Scotsman conference to examine whether Highlands and Islands can deliver green energy ambition
Scotland’s net-zero ambition is clear but delivery remains the real test.
Scotland has set a target of reaching net zero by 2045, five years ahead of the rest of the UK, positioning itself as a potential global leader in the transition to clean energy.
Progress is visible and investment is flowing, the shift from oil and gas to renewables is underway and GB Energy has chosen Aberdeen as its base.
But questions remain over whether the country is moving fast enough and whether the infrastructure, skills base and political alignment are in place to deliver at scale.
The Highlands and Islands will play a central role.
The region is home to some of Scotland’s most significant renewable energy assets, from offshore wind to hydrogen and grid infrastructure projects.
It is also where many of the practical challenges are most acute, including housing shortages, transport connectivity and workforce retention.
These issues will be the focus of The Scotsman Highlands and Islands Green Energy Conference, taking place on Thursday 11 June 2026 at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness.
Hosted by broadcaster Nicky Marr, the event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and local stakeholders for a day of debate on how Scotland can translate ambition into delivery.
Sessions will examine progress over the past five years, the challenge of building a skilled workforce, and the role of communities in shaping energy projects.
Further discussion will focus on unlocking commercial opportunities, improving planning and grid infrastructure, and ensuring investment translates into long-term economic benefit for the region.
The agenda also includes a keynote on the Highland Council’s socio-economic plan, outlining how public policy and private investment can align to support sustainable growth.
Alan Young, Editor of The Scotsman, said: “Scotland has the natural resources and expertise to lead in green energy, but delivery will depend on how effectively we address the barriers on the ground.
“This conference is about bringing together the people who can turn ambition into action, particularly in the Highlands and Islands where so much of that future will be shaped.”
Now in its fifth year, the conference has become a key forum for discussion on the energy transition in the north of Scotland, combining live debate with wider coverage across The Scotsman’s media platforms.
The event will conclude with a session focused on the next generation, highlighting the role of apprenticeships and emerging talent in supporting the sector’s long-term growth.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.