Scotland’s first dedicated outreach vehicle has been launched to drive the shift to net zero for thousands of pupils across the North East.

Named after the ‘Net Zero Challenge,’ the vehicle will represent energy on the move as it visits more than thirty schools in the region, showcasing the skills, technology and careers the sector has to offer.

The vehicle is equipped with hands-on exhibits covering topics including wind, solar and carbon capture, with curriculum-linked content and additional resources for teachers to leverage throughout the academic year.

Unveiled at a launch ceremony in Aberdeen today (3rd February), the project aims to help attract the next generation of industry leaders and innovators by exposing them to the kind of skills and careers that underpin the future of energy transition.

Designed in partnership with Glasgow Science Centre, the hydrogen dual fuel vehicle will start its road trip in spring to engage pupils in schools, as well as visit community and industry events.

Visits and accompanying resources will also be made available to all local authority secondary schools in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, with the goal of ensuring energy education is accessible to all.

Founded by ETZ Ltd, Shell UK, and North East Scotland College (NESCol), the collaborative project is backed by the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund for North East Scotland and Moray.

According to the latest annual report from the Just Transition Commission, it is essential that Scotland gets ahead of potential job gaps in the energy sector, as well as diversify the future energy workforce and promote the capacity of local authorities and communities to take advantage of renewables developments.

By helping children and young people engage with renewables and clean energy, projects like the Net Zero Challenge vehicle can help in meeting these goals, adding to the Scottish Government’s commitments which include a £60m Youth Guarantee, and increased opportunities for ‘green’ apprenticeships across public sector bodies.

“Ensuring a pipeline of expertise and talent will be key to unlocking Scotland’s energy transition and securing the highly skilled workforce of the future,” said acting net zero and energy secretary, Gillian Martin.

“I am proud that this project has received funding from Just Transition Fund, which has delivered £75 million to date, supporting projects and communities across the North East and Moray, recognising the world-class energy expertise of the region and its importance in delivering net zero.”

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The project forms part of Scotland’s first dedicated Energy Transition Skills Hub due to open in Aberdeen later this year, backed with over £7m from Scottish Government, Shell, ETZ Ltd and NESCol, at the site of a dilapidated former dairy adjacent to the College’s existing Aberdeen Altens Campus.

The Hub will provide workshops, flexible teaching spaces, cutting-edge equipment, expert-led learning, and accessible training focused on the new skills needed for delivering low carbon and green energy.

Neil Cowie, principal and chief executive of NESCol, said: “The launch of this unique new vehicle represents another important step in the ambitions of NESCol and our partners to inspire the next generation to play their part in the journey to net zero. 

“It’s also a very powerful demonstration of the collaborative work at the heart of our region’s energy transition.”