Scottish Cities Alliance

As Scotland continues to lead the way in the field of renewable energy, its cities are enjoying exciting and impressive new investment opportunities.

ETZ Ltd has embarked on a pioneering journey, joining hands with the Net Zero Technology Center (NZTC) and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to establish the Energy Incubator and Scale Up Hub (EISH). This undertaking is set to play a pivotal role within Aberdeen’s Energy Transition Zone, laying the foundation for Scotland’s most extensive dedicated energy transition complex. Supported by bp, Scottish Enterprise, and the Scottish Government, this innovative project pledges to redefine the landscape of green energy technology in Scotland.

EISH is a platform poised to empower local businesses in the shift from conventional energy sources towards wind power and other renewable energy sources. For Aberdeen, this development marks a watershed moment. Once known as the oil capital of Europe, the city now stands at the forefront of the transition towards renewable energy. This will bring investment and job opportunities to the north east and cement Aberdeen’s as a great place to live and work.

Scheduled to open its doors late next year, this state-of-the-art £6.5 million facility spans 3,000 square meters and is tailored to support businesses while propelling green energy solutions towards achieving net zero emissions. It is an integral part of a larger complex, which is set to become Scotland’s largest of its kind.

And our Scottish Cities are collaborating in a display of collective innovation, as the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) hosted by the University of Strathclyde, in Glasgow, join forces to provide the invaluable expertise and support to ensure the project’s success.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, voiced his enthusiasm: “As a leading international technological university, Strathclyde is committed to applying its knowledge and research to the achievement of a net zero economy.

“As the operator of NMIS we are excited to be 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 NMIS, echoed these sentiments: ““We are delighted to enter into this partnership … 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.”

Gillian Martin, Scottish Government Minister for Energy and the Environment, also welcomed the development saying: “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.”

In a resounding testament to collaboration and innovation, Scotland’s cities are powering ahead in the world of renewable energy.