Key projects for 2021 | ONE

Commenting in an Evening Express article on Holyrood election priorities for the year ahead, Opportunity North East (ONE) made the case for the projects to drive regional recovery and long-term sector growth for energy and seafood processing, which are major employers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Sir Ian Wood KT GBE, Chair of ONE, said: “As we approach the Holyrood election, there are two projects that Opportunity North East views as transformational and we will continue to make the case to all political parties for support for them.

“ONE and its partners have a clear ambition to transform Aberdeen and the north east of Scotland into a globally integrated energy cluster, focused on accelerating to net zero through developing energy transition activities. This includes the Energy Transition Zone and the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub which are key milestone projects.

“There is no doubt that the north east is uniquely positioned within Scotland and the UK to take advantage of this massive opportunity. After 50 years of North Sea oil, the region has the infrastructure, business capability and world-class talent pool to create significant investment and employment opportunities.

“The Seafood Transformation Project also presents a significant growth potential for the region’s economy. A study commissioned by Aberdeenshire Council last autumn highlighted the scale and value of this £700m industry and the case for transformational investment to deliver business growth, new jobs and significantly increased processing activity, particularly in Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen.

“We continue to have positive discussions with both the Scottish Government and UK Government, which recognise the importance of these projects, and we are confident, with their support, that we can achieve transformational growth of these key industries.”

Read the full Evening Express article here.