The Scottish Government has awarded backing to four projects in the North East to support the shift from oil and gas to clean energy careers.
A total of £8.4m in funding has been allocated to Maritime Developments (£2.9m) for a cable handling facility, Verlume (£2.5m) for Orah assembly and deployment, Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners (£2.4m) for renewable energy infrastructure, and ORE Catapult (£500,000) for a large-scale synthetic mooring line test rig.
The investment comes from the Just Transition Fund and is aimed at strengthening offshore wind infrastructure and supply chain capabilities, while securing new jobs in the region.
First Minister John Swinney (pictured) said: “This new round of funding responds to the immediate priorities of energy businesses in the North East. It focuses on projects that have a clear goal of supporting jobs and maximising economic opportunities in the region.”
The announcement coincides with the start of Scotland’s Climate Week and the opening of the £10m Energy Transition Skills Hub in Aberdeen, which has received £4.5m from the Just Transition Fund.
Swinney added: “The North East has long been a titan of the oil and gas industries and we must move forward together towards a cleaner, more sustainable world. Just Transition funding aims to ensure no one is left behind and that communities continue to play a vital role in the country’s clean energy future.”
The hub at North East Scotland College will train up to 1000 people in its first five years for careers in renewables, with a focus on offshore wind, advanced manufacturing and digital technology.