Chris Cathrine BSc (Hons) MCIEEM FLS FRES FRSA, Technical Director
All-Energy is the biggest date in the UK renewables calendar, and it was fantastic to attend at the RSK stand, representing RSK Biocensus along with Associate Directors Steve Coates (RSK Biocensus Scotland) and Nick Henson (RSK Wilding) – the atmosphere was electric!
The conference was held over two days at the Scottish Exhibition Centre (SEC) in Glasgow, Scotland. Taking up the entire venue, the event was absolutely packed with delegates from across the renewables sector including developers, consultants, contractors, academic institutes, government, and regulatory bodies, amongst others. The programme was equally varied, with talks ranging from well establish solar and wind to new technologies, and more! It was great to catch up with long-standing connections and make new ones, as well as meeting people face-to-face after many online calls.
The entire supply chain for all stages of energy projects were represented including site selection, pre-application, consenting, post-consent, operation, decommissioning, and recycling. There is an ecology component to all of these stages, for any type of project, and something which excites me is applying my skills to all of these as well as new challenges.
Hydrogen was undoubtedly the buzz word for the day, as the promise of this emerging technology is really incredible. It’s an area I’m very excited about, and I’ve been involved in prospective projects in Scotland and England for a few years now – there are so many ways it could potentially assist with decarbonization and our ongoing transition from reliance on fossil fuels to renewables in order to further decarbonise our economy, combating climate change and biodiversity loss.
A real highlight for me were the projects engaging with the next generation – helping children and young people develop both to develop the technical and meta-skills that will allow them to excel in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) career, and to expose them to the wide range of work possibilities in the energy sector. We’re way beyond the traditional concept of becoming a doctor, lawyer, teacher, police person, builder, joiner, plumber, or electrician – there are a plethora of variations on the latter alone within the renewables industry, and then there are totally different career paths such as community engagement, project management, or, of course, ecology!
The RSK evening reception lived up to its reputation as being legendary, with a range of industry leaders and other professionals in the renewables sector networking at The Taphouse, which was fully booked by invitation only. It was a great opportunity to unwind a bit too, with some nibbles and beverages before another early start for the second day. (Aside from the engaging conversation, I particularly enjoyed the non-alcoholic beer selection.)
Heriot Watt University had a driving simulator video game at their stall, which I had the opportunity to try on day two – being able to select petrol, hydrogen, or electric vehicles and drive around the university campus was both fun and educational!
As the sun set over the River Clyde, next to the venue, I felt energized, invigorated, and positive after All-Energy 2025.