Another great year at ALL-ENERGY

I am just back from ALL-Energy 2011, the exhibition and conference in Aberdeen which covers everything that’s new in renewable development. It has grown into a really massive affair, with a range of conference sessions and displays to interest everyone.

This year there was a notable boom in Far-East exhibitors of photovoltaic panels. Some were offering to equip field-scale photovoltaic projects whilst others specialised in inverters and other interface equipment. Off-shore wind was clearly a major theme for conference sessions, and the support businesses – ship-owners, harbour operators and transport companies are showing their capabilities in the exhibition. ALL ENERGY is a truly international event now, and is a focus for trade and co-operation in expertise and hardware across continents.

What’s more, the show is on our doorstep and is set in the context of Scotland’s own renewable energy resources. Community Energy has been a part of the market for many of the firms exhibiting. The combined impact of community projects across Scotland has been to create and sustain local markets for installers and some manufacturers. Small firms which started out installing woodfuel boilers or providing consultancy services to community scale developments have grown into substantial employers with vastly increased ability to deliver. People attending the event vote with their feet too – and again this year Community Energy Scotland sessions were very well attended by a range of industry and community delegates.

If you have never been to ALL-ENERGY you could think about heading to Aberdeen in May 2012. There is another option –  ALL-ENERGY runs a sister show in Australia – Melbourne in October 2011 – I’m free if you are…….

 Every little helps
On my way to ALL-Energy, the new solar panels glint in the spring sunshine at Drummuir Hall, Moray.