About us
Orkney has a proud history of energy innovation, reflected in many of the locations featured throughout this trail. Over the past two decades, the islands have become a globally recognised hub for renewable energy research and development, leading advances in wind power, marine energy, hydrogen, energy storage and smart energy systems.
Since 2013, Orkney has generated more renewable electricity than it consumes, creating a unique real-world testbed for the energy transition.
This spirit of innovation continues today as the islands explore new ways to decarbonise heat and transport, develop hydrogen and e-fuels, expand offshore wind opportunities, and support community-led climate solutions through initiatives such as the Islands Centre for Net Zero.
By combining local expertise, pioneering research and strong collaboration, Orkney is helping to shape the clean energy systems of the future while providing inspiration and practical lessons for island and rural communities around the world.
To learn more about how you can be part of the journey by studying, working and building a career in Orkney's energy sector, visit the Energy of Orkney website.
The Islands Centre for Net Zero is a pan-island distributed innovation centre that will support Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides to become lighthouse communities in the energy transition.
Developed by an Islands based consortium led by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) with partners Heriot Watt University, Aquatera and Community Energy Scotland and the three Islands' Councils.
The centre will support the exploration, trialling and acceleration of solutions to decarbonisation that could have replicability worldwide.
ICNZ is part of the Islands Growth Deal and funded by the UK and Scottish Governments.
Founded in 2000, the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum (OREF) is a membership organisation open to businesses and individuals involved in Orkney's renewable energy sector.
OREF aims to address strategic issues affecting Orkney's renewables sector through focused collaboration with members, the local community, key stakeholders, and Orkney's world-leading academic and research organisations.
To find out more about renewables in Orkney, or how to become a member of OREF, visit our website Orkney Renewable Energy Forum (OREF) – Supporting Orkney's leading position in the Renewable energy sector.
The Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA), part of the UHI Archaeology Institute based at UHI Orkney, offers both terrestrial and marine historic environment services which are cost effective and efficiently delivered by our experienced team.
ORCA works closely with a wide range of clients from the renewable energy, electricity transmission, oil and gas sectors in addition to infrastructure developers and legislative bodies, to provide historic environment solutions.