SEBG News

'Pan-industry' rural renewables conference for Scotland

21st June 2006

A major conference and exhibition on renewable energy for the rural sector is to take place at Murrayfield, Edinburgh on 3 October 2006. The conference and exhibition titled Fuelling the debate: rural land use and renewable energy is being organised jointly by the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA), the Scottish Estates Business Group (SEBG), and NFU Scotland, and marks the first time that the three organisations have worked together on an industry initiative of this type. Lead sponsor is Brodies LLP.

The conference addresses the range of business options that renewable energy can deliver across the rural sector, including power generation, heating and transport, and also will look at the experiences of those who have already diversified into renewables, and what this means for their businesses. Trade stands will also be on hand to offer further information to those who wish to explore the business opportunities which renewable energy sources may have to offer.

Chaired by Magnus Linklater, the event has a speaker line-up that includes: Jeremy Sainsbury, Natural Power Consultants; Chris Inglis, Forestry and Timber Association; Elaine Booth, Scottish Agricultural College; Bob Yuill, SAOS; Maf Smith, the Scottish Renewables Forum; Charles Smith, Brodies; Albert Spence, Orkney Renewable Energy Ltd; and Francis Ogilvy, Winton Estate. The keynote speaker will be announced later.

Keith Arbuthnott, Chairman, SRPBA, said: "Rural Scotland must look at the whole renewable energy sector as one of business opportunity. With changing support systems for agriculture and forestry, now is the time for farmers and landowners to study closely the options for diversifying into biomass, biofuels and other alternative energy options - and take full advantage of them."

SEBG Deputy Chairman Roddy Jackson said: "Rural Scotland can play an important role in ensuring Scotland has a secure, stable and renewable energy supply, at the same time prospering from the economic development and jobs that this emerging industry could bring . Renewable sources of energy can flourish in our back yards, on our hills, in wooded glens and in farmed fields. This milestone conference and exhibition will highlight how land owners and rural businesses can help to deliver real energy benefits for Scotland ."

NFUS President John Kinnaird said: "Scotland's farmers have real potential to contribute to the fight against climate change. There are huge opportunities, ranging from the growing of oilseed rape to process into green road fuels through to the production and burning of willow to produce heat and power.

"The financial pressure facing the conventional farming sectors has forced many farmers to explore new avenues of income. Against that background and with the right political support, Scotland's countryside could be on the verge of making a massive contribution to Scotland's renewable energy sector."

For further information contact:
Polly McPherson, SEBG - Tel: 01620 861898, M: 07810 891831
Dick Playfair, Playfair Walker (for SRPBA) - Tel: 0131 445 5570, M: 07962 142622
James Withers, NFU Scotland - Tel: 0131 472 4006, M: 07831 660412

<< Back