Last week saw the attendance record at the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon exhibition and conference All-Energy, and the co-located Dcarbonise 2024, at Glasgow’s SEC, smashed by a staggering 21%.
“In 2023 we had total attendance of 9,706 – a new record, but this year, on 15 and 16 May, that was well and truly beaten by the close of play figure of 11,736,” explained Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director at RX Global, who own and organise the duo of events “We knew before the show had opened that we were well on target for a new record, but never in our wildest dreams did we expect a 21% increase over last year’s figure. It’s a testament to both the growth in the industry and how the combined event is valued by those who benefit from participating. This year registrations came from 80 countries.
“The increase in attendance was reflected by packed aisles, conference halls and show floor theatres (between them they boasted over 600 speakers during the two days) and smiles and congratulations in plenty from our 270 exhibiting organisations, many of whom have already re-booked for 2025’s silver anniversary event being held at SEC on 14 and 15 May. Exhibitors came from all over the UK and Northern Ireland, and also from the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and the USA.
“We have often referred to the show as ‘busy and buzzing’. This year the sense of business being done, and the incredible buzz outclassed anything heard in the show’s 24 -year history. The world class conference programme with stellar line-ups in 57 sessions looking at policy, ambitions, challenges, opportunities and innovative solutions across renewable power, low carbon heat and low carbon transport is undoubtedly one of the industry’s biggest free of charge conferences seen anywhere in the world, something we are hugely proud to deliver.
“The Lomond Auditorium was packed to hear opening morning speakers including the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Màiri McAllan MSP; Louise Kingham, Senior Vice President, Europe and Head of Country, bp; Adam Morrison, UK Country Manager for Ocean Winds; Emma Pinchbeck, CEO, Energy UK; along with All-Energy stalwarts, the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Jacqueline McLaren, and Councillor Susan Aitken, The Leader of Glasgow City Council all expertly chaired by Dame Susan Rice, Chair of Forth Green Freeports. And, with video contributions from Jim Skea, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero; and was just as packed for the first offshore wind session. It was equally packed for the offshore wind session that immediately followed the opening plenary session.
“With the ’Great Grid Upgrade’ in mind, we devoted more time to grid and networks than ever before and the 400-seater room dedicated to that was crammed to the proverbial gunwales for many sessions; hydrogen and energy storage – as always – attracted large numbers; as did so many of our sessions on all forms of renewables and on the decarbonisation of the built environment, heat, transport, cities/places and industry.”
The eight show floor theatres providing bite-size chunks of free learning involved another 250+ speakers and covered offshore wind, marine renewable energy, hydrogen and energy storage, future talent, community and local energy, research and innovation, and decarbonising hat, the built environment and transport also drew high numbers. So too did the Civic Reception and Giant Networking evening at Glasgow Science Centre.
Mr Heastie explained: “Networking is key to All-Energy, and the Centre, with its interactive exhibits, provides a relaxed and fascinating venue at which the conversations started on stands or as the result of conference sessions can be caried on as well as providing a chance for meeting up with old friends and making new acquaintances. We are grateful to the Rt Hon the Lord Provost of Glasgow for the Civic Reception and to Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa for their sponsorship of this important aspect of All-Energy and Dcarbonise.”
He added: “Naturally I would like to thank exhibitors, speakers, chairs and sponsors for their commitment to the show; and also, the visitors who came in their thousands. This year I would particularly like to thank Shepherd and Wedderburn who celebrated their tenth anniversary of becoming our Headline Sponsor. They bring a wealth of knowledge and some highly relevant conference sessions too, and so it is very much a win:win situation for our two organisations; long may the relationship continue.”
All-Energy and Dcarbonise 2025 will be held 14 and15 May at Glasgow’s SEC. Further information is available from www.all-energy.co.uk