The event brought together experts from across Scotland to discuss “Where are we now?” in the country’s renewables sector.

The conference held at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall attracted its largest attendance to date, and delegates were addressed by speakers including Finley Becks-Phelps, UK head of development at Nadara, on repowering; WJM managing partner Fraser Gillies on planning; RES Group’s energy networks director Patrick Smart on the grid; while aviation was covered by Sam Johnson, senior aviation manager at RES Group and WJM’s head of renewable energy, Andy McFarlane.

The one-day event explored developments since NESO and the challenges faced by the industry post-Gate 2, planning reform and investment, and the impact of The Sector Deal so far.

Mr Gillies said: “We started this event more than 10 years ago and it has grown from strength to strength, such that it is now a really important fixture in Scotland’s renewables calendar.”

Giving his annual address at the firm’s conference, this year he focused on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and discussed the latest developments relating to NPF4 and Section 36 applications with regards to Schedule 8.

WJM partner Esme Macfarlane, event chair, welcomed the speakers and whetted the appetite of the delegates as she encouraged the sharing of ideas to help build out the capacity to make a significant contribution to energy security for the future and was mindful of the steps required to retain investor confidence.