ABERDEEN City Council has announced a £38.4 million hydrogen investment package as part of its recently approved annual budget.
The local authority said that its ‘ultimate’ ambition is for the city to become an exporter of green hydrogen to the UK and European markets.
Of the investment, £19.4 million has been earmarked for the build of a new production facility hub to power transport and enable the heating of homes, with a further £28 million set aside for the council’s green fleet replacement programme.
Councillor Douglas Lumsden, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, said, “Investments like these keep Aberdeen at the forefront of what it does best – innovating, working with industry, and driving energy transition within the UK and Scotland.
“The hydrogen industry has the potential to be worth up to £25 billion a year to Scotland’s economy by 2045 – and we are playing a pivotal role.
“We made these budget decisions around the environmental benefits, but also with an eye on the wider supply chain benefits, and I am delighted that Aberdeen is on the map when it comes to leading the hydrogen revolution.”
The local authority added that the city’s role in the global energy transition has been further strengthened by plans for an Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) at Aberdeen Harbour South to develop renewable energy sources.
Councillor Lumsden continued, “As well as unlocking new private sector investment, this work will support industry to leverage existing skills and expertise in the area as well as creating job opportunities.
“Aligning all elements of the net zero Vision for the city, these developments build on projects delivered by the Aberdeen city region deal in technology and energy transition.”
