We write off the back off our visit to All-Energy & Dcarbonise 2023, a conference which brings together parties involved in renewables from all angles – developers, landowners, professionals and engineers.

The appetite for change and the momentum gathering as we strive to engineer a net zero future was apparent from the moment we arrived at the Scottish Exhibition Centre. Exhibitors displayed the latest technology, the hall buzzed with the sound of networking individuals and crowds gathered at the various hubs to listen to industry experts.

While the excitement and enthusiasm was apparent, there were undertones of frustration and limitation, as renewable energy projects endure the challenges presented by our outdated infrastructure and administrative processes.

Grid connection costs and delays – with connection dates as late as 2036 and costly network upgrades – were the main themes apparent at the wind, solar and battery storage conferences attended.

However, change is in the air. Revised planning assumptions are in the pipeline, including proposals to apply a 0MW rating to battery storage grid applications, as are grid amnesties and a consensus that moving away from the existing grid queuing arrangement would reduce the delays. It’s crucial that historic systems and processes don’t stand in the way of the renewable energy schemes needed for progress and to ensure Scotland achieves net zero by 2045.

With All-Energy 2024 set to focus on ‘engineering a net zero future,’ we’re excited to see the developments the sector will make over the coming 12 months. There is no doubt that, with the bringing together of industry experts and with collaborative thinking, everyone is seeking to play their part in delivering a decarbonised future.