Two weeks ago, more than 6,500 renewable energy professionals came together at All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable energy event, which returned to Glasgow’s Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.

For the second year running, leading UK law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn supported the two-day event as headline sponsor. With extensive experience advising key industry players on renewable energy projects, twelve expert lawyers from the firm’s Energy and Natural Resources practice joined All-Energy’s 460-strong speaker line-up.

Getting All-Energy 2016 off to an inspirational start was Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower Renewables, who set out three priority areas for the renewable energy industry, which continued to be key themes throughout the event: life extension of onshore wind assets, energy storage and leadership.

With first-generation onshore wind assets approaching the end of their lifespan, life extension and repowering was one of All-Energy’s hot topics. Shepherd and Wedderburn partner and Head of Planning, Colin Innes provided a full conference theatre with insight into the legal issues faced by onshore wind asset owners planning to repower or extend the life of their sites. Echoing Anderson’s plenary presentation, Innes called for a clear policy framework.

The recent shutdown of electricity from wind farms due to lack of storage facilities, made energy storage another hotly debated topic. Shepherd and Wedderburn partner, John Grady, who has particular expertise in contractual and regulatory matters in the utility sectors, gave attendees a whistle-stop tour of the legalities.
Shepherd and Wedderburn Partner and Head of Green Energy Projects Clare Foster said:

“All-Energy 2016 afforded an excellent opportunity for many of our 90+ strong Energy and Natural Resources team to connect with clients, forge new relationships and exchange ideas with renewable energy professionals.”