News

MD shares Marex story at inaugural energy transition event

16th November 2022

Our managing director Wayne Henderson had his eyes on the offshore horizon as he addressed Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG)’s first Energy Futures conference.

The North-east’s potential for leading the way in the global energy transition was one of the key themes to emerge from the inaugural event.

Held yesterday (Tuesday) at P&J Live in Aberdeen, it brought together more than 400 diverse stakeholders to discuss the latest technology developments and the fast pace of change required to reach net zero.

Wayne was part of a panel of topical experts at OGV Speakers’ Corner where he shared the story of Marex’s diversification into offshore wind.

Joining speakers from Aberdeen Science Centre, both city-based universities and Swedish energy company Vattenfall, Wayne explained the route we took into the renewable sector and advised other organisations to apply their core business in a way that creates value.

Experience and expertise

He outlined the lightbulb moment during the pandemic when the decision was taken to enter this emerging market and bring the much-needed expertise and experience gained from working in the oil and gas industry.

And he was able to talk about our ongoing success, with a significant marine consultancy contract with Scottish Power Renewables, and projects with some of the largest offshore wind developers and wind farm construction companies.

Marex is a member of AREG, the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain. Wayne said: “This was a great event in which to be involved.

“AREG represents more than 250 organisations that are at the forefront of the transition and it brought the broad net-zero community together to talk about how we will reach UK and Scottish targets.

“What Marex has brought to the offshore wind industry is a risk-based approach to projects at the design and feasibility stage. This has improved design, given shorter project lead times, enhanced safety performance and continual assurance of compliance.

“My advice to other would be to embrace offshore wind, find their entry point and then apply their core business in a way that creates value.”

Energy transition

The Energy Futures Conference and Exhibition showcased the north of Scotland’s capabilities and ambitions on a broad range of topics, including primary energy production, community and household initiatives, heating, and transport systems.

The day’s keynote address was delivered by Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson MSP, in which he highlighted the significance of the event and the relevance of its timely agenda taking place in Europe’s energy capital.

David Rodger, AREG CEO, said: “Seeing hundreds of people at our first conference reinforced the commitment, of our members, stakeholders and the North-east community, to making the changes necessary for a timely and just transition.

“As one of the original energy transition organisations in the North-east, it’s our mission to be a powerful voice in the net zero conversation, at home and overseas, and yesterday clearly demonstrated that goal in action. The support we received for the Energy Futures Conference and Exhibition from our sponsors, partners and the wider community was overwhelming, and we are confident discussions had at the event will accelerate progress towards a low carbon energy future for the region.”

Event sponsors and supporters included bp, Shell, STC INSISO, Vattenfall, North Star, Fennex, Energy Voice, OGV, Scottish Renewables, Aberdeen Science Centre, OPITO, Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA) and North East Scotland Hydrogen Ambition (NESH2A) Steering Committee.