Aberdeen City Council has confirmed BP as its preferred bidder for a commercial partnership to deliver the granite city’s ambitions to become a world-class hydrogen hub.
Following a tender process, which commenced in June, the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub concept will enable the continued development of a hydrogen economy in the North East city.
A key part of the programme will involve the creation of Scotland’s first scalable green hydrogen production facility. Phase 1, which involves delivery of a green hydrogen facility, is targeting first operations from 2024.
Options could include using power drawn from a new photovoltaic solar farm, green power purchase agreements and a private wire grid connection to generate hydrogen for buses, heavy goods vehicles and large vans.
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Future phases could then see production scaled up through further investment to supply larger volumes of hydrogen for rail, freight and marine, as well as supply of hydrogen for heat and potentially export.
The Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub programme will support Aberdeen City Council’s ambitions to create a climate positive city and build inclusive growth through supporting hydrogen supply chain development, skills and training, and wider community benefits.
A study commissioned by the council on the growth in demand for hydrogen power estimates that if the hydrogen hub enables the export of renewable hydrogen, then 700 skilled jobs could be created in the hydrogen industry by 2030.
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Aberdeen City Council leader, councillor Jenny Laing, said: “This is a huge announcement for Aberdeen. It paves the way for the city to be a world leader in the production of hydrogen-based green fuel and energy.
“It will help create a cleaner, more sustainable city for local people and it also provides us with the opportunity to create hundreds of skilled jobs and add millions to the Aberdeen economy.
“There is tremendous investment potential, and we already have deep-rooted skills and experience in the energy sector to tap into.
“Aberdeen has a worldwide reputation as a pioneering hydrogen city with a net zero emissions vision. We are already leading the way to a greener, cleaner future and working with bp, we intend to put Aberdeen at the forefront of the green economic recovery.
“We already have a successful partnership with BP, who have advised the council on the delivery of our Energy Transition Strategic Infrastructure Plan and this exciting announcement builds on that work.”
