This week (21 March) Inverness Chamber of Commerce hosted a roundtable with Marcin Zydowicz, Trade Commissioner for Energy and Mining at The High Commission of Canada in the UK. Marcin was keen to find out more about what is taking place in Scotland with respect to Industrial Decarbonisation – with his key areas of focus being hydrogen and carbon capture. He was also interested to explore opportunities for Canadian and Scottish companies in each other’s markets along with investment opportunities.
Decarbonisation has become a global priority for governments, businesses and society as it plays a vital role in reducing global warming and protecting our future. Many countries have set ambitious carbon neutral targets and companies across every industry are taking steps towards becoming net zero. The Highlands & Islands region is taking a central role in achieving Scotland’s ambitions with the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, now with tax reliefs to 2034 strengthening the case for investment in the region and in renewables technology.
First, our international team, together with Chief Executive, Collin Marr discussed all the activity taking place across the green sector in the Highlands, drilling down to the different forms of renewable energy sources and the stages they are currently at. We also touched on some of our investment needs.
The success of our recent virtual trade mission to Ontario, Canada was also covered, highlighting the importance of the initial stages of building relationships and trust as the building blocks in any international trade journey.
We then hosted a roundtable session, chaired by Colin, where Marcin was joined by three representatives of our Highland business community – all with strong interests in decarbonisation. Marcin met with Nigel Scott, Chief Executive Officer from Denchi Group, Duncan Hodgeson, Operations Manager from Birlinn Offshore, and James Gibb, Director- Freeport Delivery from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Whilst all three representatives offer different perspectives, there were strong common themes.
This was Marcin’s first visit to the Highlands, but it certainly won’t be his last as the potential for collaboration is clear for everyone.