Energy North has got the power
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ROSS-SHIRE’s increasingly significant energy and engineering sector has been given a shot in the arm with the rebranding of a leading organisation.
Energy North, formerly known as the North Scotland Industries Group, was given its official launch in Invergordon by the energy, enterprise and tourism minister, Fergus Ewing MSP.
Energy North now aims to be the single voice for all energy-related issues across the Highlands, islands and north-east, pulling supply chain, developers, operators and utility companies together to benefit all parts of current and emerging energy markets.
It has the role "of helping all parts of the industry in the area to interact, building an understanding of the requirements of each".
The 130-plus member organisation also promises to be more vocal in political and media circles, ensuring that developments and interests are highlighted, and that the region competes with other areas of the UK.
Mr Ewing said the organisation would play a key role in articulating the vast opportunities that exist in the north. He said, "With an impressive track record in oil and gas industry and around £6 billion of investment set to flow from developing marine renewables in the Pentland Firth alone, Energy North can showcase and lobby for the wide range of energy and engineering talents interests here."
The Invergordon event also marked the launch of Ignite – the group’s area-specific energy information database for the exclusive use of members. Ignite promises to be a single source for all relevant information on oil and gas activities on the west coast of Scotland and will provide relevant renewable energy information in the area for wave, tidal, offshore and onshore wind, hydro and biomass interests.
Energy North chief executive Ian Couper said, "The official launch of our new organisation and the Ignite data base marks an important step forward for energy and engineering businesses in our area.
"Our organisation, has traditionally focused on the renewable and oil and gas sectors, but the new name and outlook brings a wider focus which means we will be expanding into the hydro and biomass industries and will work more closely with developers on major projects.
"Ignite, which has taken several months to compile, will give our members a competitive advantage. It will be an extremely valuable tool in helping them keep abreast of projects in our area, identifying the right contacts and locating the most appropriate services to help them win business."
The not-for-profit trade organisation covers a vast tract of the north of Scotland, including Ross-shire. Members include Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Global Energy Group, Port Services Group, the Cromarty Firth Port Authority, Technip UK, Kishorn Port and several chambers of commerce.
