Driving delivery is the overarching theme of BE-ST Fest 2026, and in the North of Scotland, this is brought into sharp focus through heat & energy efficiency.

While improving energy performance is a national priority, the challenge is particularly acute in the North of Scotland. Harsh weather conditions, a high proportion of older and harder-to-treat homes, and a significant number of off-gas grid properties combine to create one of the most complex energy landscapes in Scotland. These factors contribute to disproportionately high levels of fuel poverty, alongside the urgent need to decarbonise heating systems in line with Scotland’s 2045 net-zero targets.

This summit will go beyond discussion. It will convene those already delivering solutions on the ground, industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and communities to share practical insights, align efforts, and accelerate implementation. The focus is clear, how do we overcome barriers, strengthen supply chains and scale solutions to drive the delivery of warmer, more efficient, and low energy homes across the North, and beyond?

Speakers include:

• Victoria Erasmus, Sustainability Director of the Glen Mhor Hotel and Uile-Bheist Distillery and Brewery

• Richard Park, Hub North Scotland

• Carrie Higgins, Tertiary Education Leader Technology, Environment and Education at UHI Inverness

• Vicky Walker, Centre Manager for Home Energy Scotland Highlands and Islands

Date: 6th October 2026

Location: Eden Court, Inverness

Now in its 18th year, the Hydrogen Scotland Conference is a highlight of the Scottish hydrogen events calendar and returns to Glasgow on 6 October 2026, refreshed with what attendees told us they value most- bringing everything into a single, carefully curated day.

The programme is full and varied, featuring interactive workshops led by leading experts, hands-on training sessions, and ample opportunity to connect meaningfully with those driving the future of hydrogen- from industry, academia, policymakers and the next generation.

Driving delivery sits at the heart of BE-ST Fest 2026, and in the South of Scotland, the spotlight is on skills as a critical enabler of change.

The South of Scotland faces a significant skills challenge shaped by its rural geography and ageing population. Persistent barriers, including limited access to affordable housing, poor transport connectivity, and underinvestment in training, continue to constrain progress.

This summit will bring together academia, industry, and policymakers around a shared goal: to move from identifying gaps to delivering solutions. By strengthening collaboration, unlocking investment, and aligning education with industry needs, the focus is on building a resilient, future-ready workforce that can drive economic growth and support Scotland’s transition to net zero.

Speakers include:

• Dr Jocelyne Fleming, Scottish Policy and Public Affairs Lead - Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)‍

• Douglas Dickson, Principal and CEO of Dumfries and Galloway College

• Chiara Fingland, Climate Development Officer, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

• Izzy Williams, Ryder Architecture

• Julia Muir Watt, Chief Executive, The Whithorn Trust

Date: 23rd September 2026

Location: The Crichton Trust, Dumfries

The Henry Royce Institute is delighted to host the Fourth Royce Hydrogen Conference, celebrating success in translational solutions for materials challenges in hydrogen applications.

Taking place at Imperial College London’s White City Campus, the conference will bring together researchers, industry innovators, policymakers, investors and system integrators to explore how materials innovation can support the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies.

Join us to hear keynote talks from academic and industry speakers working across the hydrogen materials innovation landscape, learn more about research funded through Rounds 5 and 6 of the Royce Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) and receive updates on the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator (RHA), Royce capabilities and partner-led activities across the Institute.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with the UK hydrogen materials community, meet RHA representatives, connect with Royce Research Area Leads and the Research & Business Engagement team, and take part in an optional tour of Imperial College London’s facilities.

Date and location

• Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026

• Time: 09:00 – 16:00, with an optional lab tour from 16:00 – 16:45

• Venue: Uren Building, Imperial College London, White City Campus

Who should attend

This event is aimed at people working in research and development across academic and industry settings, as well as policymakers, investors and system integrators with an interest in materials challenges and solutions for hydrogen applications.

The programme will be relevant to those working across the hydrogen value chain, from production, distribution and storage through to end-use applications.

Event programme

Keynote speakers will be announced in due course. An outline programme is available below.

Scotland’s flagship gathering for public-sector net-zero project owners and private-sector solution providers.

Inspired by the real challenges and delivery priorities of Scotland’s public-sector project owners, the 2026 programme has been crafted to unlock practical solutions, showcase proven project outcomes, and bring together the organisations essential to achieving national climate goals.

Why this conference exists

Public bodies across Scotland are responsible for thousands of assets, estates, facilities and infrastructure networks.

They are facing rising expectations, evolving regulations and increasing delivery pressures across:

• Heat decarbonisation

• Retrofit & refurbishment

• Grid capacity and electrification

• Transport, fleets & mobility

• Energy efficiency

• Heat networks

• Local energy systems

• Net-zero funding & procurement

This conference exists to bring project owners and problem-solvers into the same room to accelerate real-world delivery.

Driving delivery defines BE-ST Fest 2026, and in the East of Scotland, this is driven through the lens of retrofit.

Now in its fourth year, the International Retrofit Conference has established itself as a leading platform for industry leaders, community organisations, policymakers, and innovators to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: retrofiting our existing buildings.

The ambition is clear: reduce energy demand, enhance building performance, decarbonise heating systems, and reimagine how we can use and reuse buildings, so that people can live in more comfortable, more affordable homes.

While the challenge is complex, momentum is growing across the sector. New approaches to funding, policy, skills development and delivery are helping to unlock progress, while collaboration across industry continues to build confidence and capability at scale.

The International Retrofit Conference will focus on what is currently happening and how we can do more. It asks not whether we need to retrofit, but how we do it, at scale, at speed, and in a way that is affordable and accessible. By aligning policy, finance and delivery, retrofit can become a cornerstone of net-zero progress.

Date: 2nd September 2026

Location: Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh

METASIS Webinar #6 - Hybrid metal phosphonates and perovskite-cobaltite materials as electrode materials for energy conversion

Presentation Details: Hydrogen is emerging as a key clean energy vector with significant potential to decarbonise industries such as ammonia and steel production. However, widespread adoption depends on reducing hydrogen production costs through affordable, efficient electrocatalysts and improved electrolyser designs. This work highlights strategies to lower both capital (CAPEX) and operating (OPEX) costs by developing non-platinum group metal (non-PGM) catalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER). Microporous iron, cobalt, and nickel phosphonate catalysts exhibit high surface area, enhanced catalytic activity, and reduced overpotentials, making them effective for alkaline water splitting. A novel 3D-printed membraneless microfluidic electrolyser further reduces manufacturing costs and fabrication time compared with conventional lithographic methods. Using an asymmetric electrolyte configuration (acidic catholyte and alkaline anolyte) improves water-splitting kinetics, enabling performance comparable to conventional electrolysers while reducing manufacturing costs by approximately 25%. 

The work also addresses intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs), where sluggish oxygen reduction limits performance at lower temperatures. A newly developed neodymium-based perovskite cathode, Nd₀.₆₇Sr₀.₃₃Co₀.₈Fe₀.₂O₃₋δ (NSCF), demonstrates high electrical and ionic conductivity, low interfacial resistance, and excellent power densities between 700–800°C. In solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) mode, symmetrical NSCF electrodes also deliver efficient CO₂ electrolysis with high current density and stable long-term operation, demonstrating promise for both clean hydrogen production and carbon utilisation technologies.

METASIS Webinar: METASIS is a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)–funded programme supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) (EP/W033178/1, UKRI3156), focused on advancing high-temperature steam electrolysis and solid oxide energy systems for low-carbon hydrogen production. Led by Robert Gordon University, in collaboration with the University of Surrey, Aston University, and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL), METASIS addresses key challenges in materials durability, manufacturing, and system integration to enable large-scale hydrogen deployment.

As part of the research dissemination and stakeholder engagement, the METASIS Webinar Series is a knowledge-exchange plan bringing together leading scientists, engineers, and industry experts to discuss emerging frontiers in electrochemical and thermochemical hydrogen production. 

This webinar is being hosted virtually via Microsoft Teams and supported by the Brilliant Energy Institute (BEI) at Ontario Tech University (Canada), Hy-ONE (UK), and All Things Hydrogen Conference (UK). It is open to researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers working across hydrogen technologies, energy systems, and clean-energy innovation.

METASIS research: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/metasis   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metasis-solid-oxide-steam-electrolyser/

Webinar Programme 
•  Date: Thursday 27th August 2026, 12:00–13:00 (UK time) (4.30-5.30 pm Indian time)
•  Title: Hybrid metal phosphonates and perovskite-cobaltite materials as electrode materials for energy conversion
•  Speaker: Professor Suddhasatwa Basu, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India; Email: sbasu@chemical.iitd.ac.in 

The Young Professionals Green Energy Awards return to Glasgow on Thursday, 20 August!

Rewarding the next generation of leaders in renewables

Renewable energy is one of Scotland’s proudest environmental and economic success stories. This event will bring industry together to celebrate and recognise those who will be driving the evolution of Scotland’s energy system.

The Young Professionals Green Energy Awards recognises those who have achieved beyond all expectations, those who are pioneering new ideas and have the drive and ambition to change the renewable energy industry for the better. 

Join CIBSE Scotland for this years technical conference - Heating the Future

This year’s conference theme, Heating the Future: Innovation and Collaboration for Heat Networks and Large-Scale Heat Pumps in Scotland, explores how innovation and cross-sector collaboration are driving the transition to low-carbon heat across Scotland.

The full agenda and speaker line-up will be announced shortly.

The top three student posters will be showcased throughout the day, with competition winners formally announced and awarded during the conference.

The conference offers excellent networking opportunities, including a quality buffet lunch served in the TIC Building’s foyer. Exhibition stands from key CIBSE Patrons and leading building services sponsors will also be available throughout the day.

Join Mitsubishi Electric, along with Industry Leading experts, as we help you to understand the latest government policies around sustainable home heating. Take inspiration from successful local projects and understand the opportunities this evolving landscape provides for your existing housing stock and future developments.
​

Government Policies & Future Housing Standards

​Hear more about the key government policies which are shaping the future of housing across England, Scotland, and Wales – what they mean from your housing stock, your residents and your long‑term sustainability objectives. Understand the evolving regulatory landscape designed to improve energy efficiency and support warmer, more sustainable homes and understand the opportunities these policies create - with clarity on upcoming changes to building and retrofit standards.
​

Minimal Disruption Research for Retrofit Projects​

Discover key insights from real life installations, showcasing how our R290 heat pumps can provide a minimal disruption solution to replacing existing heating systems. An approach to reduce installation time, minimise disruption to tenants and save cost, all whilst improving efficiency and unlocking the potential to reduce household bills. Learn from best practice case studies and real-life data.

Government’s New Towns Announcement​

Get up to speed with the UK Government’s revived New Towns programme, informed by the New Towns Taskforce’s 2025 report. Welcoming 12 recommended locations for new town developments, including confirmed plans to begin construction in 3 key locations - Tempsford, Crews Hill, and Leeds South Bank—within the current Parliament. ​

Expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes each, with a minimum of 40% affordable housing. Understand how these plans could influence long‑term housing strategy, regional development, and future demand for low‑carbon heating and building technologies.

Clean Heat Edinburgh Forum’s next event is taking place at the ECCI in Edinburgh on the 11th September 9am -12noon. This half day event will focus on ‘Not-for-Profit Heat Networks: Pathways for Edinburgh and Lothians’.  More details and registration can be found at this link - CHEF Event 11th Sept

Event Overview:

This half-day event will explore delivery models for heat networks across Scotland — from large urban district heating schemes to community- and shared heat systems. Featuring real-world case studies, policy insights, and panel discussions, the session aims to share lessons, challenges, and innovation pathways with key stakeholders.

Target Audience:

• Clean heat technology providers

• Local authorities and public sector estate managers

• Urban planners and developers

• Non-domestic and commercial property portfolio owners

• Registered social landlords and housing associations

Key Themes Covered

• Delivery models: public-led, private, and community ownership

• Regional equity: representation from H&I and SoSE regions

• Financing mechanisms and partnership structures

• Scalability from building-level to urban-scale systems

Agenda

09:00 – 09:30 | Arrival and Networking Breakfast 

Informal networking with coffee and light breakfast. 

09:30 – 09:40 | Welcome and Opening Remarks 

• Dr Roddy Yarr, Director of Sustainability, University of Glasgow 

09:40 – 10:00 | Keynote: The Policy Landscape for Heat Networks in Scotland 

A strategic overview of policy instruments, zoning, funding, and regulatory frameworks supporting the growth of heat networks. 
Speaker: 

• James Hemphill, Head of Heat Networks and Public Sector Buildings Policy & Legislation, Scottish Government 

10:00 – 10:30 | Session 1 – Delivering a Large-Scale Urban Heat Network 

An inside look at the delivery model, technical design, funding approach, and stakeholder coordination for a major district heat network. 

 
Case Study 1: 

• Paul Steen, Head of Business Development (Scotland & North England), Vattenfall Heat UK  

Case Study 2: 

• Andrew Cripps, Partnerships Director, Vital Energi

10:30 – 11:00 | Session 2 – Community Scale Heat Networks  

Showcasing a shared heating solution in social housing or a community development, including funding routes and resident engagement. 
Case Study: 

• Dr Oisín de Priall, Senior Consultant, Reheat  

Speaker: 

• Paul Gilbert, Net Zero Energy Transition Programme Lead, South of Scotland Enterprise 

11:00 – 11:15 | Coffee Break & Networking 

11:15 – 12:00 | Session 3 (Panel Discussion) Delivery Models – Public, Private, Partnership 

Exploring the pros and cons of different delivery models (e.g., local authority-led, private ESCo, JV, community-owned), and what’s working across Scotland. 

Moderator: 

• Sheelagh MacGregor, Associate Director for Net Zero, Scottish Futures Trust 

Panellists: 

• Mark Potter, Regional Manager (Scotland & North England), Kensa 

• Danny Cowe, Business Development Manager, Scottish Water Horizons 

• Robin Abrham, Associate Director, Last Mile Asset Management 

• Craig Richardson, Principal Procurement Specialist, Scotland Excel 

12:00 – 12:30 | Session 4 - Financing Heat Networks: Insights from Current Projects 

Understanding how delivery models are supported through capital funding, revenue stacking, and risk-sharing arrangements. 
Speaker: 

• Sarah- Jane McArthur, Partner, Brodies   

12:30 – 12:45 | Closing Remarks and Takeaways 

Summarising actionable insights and next steps for attendees. 

• Dr Roddy Yarr, Director of Sustainability, University of Glasgow 

12:45 – 13:30 | Networking Lunch 

Scotland has made great strides in building large amounts of renewable energy generation. But despite this, 90% of households are still using fossil fuels to heat their homes.

There’s plenty of innovation happening in clean heat, but what policy changes do the Scottish and UK Governments need to make to ensure that Scotland meets its climate change targets, tackles fuel poverty and unlocks a clean heat future for the country?

With the 2045 net zero targets inching closer, the Heat in Buildings Bill due to pass through Scottish Parliament next year, a new Climate Change Plan required, and Holyrood elections coming up, there’s never been a more important time to act – and there’s no shortage of opportunities for change.

On Thursday 24 July 12:00-13:00 BST, we’ll be convening experts to deep-dive into Nesta’s new report A policy plan for clean heat in Scotland, exploring how Scotland can unlock policy action and provide clear direction for the clean heat transition.

This online event will draw insights from the report to explore the solutions to several key questions:

• How do we make clean heat affordable?

• How do we deliver clean heat at scale?

• How can we support households to ensure an easier, smoother switch to clean heat?

• How do we phase out a reliance on fossil fuel heating?

• Lastly, how do we prepare Scotland’s workforce for the clean heat mass market?

By addressing five critical areas, including policy outcomes and proposed actions for both Scottish and UK Governments, this event will provide policymakers in Scotland with a comprehensive and digestible framework that can accelerate the decarbonisation of home heating across Scotland.

Attendees will hear from the researchers behind the report. This includes Robin Parker and Marcus Shepheard, Mission Manager and Policy Manager respectively at Nesta’s sustainable future mission. Joining them will be an expert panel consisting of Gillian Campbell, Director at Existing Homes Alliance Scotland, Dr Matthew Lee, Senior Policy Officer for Energy at Citizens Advice Scotland, and Scott Sanford, Technical Services & Skills Manager at SNIPEF. The event will be chaired by Ashley Mclean, Policy Advisor for Nesta Scotland. More speakers will be announced at a later date. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A session, where you’ll get to put your questions to our panel.

This event is for Scottish policymakers, clean heat installers, net zero campaigners, and all those interested in a compelling, workable solution to the clean energy transition across Scotland.

Join us for the Net Zero Living Annual Event 2025, a dynamic and interactive gathering bringing together local authorities, businesses, investors and policymakers to drive forward place-based net zero solutions.

About the Event

This year’s event will feature:

• Keynote speakers from government, industry and research.

• Interactive breakout sessions on innovative methods of citizen engagement, net zero planning, financing, skills, business engagement to support place decarbonisation.

• Project exhibitions showcasing innovative net zero initiatives and solutions for challenges such as retrofit, data, circular economy, community and local energy.

• Networking opportunities to connect with key stakeholders.

Who should attend?

• Local authorities & policymakers.

• Net zero businesses & innovators.

• Government representatives.

• Investors & finance experts.

• Academics & industry leaders.

Why attend?

• Explore the real life experiences of the Net Zero Living projects.

• Take away practical solutions to help your local decarbonisation journey.

• Gain insights from leading experts.

• Connect with peers and potential collaborators.

• Be part of the conversation shaping the future of sustainable places.

The Highlands and Islands region presents specific challenges for delivery against net zero targets.  These include, among others, supply chain, workforce and technical solutions some of which can be overcome by coordinating action and resources and aligning ambitions. This event looks to create time and space to present challenges and explore solutions around coordinating activity and unlocking progress towards delivering against net zero targets.

This event will showcase the willingness across key stakeholders and organisations to work together and mobilise towards shared goals and benefits for the citizens and economic development of the region. 

We are bringing together representatives from industry, public sector, community and support organisations and academia to make new connections and discuss ways to progress coordinated action in the region.

Join us for insightful presentations from businesses and projects active in the Highlands and Island Region. Our panels will offer lively discussions on the importance of putting communities at the heart of decarbonisation and highlight the work being done to strengthen workforce and supply chain to support delivery of net zero ambitions across the Highlands and Islands and beyond.  If you work in the region or are interested in how you can be part of driving change and having positive impacts on places, communities and businesses then this event is for you.

Sign up and come along to foster new partnerships and share your experiences and expertise.

Speakers include:

• Emma Church Impact Manager at Built Environment – Smarter Transformation and HeatSource Project Lead

• Keith Masson, Head of Net Zero Transition at Highlands and Islands Enterprise

• Brian Barker, Specialist Advice Team manager at Home Energy    

  Scotland

• Isla MacMillan, Project Manager at Highland Council

• TBC, Connected Response

• Joanna Peteranna, Director of Operations at Highlands and Islands Enterprise

• Joan Lawrie, Hub Manager at Highlands & Islands Climate Club

• Rob Morrison, Impact Manager at Built Environment – Smarter Transformation

• Gail Prince, Partnership Development Manager at Highland Community Planning Partnership

• Josiah Lockhart, CEO at Changeworks

• Carrie Higgins, Tertiary Education Lead at University of Highlands & Islands (Inverness College)

• David Reid, CEO at Powering Futures

• Rachel Comrie, Green Heat Installer Engagement Assistant Programme Manager at Energy Savings Trust

• Callum Cruden, Director at Cruden RI

• Jamie di Sotto, Commercial Director at AES Solar

• Victoria Erasmus, Sustainability Director at Glen Mhor & Uile-Bheist Distillery

• Owen Coyle, Director at Union Technical

• John Housego, Managing Director at Aquascot

• Jack Ord, Technical Support Engineer at Star Renewables

• Nicola McLeod, Operations & Supply Chain Manager at Warmworks

Agenda

9am                Registration

9.30am          Welcome & Introduction

9.45am          Keynote: Victoria Erasmus, Sustainability Director at Glen Mhor & Uile-Bheist Distillery

10.15am         Session 1 – Place

11.15am          Comfort Break

11.30am         Session 2 - Trust & Community

12.30pm        Lunch

1.30pm          Session 3 – Workforce

2.30pm          Comfort Break

2.45pm          Session 4 – Impact and Scale

3.45pm          Closing Remarks

4pm                Networking

4.45pm          Event Close

Date: 4th June, 9am to 4pm 

Location: University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness Campus 

There are over 230,000 non-domestic properties in Scotland. The Heat in Buildings Strategy set a target of 50,000 non-domestic buildings need to be converted to low or zero emissions heating systems. This sector represents a significant opportunity for the supply chain. Public Sector buildings can lead by example in their adoption of clean heat technologies and energy efficiency measures.

Join us for this webinar to hear from a range of speakers, from those developing policy for public sector decarbonisation and organisations overcoming challenges in their own decarbonisation and retrofit journeys to Scottish businesses with products and services available to help deliver on clean heat and energy efficiency ambitions in the non-domestic sector.

Speakers will include:

• Kat McKinnon, Scottish Government

• Gavin Johnston, BE-ST

• Lisa Cairns, IRT Surveys

• Amy Ritchie, the University of Strathclyde

Clean Heat 2025

Clean Heat 2025 is dedicated to the delivery of clean, renewable heat to buildings in Scotland. It brings together public, private, and third-sector organisations to share their knowledge and expertise of the sector.

Its purpose is to generate interest in the clean heat supply chain by showcasing the opportunities that exist within it.

The event will also address the barriers to Scotland’s heat decarbonisation targets and look at how we can overcome them.

We're looking for a broad range of attendees, including:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises that are already in, or looking to enter, the clean heat supply chain and are based in Scotland

• Local authorities

• New-build developers

• Key industry organisations

• Investors

• Academics, innovation centres, and Catapults

• Utility providers

• First mover organisations – registered social landlords, public sector bodies, private landlords, and social housing organisations

Research and development in mine water heat

Dr Fiona Todd, our principal research and development manager, will provide an overview of our mine heat research to date, including details of our flagship mine water heat monitoring network in Gateshead, England, and how this will further improve our understanding of thermal behaviour between operational schemes.

We will also touch on some of the technical challenges facing mine water heat development, as well as our future plans to work with researchers to fill any knowledge gaps and maximise the potential of mine water heating and cooling.

Facilitating mine water heat schemes through access agreements

The second webinar will focus on how the Mining Remediation Authority helps to facilitate mine water heat schemes through our access agreements. Joanne Eynon, our Principal Manager for Mine Heat Licensing, will provide an overview of our new application forms and best practice documentation, giving developers and local authorities confidence in how to proceed with an application.

The talk will outline the steps involved to secure the necessary permissions and set out our framework for reviewing applications. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions following the webinar. 

Mine water heat opportunities

Hear from Gareth Farr, our Head of Heat and By Product Innovation, about the opportunities mine water heat presents to coalfield communities, our current progress on mine water heat schemes, and an overview of some of the innovative projects we’ve been supporting to help realise more mine water heat schemes in Great Britain. 

The presentation will be followed by a short Q&A where you can find out more about our work on mine water heat projects. 

Getting tender ready and how to bid for clean heat contracts.

• Scottish Enterprise teamed up with the Supplier Development Programme to run a series of two webinars to help Scottish based SMEs to win more contracts in the ever-expanding clean heat market.

  What is clean heat? - Clean heat is defined as technologies to decrease carbon emissions from buildings.  This includes energy efficiency, heat pumps, heat networks, and associated sensors and controls.

  The first webinar focused on the clean heat market and opportunities; this second online event builds on this with advice on how to win tenders. Please ensure you attend both webinars.

  During this live webinar, we will introduce you to the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) portal together with tips on how to complete your tender bid. Speakers from the Scottish Procurement Alliance and Scotland Excel will provide more detail on their clean heat framework contracts, followed by a case study from an SMEs to talk about the supplier perspective.

  We will have interactive Polls throughout the event and a live Q&A, giving you an opportunity to ask questions while our experts are live online.

  Webinar agenda 

• Introduction from Supplier Development Programme

• Presentation from Scottish Enterprise to include, what is clean heat?  Size and growth of the market.

• Advice from SDP – Getting tender ready - Top Tips for Tendering

• Scottish Procurement Alliance – clean heat framework contracts

• Scotland Excel - clean heat framework contracts

• How to win tenders – a case study from an SME

• Live Q&A

Clean Heat Market and Opportunities

Scottish Enterprise has teamed up with the Supplier Development Programme to run a series of two webinars, to help Scottish based SMEs to win more contracts in the ever-expanding clean heat market.

What is clean heat? - Clean heat is defined as technologies to decrease carbon emissions from buildings. This includes energy efficiency, heat pumps, heat networks, and associated sensors and controls.

This first webinar will focus on the clean heat market and opportunities. The second online event ( 23rd January ‘25) will build on this with advice on how to win tenders. Please ensure you book to attend both webinars

During this live webinar you will learn about the clean heat market and its growth. The main clean heat framework contracts will be described along with the support that is available to help you to bid for contracts. This will be followed by two case studies from a buyer’s perspective: one from an SME contractor, the other from the public sector buyer.

We will have interactive Polls throughout the webinar and a live Q&A, giving you an opportunity to ask questions while our experts are live online.

Webinar agenda 

• Introduction from Supplier Development Programme

• Presentation from Scottish Enterprise to include, what is clean heat?  Size and growth of the market.

• Overview from SDP -support available to help to you bid for contracts.

• Clean Heat framework contracts – what frameworks are live and coming soon?

• A buyer’s perspective (private sector)-A case study from a contractor.

• A buyer’s perspective (public sector)-What procurement routes does a Council use

• Live Q&A

Scotland has a rich history of mining and in the past coal was a fuel that contributed greatly to meeting our power and heating needs.  However, did you know that there is an opportunity for this industry to create a new, cleaner energy legacy?  The concept of mine water geothermal, used in many countries around the world, is one that uses abandoned coal mines, filled with water, which is a steady temperature year-round, as a source of thermal energy which can be upgraded to temperatures usable in buildings.

Geothermal energy refers to heat energy stored within the ground and exists across the UK in different geological settings. Shallow geothermal energy (low grade heat) is found in the subsurface at depths up to 500m and can be extracted from both the rocks and aquifers as well as the flooded old mine workings.

Underground thermal energy storage (UTES) is a way to capture and store excess heat either within abandoned mines or within aquifers. UTES systems are, if well designed, more efficient and cheaper to operate than traditional geothermal installations.  The thermal properties of the subsurface are an important consideration in understanding the amount of heat that can be recovered after storage and used for the supply to future heat networks.

There has been investment in research and development facilities, feasibility studies and digital tools to support this sector.  So how can your business capitalise on this investment and unlock new opportunities for growth and collaboration especially in the area of underground thermal storage? Sign up to this webinar and learn more. 

Join HeatSource for this webinar on geothermal and thermal storage where we will be joined by experts to discuss the scale of the opportunity in Scotland and hear about key projects underway as well as the tools and support available. Is your business looking to innovate and collaborate, or do you just want to learn more about this technology and how it might contribute to Scotland Clean Heat future? Then sign up below.

Host

Emma Church, Impact Manager, BE-ST

Speakers

Vanessa Starcher, Science and Operations Lead UK Geoenergy Observatory Glasgow, British Geological Survey (BGS)

Vanessa is the Science and Operations lead for the UK Geoenergy Observatory in Glasgow which focuses on increasing the understanding of mine-water heating and underground thermal energy storage.

Vanessa has over 30 years of experience in the energy arena, initially focussed on the oil and gas sector. She began her career as a geophysicist and spent several years working overseas before joining the British Geological Survey in Edinburgh. At this point Vanessa transitioned into renewable energy and has been involved in both the construction and operational phases of the Glasgow Observatory. Vanessa currently is responsible for the delivery of research and innovation projects linked to the facility and also oversees the operational aspects of the site.

Jamie Macfarlane, Energy Statistics, Office of the Chief Economic Adviser (OCEA), Scottish Government

Jamie has worked as a statistician within the Scottish Government for over a decade, covering areas such as crime, household surveys and the National Performance Framework. For the last year, Jamie has been working on energy statistics with responsibility for the production of the Scotland Heat Map and analysis related to heat networks and non-domestic buildings.

Zoe Shipton, University of Strathclyde

Rachel McCaw, Energy Transition Specialist for Geothermal and Digital Technologies in Clean Heat, Scottish Enterprise          

As an Energy Transition Specialist at Scottish Enterprise, Rachel McCaw is dedicated to supporting Scotland’s ambitious goals for sustainable energy transformation. She leads on digital technology to optimise low carbon technologies and geothermal energy as a sustainable energy source to decarbonise heat in buildings. With a degree in Environmental Science and a strong background in renewable energy and sustainability she collaborates with businesses and stakeholders to drive innovation, research and development for effective outcomes for decarbonisation. 

Session Detail

13.00      Welcome and Introduction: Emma Church, BE-ST          

13.05      Introduction to UK Geoenergy Observatories and underground thermal energy storage (UTES): Vanessa Starcher, BGS

13.20     Scotland’s Heat Map: Jamie Macfarlane, Scottish Government      

1.30 ‘STEaM’ project and ‘Galleries to Calories’ project overview, Zoe Shipton, University of Strathclyde

1.40 Funding and Support Rachel McCaw, Scottish Enterprise

1.45 Audience Q&A

14.00 Event Ends

The Scottish Green Energy Awards 2024

The Scottish Green Energy Awards will return to Edinburgh on Thursday 5 December 2024.

To register your interest in attending the event or submitting a nomination, please complete this form.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, please email Carol Burns, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Commercial.

HeatSource Heat Networks in Action Event

Join the Heatsource team at our in-person event in Aberdeen on Tuesday 26th November to learn more about heat networks and how Aberdeen City Council are working collaboratively with suppliers to deliver multiple schemes across the city.

With speakers from Scottish Government’s Heat Network Support Unit, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Heat and Power and Vital Energi on the £25million Torry District Heat Scheme and gain insights from a number of our Heatsource champions on innovation in the supply chain.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to be part of the conversation to identifying how we overcome the barriers to mass adoption of heat networks in Scotland’s major cities. The event will be followed by a networking drinks reception to connect and continue the conversation and discuss specific opportunities or challenges you may have.

Session Overview

• 12.15: Lunch provided

• 12.45: Registration

• 13.00: Welcome and introduction to HeatSource by Jennifer Smart, BE-ST

• 13.15: Three sections:

• Why Heat Networks? -   Heat Network Support Unit  - Alastair Robertson, Head of Heat Network Delivery

• The role of the Local Authority – Aberdeen City Council  - Maizatul Muhammad, Energy Team Lead

• Heat Networks in practice – Vital energy  - Kieran Walsh, Regional Manager

• 14.15: Audience Q&A, hosted by Heatsource – Jennifer Smart 

• 14.30: Coffee 

• 14.45: District Heating – wider benefits and the opportunity for the supply chain panel session

• Panel members:

• Sav Systems – Simon Kerr, Account Manager

• Kensa – Mark Potter,  Regional Manager Scotland & Northern England

• GREN – Tanja Growth, Development Director

• SNIB – Gemma Bone-Dodds, Director Insights & Policy

• 15.45: Q&A hosted by Heatsource -  Emma Church

• 16.15: Reflections – Anne Johnstone – Head of ESG, Vital Energy 

• 16.30: Close

• 16.30 – 18.30: Optional drinks reception and networking 

HeatSource: Demystifying Electric Heating

Join us and a panel of experts from a range of direct electric heating technology companies.  This session will provide an overview of a variety of direct electric heating solutions and complementary technology currently available on the market.  With a focus on their benefits to consumers in owner occupied as well as tenanted properties, their role in retrofit and application across a variety of different property types.  This session will discuss the part these technologies play in the current and future mix of heating and more importantly clean heating in Scotland.  

Host

Tom Warren, BE-ST

Panelists

Kenny Cameron, Connected Response

Connected Response optimise electric storage heating and hot water in households with existing storage heaters with active projects in London, Glasgow, and the west highlands.  Working with social landlords and energy efficiency organisations to provide improvements in thermal comfort and reduce energy costs for consumers through the retrofit of smart controls and tariffs to optimise existing heating systems.

Craig Heriot, Flexel

Flexel manufacture and supply innovative heating systems and accessories at their facility in Glenrothes.  Offering a range of far infrared heaters, underfloor and ceiling heating systems that give consumers and users an alternative to traditional wet heating systems.

David Wright, Sunamp

Sunamp design and manufacture space saving thermal energy storage solutions which can be combined with a wide range of heating system technologies, and can be charged by heat pumps, solar PV, grid electricity and even fossil fuel boilers.

Garry Cowan, Electric Heating Company

The Electric Heating Company are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of electric heating and hot water products, based in Blantyre, just outside Glasgow.

Agenda

13.30: Welcome/ Intro 

13.35: Panel intros

14.00: Discussion, including audience Q&A

14.25: Wrap up                               

14.30:Close

HeatSource is a collaborative knowledge hub funded by Scotland’s enterprise agencies which explores opportunities in low carbon heat.  It brings together knowledge, partners and resources in order to help ready the sector for net zero targets.

HeatSource: Breaking the barriers to heat pumps at scale

Join us and a panel of experts for a discussion on the current barriers to wide scale uptake of heat pumps in Scotland.  Heat pumps need to become more appealing and more affordable for consumers, a competent workforce able to respond to the demands of a growing sector is crucial too.  This session provides a forum to discuss these and more of the challenges facing the clean heat sector in Scotland.

Host

Emma Church, BE-ST

Panelists

Ian Edgeworth, Energy Training Academy

Ian is the Technical Director at the Energy Training Academy.

The Energy Training Academy provides state of the art training for gas engineer and renewable technology training from their brand-new facility in Dalkeith near Edinburgh.  The facility includes their own Net Zero Home, fully functioning and equipped with state-of-the-art green technologies for energy efficiency, clean heat and electric vehicle charging.

Robin Parker, NESTA

Robin is NESTA’s Mission Manager in Scotland for their Sustainable Future Mission.

NESTA UK are the UK’s innovation agency for social good. ‘A Sustainable Future’ is one of three core missions of NESTA’s work in the UK.  This mission aims to make it easier for people to use clean green sources of energy to heat and power their  homes.  Supporting consumers with novel content such as “Inside a heat pump home: virtual tour and homeowner Q&A” and working with stakeholders to shape policy plans and evidence for clean heat action in the UK and Scotland.

Agenda

13.30: Welcome/ Intro                                                                       

13.35: Panel introductions              

13.50: Discussion, including audience Q&A 

14.25: Wrap up                

14.30: Close