Government innovation expert to speak at renewables event

Speakers at a new energy transition event next week will include innovation entrepreneur Alexander Holt, the Scottish Government's Head of International Ecosystems.

Alexander will deliver one of two spotlight talks at Scotland's Energy Transition Showcase, being held in Glasgow on March 19. He'll be joined by EDF Renewables' Kerry MacPhee, who will focus on how renewable energy projects can work with people and communities.

The event aims to inspire, connect and engage businesses with the country’s £10 billion-a-year transition to clean energy. As well as focused spotlight talks it will also feature an interactive exhibition and a dynamic networking dinner where businesses can mingle and collaborate.

Scottish Renewables’ Chief Executive Claire Mack said:

“We're delighted to announce that Alexander and Kerry will be delivering two of the spotlight talks at Scotland's Energy Transition Showcase.

"Their experience in using innovation to deliver better outcomes, whether in the civil service, as Alexander has done, or in Scotland's communities, like Kerry, is the type of knowledge we want delegates to take away.

"This new style of event is an opportunity for businesses to learn more about the energy transition and equip themselves with the knowledge and contacts they need to get involved with the renewable energy industry.

"We want people to come with open minds and to leave inspired, and Alexander and Kerry's inclusion in the programme will play a huge part in that."

Speaker Alexander specialises in delivering collaboration and excellence between the public and private sectors. His focus on policy and collaboration will offer insight into how we can use the energy transition as an economic opportunity which will set Scotland apart in the global race to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

Kerry, a Community Liaison Officer with EDF Renewables, will bring her experience and expertise in engaging with communities to ensure that they are part of the unique story we have to tell here in Scotland about how our energy system is changing.

Scotland's Energy Transition Showcase, being held at Platform in Glasgow on March 19, aims to inject new life into the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy by attracting new entrants, while inspiring those who’re already taking part.

The exhibition will provide a place for the businesses at the forefront of technological innovation to gather and share their thinking. Around the interactive exhibition stands, delegates will have space to meet and create relationships, fostering the collaboration which is at the heart of Scotland’s clean energy success to date.

The high-energy spotlight talks, which will take place in the heart of the exhibition space, will fuel debate and discussion among delegates at the Showcase and at the networking dinner which follows the afternoon’s event.

The Showcase dinner will facilitate all-important networking while giving businesses a space to introduce new talent to existing contacts, develop new relationships and mingle with industry partners from across the clean energy spectrum. It is curated by the team which brings together other unmissable Scottish Renewables events including The Scottish Green Energy Awards and Offshore Wind Conference Dinner.

Scotland’s Energy Transition Showcase is headline-sponsored by EDF Renewables.

Matthieu Hue, Chief Executive of EDF Renewables UK, said:

“We are delighted to be headline sponsors of this new event to bring together passionate people from right across the renewable energy industry under one roof for what will be an interesting day of debate and discussion.

“Scotland is uniquely placed to contribute to the vital global mission of reaching net-zero. This conference provides all of us who are at the forefront of this endeavour with a unique and invaluable opportunity to share insights which we can all learn and benefit from. It is an opportunity to inspire one another and create robust actions for the whole industry to accelerate our journey to net zero.”