SIR Ian Wood, Chairman of ETZ Ltd, has commented on the announcement that Cromarty Firth and Forth Ports have won Green Freeport status whilst Aberdeen and Peterhead missed out.
He said: “We congratulate both Cromarty and Forth Ports on their successful bids and wish them well in delivering their respective ambitions. We are, of course, hugely disappointed that the North East Green Freeport has not been approved. The UK Government has emphasised the importance of meeting its net zero targets and protecting the country’s energy security, while the Scottish Government has expressed its commitment to repositioning the North East of Scotland as the ‘Net Zero Capital of the World.’
“We have a world-class energy sector and the North East is uniquely positioned to meet both of these ambitions. So, despite this set-back, we will continue to strive to bring large-scale, advanced manufacturing and technology to Aberdeen to maximise economic benefit from Scotland’s rapidly growing offshore wind and hydrogen sectors and accelerate pioneering carbon capture projects on the Buchan coast.
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“However, the UK Government’s overly severe application of the Energy Profits Levy and the Scottish Government’s new position supporting a presumption against oil and gas exploration, are economically damaging and seriously risk creating an adverse environment for investment in the industry at a time we need to be doing all we can to maximise our energy security and sustain jobs to support energy transition and meet net zero targets.
“Awarding North East Scotland Green Freeport status would have significantly helped in ameliorating these policies. It is therefore now incumbent upon both Governments to act swiftly and demonstrate their long term-support for the region through meaningful interventions that ensure we continue to play a leading role in securing both Scotland and the UK’s energy and economic security for generations to come.”
David Rodger, CEO at Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) has also commented on the decision:
“Whilst it is very disappointing that Aberdeen and Peterhead were not chosen for Green Freeport status, the growing activity around transition and renewables in the North-east, including hydrogen and offshore wind, means that the area will very much continue to play a crucial role in the delivery of world class energy projects and make a huge contribution to Scotland’s net zero goals and just transition objectives.
“Although two official winners were announced today, all ports involved in the five final bids stand to benefit from the huge volume of offshore wind and renewable projects on the horizon.
“Along with eight English freeports, the two Scottish freeports will bring economic benefits across the UK.”
