A tender process has been launched as Aberdeen bids to build on its reputation as a centre of excellence for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
The £100k study is jointly funded by Aberdeen City Council/EU Interreg NSR/HyTrEc2, Opportunity North East and Scottish Enterprise. The study aims to develop a business case which will explore the development of a sustainable and commercial supply of hydrogen in the city, which can then be adopted by other Scottish cities in future years.
The commitment of the three partners demonstrates the city’s ambitions to embrace the future of hydrogen.
As part of the tender potential locations for a hydrogen hub will be identified in addition to outlining the strategic, economic, financial and commercial objectives whilst determining the opportunities to seek private investment in the hydrogen market.
Aberdeen has one of Europe’s largest fleets of fuel cell buses, which has exceeded the million-mile mark, and the study will seek to develop the next phase and continue to strengthen the city’s reputation as a global energy innovator.
Councillor Philip Bell, Aberdeen City Council’s hydrogen spokesperson, said: “Our city has a proud reputation as a global energy hub stretching back decades and this project shows Aberdeen is committed to continuing to push boundaries and developing technology that paves the way for a real shift in traditional thinking.
“The Council’s own teams have worked hand in hand with the private sector to support the existing infrastructure and continue to expand and drive forward with the hydrogen market.”
Scottish Enterprise Head of Low Carbon Andy McDonald said: “Scottish Enterprise support for this project recognises the major role that hydrogen can play in decarbonising our energy systems and that there are significant economic opportunities for Scotland, particularly in transport, heat and infrastructure. Aberdeen is already recognised as a global centre of expertise in energy and expansion in the use of hydrogen could be a key element in future energy sector transition.
“This work will identify innovative projects that build on the existing hydrogen programmes in Aberdeen and can also act as a catalyst for other areas of Scotland, where sustainable transport and low carbon energy are increasingly becoming an intrinsic part of our community infrastructure.”
Trevor Garlick OBE, Opportunity North East’s Oil, Gas and Energy Sector Board Chairman, said: “Ensuring the North East of Scotland remains at the forefront of hydrogen energy deployment is a key priority for ONE as we establish the region as a global energy and technology hub, ensure that the economic benefit of the oil and gas supply chain is realised and contribute to the goal of long-term economic diversification.
“Hydrogen presents regional and global opportunities for North East Scotland’s existing infrastructure and skills base and an opportunity to build on our regional competitive advantage to deliver energy transition.”
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