The infrastructure developed by Acorn projects will enable real progress towards securing the economic future of North East and Central Scotland.

In 2021, upstream oil and gas activities employed 19,000 people across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. With the transition to net zero, demand for oil and gas production will reduce leading to a relative decline in the workforce. The Scottish Cluster will support a just transition to new, permanent and skilled low carbon jobs using the skills and experience of the existing oil and gas workforce.

Helping the UK transition to an environmentally sustainable economy is vital, and Acorn will develop regional and national success by bringing new, highly skilled jobs into the market; opening supply chain opportunities to a wider audience; and creating substantial international trade opportunities.

Acorn can help to deliver regional development priorities agreed by government, regional and local authorities and initiatives, such as: the Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone and the UK Government’s North Sea Transition Deal; which aims to protect North Sea jobs during the energy transition.

Acorn offers transformational opportunities in North East Scotland – supporting families and communities through skills development, creation of high value jobs, generating additional revenue for businesses and the public purse, and supporting the export of UK knowledge and expertise.