January 2026

The global ‘energy centres’ are working through tough times. In the UK, Aberdeen is once again faced with an industry slowdown on the back of policy uncertainty. In the Netherlands, the Port of Rotterdam has received a lot of investment but is facing significant efficiency issues following a year of labour challenges and economic issues. In Demark, Copenhagen has seen offshore wind crash thanks to global appetite for product and service, and ongoing cost challenges. Even in Frankfurt, Milan, Stockholm, Katowice, and Oslo, there is an outlook of uncertainty and challenge, and this is difficult for the industry.

For innovation to thrive, certainty and stability are required. Investment must flow, and the problems that eventually lead to opportunities must be front of mind. Right now, global economic factors and geopolitical influences are distracting from energy transition, climate change, and long-term sustainability. In the cities and regions that generate energy and ideas, and where the energy industry is relied on, companies are having to diversify and re-strategise to provide a clear roadmap over the medium term. This is, of course, not ideal.

In Aberdeen, NSES is looking to take its world-class skillset into hydrogen and renewable energy projects, as well as utilities, so that it is not only exposed to a shaky oil and gas sector. MD Scott MacAngus is positive following a move to a new facility.

In Rotterdam, IQIP – a global leader in on-and offshore foundation and installation – is working hard to predict future demand, developing bigger and stronger hammers and noise mitigation systems. When piles need to go deeper but quieter, this innovator will be ready. Again, the company is using skills developed in oil and gas and is applying them to new sectors.

Phase Motion Control – in Genoa, northern Italy – is busy creating next generation high performance motors for use across various applications. The innovation here is the manufacturing process, which is entirely European, using an almost entirely EU based supply chain, potentially ending reliance on global imports. As global uncertainty increases, developments like this will be essential in the future of the sector as it looks internally for ideas.

These companies are all doing exciting things, despite the gloom that hangs over traditional energy centres – this is the mark of true industry leaders.

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