ETZ masterclass event
© ETZ Ltd
A region transforming with purpose
For over 50 years, North East Scotland has played a critical role in meeting the UK’s energy needs. Today, that legacy is evolving.
Established in April 2021, ETZ Ltd is a private sector-led, not-for-profit organisation supported by Opportunity North East, The Wood Foundation and the UK and Scottish Governments. Its mission is to accelerate the region’s energy transition to create lasting jobs and prosperity for the region, Scotland and the UK.
Since its inception, ETZ Ltd has acted as a catalyst, turning long-term ambition into tangible delivery. This includes securing tens of millions of pounds in public and private investment and advancing major infrastructure projects that are helping to put the region in a strong position.
ETZ Energy Works, Aberdeen Innovation Campus
© ETZ Ltd
A hub for innovation and industry
At the heart of this transformation is the Energy Transition Zone itself, Scotland’s largest dedicated energy transition complex, located in close proximity to Aberdeen South Harbour. It offers a unique environment for businesses to innovate, collaborate and scale.
The site combines revitalised brownfield land with new development opportunities and is structured around dedicated campuses for:
- Offshore wind
- Hydrogen
- Innovation
- Skills
- Marine Gateway
Supported by the £420 million investment in the Aberdeen South Harbour, the Zone provides market-ready sites and facilities for high-value manufacturing and energy transition supply chains.
A standout example is W-ZERO 1, a flexible industry space within the wind campus looking out to the Kincardine floating offshore wind farm. Designed to support companies working in offshore renewables, it enables organisations to operate within a dynamic ecosystem of like-minded businesses.
In the innovation campus is ETZ EnergyWorks, the UK’s first low carbon energy incubator and scale-up hub which opened in February 2026. It is a state-of-the art facility offering an ecosystem that combines innovation, manufacturing support, and collaborative workspace to help businesses grow in emerging energy markets.
ETZ EnergyWorks, was founded by ETZ Ltd, bp and Scottish Enterprise, supported by the UK and Scottish Governments and delivered in partnership with National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Net Zero Technology Centre.
ETZ Supply Chain event
© ETZ Ltd
Driving jobs, skills and economic growth
A core priority of ETZ Ltd is ensuring that people and businesses benefit from the opportunities created by the energy transition.
The opening of the Energy Transition Skills Hub in autumn 2025 marked a major milestone. As Scotland’s largest dedicated hub of its kind, it provides cutting-edge training facilities designed in collaboration with industry, ensuring the workforce is equipped for future demand.
The Energy Transition Skills Hub was founded by ETZ Ltd, Shell UK, and North East Scotland College, with support from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund and UK Government funding. Adura is the lead industry partner.
ETZ Ltd is also investing in the next generation. Through initiatives such as the Energy on the Move outreach programme, delivered with North East Scotland College, thousands of school pupils are being introduced to careers in energy. Additional funding has supported STEM learning in schools and interactive exhibits at Aberdeen Science Centre, helping to inspire future talent.
Key partnerships include the National Energy Skills Accelerator (NESA), a collaboration between Robert Gordon University, the University of Aberdeen, North East Scotland College and Skills Development Scotland. NESA works with businesses to develop flexible training pathways and ensure the workforce is prepared for the evolving needs of the energy sector.
IKM, ETZ Challenge Fund award
© ETZ Ltd
Strengthening collaboration and the supply chain
Across the supply chain, ETZ Ltd engages with thousands of companies, delivering programmes that help businesses diversify, access new markets and scale low carbon technologies.
Since 2022, ETZ Ltd’s Supply Chain Pathway and Challenge Fund programmes have supported over 580 companies, with the Challenge fund alone supporting more than 50 companies transition into low carbon energy, resulting in 267 new green jobs and £17 million in private sector investment.
Looking ahead, forecasts suggest these initiatives could generate close to 800 green jobs and contribute over £300 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the Scottish economy.
Collaboration sits at the heart of ETZ Ltd’s success. The organisation works closely with industry, academia and public sector partners to accelerate innovation and build resilience across the energy ecosystem.
W-ZERO 1, ETZ Aberdeen Innovation Campus
© ETZ Ltd
Success stories in action
The impact of ETZ Ltd is already visible through companies thriving within the Zone.
One example is HonuWorx, a subsea robotics company based at the flagship Wind Campus building, W-ZERO 1. The company is developing innovative technology to reduce the cost, risk and carbon footprint of subsea operations. Its location within the Zone provides direct access to the North Sea, enabling rapid response and real-time problem solving for offshore wind infrastructure.
With support from the Challenge Fund, HonuWorx is now developing an advanced subsea robotics simulation facility, demonstrating how ETZ Ltd is helping businesses innovate and scale.
