bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited, the joint venture between bp and Aberdeen City Council revealed intentions of establishing the production facility and a solar farm on separate sites, connected by underground solar grid connect, to position Aberdeen as a “hydrogen city.”

Read more: bp to play a leading role in Aberdeen’s Hydrogen Hub

To help shape the proposals, the joint venture has announced two public exhibitions during a 12 week consultation period which will allow members of the public to view site plans and information about the proposed project, with team members on hand to answer questions.

The first exhibition will be held of December 10 (2022), from 10am-4pm at Torry St. Fittick’s Parish Church, Walker Road, Aberdeen, with the second set to take place in January 2023.

Upon completion of the consultation and having considered the public views, H2 View understands bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy intends to submit a planning application for the development to Aberdeen City Council.

Dr. Oliver Taylor, Chief Executive of bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy, commented, “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.”

Aberdeen has made numerous hydrogen investments in recent years. More recently, in 2021, the City Council was awarded £4.5m for 10 new hydrogen-powered buses, taking its fleet up to a total of 25.

Read more: Aberdeen secures funding for more hydrogen buses

Commenting on the consultation, Cllr. Ian Yuill, Co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, 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.”