Plans for the first phase of a hydrogen production, storage and distribution facility in Aberdeen, powered by renewable energy, have been approved by the local authority’s planning committee.
The Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub is being delivered by bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy – a joint venture between BP and Aberdeen City Council.
Phase one of the project is targeting first production from 2025, delivering over 800 kilograms of green hydrogen per day; enough to fuel 25 buses and a similar number of other fleet vehicles.
The hydrogen production facility would be built on Hareness Road, with the solar farm on the former Ness landfill site. Both would be linked by an underground grid connection.
Dr Oliver Taylor, chief executive of BP Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy, said: “This project will reinforce Aberdeen’s position as a pioneering hydrogen city, at the forefront of the energy transition.
“We’re aiming to stimulate demand for hydrogen by working with fleets in and around the city and, through the wider Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub programme, help the people and businesses of Aberdeen capture value through the energy transition.”
Aberdeen City Council's co-leader Ian Yuill stated: “The ability to produce ‘green’ hydrogen-based fuel and energy, and this development, are a key part of the council’s net zero vision.
“As Aberdeen continues to be a leader in the energy sector, the Hydrogen Hub will help create not only a cleaner and more sustainable city, but also provide the opportunity for the next phase of the energy transition to deliver jobs and investment in the Aberdeen economy.”
The joint venture was confirmed last March, with the hub now set to be developed in three phases in response to growing demands for hydrogen.
Future phases could see production scaled up through further investment to supply larger volumes of green hydrogen for rail, freight and marine, as well as supply of hydrogen for heat and potentially export.
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