The Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) has announced the recipients of its Energy Transition Supply Chain Pathway and Challenge Fund, selecting 14 companies from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray to receive grants of up to £250,000. The initiative, backed by the Scottish Government, aims to drive the supply chain transition in the north-east region, fostering innovation, market entry, and job creation in the green energy sector.

The chosen companies, traditionally servicing the oil and gas market, will utilize the funding to tap into new or existing opportunities in the renewable energy space. Minister for Small Business, Innovation, and Trade, Richard Lochhead, revealed during a visit to AJT Engineering that the fund has now supported a total of 25 companies, with 11 receiving funding in the initial pilot program in 2022/23.

The grants, ranging from £50,000 to £250,000, are matched by company contributions and are intended to accelerate innovation, facilitate market entry, support business growth, and generate new employment opportunities. The £2.56 million awarded in this round has leveraged an additional £4.84 million in private sector contributions, highlighting the collaborative effort to drive the region's energy transition.

Freda Miller, Energy Supply Chain Programme Manager at ETZ, emphasized the critical role of the supply chain in the energy sector and highlighted the fund's purpose to accelerate the development of facilities, equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and digital infrastructure. The aim is to drive innovation, support company growth, and create sustainable jobs, contributing to a successful and accelerated energy transition in the north-east.

David Scalley, Managing Director at AJT Engineering and an earlier recipient of the funding, noted the fund's pivotal role in accelerating facility modifications. He highlighted its contribution to enhancing the capabilities of their site services division, positioning the company for significant growth and expansion into the hydrogen and wind markets.

The businesses receiving funding in this round cover a diverse range of projects:

• AJ Engineering and Construction Services, Moray - £250,000 (Increasing electricity grid capacity).
• Autosub, Aberdeen - £245,000 (Offshore wind).
• Cebo International, Aberdeenshire - £250,000 (Offshore wind).
• Fennex, Aberdeen - £129,967 (Offshore wind).
• Forsyths, Moray - £84,442 (Offshore wind).
• GDI, Aberdeen - £94,465 (Water/renewables).
• Glacier Energy Services, Aberdeen - £63,370 (Hydrogen).
• Peterhead Port Authority, Aberdeenshire – £221,736 (Offshore wind).
• Pier Solutions, Aberdeenshire - £60,425 (Battery storage).
• PowerJacks, Aberdeenshire - £250,000 (Offshore wind/electrical vehicle production).
• Seaflo Consultancy, Aberdeen - £170,000 (Offshore wind/marine).
• Verlume, Aberdeen - £250,000 (Offshore wind).
• Whittaker Engineering, Aberdeenshire - £250,000 (Low carbon heating).
• Woolard & Henry, Aberdeen - £247,500 (Offshore wind).

This injection of funding signifies a significant step toward achieving Scotland's net-zero targets and fostering a fair and inclusive transition within existing industries. The success of the ETZ Challenge Fund demonstrates the industry's commitment to embracing cleaner energy solutions, creating green jobs, and addressing societal inequalities.