Positive steps forward at UHI Islands Forum
The powerful force of the islands in driving green energy transition was the focus of last week’s Islands Forum hosted by UHI North, West and Hebrides in Stornoway.
Stakeholders from across the UHI partnership, including island-based academic partners UHI Shetland and UHI Orkney, joined Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Plus Zero, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, and the Scottish Government to discuss how the islands can deliver on the green energy transition while creating new opportunities for communities, skills, and jobs.
Day one at UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Stornoway campus set the scene for the once-in-a-generation transformational opportunities available to our islands’ economies, showcasing the progress of island-based innovation and leadership in green energy developments, with a highlight being a tour of the college’s new Technology and Innovation Centre.
Opened earlier this year as the first capital project under the Islands Growth Deal, the centre is expanding the college’s capacity to train more students and apprentices in renewable energy, engineering, construction, sustainability and net zero. Facilities include a Future Energy Lab, a Hydrogen Innovation Lab, virtual welding simulators, and dedicated STEM spaces for schools' engagement. The Islands Growth Deal is a 10-year package that seeks to drive economic growth and the creation of sustainable jobs across Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. Completed on time and on budget, the Technology and Innovation Centre has received funding from the Scottish Government through the Islands Growth Deal (£1.5 million) and the Islands Programme Fund (£250,000), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (£250,000), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (£236,000), and UHI (£102,000).
Day two of the forum was hosted by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and focused on planning the future economic islands strategy and how best UHI could contribute to achieving a just transition towards net zero through education, skills, research and knowledge generation. Sessions addressed the opportunities and challenges of achieving island energy autonomy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, reducing fuel poverty in the islands and building a skilled local workforce to meet the demands of Scotland’s energy transition.
Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said:
“The UHI Islands Forum, held in Stornoway last week, provided the opportunity to connect education, research, government and industry in a shared mission – to secure affordable, sustainable energy and to inspire the skilled workforce that will deliver it, securing lasting benefits for our island communities, with routes into high value jobs for young people and families.
“UHI North, West and Hebrides is proud to play its part as an anchor institution for our communities, delivering the skills and knowledge that will shape a just and prosperous transition for our islands.”
Professor Brian Williams, Deputy-Principal Academic and Research at UHI, added:
“Our islands are uniquely positioned to lead the way in renewable energy innovation. By bringing together our research expertise, industry partnerships and community strengths, we can demonstrate how islands are not only beneficiaries of the green transition but also powerful drivers of it. UHI is committed to ensuring that the knowledge and skills developed here contribute to sustainable futures both locally and globally.”
Councillor Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said:
“I would like to thank all those involved in organising the UHI Islands Forum and the organisations who attended and contributed. Our islands are at the forefront of development in the renewable energy sector. To ensure that we are best placed to capitalise on the opportunities and address the challenges that this development presents it is important that we come together in partnership to look ahead to future strategy. Crucial to future strategy is the role of UHI in developing the islands future workforce and leading on green energy research. The Technology and Innovation Centre, funded by the Islands Growth Deal, is already supporting this key work and it was particularly encouraging to receive an update on its use.”
The UHI Islands Forum meets twice a year to monitor and support delivery of the UHI Islands Strategy, ensuring that tertiary education and research play a pivotal role in tackling the unique challenges and opportunities faced by island communities.