Increased action is required to reduce the cost of living and combat climate change.

Turbine jackets for the Seagreen offshore wind farm arriving in the Highlands. Port of Nigg.

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Readers will be not surprised to learn that we are currently experiencing a cost-of living crisis.

Global demand and concerns over UK energy supply caused by the Russia/Ukraine conflict have led to energy bills increasing by 54% in the UK alone. This has left many people with the terrible choice of heating their homes or cooking for themselves.

We’re also under increasing pressure to seriously tackle climate change, with the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report warning the window to limit global warming to safe levels is rapidly closing.

Global warming can be reduced by major energy sector transitions, but it should not be prohibitive for end users.

In his Spring Statement Rishi Sunak reduced the tax on items such solar panels and heat pumps to zero percent. The government states a typical family having rooftop solar panels installed will save more than £1,000 in total on installation, as well as £300 annually on their energy bills.

While AREG welcomes the intention to make the country more energy efficient and lower our dependency on imported gas, we recognise this initiative doesn’t help low-income households who don’t have the capital to make the initial investment.

AREG is calling on local authorities to implement a scheme that provides advice and services to low income households who are looking to improve their homes’ energy efficiency. Local authorities in the north-east have energy advice services to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient. This is both good for the environment and for the household budgets.

AREG was encouraged by the UK Government’s recent energy strategy and we welcome the efforts being made to address the future security of UK energy supply including the development of renewable energy solutions.

Aberdeen City Council has already demonstrated its ability to be at the forefront of any renewable energy initiatives with its £19m Hydrogen Bus Project and the largest hydrogen fuel cell installation in the UK is now in place at P&J Live. The Donside Hydro Project at Tillydrone is harnessing energy from the river Don to create electricity which will be sold to the national grid – so it is happening at a very local level and AREG is well placed to support and promote these renewable energy projects.

In the last two years we’ve seen AREG membership grow from 140 to more than 240 organisations which represent every facet of the supply chain. We’ve also established networks to allow members to discuss and provide solutions within relevant forums.

These are communications, supply chain, technology, policy and the plans to launch an RE-YP network for young professionals in renewable energy.

We’re aware of the challenges ahead but will continue to work to represent our members to face climate change and the energy supply concerns together.