Andy McFarlane

WJM’s seminar will this year focus on the theme ‘Reaching the targets – 2030’.

The event, on November 9 at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, will bring together a panel of experts to explore what the industry can do to achieve the Scottish government’s ambitious targets of deploying 20GW of onshore wind by 2030.

Andy McFarlane, head of renewables at WJM, said: “We look forward to bringing together some of the leading voices in renewables at this pivotal point for Scotland’s energy sector.

“This year has been a particularly significant one for the country as we have tracked a changed consenting landscape following adoption of NPF4 – Scotland’s National Planning Framework.

“Our panellists will explore the repowering of wind farms and turbines, battery storage and green hydrogen, as well as the ways in which industry players must rethink their approach to future-proofing sites.

“Last year’s event attracted more than 100 renewables professionals from across the country and beyond and we look forward to building on its success, reflecting on the progress that Scotland has made and examining the way forward.”

The conference comes just as The Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal has been signed by the nation’s government and major industry players are outlining measures to achieve Net Zero.

This year’s presenters are:

• Fraser Gillies, head of planning and managing partner and Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie
• David Bell from David Bell Planning Ltd
• Patrick Smart, Energy Networks Director at RES
• William Hazell, CCUS and Hydrogen Sector Lead; and Kai Beale, Senior Engineer for Energy Transition, Ramboll

They will later be joined by Morag Watson from Scottish Renewables and Neil Douglas from BVG Associates to take part in a Q&A session.