The Orkney Renewable Energy Forum was established in 2000 as a discussion forum for anyone involved or interested in energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy in Orkney.
OREF’s membership is made up of businesses, organisations and individuals from within and outside of Orkney.
Open meetings are held in person and online, via Zoom, generally at 7 pm on the 1st Tuesday of every month where members and non-members are welcome to attend. The meetings comprise a talk by a guest speaker followed by Q&A.
The meetings are recorded and streamed for those unable to get to the meetings in person. Previous presentations have recently included opportunities in vertical farming, the Orkney electric vehicle strategy, local transport, offshore wind, solar energy, energy policy, robotics and much more.
A Board of Directors is appointed annually from local members to manage the organisation on a voluntary basis. Board members are a mix of individuals and business representatives. Board meetings generally take place on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
OREF has over 130 members.
Business members benefit from OREF’s promotion of their activities through general publicity and occasionally hosting of high profile visitors to the county.
OREF also puts on a regular schedule of public talks and events centred on the topic of renewable energy. OREF members individually also deliver a range of renewable energy projects and lobbies on strategic issues relevant to Orkney as a whole. Visit our resources page to see our most recent work including consultations.
Full membership is open to any business or individual based within Orkney. Associate membership is open to those outside Orkney. Find out more or join OREF.
Over the years OREF has been involved in, promoted, and supported, a number of initiatives:
- The dramatic increase in domestic renewables, both wind and solar – Over 1000 homes in Orkney generate their own power.
- The early deployment of electric vehicles – There is now believed to be approximately 1000 EVs in the county.
- Drawing attention to the grid constraints on the islands has led to innovative developments.
Photo: OREF EV (quiet) flashmob to greet Scottish Government Energy Minister Graham Dey (Aug 2011)
