Communities across the North East and Moray are being offered a fresh chance to shape their own green future as the Just Transition Fund reopens for new applications.
A total of £8.5 million is now available to support local projects that will create clean energy jobs, build climate skills, and make the region a driving force in Scotland’s journey to net zero.
This is the first time the fund has reopened since its launch in 2022, and the Scottish Government is encouraging businesses, charities and community organisations to step forward with bold ideas and practical solutions.
Since its inception, the fund has already committed £75 million to projects that put people and innovation at the heart of the energy transition.
Among them is a digital lab using immersive technology to help construction firms reduce emissions, and a mobile training hub that brings skills and science learning to rural communities.
One project is designing a free energy skills passport to help offshore oil and gas workers understand how their experience can transfer to new roles in wind energy.
Another is focused on identifying future training needs to keep the region ahead of the curve as new industries take root.
The renewed funding was announced by Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin during a visit to Sarens PSG, a company based in the North East that received support to train a new generation of wind energy engineers and operators.
She praised the depth of talent across the region and said Scotland’s clean energy future will only succeed if it brings real opportunities to the people who have powered the country for decades.
She said the fund is about making sure the journey to net zero is not only ambitious, but fair.
Gillian Martin added that the new funding would focus directly on creating good jobs and unlocking fresh economic potential where it is needed most.
ETZ Ltd has played a central role in delivering the programme, with its Challenge Fund awarding over £5 million to companies across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
That funding has already attracted nearly £13 million in private investment, showing strong demand and determination across the region’s energy supply chain.
Chief Executive Maggie McGinlay said the support has allowed local firms to upgrade equipment, improve infrastructure and embrace the opportunities of the global shift to cleaner energy.
David Reid of Highlands and Islands Enterprise said Moray is well placed to benefit and encouraged everyone with a strong proposal to come forward and register their interest.
The message is clear.
With funding now open and communities ready to lead, this is a rare and vital chance to invest in a greener future built by the people who know energy best.
