The agreement for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) – a memorandum of understanding at this stage – was signed between the UK and Scottish governments, and the Highland Council and marked the end of a five-year planning process.

The large-scale, long-term project aims to create 11,300 jobs and capitalise on Scotland’s renewables potential, including green hydrogen and other low-carbon industries. The appeal of green freeports is that normal tax and custom rules do not apply in full.

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner, said, “Today is a landmark moment for the Highlands, Scotland, and the UK. Our vision is bold: a globally competitive hub for floating offshore wind, green hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing.”

Scotland stands at a critical juncture with its oil and gas-oriented economy pivoting to renewable energy.

There are high hopes for the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) scheme in Aberdeenshire after UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed in June that £200m ($266.98m) would be provided to the scheme. To read the interview, click here.

Research is another key piece with the University of Strathclyde actively working on net zero technologies. Click here to read latest academic and project developments.