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Published 22/05/2025 by Andrew Gear 3 min read
More than 30 businesses from the Highlands and Islands gathered at All-Energy exhibition and conference 2025 at Glasgow’s SEC 13-14 May. Representing a range of expertise in renewables and low-carbon innovations, the region made a strong impression. In this blog, we catch up with Andrew Gear, our head of business growth in Shetland, to hear his insights and reflections from the event floor.
Last week, I was delighted once again to be part of the ‘Shetland – Islands of Opportunity’ stand at the UK’s biggest renewable energy event – marking our third year at this important renewable energy showcase.
This partnership brought together HIE, Shetland Island Council, energy developers and the local supply chain. This collaborative approach allows Shetland to present a single voice on its energy transition ambitions and renewable and clean energy potential.
All-Energy brings together government, industry leaders, supply chain and community voices, all focused on a shared goal – accelerating our transition to net zero. For Shetland, this conversation couldn’t be more relevant, as a key UK oil & gas energy hub.
Viking Energy Windfarm is now energised, Veri Energy has launched its major programme to transform Sullom Voe Terminal into a clean energy hub and there’s a major pipeline of other renewable projects, meaning Shetland is positioned to play a major role in the UK’s transition to net zero.
The All-Energy event is a valuable platform for Shetland to connect with stakeholders, partners and investors to gain insights into the latest policy trends and innovations. It also reinforced just how important it is that Shetland’s unique opportunities and challenges for the energy transition is front and centre at this crucial national energy conference.
The event coincided with a report published by HIE on the scale of transformational opportunity facing the Highlands and Islands economy. It found that 19 large-scale developments in the pipeline for Shetland with their total investment value potentially exceeding £11b that could support 1,153 jobs.
Bringing these projects to fruition means addressing some major barriers and a strong commitment to a Shetland partnership approach if we are to deliver a just transition that brings real economic and community benefits to Shetland – from jobs to skills to infrastructure
The energy landscape is evolving fast and events like All-Energy provide us with the opportunity to influence the energy transition and ensure a fair share for our region.
Read here to hear about insights from Orkney's team lead, Ruth Kirkpatrick at All-Energy.
Read here about Kathleen Stewart from HIE's Innse Gall team's visit to All-Energy.
Head of Business Growth in Shetland
Andrew Gear is Head of Business Growth in Shetland. He has worked at HIE since 2014 in a variety of roles and has built up an extensive knowledge of supply chain development, project investment and key sectors to the region including energy.
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Stuart Black, HIE’s Chief Executive reflects on his recent visit to businesses and community groups in Shetland.
