Scottish government invests in net-zero technology

An investment of £16.5m has been awarded to the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) to accelerate a range of energy transition projects that the Scottish government hopes will help deliver a net-zero economy.

Seven projects will be developed thanks to the funding, with the goal of transforming the North Sea energy system to reduce emissions.

The projects include an energy hub where gigawatt-scale low carbon hydrogen can be produced and integrated with Scotland’s offshore wind resource, and a hydrogen backbone link, which will allow Scotland to export energy across Europe.

The NZTC will also develop alternative fuel gas turbines, to produce a low-carbon alternative to natural gas, an offshore Industrial Robots and Autonomous System centre, and a project to optimise the manning of offshore energy technology.

The programme is expected to deliver £403bn for the Scottish economy and 21,000 jobs by 2050.

Net-zero and energy secretary, Michael Matheson, said: ‘The Scottish Government is wholly committed to ending our contribution to climate change by 2045, and doing so in a way that ensures a just transition to net-zero, making sure no-one is left behind.

‘We want to secure jobs for the energy workforce and create new jobs in the north east – and across Scotland – by seizing the huge opportunities our energy transition and wider journey to the net-zero present. The Energy Transition Fund is helping the energy sector to grow and diversify and accelerate the journey to net-zero, and underpin the north-east’s ambitions to become a world leader in this transition.

‘This funding will help the NZTC, working with industry and academia, to help grow Scotland’s role as a global leader in net zero technology solutions, delivering security of energy supply, diversifying the sector, and creating the next generation of highly skilled, green jobs.’

Funding is being delivered through the Scottish government’s £62m Energy Transition Fund and will be match-funded by the industry.

CEO of the Net Zero Technology Centre, Colette Cohen OBE, said: ‘This is an important milestone for the Net Zero Technology Centre which will drive the development of key technologies for green growth in Scotland and the UK, create jobs, attract investment and help establish a world-class net zero supply chain.

‘The funding will unlock some of the technology and innovation required to deliver an affordable net zero energy industry, and we are delighted to see industry and government supporting this national ambition.’

In related news, to address the climate crisis and rising demand for housing, the Welsh government has doubled its spending on social housing for rent, committing an initial £250m in the coming year for 20,000 new low carbon homes.

Photo by Luo Lei