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Case Study

Analysis of the Low Carbon Energy Supply Chains in Scotland

An in-depth analysis of five high-growth low carbon energy supply chains in Scotland, identifying opportunities to strengthen domestic capability and support the transition to net zero.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The project investigated the opportunities presented by five low carbon energy supply chains with significant growth potential. The project was conducted on behalf of Scotland’s construction innovation centre, BE-ST.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Develop supply chain frameworks for key selected segments of the construction sector
Develop a supply chain map for Scotland to highlight key areas of strength and weakness
Identify development actions to exploit strengths, address weaknesses and position the supply chain to access opportunities
Create a set of case studies to demonstrate good practice in exploiting supply chain opportunities

Develop supply chain frameworks for key selected segments of the construction sector
Develop a supply chain map for Scotland to highlight key areas of strength and weakness
Identify development actions to exploit strengths, address weaknesses and position the supply chain to access opportunities
Create a set of case studies to demonstrate good practice in exploiting supply chain opportunities




OUR APPROACH

DELIVERY TEAM

Iain Weir
Senior Consultant
About>
Ashley Stewart
Director & Senior Consultant
About>

OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

An in-depth analysis of the following low carbon energy supply chains was included in the report:

  • Heat pumps
  • Low carbon electricity generation and storage
  • Sustainable insulation materials
  • Heat storage
  • Mass timber systems and components

The Construction Industry Leadership Forum published the report in March 2023

“The findings from the report will help industry, the Scottish Government, and other government agencies, to maximise the opportunities for developing high-value, high-growth low carbon energy supply chains in Scotland. Enabling the growth and success of these supply chains will be key to ensuring Scotland reaches and sustains its target to reach net zero carbon by 2045.”

Construction Industry Leadership Forum

Iain Weir

Senior Consultant

I’m Iain Weir, formerly Managing Director of Optimat.  I joined Optimat in 1990 and now have over 35 years’ experience of strategy, innovation and economic development consultancy. I am now working part-time as a senior consultant as a stepping stone to retirement in the future.

During my time at Optimat, I’ve worked to support company growth, innovation and economic development across a range of sectors, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.  I’m proud to have had an integral role over that time in developing Optimat into an internationally recognised strategy consultancy.

One of my key areas of expertise is the development of the low carbon economy, a topic of increasing importance for today’s industries.  I think this is a challenging area for industry and the public sector to address as there can be several solutions offered to reduce carbon impacts, often without a strong evidence base to support their use. I enjoy pursuing an evidence-based analyses of these options to provide valuable insights to stakeholders.

Before joining Optimat, I worked in research and development in the electro-optic materials sector, developing and marketing innovative high-tech materials for a range of applications.  This industrial experience has strongly influenced my approach to assisting companies with their innovation activities.

I hold a BSc (1st class Hons) in Chemistry, a PhD in Chemistry, and an MBA.  I think this strong scientific background has enabled me to pursue an evidence-based and analytical approach to consultancy.

Dr Ashley Stewart

Director & Senior Consultant

I’m Ashley, a Director and Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, from AI and Automation to Space, Immersive and Geospatial, helping to advance Scotland’s wider enabling technologies.  I support the growth of high-innovation sectors where Scotland has the potential to lead globally.

For over 15 years at Optimat, I’ve helped industries, organisations and governments use digital and emerging technologies to unlock growth and sharpen their competitiveness. Recent work has focused on AI, building a clearer picture of Scotland’s capabilities and adoption opportunities, and on Space, where I’ve delivered insights that shape strategies for industry growth, Net Zero pathways and new infrastructure, such as spaceports. Across the full breadth of digital and emerging technologies, my role is about turning evidence into action and ensuring Scotland stays globally competitive as technologies and industries evolve.

Another core area of expertise is cluster development and strategy. I established, and now lead, Location Data Scotland, building it from the ground up into a vibrant geospatial community. Beyond geospatial, I’ve developed roadmaps and action plans across digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and materials, and aerospace. This combines market and technology analysis with stakeholder engagement to map assets, identify opportunities and design interventions that support innovation and competitiveness.

Before joining Optimat, I worked as a Research Technologist in academia, gaining insight into how technologies move from research to real-world application. That experience, combined with two decades in consultancy, enables me to bridge research, policy and industry to help clients make smarter, evidence-based decisions. I hold a BA in Marketing, an MSc in IT & Web Development, and a PhD in Technology Enhanced Learning & Communities of Practice.