The Granite City Renaissance: GB Energy, Floating Wind, and Aberdeen’s Green Future
So what can we expect from Aberdeen’s Industrial Revival?
We caught up with John MacAskill to share his insights and learn more about the Floating Offshore Wind 2024 Conference.
global MANAGING DIRECTOR – RENEWABLES
Aberdeen at the Heart of a Green Revolution
Aberdeen, the “Granite City,” has long been synonymous with energy leadership in the UK. Now, as the global energy landscape transforms, this city is poised for another seismic shift—one rooted not in oil and gas, but in renewable energy. The recent announcement that GB Energy, the UK’s new clean energy company, will be headquartered here marks a pivotal moment in Scotland’s industrial and green growth story.
The timing, of course, is no coincidence. As we approach the Floating Offshore Wind 2024 Conference on 9-10 October in Aberdeen, it’s impossible to overlook the growing importance of floating wind technology. This event, with its focus on innovation and future-proofing energy systems, could not come at a more critical time for our city and the broader renewable energy sector.
Why Aberdeen? The Symbol and the Substance
Choosing Aberdeen as the home of GB Energy was more than a political move—it’s a statement. Aberdeen’s expertise in offshore oil and gas can be redirected to spearhead the UK’s energy transition. The skills developed in the North Sea are exactly what we need to drive innovation in offshore wind and emerging technologies like green hydrogen.
But it’s not just about skills and symbolism. Aberdeen’s infrastructure, from its ports to its industrial capabilities, is primed to support the green energy boom. Floating offshore wind, a sector OWC – The Renewable Energy Consultants has supported across 50+ projects worldwide, will be a game-changer for Scotland. With ScotWind’s deep waters and GB Energy based right here, we have the chance to lead globally in this critical area.
Floating Wind: Scotland’s Economic Opportunity
Floating wind represents a massive opportunity for Scotland. We’re not talking about incremental change—we’re looking at the potential to create thousands of high-quality jobs and reshape our industrial landscape. The development of a robust supply chain for floating wind will be essential to ensure the long-term success of this sector.
Scotland has already secured significant projects, like the 400MW GreenVolt floating wind farm. The real challenge now is scaling this success, driving not just a clean energy generation but also the development of a thriving industrial base that can support and sustain these projects. It’s an industrial policy we need—one that turns bold announcements into tangible action.
GB Energy’s Role: Strategic Focus and Real Growth
For GB Energy to make an impact, it needs a laser-sharp focus. Will it simply take minority stakes in offshore wind farms, or will it drive meaningful industrial growth by investing in new technologies, grid infrastructure, and supply chains? The floating wind sector offers a rare chance to build a long-lasting economic legacy for Scotland, but this won’t happen without a clear strategy.
At OWC, we’ve seen first-hand how strategic investments can transform industries. Our teams have supported the technical development of offshore wind projects across the globe, and in Scotland, we’ve been integral to many successful bids in the ScotWind auction process. This experience tells me that GB Energy can—and must—focus on making Scotland the epicentre of floating wind expertise.
ABL Group’s Commitment to Aberdeen and Beyond
At ABL Group, including OWC, we’ve already made this transition. From our base in Aberdeen, our teams are delivering for both oil and gas and renewables clients. We’re proud of the fact that the same expertise that once powered the North Sea is now helping to drive projects like Ocean Wind’s Moray offshore wind farm. This is the future, and Aberdeen is at its heart.
If you’re attending the Floating Offshore Wind Conference this month, I’d be delighted to meet and discuss how we can work together to ensure that Aberdeen—and Scotland—remains a leader in the global renewable energy sector. Let’s continue the conversation about how GB Energy can truly transform our industrial and economic landscape for the better.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter
GB Energy’s decision to base itself in Aberdeen is more than just a nod to the past—it’s a commitment to the future. By focusing on the right sectors and leveraging Scotland’s immense natural and human resources, we have a chance to lead in the global energy transition. Floating wind is just the beginning.
I’ll be at Floating Offshore Wind 2024 on 9-10 October, alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. Let’s meet, talk, and plan for the future.
This is an opportunity we can’t afford to miss.
Who will be in attendance:
- John MacAskill – Group Managing Director of Renewables
- Lara Lawrie – Director of Environment and Consents
- Kate Johannesen – Head of Scotland
- Vasilis Markatselis – Deputy Service Line Lead – Market Studies
- David Wotherspoon – Head of New Geographies
