More than 500 jobs will be created and supported by 22 new initiatives funded through the Scottish Government's Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray.

Opening the 2026 funding round, worth £17.5 million, First Minister John Swinney visited Hydrasun, a North East manufacturing firm set to receive £1.9 million in support.

Seven commercial ventures will be backed alongside 15 community projects through a new stream focused on tackling fuel and child poverty, building climate resilience and restoring nature.

The investment will also enable around 350 learners each year to access industry-aligned training, and is expected to leverage a further £10 million of private funding.

First Minister John Swinney said: "This funding will create and support hundreds of jobs in the North East of Scotland, helping to ensure they are at the forefront of the transition to clean energy.

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"The workforce here are among the most skilled and experienced in the world – and the jobs and investment we are announcing today will help to ensure that remarkable energy expertise is preserved.

"While we will be continuing to use oil and gas for years to come, I want to ensure that workers here are also the foundation of our clean energy future.

"Scotland is an energy superpower, and the workers, businesses and communities of the North East will be vital in ensuring we capitalise on our remarkable renewable energy resources."

Hydrasun's Chief Executive James Gaskell said: "For 50 years we've supported the energy industry in the areas of fluid transfer, power and control solutions, and clean energy, this investment builds directly on that industrial capability.

"Establishing Scotland's first electrolyser assembly and integration facility is a proud milestone for the company and an important step forward for Aberdeen's energy sector more broadly, ensuring the city has genuine clean energy manufacturing capability.

"It's a vote of confidence in our talented team, Hydrasun's manufacturing capabilities, our supply chain, and our region's ability to compete on a global stage."

The Just Transition Fund is a 10-year, £500 million commitment to support the North East and Moray economy through the transition to net zero.