Industry Groups – HiREG (Highland Renewable Energy Group)

Highland Renewable Energy Group (HiREG) is a supply chain organisation whose success has led to businesses in other parts of the UK asking for advice on establishing similar groups.

HiREG liaises with developers, local authorities, The Scottish Government and the UK Energy Ministry and acts as a focal point for its member businesses from Caithness to Skye to Moray.

Its key role is to highlight the outstanding calibre of skills and facilities available to the RE industry in the Highlands and, while supporting renewable energy developments in the area, pressing for maximum local content in projects. It has formed close links with leading developers and made significant progress in being a forum where they can discuss issues with member companies.

HiREG members have secured onshore and offshore wind contracts on a UK-wide basis and this has helped in business diversification but it also has members involved in hydrogen, biomass, solar and wave and tidal activity . HiREG held a highly successful seminar 'The Highlands: Scotland's Green Energy Powerhouse" in Feburary 2006 and was on the working party for the groundbreaking Highland Council renewable energy planning strategy agreed in April 2006.

In promoting the great potential of the industry, and the Highlands as a global centre of excellence, HiREG presses on a political level for a more strategic approach to renewables development. Scotland's Energy Minister Allan Wilson says:"HiREG is a model that can be replicated in other parts of Scotland."

Contact Bill McAllister, secretary 01463 236830

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