United Kingdom – Under ground-breaking plans to transform the North East of Scotland into the ‘Net Zero Capital of Europe,’ up to 30,000 high-quality jobs will be created.
A major regional alliance has filed a formal application for Green Freeport status, which will increase GVA by £7.5 billion over the next decade and usher in a new era of investment, innovation, regional regeneration, and opportunities for those who need them most.
The region is aiming to become the global epicenter of the energy transition, leading the world in the development of carbon-free energy and the technology required to achieve Net Zero emissions.
The announcement comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s recent visit to Aberdeen, during which she emphasized the Scottish Government’s commitment to rebrand the region as the “Net Zero Capital of Europe,” as well as Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s pledge to accelerate Scotland’s transformation into a “green energy hub” and meet the UK Government’s Net Zero commitments.
These commitments will be fulfilled by the North East Scotland Green Freeport. It will bring large-scale, advanced manufacturing to Aberdeen in order to maximize the economic benefits of Scotland’s rapidly growing offshore wind and hydrogen sectors, as well as speed up pioneering carbon capture projects on the Buchan coast. The partners believe that the North East’s world-class energy expertise, combined with Green Freeport status, will lead the UK’s decarbonization drive and just transition to a Net Zero economy.
It will also establish a regional customs hub for premium and internationally recognized Scottish food and drink exports, establishing direct links to key markets for Scotch whisky, seafood, and meat.
Unlocking opportunities
At the new Aberdeen South Harbour, which will play a key role in unlocking the massive offshore wind opportunity, senior representatives of the collaborative consortium were joined by North East business leaders to issue a direct call to both the Scottish and UK governments to support the region’s bid.
North East Scotland Green Freeport will be a special economic zone with a variety of levers and tax incentives to attract new inward investment and support expansion of existing businesses to invest, innovate, and develop the skills needed to deliver a variety of groundbreaking new projects. The bold proposals will safeguard vital trade and support the region’s key sectors’ innovation, diversification, and decarbonization.
