Capturing the Energy (CtE) was launched in 2006 by the University of Aberdeen, to promote wider recognition of the technical and cultural importance of the offshore oil, gas and renewable industry. An Energy Archive was established at University of Aberdeen Collections, and achievements included the preservation of the Murchison Oil Field archive, as well as well as records relating to the Frigg gas field and pipeline system.
In the early stages of the project, the then Surveying Officer David Powell, through the Business Archives Council of Scotland, provided expertise by undertaking a scoping study of the supply chain industry. It provided the CtE steering group with a clearer idea as to the scale of the industry and what records were produced of historical value. A final report was published in 2010 and can be read here.
Fast forward to 2025, and the current Scottish Business Archives Surveying Officer is revisiting the aims of Capturing the Energy along with the University of Aberdeen Special Collections with a renewed focus on developing an understanding of record-keeping specifically within the Scottish renewables sector.
The renewables sector, along with many other modern industries in Scotland, provide a complex records landscape. The Surveying Officer is keen to work with any organisation or individual with an interest and / or role in the UK renewables sector so please get in contact if you can provide insight or assistance.