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ETZ Ltd’s latest quarterly update reflects on the legacy of founding Chairman Sir Ian Wood and welcomes Trevor Garlick as Chair. The newsletter also celebrates the official opening of ETZ EnergyWorks by His Majesty King Charles III, introduces resident innovator Subworx and highlights ETZ Ltd’s work supporting offshore wind, business growth, community connections and future skills across North East Scotland.Click to read the full Quarterly Update for November 2026.

The fund builds on a 2024 round which unlocked more than £5.3m of investment. ETZ Ltd and Scottish Enterprise have launched the £2.5m Property Improvement Fund to help upgrade vacant and underutilised premises across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The fund is designed to tackle the high refurbishment costs that can prevent older industrial properties from being upgraded and limit businesses’ ability to grow.Delivered by ETZ Ltd and funded by Scottish Enterprise, the scheme will offer funding solutions of up to £500,000 per project, covering no more than 30% of eligible costs. By addressing the viability gap associated with refurbishing older industrial property, the fund is designed to unlock significantly greater private investment and bring business-ready premises back into productive use.The fund is part of the wider strategic partnership announced by ETZ and Scottish Enterprise earlier this year, which aims to create more business-ready industrial space, support companies to grow and diversify into energy transition markets, and strengthen the North East’s proposition to mobile investors. It builds on the success of a 2024 ETZ pilot.Eligible work for this new round can include improvements to building performance, low carbon energy and heating systems, landscaping, accessibility and wellbeing measures, energy audits and carbon assessments.Projects must involve existing industrial property with the potential to support businesses operating in, or supplying, energy transition markets. Applications will be assessed on factors including economic impact, private investment, occupier demand and carbon performance. The fund will prioritise deliverable projects that can return vacant or underused floorspace to productive use, secure new or growing occupiers, support jobs and enable companies to diversify into energy transition markets.The 2024 round saw £1.56m awarded to seven projects in Altens and East Tullos, unlocking a total investment of more than £5.3m, including nearly £4m from the private sector, across projects expected to support up to 100 jobs.Among the recipients were AJT Engineering, where the funding facilitated a new renewables division and fresh recruitment, and Air Liquide, whose project supported expansion into low carbon markets and associated employment opportunities.The seven projects awarded funding in 2024 were:BB Minto LtdAberdeen One Ltd / Ross Safety and SurvivalAJT Engineering LtdAir Liquide Oil & Gas Services LtdSinomine Speciality Fluids LtdEPIC ALVA 1 LtdWest Coast Estates. Neil Young, Deputy Chief Executive of ETZ Ltd, said:“The Property Improvement Fund has already shown what targeted investment can achieve. It has helped bring long-vacant industrial buildings back into use, improve existing premises and create space for businesses to grow.“This £2.5m fund will support projects across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. We want to hear from applicants with strong, deliverable proposals that can revitalise industrial property and help grow the region’s energy transition supply chain.” Clare Alexander, Director, Boosting Capital Investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: “This new fund will help bring more vacant and underused industrial property back into productive use, creating the business-ready premises companies need to invest, grow and diversify into energy transition markets. Through our strategic partnership with ETZ, we are strengthening the North East’s proposition to investors and helping turn the region’s energy transition opportunity into long-term economic impact.” The fund is open for applications now, with initial proposals expected to be reviewed before the end of the year and funding available across 2027/2028. Property owners and businesses are encouraged to engage early, whether they have projects ready to progress now or are considering proposals that could be brought forward during 2027.  Full guidance and application materials are available here. Completed applications should be sent to propertyfund@etzltd.com.

Help Shape the Future as a Non-Executive DirectorLocation:  United Kingdom (Board meetings held in Aberdeen, hybrid option by exception)Remuneration:  Voluntary Board position with reasonable expenses reimbursedTerm:  Initial three-year appointmentClosing date:  30th NovemberSend application to Wendy.Robson@etzltd.com About UsEnergy Transition Zone Ltd (ETZ Ltd) is an ambitious not-for-profit organisation at the forefront of the energy transition in the UK. Working with industry, government, investors and communities, we are helping to accelerate the development of a low-carbon economy while creating economic, sustainable and societal impact.As we enter the next phase of our growth and development, we are seeking to appoint several experienced Non-Executive Directors to join our Board over the next few months. The OpportunityThis is an exciting opportunity for accomplished senior leaders to contribute strategic insight, commercial judgement, robust governance and constructive challenge to an organisation delivering projects and initiatives that support the energy transition within Aberdeen and North East Scotland, Europe’s Capital of Energy Excellence.As a Board Director, you will help shape organisational strategy, oversee performance, ensure effective governance, and support sound decision-making. You will work collaboratively with fellow Board members and the Executive Team to help the organisation achieve its long-term objectives. Who We Are Looking ForWe are particularly interested in candidates who brings significant senior leadership experience gained through running or leading a substantial business, business unit, or complex operation within the energy sector, alongside strong governance credentials and a clear understanding of the opportunities and risk within the UK energy industry.Successful candidates would be expected to bring a clear commercial lens to strategy, business cases and programme design and challenge the balance between economic impact, commercial sustainability and delivery risk. They would be required to advise on attracting private sector investment and leveraging public-sector funding effectively.  Essential ExperienceIn addition to the qualities expected of all Board Directors, applicants should be able to demonstrateSenior executive leadership experience, ideally at CEO, Managing Director, Executive Director, Partner or equivalent level.Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking.Experience of organisational governance, accountability and board-level decision making.The ability to provide independent challenge and scrutiny whilst maintaining positive and constructive relationships.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Particular Areas of Interest We are especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in one or more of the following:Commercial, InvestmentSales Pipelines and Routes to Market, UK and InternationallyEntrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Scale UpOperational leadership and delivery.Energy, infrastructure, industrial, engineering, technology, or related sectorsExperience of working in partnership with Governments or other Public Sector Organisations. Personal QualitiesSuccessful candidates will demonstrate:Sound judgement and integrity.Independent thinking.A commitment to good governance and ethical leadership.The ability to analyse complex issues and contribute to informed decision-making.A genuine passion for economic development, sustainability, and a successful energy transition for North East Scotland.  Diversity and InclusionWe are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse Board enhances the quality of decision-making and strengthens our impact. Time CommitmentThe Board typically meets six times per year, together with an annual strategy session and occasional committee or stakeholder meetings. Preparation time will be required to review Board papers and contribute effectively to discussions. How to ApplyTo express your interest, please submit a current CV together with a brief statement outlining your relevant experience and the contribution you believe you could make to our Board. Join us in helping to shape the future of energy transition and delivering lasting economic, environmental, and social impact.

His Majesty The King Marks Official Opening of UK's First Low Carbon Energy Scale-Up HubHis Majesty The King visited the Energy Transition Zone in Aberdeen earlier today (Tuesday, 22 September 2026) where he marked the official opening of ETZ EnergyWorks, the UK's first dedicated low carbon energy incubator and scale-up hub.ETZ EnergyWorks is founded by ETZ Ltd, bp and Scottish Enterprise, supported by the UK and Scottish Governments and delivered in partnership with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), operated by the University of Strathclyde, and the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC). The state of the art £10 million 3,000 square-metre facility combines industrial and workshop space with co-working, collaboration and meeting areas, providing early-stage companies with the support they need to succeed.His Majesty undertook a tour of the Hub, meeting representatives of its first tenants, each of whom are developing innovative low carbon energy technologies and accessing the unique blend of growth support and manufacturing expertise, provided by ETZ EnergyWorks, to scale and grow.Following a formal welcome by ETZ Ltd Chair, Trevor Garlick, His Majesty marked the official opening of the facility by unveiling a plaque made by Aberdeenshire company Highland Heritage Woodworks, using leftover materials from the construction of the building which has been constructed sustainably throughout, embodying UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard 2030 benchmarks.The dedicated scale-up hub is the third transformational project established in the Energy Transition Zone, following the completion of world’s first National Floating Wind Innovation Centre operated by ORE-Catapult and Scotland’s largest dedicated Energy Transition Skills Hub operated by North East Scotland College (NESCol).Located next to the recently completed £420 million deep-water, non-tidal Aberdeen South harbour, the Zone is transforming into a dynamic all-energy ecosystem and the most attractive location in Europe for investment in low carbon technologies.ETZ Ltd Chair, Trevor Garlick, said:“It was an honour to welcome His Majesty The King to mark the formal opening of ETZ EnergyWorks, a significant and hugely positive milestone for our company and North East Scotland’s energy transition ambition more broadly.“We are very grateful for the time His Majesty spent meeting with this remarkable facility’s first tenants, all of whom embody the entrepreneurial and pioneering determination that has underpinned Aberdeen’s global energy success story over the last fifty years.“This region's world-class supply chain is our greatest strength: a source of innovation, skills, exports and long-term economic opportunity. The entire concept behind the creation of ETZ EnergyWorks is to build on that platform of success and give the next generation of early stage, entrepreneurial businesses access to a unique blend of growth support and manufacturing expertise, so they can grow, scale and prosper.”Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:“Aberdeen has been at the heart of Britain’s energy story for more than half a century and now has the expertise and supply chains that are invaluable to the energy transition."The UK Government has backed the EnergyWorks hub to build on this legacy, supporting the next generation of innovators to power Britain for generations to come."Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said:“As a founding partner of EnergyWorks, Scottish Enterprise is proud to support a significant addition to Scotland's energy transition infrastructure. The facility will help ambitious companies test, develop and commercialise new technologies, creating jobs, attracting investment and strengthening Scotland's clean energy supply chain.“Together with wider investment across the Energy Transition Zone, it further enhances Aberdeen's reputation as a globally recognised centre for low-carbon energy and innovation."Dr Gerry Agnew, co-founder of aviation clean tech start-up Hypanode, an EnergyWorks start-up, said:“It was a real privilege to show His Majesty what we are working on and explain why we have chosen Aberdeen as the place to grow Hypanode.“We are developing a new power system for aviation, and the depth of engineering expertise here was a big part of our decision to base ourselves in the North East. EnergyWorks gives us the right environment to take forward our recently announced £9m ARIA-backed project, moving the technology towards real-world demonstration and, ultimately, commercial scale.”

ETZ Ltd has launched the third round of the Skills Energiser Fund, offering schools in the vicinity of the Energy Transition Zone up to £3,000 in flexible grant funding to support impactful initiatives for staff and pupils. The funding helps the next generation to build skills for the future and inspire more young people to follow careers in energy. The Skills Energiser Fund has already provided thousands of pounds of funding to local primary and secondary schools since 2024 supporting: STEM and literacy resourcesAdditional Support Needs suitable outdoor play kitMicro bit/digital workshops for P7 transition daysPilot REACH programme to help disengaged S4 pupils find a positive destination Supporting young people to develop the skills for fulfilling sustainable careers in energy is key to delivering a successful and fair energy transition. For more information and application forms, see the downloads below. Skills Energiser Fund Details Sept 2026Skills Energiser Fund Application Form Sept 2026

The proposed 150-mile coastal walking trail aims to connect more than 40 towns and communities between Montrose and Cullen, allowing walkers to take in the North East’s cliff tops and sprawling beachesTrail improvement works have been completed on a 3.5 kilometre (km) stretch of Aberdeen’s coastline to help integrate it into what is aiming to become one of Scotland’s most ambitious new long-distance coastal trails.ETZ Ltd has invested £150,000 to enhance the coastal path, including with new wayfinding and interpretation boards, between Aberdeen South Harbour and Altens, improving access to local heritage, biodiversity and the natural environment.The upgraded route will form part of the South Aberdeen section of ‘The Doric Way’, a proposed long-distance coastal trail being developed by North East Scotland Coastal Trust (NESCAT). The organisation’s vision is for the continuous walking route to stretch the roughly 150 miles (225km) of the region’s coastline between Montrose in the south and Cullen in the north.Connecting more than 40 coastal towns and communities, plans for the coastal trail link together cliff tops, beaches, existing paths and quiet roads, creating one of Scotland's most stunning coastal walking experiences.Delivered in partnership with NESCAT through ETZ’s Community & Coast programme, the 3.5km stretch of Aberdeen improvements include resurfaced sections, enhanced accessibility, new wayfinding and a series of interpretation boards celebrating the area's rich history and culture.The project reflects ETZ Ltd's commitment to delivering wider community and environmental benefits alongside investment in the North East's energy transition. Maggie McGinlay, CEO at ETZ Ltd, said:“This investment is about creating a lasting asset for local communities while celebrating the coastline that has shaped Aberdeen's history and identity.“The path improvements, wayfinding and interpretation boards will help more people enjoy this remarkable stretch of coast, learn about its natural environment and discover the industries and communities that have developed here over generations.“We're proud to support NESCAT's vision for The Doric Way. As the route develops, it will connect communities along the North East coast, encourage more people to experience the region's outstanding natural environment and heritage, and deliver lasting social and economic benefits for the area.“By investing in an important section within Aberdeen that is now complete and available to the public, we’re supporting NESCAT’s work to develop the wider route.” Carole Monnier, Community Lead at ETZ Ltd, said:“The new interpretation boards tell the story of Aberdeen's coast, its social and natural heritage, including the city's long-standing connections to fishing, maritime trade and energy.“They also explore the history of the Port of Aberdeen, the Marine Laboratory, local geology and the area's diverse marine habitats, plants and seabirds.“Throughout the trail, visitors will also discover snippets of Doric language and local expressions connected to each location - alongside native wildflowers you can spot on the trail provided by local ecologists The Habitat People and links to the East Grampian Coastal Partnership's annual State of the Coast report.The content was developed with input from a range of local stakeholders, who generously contributed their knowledge and expertise to ensure the boards reflect the area's history, environment, industries and communities.” Chris Foy, CEO at VisitAberdeenshire, commented:“The long-term vision for The Doric Way - to strengthen connections between communities, support local people into the outdoors and enhance the region's visitor economy by making the North East's coastline more accessible – is a welcome and valuable addition to the region’s visitor offer. We know that many of our visitors enjoy spending time in the outdoors, so exploring our coastal path will provide a good reason to stay longer and explore deeper.” Luke Robertson, Project Manager at NESCAT, added:“The Doric Way is about joining up our incredible coastline and making it easier for people to explore it on foot. Importantly, we don’t have to wait until the whole route is in place to see the benefits. Each section we improve can make a difference now, helping more people enjoy the coast, connecting communities and supporting local businesses.“It also takes us another step closer to building a route linking more than 40 towns and communities between Montrose and Cullen. The improvements being funded directly by ETZ Ltd along this section are an important contribution towards that vision.” The upgraded trail forms part of ETZ Ltd's wider Community & Coast programme, which invests in projects that enhance public access, support biodiversity and create lasting environmental and social value across the North East as the region continues its energy transition.