The continuing transformation of Aberdeen must be at the heart of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a newly published independent report.

Positioning the Aberdeen City Region as an attractive place to live, including a commitment to green energy, was described as the key to success in the years ahead. However, the Economic Policy Panel Report 2020 also stressed the importance of sustaining a partnership approach, including securing support from both the UK and Scottish Governments.

The report highlights that many aspects of the local economy, from tourism through to oil and gas, have been badly impacted and the panel warned that recovery was likely to gather momentum only when the public health emergency subsides.

The panel encouraged Aberdeen to maintain its focus on planning for the long-term and to build on good progress in recent years on key issues such as investment in infrastructure, a focus on skills, energy transition, and economic diversification.

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leaders Councillor Jenny Laing and Councillor Douglas Lumsden welcomed the findings.

Cllr Douglas Lumsden said: "Today's Economic Policy Panel report emphasises the need for Aberdeen to be at the forefront of Scotland's 'green recovery' whilst demonstrating the importance of the city region to the UK's and Scotland's success.

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"A commitment to combating climate change was the central theme of this year's Council budget and we have cut carbon emissions in recent years.

"The Council has developed a Net Zero Vision and a Strategic Infrastructure Plan to leverage support for the region's transition towards net zero. That will safeguard skills, create jobs for our young people and retain and attract new talent and investment here in Aberdeen.

"The report also that notes that a city's attractiveness remains a driver of economic activity, so it's reassuring that we have had the foresight to invest in the people and place.

"We have achieved much, but we have much to do. What's made clear today is that local authorities can't succeed on their own. To build resilience and future prosperity, Aberdeen needs the continuing support of the wider public sector and the private sector."

As part of its response to the immediate impact of Covid-19, the Council's Urgent Business Committee unanimously approved a Socio-Economic Rescue Plan, which includes an Aberdeen City Council Business Charter.

Major capital projects being progressed in the city include the Energy Transition Zone and the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub.

The Energy Transition Zone proposed for Aberdeen South Harbour is expected to accelerate the development of carbon capture technology and renewable energies, including capitalising on emerging opportunities in offshore wind, as well as promoting greener oil and gas production.

The Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub programme has the potential to catalyse growth in the use of renewable hydrogen across the transport sector and lay the foundations for use in other applications such as domestic/commercial heat and industry.

Cllr Laing continued: "The emergence of Covid-19 has prompted an economic reset right around the globe, and there is no doubt Covid-19 has accelerated the need to future proof our economic success for the next generation and beyond.

"Building on previous panel recommendations, we identified a regional approach to combating climate change, producing a Net Zero Vision for Aberdeen and a Strategic Infrastructure Plan for Energy Transition.

"Despite tough economic conditions, investment continues in the North-east – in physical and social infrastructure, in energy and hospitality, as well as new industries such as the digital and creative sectors.

"I'm confident that with the continuing support of partners we'll come through the current challenge and move forward on our economic, social and environmental transition journey."