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Businesses in the North East of Scotland aiming to enter the rapidly expanding offshore renewable energy sector can apply to the highly successful Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) supply chain support programme from today (Thursday). Run by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, F4OR is entering its fourth round in the North East region and will support up to 19 companies through the programme, after receiving a further £288,000 from the Energy Transition Zone Ltd (ETZ Ltd). F4OR is a key part of ETZ Ltd’s two-phase support initiative alongside a challenge fund that will deliver capital investment grants to help North East Scotland energy supply chain companies achieve their low carbon business ambitions. ETZ Ltd supported the second and third rounds of F4OR in the region. Davood Sabaei, F4OR Programme Manager at ORE Catapult, said: “The F4OR programme in the North East of Scotland has supported over 60 companies in the region so far, and we are delighted that the programme has been endorsed by ETZ Ltd for a fourth round, as part of our ambition to support the clean energy transition, boost the local energy supply chain, and accelerate the growth in offshore renewable energy.” The latest round of the F4OR NE Scotland programme will be available to established companies in the Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray areas that are focused on moving into the offshore renewables market. The F4OR programme aligns with ETZ Ltd’s overall ambition to create a world class energy supply chain. Freda Miller, Supply Chain Programme Manager at ETZ Ltd, said: “Fit For Offshore Renewables has firmly established itself as a market-leading programme providing companies with the skills, insights and expertise needed to capitalise on the vast energy transition opportunities before us. “ETZ Ltd is proud to support the programme’s fourth phase of activity across the North East of Scotland which will positively impact up to 19 companies seeking to accelerate their own low-carbon ambitions. The programme continues to grow from strength to strength and directly aligns with our ambition to reposition the region as globally recognised energy hub focussed on the delivery of net zero.” Aberdeen-based, Brimmond, specialise in the design and manufacture of lifting, mechanical and hydraulic equipment for industry, and they recently gained F4OR accreditation on completion of the programme. Steven Simpson, Business Development Manager at Brimmond, said: “The F4OR programme has certainly opened our eyes to the opportunities, collaboration available, and general knowledge surrounding the renewables marketplace. With the support of our mentoring team and the weekly modules, we feel we are now in a greater position to deal with opportunities and projects within offshore renewables due to the information we have gained. I very much encourage companies that are committed to the future renewables market to get involved in the F4OR programme as it will be rewarding - you certainly get back from what you put in.” The F4OR programme typically takes 12-18 months to complete, and was designed alongside industry experts to support companies bidding for work in the offshore renewable energy sector. For more information on the programme and to apply by filling in an Expression of Interest form, please click here. The deadline for submissions is Friday 27 October 2023. More information on the F4OR programme is available here.

ETZ Ltd Partners with Net Zero Technology Centre and National Manufacturing Institute Scotland to Deliver Countries First Energy Incubator & Scale Up Hub Leading technology development and research facilities join ETZ Ltd, Scottish Government, bp and Scottish Enterprise in supporting facility to back supply chain expansion and deliver a cutting-edge innovation centre ETZ Ltd, the not-for-profit company tasked with spearheading North East Scotland’s energy transition ambition, has partnered with the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to deliver Scotland’s first Energy Incubator and Scale Up Hub (EISH). The £6.5 million 3000sqm facility will support supply chain expansion and deliver a ‘cutting-edge innovation ecosystem’ as the focal point of the Innovation Campus, one of five specialist campuses being developed across Aberdeen’s Energy Transition Zone which will become the largest dedicated energy transition complex in Scotland. Located at Hareness Road in Altens Industrial Estate, the hub will comprise of flexible industrial and collaboration space that will foster manufacturing, supply chain company building, technology research and development and commercialisation, alongside targeted business support to drive entrepreneurship, innovation and growth. Subject to planning permission, its opening is expected to be in late 2024. As Delivery Partners for EISH, both NZTC and NMIS will join Founding Partners bp and Scottish Enterprise along with ETZ Ltd in a unique collaboration to provide early stage and scaling companies involved in innovative green energy technology solutions with a comprehensive package of advice and support to help them accelerate the journey to get their products to market. NZTC will provide financial support towards the hub’s operating expenses and will assist TechX accelerator start-up graduates who require industrial and collaborative work space in the hub. NZTC and partners will provide the hub’s SME tenants with support to grow their businesses and be part of an environment where they can engage and collaborate with peers, SMEs and larger companies, universities and investors involved in accelerating the drive to net zero. NMIS will establish an outreach centre as part of EISH and will link companies based in the incubator, providing them with manufacturing advice and support. There will also be a workshop available for use by NMIS and tenants. ETZ Ltd has received £1.25m from bp and £2m support from Scotland’s national economic development agency Scottish Enterprise to begin construction of the hub and the remaining £3.25m of the capital funding for the project will be supported through the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund. Gillian Martin, Scottish Government Minister for Energy and the Environment, said: “This government is investing almost £5 billion in the net zero energy economy in Scotland over this parliamentary term. One of our vehicles for supporting a fair and just transition for the North East’s oil and gas economy to net zero is the £75m Energy Transition Fund. This investment is helping the region attract private investment in the energy transition and maximise the economic opportunities offered by the low-carbon and renewable energy sector. “Scotland’s first Energy Incubator and Scale Up Hub is an excellent example of this action, with the public and private sector working together to accelerate the growth of start-up companies working in the green energy space. I look forward to seeing work progress towards next year’s launch date and welcome the new partners – NZTC and NMIS – who have come on board.” Maggie McGinlay, Chief Executive, ETZ Ltd, said: “Innovation lies at the heart of the energy transition and the Energy Incubator and Scale Up Hub will enable us to expand our vital energy supply chain which is why EISH is integral to the Innovation Campus within the Energy Transition Zone. “The involvement of NZTC and NMIS together with the support from the Scottish Government, bp and Scottish Enterprise for this major project demonstrates how important collaboration between industry and government is in driving the energy transition with the ultimate goal being to create sustainable jobs and company growth. “Aberdeen has always been renowned for its entrepreneurial focus in energy - home to the largest concentration of energy supply chain companies in the UK - and this centre will ensure we continue to support innovation and technology as we move into green energy solutions.” Mark Anderson, Chief Acceleration Officer & TechX Director, said: “The start-ups we support through NZTC’s TechX Accelerator programme play a pivotal role in accelerating the energy transition, offering new ideas, disruptive technologies and an entrepreneurial spirit. Access to workshop and collaborative co-working space in the new hub will further help these and other start-ups to scale, by accelerating technology development and investment, and leveraging Aberdeen’s extensive energy ecosystem, vital for their growth and continued success. “This dedicated facility further bolsters the North East of Scotland’s reputation as a region of energy innovation and entrepreneurship, and we can’t wait to see the catalysing effect on the companies involved and on the ecosystem as a whole.” Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde and Chair of NMIS, said: “As a leading international technological University, Strathclyde is committed to applying its knowledge and research to the achievement of net zero, driving economic opportunity through new green industries and working with business and public sector partners to accelerate investment in decarbonised energy systems. “As the operator of NMIS we are excited to be to working with industry partners on the Energy Incubator and Scale-Up Hub and bringing our expertise in research, innovation and skills development to the Energy Transition Zone.” Chris Courtney, CEO of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) said: “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with ETZ Ltd, NZTC, BP and Scottish Enterprise to help incubate and grow ambitious and innovative companies that will create new products and services to drive the energy transition. Through our extensive experience in collaborative innovation and strong entrepreneurial approach, we can help companies develop their ideas, create networks, and access new markets for their products. Together we can build on the solid industrial heritage in Aberdeen and the northeast and grow new companies to drive the move towards renewable energy in Scotland, the UK and beyond.” Doris Reiter, Senior Vice President North Sea, bp, said: “ETZ’s EISH will provide a vital platform supporting pioneering technology and expertise to accelerate the energy transition. Building on our partnership with the city council to help Aberdeen become a climate positive city, bp is proud to be a founding partner of this exciting project and welcomes the deep knowledge and industry insights NZTC and NMIS bring, further strengthening the collaboration that is at its centre.” David Rennie, Head of Low Carbon Energy at Scottish Enterprise, said: “The welcome addition of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Net Zero Technology Centre to the mix of the Energy Transition Zone scale up hub further highlights the strength and unity of Scotland’s innovation ecosystem. “Scottish Enterprise is a key partner of NMIS and the NZTC and to have this manufacturing and technology expertise available for companies emerging from the EISH in future is a fantastic asset for the north east, for Scotland and for our green energy ambition.”

The Scottish Government and UK Governments have announced that the North East of Scotland and Glasgow City Region have been chosen as Investment Zones following a joint selection process by the Scottish and UK governments. Each will be supported by up to £80 million in targeted tax reliefs, investment, and other incentives over five years. Sir Ian Wood said: “The awarding of an investment zone to the North East of Scotland is a significant boost to our region and we are grateful to both the Scottish and UK Governments for recognising the need to support us as we continue to transform our Regional economy. “Through the City-Region Deal we have a proven track record of working in partnership with government, local authorities and our world-class Universities to deliver transformational projects that aligns with our clear economic strengths to accelerate the diversification of key sectors across energy, food and drink, life sciences, digital and tourism. “It is important to move forward at pace so we have established an Investment Zone Steering Group, aligned with our recognised Regional Economic Partnership, to build on this work and identify the sectors and locations that will benefit from the incentives allowing us to secure sustainable economic growth and job creation whilst supporting a managed and just transition. “Our reputation as an innovative and productive region is both hard won and well deserved, and today’s announcement will help secure our position as one of most attractive locations anywhere in the UK, and indeed Europe, for investment in low carbon technologies across different sectors."

ETZ Ltd enters £1.5 million joint venture to refurbish second ‘wind campus’ property as investment interest in Energy Transition Zone increases. ETZ Ltd, the not-for-profit organisation spearheading the North East of Scotland’s energy transition ambition, has entered a £1.5 million deal with West Coast Estates Ltd to redevelop and refurbish a second property in the Energy Transition Zone’s Wind Campus in Alten’s Industrial Estate. The investment in the W-Zero-2 Building (formerly 1 Minto Drive) willl trigger much needed revitalisation of the 2000 sq. m. brownfield property, making it purpose built for high value manufacturing and supply chain companies seeking to service the offshore wind industry. The deal was announced as ETZ Ltd prepares to formally launch its W-Zero-1 building (formerly Richard Irvin House) which, following a comprehensive refurbishment, will be home to the ORE-Catapult National Floating Wind Innovation Centre. The £9 million centre, announced last year by then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP, is being developed to ensure the North East of Scotland capitalises on the massive opportunity created by the Scotwind and INTOG leasing rounds, which will drive the development and demand for floating offshore wind. W-Zero-1 is also the new headquarters of Trojan Energy, one of Scotland’s fastest growing cleantech businesses that manufactures its very own electric vehicle charging system. With the firm expected to increase its workforce at the new facility alongside new tenants expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, the manufacturing and workshop space available is now fully let. ETZ Ltd has responded to the increasing demand for bespoke and purpose-built energy transition properties that align with a clear net zero framework by striking the deal for W-Zero-2. Work on the building will commence immediately with its opening anticipated in the first half of 2024. Neil Young, ETZ Ltd Land & Planning Director, said: “ETZ Ltd is supporting the widespread delivery of new and refurbished property and development sites suitable for companies seeking to locate and invest in the Energy Transition Zone. “In the Wind Campus at Altens alone, we have taken forward the refurbishment of W-Zero-1, which will become, in collaboration with ORE Catapult, the National Floating Wind Innovation Centre. It is already attracting businesses seeking to capitalise on the vast opportunities provided by this emerging sector, and the building is nearing capacity, which is hugely encouraging and hopefully a sign of things to come. “We have responded to this clear demand and are accelerating our comprehensive investment programme to deliver market-ready properties and sites for high-value manufacturing and the wider energy supply chain. Our ‘brownfield first’ approach means W-Zero-2 is an ideal building that meets these requirements and I’m confident that, on completion, it will also act as a catalyst for new investment and jobs as we accelerate this region’s energy transition ambition.” Iftikar Mian, Owner of West Coast Estates, said: “The North East of Scotland is undergoing a remarkable transformation as it seeks to capitalise on the massive opportunities afforded by new and green energies. We have certainly picked up a certain buzz around the city and region and there is definitely increased interest from businesses across the country seeking to invest in the Energy Transition Zone. “That is precisely why we have chosen to partner with ETZ Ltd to develop W-Zero-2 and I firmly believe this marks the exciting and early steps in the rejuvenation of not only Altens Industrial Estate, but the wider Aberdeen economy as well.”

We are delighted to launch the first update of our quarterly newsletter, which highlights the wide range of activity ETZ Ltd is undertaking to spearhead the North East of Scotland’s energy transition ambition. Our aim is to harness the unrivalled critical mass in the skills, innovation, infrastructure, and financial capital developed from a world-class oil and gas industry to ensure we maximise the significant opportunity ahead of us and remain at the vanguard of developing new and green energies. Click here to view the full update

Grants of up to £250,000 will help energy supply chain realise low carbon sector opportunities. ETZ Ltd, the not-for-profit company tasked with spearheading North East Scotland’s energy transition ambition, has launched the first round of its new fund which is part of the overall energy transition supply chain pathway and challenge fund programme and is aimed at supporting high-growth potential companies servicing the oil and gas market take advantage of new or existing opportunities in green energy. Specifically targeting companies located in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray, ETZ Ltd’s Energy Transition Supply Chain Pathway and Challenge Fund, which is supported by the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund, will support development of company plans to enter new energy markets, identify capital requirements, and deliver capital investment grants to support the energy supply chain in realising low carbon sector opportunities. Grant funding of between £50k and £250k from an overall tranche of over £2million will be awarded to accelerate innovation and market entry, support business growth and create new jobs in the energy transition into the low-carbon market. The first tranche was announced following a successful initial pilot of the programme which saw the allocation of c£1m to support 11 companies. Freda Miller, Energy Supply Chain Programme Manager, ETZ Ltd, said: “Following on from the success of our pilot fund, which awarded just under £1million to 11 companies across the North East, ETZ Ltd is delighted to launch this first round of the programme which will deliver capital investment grants to help the energy supply chain realise new low-carbon sector opportunities. “This fund will ultimately accelerate the development of new industry-related facilities, new equipment and existing infrastructure upgrades, including digital infrastructure, to drive innovation and market entry and therefore support company growth and creates sustainable jobs. I urge businesses which meet the criteria to apply and take their next step as the North East looks to achieve an accelerated and successful energy transition.”Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, said: “I’m very pleased to see this funding being deployed on what is an exciting range of low-carbon projects. “The Scottish Government is determined to support Aberdeen, the North East and Moray to become the net zero capital of the world and has announced a ten year £500m Just Transition Fund to establish the region as a world-leader in the transition to a net zero economy. We have already committed £75 million to a programme of transformative projects, including almost £10m for the ETZ’s Supply Chain Pathway and Energy Transition Challenge Fund for indigenous supply chain companies. “I look forward to seeing how these innovative and ambitious projects develop to create and sustain cleaner energy production and jobs, supporting a fair and just transition for the region and for the people of Scotland.” Beneficiaries of the pilot programme, which was launched in December last year, have spoken about the motivation behind applying to the Challenge Fund.Gareth McIntyre, Director of engineering services provider GDi, said: “The ETZ Challenge Fund has enabled the diversification of the GDi business into the utilities sector. Post successful application, we were able to rapidly deliver our bespoke project requirements. This process has enabled us to transform our business and we will use this platform to accelerate our cross-industry growth strategy.” Richard McGowan, Managing Director of engineering solutions provider Fathom Group Ltd, said: “The ETZ Challenge Fund has been a game-changer for Fathom, allowing us the opportunity to accelerate completion of new web-based software, in readiness to support our clients in the offshore industries. Without the support of ETZ, Fathom’s digital products would be much later to market, missing vital opportunities to support our clients, both locally in the North-East and nationally, as they make their transition from more traditional Oil & Gas offerings to the fast-moving offshore renewables market. By developing this software offering, we can expand our client base, allowing growth of our team of specialist engineers whilst further creating opportunities for expansion of our software team. We thank the team at ETZ, not only for the unrivalled level of support during the application process and the project, but also for their unwavering support of the offshore supply chain based in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray, which is making a genuine difference to local businesses like ours.”Graeme MacDougall, Managing Director of engineering consultants Sealand Projects Ltd, said: “Sealand are developing SEASITE to offer remote condition monitoring and fatigue assessment of Floating Wind Mooring systems. SEASITE software allows the user to view sensor telemetry, in a 3-D model, with the annual motions tracked and analysed to identify any load in-balance, unusual or exceptional operating conditions and cumulated fatigue assessment in mooring system components. Securing grant funding from ETZ has allowed Sealand to accelerate the development of our software, allowing us to realise an opportunity to move to an offshore field simulation trial in Q3 2023, which will support our route to commercialisation in 2024.”The first round of the ETZ Ltd Challenge Fund closes on 5 June 2023. Find out how to apply here.