The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) will help to deliver Scotland鈥檚 first energy incubator and scale-up hub (EISH) in Aberdeen鈥檚 Energy Transition Zone.
NMIS, which is operated by the 糖心视频, is linking up with ETZ Ltd, the not-for-profit company tasked with spearheading North East Scotland鈥檚 energy transition ambition, the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), and founding partners bp and Scottish Enterprise, to create a 拢6.5 million 3,000sqm facility to support supply chain expansion and deliver a 鈥榗utting-edge innovation ecosystem鈥�.
The facility will be the focal point of the Innovation Campus, one of five specialist campuses being developed across Aberdeen鈥檚 Energy Transition Zone which will become the largest dedicated energy transition complex in Scotland.
- Located at Hareness Road in Altens Industrial Estate, the hub will comprise of flexible industrial and collaboration space that will foster manufacturing, supply chain company building, technology research and development and commercialisation, alongside targeted business support to drive entrepreneurship, innovation and growth. Subject to planning permission, its opening is expected to be in late 2024.
- As a delivery partner for EISH NMIS will provide early-stage and scaling companies involved in innovative green energy technology solutions with a comprehensive package of advice and support to help them accelerate the journey to get their products to market.
Energy transition
NMIS will establish an outreach centre as part of EISH to create a presence in the North East and occupy a significant workshop in the collaboration hub within the facility.
- NZTC will locate TechX accelerator start-ups in the hub and provide them with support to grow their businesses and be part of an environment where they can engage and collaborate with peers, SMEs and larger companies all equally involved in accelerating the drive to net zero.
- ETZ Ltd has received 拢1.25m from bp and 拢2m support from Scotland鈥檚 national economic development agency Scottish Enterprise to begin construction of the hub and the remaining 拢3.25m of the capital funding for the project will be supported through the Scottish Government鈥檚 Energy Transition Fund.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the 糖心视频, said: 鈥淎s a leading international technological University, Strathclyde is committed to applying its knowledge and research to the achievement of a net zero economy.
鈥淎s the operator of NMIS we are excited to be to working with industry partners on the Energy Incubator and Scale-Up Hub and bringing our expertise in research, innovation and skills development to the Energy Transition Zone.鈥�
Chris Courtney, CEO of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) said: 鈥淲e are delighted to enter into this partnership with NZTC, BP and Scottish Enterprise to help incubate and grow ambitious and innovative companies that will create new products and services to drive the energy transition.
鈥淭hrough our extensive experience in collaborative innovation and strong entrepreneurial approach, we can help companies develop their ideas, create networks, and access new markets for their products. Together we can build on the solid industrial heritage in Aberdeen and the northeast and grow new companies to drive the move towards renewable energy in Scotland, the UK and beyond.鈥�
Economic opportunities
Gillian Martin, Scottish Government Minister for Energy and the Environment, said: 鈥淭his government is investing almost 拢5 billion in the net zero energy economy in Scotland over this parliamentary term. One of our vehicles for supporting a fair and just transition for the North East鈥檚 oil and gas economy to net zero is the 拢75m Energy Transition Fund. This investment is helping the region attract private investment in the energy transition and maximise the economic opportunities offered by the low-carbon and renewable energy sector.
鈥淪cotland鈥檚 first Energy Incubator and Scale Up Hub is an excellent example of this action, with the public and private sector working together to accelerate the growth of start-up companies working in the green energy space. I look forward to seeing work progress towards next year鈥檚 launch date and welcome the new partners 鈥� NZTC and NMIS 鈥� who have come on board.鈥�
Maggie McGinlay, Chief Executive, ETZ Ltd, said: 鈥淚nnovation lies at the heart of the energy transition and the Energy Incubator and Scale Up Hub will enable us to expand our vital energy supply chain which is why EISH is integral to the Innovation Campus and Energy Transition Zone.
鈥淭he involvement of NZTC and NMIS together with the support from bp and Scottish Enterprise for this major project demonstrates how important collaboration between industry and government is in driving the energy transition with the ultimate goal being to create sustainable jobs and company growth.
鈥淎berdeen has always been renowned for its entrepreneurial focus in energy - home to largest concentration of energy supply chain companies in UK - and this centre will ensure we continue to support innovation and technology as we move into green energy solutions.鈥�