Scheme to "Hothouse" Scottish Renewable Energy Talent Launched

Young Professionals in Renewables (YPiR) will allow the green energy sector’s rising stars to network, exchange ideas, knowledge and best practice and hear from some of the industry’s most influential figures.

The scheme – aimed at developers, sponsors, academics, accountants, financiers, consultants, lawyers– is a partnership between industry body Scottish Renewables, international law firm Pinsent Masons LLP and renewable energy developer BayWa r.e. UK Ltd.

A free launch event in Edinburgh on October 21 will feature a keynote address from Jeremy Sainsbury OBE, former Chair of Scottish Renewables and current director of renewable energy consultancy Natural Power.

The development of YPiR was pioneered by Jennifer Russell, Legal Counsel at BayWa r.e. UK Ltd, who, with the support of Michael Duffy at Pinsent Masons LLP, won a “Dragons’ Den” style competition at the law firm to win funding for the initiative.

Jennifer Russell, Legal Counsel for BayWa r.e. UK Ltd said:

"We are really excited to be launching this initiative with Scottish Renewables and Pinsent Masons LLP. One of the great attractions for renewables developers carrying on business in Scotland is access to a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. With this in mind, YPIR aims to provide young professionals with the support they need to develop business and networking skills in a non-intimidating environment. Scotland's talent gives it a competitive edge and, it is our hope that, through creating this group, we can play a critical role in ensuring that advantage is maintained."

Michael Duffy, Solicitor for Pinsent Masons LLP said:

"We are all really looking forward to the launch event which we view as the first building block of a solid foundation for the promotion of knowledge sharing and networking within the renewable energy sector. In many ways it is surprising that a group of this sort does not already exist. So much of the industry is about accumulated knowledge, and we need to make an asset of that domestically and internationally in much the same way as has occurred in the oil and gas sector."

Jillian McKenna, Director of Marketing for Scottish Renewables, said:

"The development of skills and expertise within the renewable energy sector is essential for sustainable economic growth and to help us realise our industry’s ambitions.  The YPiR scheme will give members unparalleled access to some of the industry’s biggest figures, which is crucial to ensure Scotland expands its reputation as an international knowledge pool of renewables talent.”

Professionals wishing to join the group can register online at www.scottishrenewables.com/events/ypir/