Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group

Established in 2001, AREG aims to ensure that Aberdeen City and Shire and its businesses play a major role in the energy revolution.

AREG seeks to position the region as a renewable centre of excellence through initiating and delivering key renewable projects, working with member companies to identify and promote opportunities for them individually or collectively.

AREG is an incorporated company with an independent board and its wide-ranging activities and projects are supported by the Energising Aberdeen Fund. This fund is administered by Aberdeen City Council and represents a £22.25 million investment in the future of Aberdeen over five years by the Scottish Government.

With over 160 members, AREG represents an impressive breadth and depth of energy experience and expertise which continues to grow.

AREG members include energy businesses, research institutes, oil service companies, professional consultants and economic development agencies. Their remarkable diversity extends into every source of renewable energy – onshore and offshore wind, wave, tidal, biomass, fuel cell, photovoltaic, solar thermal and geothermal.

AREG is delivering an imaginative portfolio of renewable energy activities and projects, including:

• Spearheading Aberdeen City and Shire’s drive into new energy markets and expanding global connections
• Assessing the feasibility of a local offshore windfarm
• Accelerating the transfer of oil and gas technology and expertise to renewables
• Developing an iconic Energy Futures Centre
• Developing a new Renewables Research Centre and Joint Chair in Energy Futures supported by the University of Aberdeen, The Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen City Council
• Leading the development of a biomass strategy

Over forty years experience in oil and gas operations has established Aberdeen as one of the most influential, innovative and proactive energy cities in the world.

Many leading international energy companies are based in the city, which is recognised as the Energy Capital of Europe. Aberdeen is home to a unique concentration of around 900 energy related businesses, agencies, government bodies and research institutes. This innovative, experienced and resilient energy supply chain leads the way around the world.

These strengths have enabled Aberdeen to play an important role in accelerating the growth of the UK renewables market, into which many  technical oil and gas, research and project management skills are directly transferable.

The city is now equally committed to driving forward the UK’s renewables industry as it is oil and gas, offering significant opportunities for collaborative working through established and emerging partnerships.

In short, Aberdeen is equipped to spearhead the UK’s drive to secure international business in the new energy future with:

• Worldwide energy alliances and strategic connections
• Influence in energy development
• World-class research, innovation and commercialisation in energy technologies
• International project management, development and commissioning capabilities

Throughout history people have used natural energy from the sun, wind, earth and water to power their lives.

But since the discovery of hydrocarbons these have taken over as the world’s main energy source. But hydrocarbon fuels won’t last forever so we need to find other ways to power our homes, schools, businesses, activities and transport. In the search for cleaner, greener and more sustainable forms of energy, people are returning to renewable sources and developing new ways of harnessing its potential and maximising its efficiency.

Here in Aberdeen City and Shire, we have a tradition of innovation, research and energy engineering and AREG is actively encouraging local businesses to develop renewable energy solutions that can be used locally, nationally and internationally to provide a sustainable energy future for all..