The team tasked with delivering the ambitious Energetica programme has unveiled its progress celebrating its first 10 years.
Established in 2007, Energetica, Scotland’s Energy Corridor, is a long-term economic development initiative that aims to create a world-class development cluster, to help attract and retain talent of all ages to this region.
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A recent report demonstrates the key projects delivered, investments and job creation within the corridor during this time.
Highlights include:
- significant public sector investment within the corridor of approximately £588million, creating 352 permanent and 1,100 temporary jobs;
- approximately £1billion of private sector investment committed, supported by investment in public infrastructure, creating capacity for 9,300 jobs and 2,060 temporary jobs;
- offshore renewable energy contribution will be sufficient to power over 98,000 homes.
Further projects which are in the planning and funding stages include NorthConnect – a proposed 650-kilometre power connection between Scotland and Norway; carbon capture, transport and offshore storage project, Acorn CCS and Blackdog with a combined value of over £1.3billion.
An animation has also been released to illustrate the investments within the Energetica corridor.
This coincides with Energetica’s transition into the soon-to-be-launched inward investment hub for the region. This will see Energetica promoted as part of a region-wide collective, alongside the Aberdeen City Region Deal, City Centre Masterplan, Developing our Northern Towns programme and the Renaissance Vision, all led by the overarching Regional Economic Strategy.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Peter Argyle, said: “Aberdeenshire Council has been, and continues to be, a committed partner in the Energetica programme and we are pleased to see the progress that has been made within the corridor since its inception. Energetica showcases the best of our region, and we will continue to work towards realising its vision, promoting this idyllic coastal corridor as a great place to live, visit, work and invest.
“We now look forward to raising the regional profile as part of a co-ordinated programme with Aberdeen City Council and continued support from Scottish Enterprise. Invest Aberdeen will bring a number of complementing initiatives together, including Energetica, ensuring the strongest possible showcase of the numerous opportunities and business strengths across the Aberdeen City Region.”
Director of Business Infrastructure Partnerships for Scottish Enterprise and Energetica programme director, Derek McCrindle, commented: “These results are reflective of what can be achieved through long-term partnership working and we’re really pleased to see the progress made in the first ten years of Energetica. This programme has a lengthy lifespan and it is important to take stock of what has been delivered so far and recognise that progress.
“We look forward to seeing these results being built on as the two local partners, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City councils, take this forward under the new regional umbrella of Invest Aberdeen which Scottish Enterprise will continue to support.”
Energetica is a 30-mile corridor stretching from Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, west around Aberdeen International Airport and north to Peterhead. It comprises a stunning coastal setting and improving infrastructure and seeks to integrate two key components; sustainable economic growth and quality of life.
