Energy:

Our area has a long track record in delivering cutting edge solutions in the nuclear sector – but local companies also deliver in the oil & gas and renewables sectors. As the area economy broadens and diversifies away from its reliance upon Dounreay-related work, the partners in CNSRP will focus support efforts on key sectors such as marine renewables and oil & gas.

HIE, Highland Council (through Highland Opportunities Ltd and Business Gateway), the NDA – through its socio-economic fund (hyperlink) and the North Highland Regeneration Fund (hyperlink) – will each have a role in supporting existing local companies to grow.

HIE’s account-managed companies will be supported to grow, and Business Gateway will work with HIE to ensure that a “pipeline” of companies with growth potential is available in key energy sectors such as marine renewables and oil & gas. Financial and advisory support to non account-managed companies and new business start-up companies will be available through Business Gateway, Highland Opportunity Ltd and the North Highland Regeneration Fund.

Opportunities also exist to bring new energy-related companies into the area. HIE will commission a series of research studies on specific energy sector opportunities within marine renewables and oil & gas. These will identify market opportunities, and HIE will work with Scottish Development International to follow up on individual target companies with specific proposition materials on the area and its assets.

Turbine