The Port of Aberdeen, in collaboration with Subsea7, has been awarded a £150,000 grant from the Scottish Government to investigate the feasibility of underwater hydrogen storage at the newly developed Aberdeen South Harbour.
The project, known as ‘H2Shore – Hydrogen coastal storage and distribution,’ aims to assess the technical viability, determine the optimal technological approach, and select a suitable offshore location for hydrogen storage. Additionally, the initiative will develop an outline business case to evaluate the economic viability of the project.
The engineering analyses for the H2Shore project will be conducted by energy consultancy firm Xodus. Their scope of work involves assessing the distribution and bunkering requirements, focusing on the necessary equipment, processes, and operating procedures. The findings from this study will contribute to the overall understanding of the technical aspects involved in establishing hydrogen storage infrastructure in coastal areas.
The H2Shore project is part of the Hydrogen Innovation Scheme, which supports 32 projects dedicated to advancing innovation in renewable hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. The Scottish Government’s funding for this initiative highlights the strategic importance of ports in the transition to hydrogen technologies. Ports play a critical role in facilitating the transport and trade of hydrogen, serving as vital infrastructure to support the growth of the hydrogen economy and achieve ambitious emissions reduction goals.
Marlene Mitchell, the Commercial Manager of the Port of Aberdeen, expressed excitement about securing Scottish Government funding for the H2Shore project, emphasizing the port’s commitment to positioning itself as a leader in Scotland’s emerging hydrogen economy. Mitchell highlighted the crucial role of ports in enabling the transition to hydrogen technologies and working towards net-zero emissions.
Stian Sande, the Group Strategy Director for Energy Transition at Subsea7, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the Port of Aberdeen on this innovative hydrogen storage project. As a global leader in delivering complex energy projects, Subsea7 is dedicated to exploring and evaluating suitable concepts that can accelerate offshore hydrogen production, storage, and infrastructure. Their partnership with the Port of Aberdeen demonstrates a shared commitment to making the energy transition possible.
