Offshore energy funding now available for Scottish supply chain

Businesses in the North East of Scotland aiming to enter the expanding offshore renewable sector can now apply to the Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) Programme, run by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.

F4OR is entering its third round of support in the region and is set to transform 20 companies through the programme, after receiving a further £250,000 from the Energy Transition Zone Ltd (ETZ Ltd) following its successful application to the Scottish Government’s North East and Moray Just Transition Fund.

F4OR is a key part of ETZ’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 supported the second round of F4OR in 2022. 

Andrew Stormonth-Darling, F4OR programme manager at ORE Catapult, said: “With the allocation of this follow-on funding, I am very pleased to see ETZ endorse the programme in this way and recognise the impact we are having on these regional businesses.

“The launch of this new cohort will mean we have supported over 60 companies in North East Scotland, where we are proud to aid many in their cross-sector transition, support the local energy supply chain and fuel the growth in offshore renewables.”

In previous rounds, F4OR supported Three60 Energy, an independent energy service company, by broadening its network of likeminded businesses, ultimately leading to a long-term partnership with market leaders Dron & Dickson. Optimus Aberdeen, a specialist engineering and consultancy company, also took part in the F4OR programme which robustly tested the businesses’ existing procedures and practices, and supported it in taking a more targeted approach.

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’s overall ambition to create a world class energy supply chain.

David Wilson, director of energy at ETZ 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.

“We have a pivotal role to play in spearheading North East Scotland’s energy transition ambition and the latest cohort will ensure an additional 20 businesses across the region are supported by this vital programme. This aligns closely with our key focus on accelerating the growth of a dedicated and world-class offshore renewables supply chain and we are delighted to offer our continued support.”

For more information on the programme and to submit an Expression of Interest, please go to https://ore.catapult.org.uk/what-we-do/supply-chain-growth/fit-4-offshore-renewables/   

The ORE Catapult has operations in Glasgow, Blyth, Levenmouth, Aberdeen, the Humber, the East of England, the South West and Wales, and operates a collaborative research partnership in China.

ETZ Ltd is a private sector led company. While commercially focused, it is a not for profit company and operates on the basis of no commercial gain, and any financial benefit both from the use of public sector funding or future funds will be reinvested into common interests for the benefit of all in development of energy transition activities.

ORE Catapult

https://ore.catapult.org.uk

ETZ Ltd

www.etzltd.com