The UK Government has confirmed a £17.3 million capital grant to ETZ Ltd to accelerate the Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone next to South Harbour. Announced in Aberdeen on 30 October 2025 by the Scottish Secretary, Douglas Alexander, who took up the role on 5 September 2025, the funding readies the site for incoming clean energy businesses.
According to the Scotland Office, the allocation will fund enabling works to make plots and infrastructure ready for new tenants. ETZ Ltd, a not‑for‑profit, private‑sector‑led body, is redeveloping adjacent land to co‑locate clean energy firms that will use the harbour’s facilities and supply chains.
Placement alongside Aberdeen South Harbour is deliberate. The harbour’s recent redevelopment has delivered deepwater berths and heavy‑lift capacity suited to offshore wind manufacturing and assembly. The development is intended to strengthen the harbour’s role as a hub for offshore renewables and to attract inward investment into the North East supply chain.
Ministers set the grant within the UK’s clean‑energy programme focused on supporting skilled jobs and lowering long‑term energy costs. The press notice also notes the sum had been pledged by the previous administration but not delivered; this allocation completes that commitment. Mr Alexander said the investment will “create jobs and bring down bills.”
The decision aligns with wider national commitments. On 11 June 2025, HM Treasury confirmed £8.3 billion for GB Energy‑Nuclear and GB Energy in Aberdeen and increased support for the Acorn carbon capture project, signalling a broader pipeline for the region’s energy transition.
UK officials state that £9.7 million has already been invested in the ETZ, including £5 million for an Innovation Campus and a new Energy Transition Skills Hub offering welding, advanced manufacturing and digital training. During his visit, the Scottish Secretary met Great British Energy and toured the Floating Offshore Wind Innovation Centre within the Zone.
Public investment from both governments is now concentrated on the site. The Scottish Government has previously committed more than £26 million from its Energy Transition Fund for the ETZ, with ministers expecting around 2,500 direct green jobs by 2030 and additional transition‑related roles. The new UK grant adds capital for site preparation rather than programme revenue.
Analysis: For developers and suppliers, the immediate advantage is proximity. Concentrating deepwater quays, fabrication and assembly space, and skills provision in one location can shorten logistics for large components and support faster commissioning for offshore wind and other clean‑energy projects.
The Scotland Office press notice did not publish a detailed timetable for the enabling works or an eligibility framework for prospective tenants on 30 October. Delivery milestones and occupancy information are expected from ETZ Ltd as site preparation advances.