Swinney announces cash to help workers with ‘transition to clean energy’

Cash from the Scottish Government will help ensure that energy workers in the north-east are “at the forefront of the transition to clean energy”, John Swinney has said.

The First Minister spoke out as the latest allocations of cash from the Government’s Just Transition fund were confirmed.

The £500 million 10-year funding pot was established by Holyrood ministers to help workers in the north-east and Moray move from jobs in the fossil-fuel sector to jobs in green energy.

The latest round of funding – totalling some £17.5 million – should create or support more than 500 jobs, with 22 projects being supported.

Seven commercial projects will receive financial support, with 15 community projects also to benefit from funding focused on tackling fuel and child poverty, restoring nature and improving climate resilience.

Meanwhile, up to 350 people a year will be encouraged to develop their skills with industry-aligned training.

Mr 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.”

He added: “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.

Swinney spoke about new cash for workers in the north east. PA Media

“While we will be continuing to use oil and gas for years to come, I want to ensure that workers here are also the foundation of our clean energy future. ”

The First Minister said: “Scotland is an energy superpower and the workers, businesses and communities of the north-east will be vital in ensuring we capitalise on our remarkable renewable energy resources.”

He spoke out as he visited Hydrasun, an Aberdeen-based firm which supplies the offshore energy sector, which is receiving £1.9 million from the funding round.

Hydrasun chief executive James Gaskell said: “For 50 years we’ve supported the energy industry in the areas of fluid transfer, power and control solutions, and clean energy, this investment builds directly on that industrial capability.”

He added: “Establishing Scotland’s first electrolyser assembly and integration facility is a proud milestone for the company, and an important step forward for Aberdeen’s energy sector more broadly, ensuring the city has genuine clean energy manufacturing capability.

“It’s a vote of confidence in our talented team, Hydrasun’s manufacturing capabilities, our supply chain and our region’s ability to compete on a global stage.”