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
their successful application to the Scottish Government’s North East and Moray
Just Transition Fund.
F4OR is a key
part of ETZ Ltd’s two-phase support initiative alongside a challenge fund that will deliver capital investment grants
to help North-east Scotland energy supply chain companies acheive their low
carbon business ambitions.
ETZ Ltd 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 Ltd 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 their network of likeminded businesses, ultimately leading to a
long-term partnership with market leaders Dron & Dickson Ltd. 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 them in taking a more targeted approach.
The latest round of
the F4OR North-east 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 Ltd’s overall ambition to create a world class energy
supply chain.
David Wilson, Director of Energy at ETZ Ltd, 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.
“ETZ Ltd has 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/