Onshore Wind Conference 2020 Programme

The stars are aligning for onshore wind’s resurgence in Scotland. This session explores how we secure a sustainable future for Scotland’s onshore wind industry and examines the business opportunities—as well as the hurdles—which lie ahead in realising that vision.

In it we’ll address:

• How CfD support for the sector can change the game – and what happens if you don’t get a contract
• The best ways in which onshore wind can capitalise on the green recovery from COVID-19
• Whether politicians are walking the walk on net-zero – and how onshore wind projects can be at the centre of the energy transition

Welcome and Chair
Claire Mack, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables

Panellists
Derek Hastings, Head of Onshore Projects, SSE Renewables
Jeremy Sainsbury OBE, Director, Natural Power 
Professor Keith Bell, Member, Committee on Climate Change

Q & A

Paul Wheelhouse, MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Scottish Government 

Q & A

Brexit, the climate emergency and coronavirus have shattered business-as-usual for the energy sector. But what do these events mean for the future of onshore wind?

For a sector locked out of the energy market for four years, these fundamental upheavals could be the new start which was so badly needed.

In this session you'll learn:

• How to recognise and capitalise on opportunities provided by current crises
• Onshore wind’s place when a green economic recovery is guided by public pressure
• Brexit – what changes will this bring for the sector?

Chair
Ben Walker, Public Affairs Manager, Scottish Renewables

Speakers
Chris Yiu, Executive Director - Technology and Public Policy, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
Hazel Gulliver, Director of Engagement, ScottishPower
Jamie Maxton, Head of External Relations, SSE Renewables
Stephen Lilley, Partner, Greencoat Capital

Q & A

Closing Remarks
Claire Mack, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables

Onshore wind is back in the CfD— but the next auction round isn't until 2021.

What does revived UK Government support mean in practice? How can a sector which is crucial to the UK's net-zero ambitions deploy before 2021? And is there a future for projects without CfDs?

This session will hear from developers, supply chain and government as we look ahead to a new era of financial support for onshore wind.

In this session you’ll learn:

• What CfD Pot 1 will really mean for development
• The opportunities for Scotland’s supply chain – and what business needs to do to tap them
• What’s next for developers without CfDs?

Welcome and Chair
Morag Watson, Director of Policy, Scottish Renewables

Speakers
Tim Warham, Senior Policy Manger – Clean Electricity, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy 
Rachel Anderson, Head of External Affairs, RES
Gordon Mina, Head of Sales, Renewable Parts 

Q & A

Coronavirus has pushed NPF4 into 2021, delaying potentially-positive reform.

The pandemic response has shown how quickly Scotland’s planning system can adapt, but we need more, and quickly. Taller turbines, a streamlined consenting process and well-resourced planning departments will all be crucial as developers seek to deploy in a new commercial reality.

In this session you’ll learn:

• How you can engage to deliver desperately-needed reforms
• What the wind farms of the future will look like, and where they’ll drive revenue
• Whether ePlanning and virtual consultations can be the new normal – and what that will mean for projects’ bottom lines

Chair
Stephanie Conesa, Policy Manager, Scottish Renewables

Speakers
Jennifer Ballantyne, Partner, Pinsent Masons LLP
Darren Cuming, Development and Consents Manager, EDF Renewables 
Eleri Davies, Head of Consents UK – Onshore Wind, RWE Renewables

Q & A

Closing Remarks
Morag Watson, Director of Policy, Scottish Renewables

Delegates are invited to spend time on the virtual platform to network and visit the sponsors area.