The global fitness competition, HYROX, brought 40,000 competitors and supporters to Glasgow, with plans set to expand in the years to come. The UK's largest renewable and low-carbon energy exhibition and conference All-Energy reached a new milestone, achieving its biggest edition to date. The SEC also hosted events of cultural significance, such as the Titanic Exhibition, which highlighted Glasgow's historic connection to the ship, and the Halal Food Festival, which engaged both the local Muslim community and foodies from across the city. Dan Thurlow, director of exhibitions at the SEC, said: "This has been an extraordinary year for events at the SEC. Dan Thurlow (Image: Supplied) "We've not only welcomed back some of our most successful exhibitions but also introduced exciting new shows that reflect the evolving interests of our visitors. "Glasgow's accessibility, combined with the SEC's world-class facilities, continues to make it a premier destination for event organisers and attendees alike. "As we approach our 40th anniversary, we're stronger than ever, and we're excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead." The SEC's success is further emphasised by its commitment to sustainability, with the venue achieving Gold Standard in Green Tourism and implementing initiatives like its Sustainable Food Strategy. Gareth Rapley, portfolio director for energy and marine at RX Global, organisers of All Energy, said: "The SEC has been an outstanding partner in helping us maintain our position as the UK's leading renewable energy event. "Their support, combined with Glasgow's accessible location, has enabled us to attract a diverse audience from over 80 countries to date. "The extension of our partnership announced earlier this year is a testament to the strength of their offering."
The Herald Scotland
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Tap into the power of positive change at All-Energy event in Glasgow
Many years ago, a speaker at All-Energy declared 'this is the AGM of renewables, everyone is here!'. In only a matter of weeks renewable and low carbon energy developers, investors, buyers, sellers, engineers, academics and industry experts from home and overseas will be arriving in Glasgow, in their thousands for the annual All-Energy exhibition and conference. 'The UK's largest event of its kind is the magnet drawing Scotland's First Minister, the UK Energy Minister, Scotland's Acting Climate Action Minister and experts from across the renewables and decarbonisation sectors as speakers and delegates; as well as exhibitors from 17 countries to the SEC Glasgow on 14 and 15 May,' explained Anam Khan, All-Energy's Event Manager from RX who own and organise the event 'This year's All-Energy is bigger than last year and brimming with more free networking, knowledge and technology to help us hit those Clean Power 2030 targets and engineer a net zero future together. 'Visitors will be able to find the latest technologies, services and advice from the 270+ exhibiting organisations; attend the world-class conference with its stellar line-up looking at the latest challenges, opportunities and innovative solutions across renewable power, low carbon heat, energy efficiency and low carbon transport.' She added: 'This is my first time attending All-Energy, and I am eager to experience it firsthand. I have heard a great deal about the dynamic atmosphere and the high level of business activity taking place. 'The exhibition really is an A-Z of the industry for we start with ABB and end the list with ZX Lidars our 270+ exhibitors include many of the big names such as ScottishPower, SSEN Transmission, Hitachi Energy UK, Vattenfall, Statkraft, RWE Generation, Innovate UK and Jera Nex. 'We also pride ourselves on the number of smaller organisations that return year after year, and this year also have over 60 exhibitors who are new to the show. 'The Team Scotland stand is where you can find the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Development International; Highlands and Islands Enterprise; South of Scotland Enterprise; Crown Estate Scotland; Zero Waste Scotland and Skills Development Scotland. "Our exhibitors come from Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and of course from all over the UK and Northern Ireland. 'The full exhibitor directory is online; our App will be launched pre-show.' Registration is open at All-Energy is free to attend for all with relevant business, governmental and academic interests and includes admission to the exhibition, the world class conference and show floor theatres; and the Civic Reception, held courtesy of the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Glasgow, which is an integral part of the Giant Networking Evening on 14 May at the Glasgow Science Centre. STELLAR LINE-UPS THE two day conference has three strands – the main conference that opens each day with a strong plenary session and then divides into 11 parallel sessions with stellar lineups; the seven show floor theatres, where the spotlight turns on cutting-edge technology, innovative solutions, software, AI, 'lessons learned' and case histories. The final component part is the academic poster display area where innovations can be shared with All-Energy's audience. Both the First Minister of Scotland, The Rt Hon John Swinney MSP, and UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP will deliver keynote addresses in the plenary session on the first morning of All-Energy; and Acting Climate Action Minister, Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP will deliver a keynote address in the opening heat session on 'Scotland's Heat Transition'. Following the First Minister's address a panel comprising the UK Energy Minister; Juergen Maier CBE, Chair of Great British Energy; Andrew Lever, Director – Energy Transition at the Carbon Trust; Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council; and a representative of the Climate Change Committee will discuss their work in line with Britain's Clean Power Mission. On day 2 (the plenary session chaired by Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde – 'Delivering the Clean Power 2030 Mission' starts with a keynote address by Chris Stark CBE, who heads Mission Control tasked with turbocharging UK to clean power. Then comes discussion by an expert panel comprising Professor Keith Bell, ScottishPower Chair in Smart Grids, University of Strathclyde, Co-Director UK Energy Research Centre, and member of the Climate Change Committee; Tom Glover, UK Country Chair, RWE; Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive, Energy UK; Darren Davidson, Vice President, Siemens Energy UK&I and Siemens Gamesa UK; and Rachel Fletcher, Director of Regulation and Economics, Octopus Energy. Anam Khan continued: 'After those compelling plenary sessions on both days, the conference splits into 11 parallel sessions featuring a true 'Who's Who' of the sectors we serve and devoted to all forms of renewable energy – onshore and offshore wind (both exceptionally strong programmes); solar; marine renewables (tidal stream and wave power); hydropower and tidal range; and bioenergy (biomass, energy from waste and biogas). 'The grid figure prominently on the programme with six dedicated sessions; and hydrogen with three. Other topics include energy storage; planning; skills and recruitment; investment; energy trading and much more. 'There are also streams and sessions on the decarbonisation of heat, the built environment, transport – this year looking at public EV charging, cities and industry. 'This year's programme, available online, also includes sessions on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) and mental health. The full programme is online enabling delegates to start planning how to fill their two days.' ---------------------------------------------- Sessions and 'fireside chats' focus on offshore revolution ALL-ENERGY 2025 delegates are in for an offshore wind treat. The UK's largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference features five 90-minute offshore wind sessions in the main conference plus a lunchtime 'fireside chat' involving Tim Pick MBE, Commissioner, Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission; and Chair, Offshore Wind Growth Partnership; and a compelling show floor theatre programme. All-Energy's Headline Sponsor, Shepherd and Wedderburn creates two sessions for the offshore wind conference stream. The first looks at 'Offshore Wind 2024: A Year in Turmoil – How do we get back on track?' discussing the challenges the industry has faced in the last 12 months and at some of the global issues including politics and confidence in the supply chain. Chaired by Shepherd and Wedderburn's Colin Innes, the panellists – Charlie Jordan, CEO, ScottishPower Renewables; Claire Mack co-Chair of the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) and Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables; Jonathan Cole, Chair of GWEC; Isla Robb, Director of Offshore Renewables at the Energy Transition Zone, and a senior representative from Jera Nex – will consider how the industry can get back on track and deliver for the UK. Attention in Shepherd and Wedderburn's second session moves to ports in 'Are we there yet? The long port infrastructure journey' with National Wealth Fund's Colin Hudson; Global Energy Group's Iain Sinclair; Gillian Morrison from Crown Estate Scotland; Lewis Gillies of Haventus; and Susie Lind of BlueFloat Energy | Nadara Partnership and Shepherd and Wedderburn's Clare Foster in the Chair. Other main conference sessions in the offshore wind stream look at 'Floating wind – a strategic opportunity for the UK's clean power future' devised by Flotation Energy and chaired by its Chief Executive, Lord Nicol Stephen with speakers including Anil Sayhan, of the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership; Jimmy Williamson, of the Scottish National Investment Bank; Joanne Allday, from the Port of Cromarty Firth; and Geoff Aberdein, of True North Advisors. That is followed by 'Powering Safety: Energise your Workforce with the next Evolution in Safety' held in association with IMCA with Lisbeth Norup Frømling, Senior Vice President QHSE Ørsted and Chair of G+, amongst the speakers. The final offshore wind session is 'Harnessing Ocean Renewable Energy: Technology solutions for a resilient green hydrogen local supply chain' with Myrtle Dawes, CEO, Net Zero Technology Centre chairing. It is a session in two parts. First an overview by senior academics from Strathclyde, Newcastle and Cardiff universities of the major UKRI/EPSRC funded Ocean REFuel Research & Development programme that is establishing a fundamental understanding of hydrogen production from offshore wind, its transportation/storage and use. Then an expert panel comprising Carlo Procaccini, of NSTA; Hayleigh Barnett, of NZTC; Graeme Rogerson, Flotation Energy; and Charles Howorth, of TotalEnergies will discuss opportunities and challenges informed by technology and against the regional and national socio-macro/micro economic landscape. The show floor theatre programme spotlights case histories, technology and innovations. On 15 May a whole morning sees The Society for Underwater Technology (All-Energy's Learned Society Patron) and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult stage an introduction to key topics in offshore systems, focusing on the requirements, analysis methods and dependencies of moorings and cables. In a dozen bite sized 'chunks' it delves into the critical considerations for designing and implementing these systems, followed by discussions on the latest technologies and emerging solutions that are shaping the future of mooring systems and their components. Who is exhibiting? Use the online exhibitor directory and its filters to find out which stands you should visit This article was brought to you in association with All-Energy
