Aberdeen could become ‘net-zero capital of the world’

Nicola Sturgeon claims Aberdeen will become the first city in the world to reach net-zero following her keynote independence speech yesterday.

The Scottish First Minister announced 22 projects involved in the Just Transition Fund, a £500m ten-year commitment which supports projects in the North East and Moray towards reaching net-zero, have been awarded funding of more than £50m.

Ms Sturgeon said: ‘These projects will support the production of green hydrogen, the development of wave and tidal energy, and even pioneer the use of waste from whisky to recycle EV batteries’.

Projects that will receive a share of the funding include investments in research and innovation, new green skills training facilities, pilots for emerging energy technologies and projects that will get businesses ready for the supply chain opportunities to come from the energy sector’s transition to net zero.

Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work, Richard Lochhead, said: ‘As we embark on our energy transition we can build on the oil and gas industry’s expertise and ingenuity to transition to a clean energy future.

‘This will help us achieve our net zero targets and create good green jobs as well as tackle inequalities in our society.’

Additionally, Ms Sturgeon mentioned how she plans to tackle child poverty this winter and relieve pressures on the NHS in her SNP speech.

Families of around 145,000 children will receive additional support as bridging payments have been doubled.

Announced in 2021, bridging payments consist of quarterly £130 payments paid by councils on behalf of the Scottish government. These payments have been upped to £260 due to an investment of £18.9m.

Two new fast-track cancer diagnostic centres are also due to open in the Borders and Lanarkshire next year in hopes to support the NHS.

Ms Sturgeon said: ‘Fast diagnosis and reliable, quality healthcare matters whatever condition, but it is especially important for those with cancer.

‘By the end of this parliament, there will be a fast-track cancer diagnostic centre in every health board in Scotland. That is just one example of how we are supporting our NHS. That job is the most important our government has right now.’ 

Scotland has also recently announced a rent freeze for public and private rented properties to help people battling with rising household bills.

Photo by Julie Adams