North East launches bid for a green freeport
If successful, the region could become the ‘Net Zero Capital of Europe’
Up to 30,000 jobs could be created in Aberdeen should the region win its bid to host a green freeport.
It could also become the "Net Zero Capital of Europe", in line with a commitment made by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon when she visited Aberdeen last month.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also pledged to boost Scotland’s transformation as a ‘green energy hub’ and deliver the UK Government’s commitments on Net Zero.
If awarded the a green freeport, GVA will be boosted by £7.5 billion over the next decade, as well as bringing increased investment to Aberdeen and the surrounding area.
A green freeport would also accelerate the opening of Acorn, Scotland's only carbon capture project, and capatlise on the new £400 million Aberdeen South Harbour expansion, which provides 24 hour non tidal access.
Chief Executive of the Port of Aberdeen, Bob Sanguinetti, says: "In this climate emergency, the UK needs a region with a proven track record of delivering innovative energy solutions and economic opportunities at pace.
"The fusion of green freeport status with a region internationally renowned for its resilience, adaptability and pioneering entrepreneurial spirit would deliver a prosperous new chapter in our industrial story. One which, quite literally, could help change the world.
“So, let's back North East Scotland Green Freeport. Let's accelerate Scotland and the UK’s journey to Net Zero. Let's anchor the world's leading energy companies and talent right here for another 50 years.”
The bid is also backed by the Peterhead Port Authority, with its Chief Executive, Simon Brebner, saying: “A successful bid will have a transformative effect on the Peterhead area, accelerating the push towards Net Zero through carbon capture and storage and creating thousands of jobs as well as dovetailing with vital decarbonisation work across the region.
“For Scotland and the UK to reach its climate goals, it needs the energy sector in the north east of Scotland to be at the vanguard of the transition.
The levers and incentives offered through the green freeport will provide certainty to investors that in turns will allow us to transition to innovative renewables solutions”