The Locogen Team Celebrates Office Opening
On Tuesday 24th September Locogen enjoyed a double celebration, marking 10 years in the renewable energy industry and the official opening of our fantastic new office building in Stockbridge.
100 guests packed into our marquee to hear speeches from Phil Underwood from the Society for the Environment, Locogen CEO Andrew Lyle and Deidre Brock, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith and SNP Shadow Spokesperson for Environment and Rural Affairs.
Locogen General Manager, John Moore, welcomed guests before handing over to Phil Underwood, who spoke about the work of the Society for the Environment. Phil then presented Andrew Lyle with a certificate recognising Locogen as a Chartered Environmentalist Employer Champion.
John Moore Welcomes Our Guests
Andy thanked Phil for the award, pointing out that professional development of the team is key to Locogen’s culture and fundamental to the success and growth of the company over the last 10 years and going forward.
Phil Underwood Presents Andy Lyle With Employer Champion Certificate
He then shared the story of Locogen over the past decade, starting with just Andy working from his flat, then being joined by Stuart Hamilton and Ian McLean and moving into the first Locogen office in Maritime Street, Leith. As more staff arrived, Locogen moved to Constitution Street, just above Nobles pub, and then on to Mitchell Street where the company remained until this year.
Andy then spoke of Locogen’s expansion into France, where last year we landed our first consented wind project, followed shortly afterwards by a 5MW solar project, which has secured a CfD contract.
Another major milestone for the French team was achieved in May last year, when Locogen signed an important partnership agreement with CXC to develop large-scale wind projects in France. We now have over 100MW in the pipeline and Andy announced Locogen’s intention to sign a new partnership agreement with CXC this week to co-develop another portfolio of wind projects in France together.
Looking to the future, Andy shared that there is definitely more activity of late in onshore wind and solar. He suggested there have also been many more positive messages from Government this year, declaring a climate emergency and signing up to the net-zero emissions targets, creating optimism for opportunities in renewable energy in the UK in the future.
Andy then touched on Locogen’s move from Leith to Stockbridge.
He joked that the vibe of Stockbridge is maybe a little more sedate than Leith, with no more after work drinks in the Port O’ Leith, dancing on the bar top and tables on a Friday evening. Perhaps, he added, Stockbridge reflects Locogen’s increased maturity as a company and we’re sure we’ll find a good local here too.
Our new office was a great find and Andy congratulated the team for an excellent job refurbishing and decorating it to put our own stamp on the building.
Andy rounded off by saying that the new office is a new beginning for Locogen as we look forward to another 10 years in the UK and France and, quite possibly, further afield.
Andy Lyle On Locogen’s First 10 Years
Local MP, Deidre Brock, then took to the stage.
Deidre congratulated Locogen for a successful 10 years and for bringing high quality jobs to Leith and North Edinburgh. She gave special mention to Locogen’s record in graduate employment, with 25% of the current workforce joining the company straight from education.
Deidre also praised Locogen’s work with communities, highlighting our award-winning projects with Ore Valley Housing’s Dundonald wind turbine in Fife, and our shared ownership hydro scheme with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Coigach Community Development Company at Achiltibuie, northwest of Ullapool.
Deidre Brock Addresses Staff And Guests At Locogen’s Office Opening
Her role as SNP Shadow Spokesperson for Environment and Rural Affairs means that Deidre has a special interest in renewable energy and its ability to help the country meet its net-zero carbon targets and create a better world for us all to live in. She highlighted the ability of community owned renewable energy projects to bring much needed income to rural communities and pointed out Scotland’s leading position in many renewable technologies, both on and offshore.
Deidre finished by encouraging Scotland’s renewable energy community to shout louder about its achievements, before she and Andy performed the official ribbon-cutting opening ceremony.
Andy And Deidre Cut The Ribbon
As the skies darkened and the rain made its inevitable presence felt, the music just got a little bit louder as the Locogen team and guests celebrated well into the night.
Andy Cuts The 10-Year Birthday Cake
It was a fantastic party and we’d like to thank everyone who came along. Cheers to another 10 years!
