Offshore-wind testing, subsea research and industrial automation are among the projects backed by a £17.5 million round of Scottish Government Just Transition Fund awards.
The funding covers 22 projects across the North East and Moray. The government says it will create and support more than 500 jobs, enable 350 learners a year to develop their skills and is expected to attract a further £10 million in private funding.
ORE Catapult has been awarded £4 million to design and build a large-scale synthetic mooring line test rig, supporting Scotland’s offshore-wind supply chain.
Opportunity North East will receive £3.2 million for its Future Foods Innovation Accelerator. The programme will provide grants, technical advice and pilot projects for food and drink SMEs to help reduce the risks of adopting advanced technologies, including automation and low-carbon production systems.
The Global Underwater Hub has been allocated £1,516,233 for a research and development programme to help the region’s underwater and subsea supply chain diversify into offshore renewables, subsea power transmission, aquaculture and critical underwater infrastructure.
Other awards include £1.5 million for Maritime Developments Limited to deliver a modular cable reel mover supporting offshore-wind operations at Peterhead, and £600,000 for NESCol’s Scottish Maritime Academy Simulator project.
Hydrasun has been allocated £1,969,688 towards electrolyser manufacturing capability in Aberdeen.
The round comprises seven commercial and public-sector projects and 15 community and social-enterprise projects. The latter include work on fuel and child poverty, climate resilience and nature restoration.
First Minister John Swinney said: “This funding will create and support hundreds of jobs in the North East of Scotland, helping to ensure they are at the forefront of the transition to clean energy.
“The workforce here are among the most skilled and experienced in the world – and the jobs and investment we are announcing today will help to ensure that remarkable energy expertise is preserved.”
The awards remain subject to finalisation of grant conditions and arrangements with project partners.
