Events

As part of EU Sustainable Energy Week 2021, Scotland House Brussels is delighted to invite you to the last in our series of “Road to COP 26” online events.

Ahead of the COP26 Climate Conference taking place next month in Glasgow and following the publication of the European Commission’s Fit for 55 package, the need to accelerate the decarbonisation of the world economy has never been greater. The focus is now shifting to the delivery of ambitious climate targets. As we see an increase in renewables in the energy mix and a greater emphasis on decentralised energy production, islands, and rural areas will have a key role to play in the transition to a net-zero economy. The recently launched EU Rural Areas Vision as well as European Commission initiatives including the Clean Energy for EU Islands programme have recognised this.

This panel discussion will focus on the role of European islands and rural areas in achieving the transition to a net-zero energy system. Islands and rural areas, with their very specific energy challenges, have often been at the forefront of innovative energy transition projects. Panelists, drawing on real-life examples, will discuss the role of islands and rural areas in the energy transition, outlining the specific challenges as well as the opportunities those challenges can present. They will also discuss how to promote continued cooperation and exchange of best practice in Europe and beyond.

Speakers

Opening remarks from Mairi Gougeon, MSP Scottish Government Cabinet Minister for Rural Affairs and Islands

Kristina Čelić, Director, Directorate for Energy, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Croatia

Peter Nelson, Operations Director, The Glenmorangie Company (a member of the Scotch Whisky Association)

Adele Lidderdale, Climate Change Project Officer, Orkney Islands Council

Please register here.