SNIB invests £20m in renewable energy services

Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) is providing up to £20 million to a renewable energy service provider to help supply reskilled workers and apprentices to drive forward Scotland’s journey to net zero.

Aurora Energy Services says the boost from the statebacked lender will allow it to bolster and expand its netthe work of regional training hubs and workshop facilities key to supporting the green energy supply chain, servicing projects right across the renewables sector, including wind, solar, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, as well as pumped hydro and waste to energy.

Its strategy will capitalise on existing experience in the oil and gas sector and reskill workers to support the energy transition, with the firm planning to develop a globally recognised apprenticeship scheme. Aurora in addition recently opened a Renewable Energy Training Centre in Inverness, complementing bases it has in Aberdeen, Wick and Huntly.

Chief executive Douglas Duguid said the funding boost “will enhance our recruitment of people living and working in rural Scotland and allow us to be able to offer more job and training opportunities in a shorter timeframe”.

He added: "The wind sector is an important part of Aurora’s future expansion plans, but other renewable technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and pumped hydro are also key. The Bank’s support means we can speed up our strategic expansion in those areas. We are a Scottish business in the Highlands but with an international footprint.”

The investment has been part-financed by the Just Transition Fund