ETZ Ltd launches £2million challenge fund

ETZ Ltd, the not-for-profit company tasked with spearheading North-east Scotland’s energy transition ambition, has launched the first round of its new fund which is part of the overall energy transition supply chain pathway and challenge fund programme aimed at supporting high-growth potential companies servicing the oil and gas market take advantage of new or existing opportunities in green energy.

Specifically targeting companies located in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray, ETZ Ltd’s Energy Transition Supply Chain Pathway and Challenge Fund, backed by the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund, will support development of company plans to enter new energy markets, identify capital requirements, and deliver capital investment grants to assist the energy supply chain in realising low carbon sector opportunities.

Grant funding of between £50k and £250k from an overall tranche of over £2million will be awarded to accelerate innovation and market entry, support business growth and create new jobs in the energy transition into the lowcarbon market. The first tranche was announced following a successful initial pilot of the programme which saw the allocation of £1million to support 11 companies.

Freda Miller, Energy Supply Chain Programme Manager, ETZ Ltd, said: “Following on from the success of our pilot fund, which awarded just under £1million to 11 companies across the North East, ETZ Ltd is delighted to launch this first round of the programme which will deliver capital investment grants to help the energy supply chain realise new low-carbon sector opportunities.

“This fund will ultimately accelerate the development of new industry-related facilities, new equipment and existing infrastructure upgrades, including digital infrastructure, to drive innovation and market entry and therefore support company growth and creates sustainable jobs. I urge businesses which meet the criteria to apply and take their next step as the North East looks to achieve an accelerated and successful energy transition.”

The first round of the ETZ Ltd Challenge Fund closes on June 5, 2023.

The new Milltimber Primary School has won a prestigious architectural award.

The £16.4million facility, located within the Oldfold Farm development, has won the Aberdeen Society of Architects Education Design Award 2023.

The school was completed as a replacement by Robertson Construction – part of a £100million investment by Aberdeen City Council in four new schools.

Local Steel and Cladding company, KR Group, has won the Community Award hosted by the Federation of Small Business UK.

Thanks to their charitable and social initiatives, in particular their work with young people in the North-east, the local business was named as Scottish finalists earlier this year. In March, they attended the FSB finals in Glasgow and ultimately won the category.

“We were delighted to attend as finalists and for our efforts to be recognised on this level. To win was a very proud moment for us and our team,” explains Nicola, KR Group Business Director. “Thank you to FSB for championing small businesses in this way, it’s a great reminder that what we do is making an impact.”

OEG Offshore has announced the acquisition of Pelagian, a leading provider of consultancy, engineering and installation management services to the submarine cable and offshore renewable energy industries.

Pelagian is an established UK-based company with over 20 years of experience in the subsea cable industry. Their worldwide expertise in the provision of subsea cable construction services makes them a valuable asset for OEG Offshore.

With this acquisition, OEG will be better equipped to support the cable sector across different end markets including telecommunications and interconnectors as well as offshore wind.