THE Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) has unveiled the winners of its 2024 ‘Art of Renewable Energy’ photography competition, showcasing the integration of renewable energy in Scotland. 

The 14 captivating images, featured in AREG’s 2024 calendar, spotlight various scenes—from hydrogen buses on Union Street to electric bikes outside St Machar Cathedral and solar panels in Aberdeenshire’s rural landscapes to offshore and onshore wind turbines.

Euan Fraser, a member of the Bon Accord Camera Club, expressed his delight at having his images selected for the calendar, emphasising the importance of capturing local green technologies. Fraser stated, “I was delighted to have my images selected for inclusion in AREG’s 2024 calendar. In setting out to photograph my competition entries, I decided to stay local to Aberdeen so that I could truly capture the green technologies that we walk past every day.”

The winning photographers, including Fraser, each received £75 and the honour of having their images prominently displayed in the calendar, as well as at Aberdeen Science Centre throughout the upcoming year. According to Fraser, “The sights of turbines rising above buildings through the North Sea haar and hydrogen buses travelling across the city” showcase the everyday presence of renewable energy.

Sponsored by the BlueFloat Energy | Renantis Partnership’s Broadshore and Bellrock floating offshore wind projects, the competition aimed to spotlight renewable energy in action, reflecting the evolving energy mix in communities and landscapes. David Robertson, portfolio director, Scotland at the BlueFloat Energy | Renantis Partnership, commended the high-quality entries, stating, “The images capture the essence of the energy transition in action and show how things are changing in our communities, landscapes, and seascapes.”

The calendar launch event, held at Aberdeen Art Gallery, saw the announcement of the competition winners during a lunch celebration. The winning photographers were presented with framed versions of their original images. Robertson further noted, “The calendar images tell a story about our journey to a greener future, and it will be interesting to look back at these over time as the technology and structures evolve.”

The event marked a significant moment for AREG, coinciding with its recent move to new premises within the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ). AREG welcomed four new staff members to support the growing demand for its membership services. Shona Teale, AREG operations manager, extended congratulations to the 12 winners and expressed gratitude to all participants. Teale looks forward to expanding support for AREG’s 280+ members, fostering renewable development, and elevating the energy transition’s profile in Scotland and beyond.

 Teale stated, “I am looking forward to growing the support we provide for our 280+ members and helping them meet the challenges ahead, continuing to build momentum around renewable development and raising the profile of the energy transition in Scotland and beyond.” AREG’s overarching mission is to empower members to capitalise on renewable opportunities and champion the sector, contributing to Scotland’s reputation for excellence in energy.