Public invited to help shape plans for Scotland’s first scalable green hydrogen production facility - 25/11/2022

• Public consultation launched on Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub to support city’s net zero vision

• Joint venture between bp and Aberdeen City Council will design, build, and operate hub incorporating solar power, green hydrogen production and refueling facility for the city’s growing fleet of hydrogen vehicles

• Exhibitions in December and January will share plans and invite input from the public and stakeholders

Members of the public are being invited to help shape plans for a new green hydrogen production, storage and distribution facility in Aberdeen powered by renewable energy.

bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited – the joint venture between bp and Aberdeen City Council - has launched the public consultation for the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub.

The project would involve building a green hydrogen production and vehicle refueling facility powered by a purpose-built solar farm, subject to planning permission.

It will build on Aberdeen’s leading position as a hydrogen city, supporting the local authority’s ambitions to create a climate positive city.

The proposed production facility and solar farm would be on separate sites but connected by an underground solar grid connection. Land at Hareness Road, Aberdeen, has been earmarked for the hydrogen production facility, while the proposed solar farm would be built on the former Ness landfill site.

To help shape these proposals, two public exhibitions are planned.

The first will be held on 10 December 2022, from 10am-4pm at Torry St Fittick’s Parish Church, Walker Road, Aberdeen. It will feature site plans and information about the proposed project, with members of the team on hand to answer questions.

The second event will take place in January 2023 and will feature progressed designs incorporating feedback from the December event.

The consultation period will run for 12 weeks.

On completion of the consultation and having considered the views of the public, bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited intends to submit a planning application for the development to Aberdeen City Council.

Dr Oliver Taylor, chief executive of bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited, said the launch of the public consultation marked an important milestone in the project.

He added: “We’re delighted to be able to share our plans for the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub with the public for the first time as we seek to bring members of the community along with us on this exciting next stage in Aberdeen’s hydrogen journey.

“Feedback we receive at these events will help shape the final designs. We look forward to engaging with the public, hearing their views, and considering ways we can minimise any potential impacts and benefit the local community as this project progresses.”

Co-leader of Aberdeen City Council Councillor Ian Yuill said: “It is really important that this engagement happens, and we welcome the proposed approach. We know from the consultation we did in developing our plans to become a net zero city the importance of speaking to people and understanding their views to inform the overall process. Ultimately the city and north-east are at the forefront of development of the capability to produce green hydrogen. The consultation by bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited will inform how the hub is ultimately developed.”