Are industrial apps key to our energy future? By Allan Merritt, CEO of Arnlea

Aberdeen, the “oil and gas capital of Europe”, is facing a defining moment. As we stand on the brink of a renewable energy revolution, the opportunity ahead is not just to transition but to fundamentally reshape how we operate.

At Arnlea, we believe that industrial apps – technology born from our city’s deep expertise in hazardous environments – will be a driving force that ensures Aberdeen leads the global charge into renewables. This isn’t just about change, it’s about creating a smarter, safer, and more efficient future.

For decades, our region has operated under some of the world’s strictest regulatory frameworks. The same will be true in renewables, but with even greater scrutiny on safety, environmental impact, and operational integrity. The challenge is not only to meet these standards, but to exceed them. And that’s where industrial apps come in. Nexar, our Ex inspection software, was designed to automate complex, high-stakes processes in hazardous areas. But it’s more than a compliance tool – it’s a game-changer. It shifts how businesses think about safety, enabling them to proactively prevent failures rather than simply react to them.

Compliance isn’t just a box to tick; it’s a competitive edge. Companies that embrace industrial apps to ensure they’re operating within regulatory boundaries also unlock powerful benefits: streamlined operations, faster decision-making, and fewer costly shutdowns. Nexar offers businesses peace of mind in this high-stakes environment, turning the focus from firefighting to innovation.

Then there’s the cost factor. Every hour of downtime, every misstep in procurement, every compliance failure is a blow to the bottom line. Industrial apps eliminate inefficiencies and reduce overheads, delivering savings that can be reinvested into innovation and growth. Nexar helps companies not just survive but thrive during this energy transition.

Aberdeen isn’t just moving into renewables – we’re shaping the future of energy. And as CEO of Arnlea, I see industrial apps as a catalyst for that transformation. They’re not just tools; they’re strategic enablers.

This is our chance to redefine what operational excellence looks like in the 21st century. The companies that seize this moment won’t just lead the renewables revolution – they’ll define it.