Roundtable: Fuel Poverty in the Highlands

This policy roundtable seeks to address fuel poverty in the Highlands, a region where one in three households is affected, forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. Despite being rich in renewable energy resources, local communities are not reaping the benefits of these resources.

This event will bring together young people, aged 18–35, from various backgrounds to explore practical recommendations and policy solutions aimed at ensuring Highland households are among the first to benefit from the region’s clean energy potential. The roundtable will offer insights for policymakers and the energy sector alike.

The roundtable will be facilitated by four members of the 2050 Climate Group, who will guide and support discussions throughout. There will be plenty of breaks and refreshments provided during the day, including a locally sourced lunch.

The format of this event will be as follows:

This event will take place as a structured roundtable to facilitate collaboration amongst young people living in the Highlands. There will be a survey conducted, which will be used as a guide throughout the event and will demonstrate the audience’s understanding of the chosen topics:

1. Green energy transition (community benefit funds),
2. Grid Infrastructure,
3. Retrofitting, and
4. Upskilling.

We’ll begin with a brief presentation to set the scene, providing context, highlighting key examples, and outlining the session's aims. We are inviting two policymakers to join us as active observers—listening closely to participants' insights so that they may use these insights to guide policy.

Participants will be divided into small groups, each working collaboratively to share their experience and knowledge on key topics. Facilitators will rotate between groups to help stimulate dialogue, ensure inclusivity, and capture ideas.

After collaboration, we’ll come together to reflect and discuss the proposed solutions. These collective recommendations will then be presented to the attending policymakers, offering the real experience of those living in the Highlands with the goal of influencing future policy.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

UHI House (formerly the Centre for Health Science), Old Perth Road, Inverness, United Kingdom