2020 Climate Group - support to develop the renewable energy supply chain

The Scottish Government has set some of the world’s most ambitious carbon reduction targets – to have 100% of generation from renewable sources by 2020. The 2020 Climate Group was formed in 2009 to bring together leaders in business, the public sector and academia in promoting action to increase the achievability of these targets. The 2020 Climate Group has in turn created a number of working 'sub-groups' focusing on critical enablers, such as the built environment, transport, public and business engagement and finance.

Policy and finance are important factors in developing the capability needed to ensure the targets can be achievable – from early discussions it was clear that the group’s work would be enhanced by also taking steps to help create supply chain opportunities for Scottish businesses (both domestically and internationally) to be part of this developing industry.

Building on its expertise in supply chain development, optimisation, manufacturing cost reduction and technology development, PA Consulting developed and now facilitates a group focused on how Scotland can create the supply chains needed to improve confidence amongst investors and reduce the barriers to investment in low carbon projects. This group was convened for the first time in February 2011 and unites key industry players spanning the domestic supply chain. Core supply chain group members include Scottish and Southern Energy, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Government, Scottish Power Renewables, Scottish Renewables, Bibby Offshore Limited, Aquamarine Power, BiFab, Pelamis Wave Power, Babcock Marine, Clyde Blowers, Weir Group, Forth Ports and Gamesa. The group operates in the style of the 2020 Climate Group and as such, is focused on achieving real action and progress.

In its first six months of its leadership, PA has helped the group to develop supply chain development plans for the offshore wind and marine sectors. These bring a level of clarity at a ‘system’ level to what would need to be put in place and when in order to establish cohesive supply chains for these two key sectors. The development plans are available here.

Our role has included the design and facilitation of engaging workshops, brokering collaboration opportunities within and beyond group member organisations, broadening the discussion (for example through the establishment of a LinkedIn® group, designing and contributing extensively to the development plans and the design and delivery of significant content for the Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference, as well as periodic updates back to the 2020 Climate Group and Finance Sub-group.

Not only has PA demonstrated real collaboration and brought others together in this spirit, we have developed understanding of the supply chain challenges in Scotland and brought this critical topic to the centre of the developing renewables industry. We have produced development plans which are informed by the industry and bring a level of clarity not otherwise available which in turn will help to improve confidence that Scotland has a route to creating a renewables industry on a sustainable basis. 

Please contact us now so that we can introduce the plans to you and incorporate your feedback and views into the development of a renewable energy supply chain action plan for Scotland.