The cutting-edge project is a demonstration facility for next generation wind turbines and associated technology. With expected capital expenditure of more than £230 million, the EOWDC would prove to be a major investment inScotland’s renewables infrastructure and a vital boost to its offshore wind ambitions.

EOWDC project spokesman Iain Todd said: “The Scottish Government’s most welcome approval for the EOWDC is extremely positive news for bothScotlandand theUK’s offshore wind industry as it helps positionScotland, theUKandEuropeat the global vanguard of the sector. The decision also confirmsAberdeenCityand Shire’s status as a world-class energy hub, bringing with it significant economic benefits which will be pivotal to ensuring the region’s long-term prosperity.

“The project partners will assess the consent and associated conditions as part of the planning and programming for the next phase of the scheme.”

He added: “The EOWDC is the first offshore wind farm to pass through the new approvals process for offshore wind development and as such is a test case for the industry. The diligence and expertise of officials in Marine Scotland, among the statutory consultees and other interests should give confidence to the offshore wind industry and its supply chain that planning matters should not be a barrier to investment inScotland.”

The EOWDC is a joint venture between Vattenfall –Europe’s sixth largest generator of electricity – the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG), a pioneering private-public partnership, and consortium partner Technip Offshore Wind, a leading provider of specialist offshore wind installation and project management services.

The project is expected to create substantial spin-out opportunities for the supply chain as well as jobs and economic benefit by attracting scientists, researchers, engineers, offshore wind supply chain companies and future investment including manufacturing. This is anticipated to further add to Aberdeen City and Shire’s existing energy credentials including the skills and infrastructure required to build a 21st century energy industry for generations to come.

Morag McCorkindale, chief operating officer for AREG, said: “This project presents a huge opportunity to help the region diversify its energy-based economy and attract inward investment. The EOWDC places the region at the heart of the development of cutting-edge technologies and innovation to serve UK Round 3 offshore wind developments and is anticipated to become a chief centre of European importance.

“The decision is also a positive sign forScotland’s renewables industry. A number of reports have recognised the urgent need for facilities like the EOWDC as being of strategic importance to accelerating the development of an efficient, cost effective and technologically-advanced offshore wind sector to support the security of our national energy supply.”

Ron Cookson, senior vice president at Technip Offshore Wind, said: “We are pleased the project has reached this significant milestone. Test sites like this are vital to the development of cost-effective wind power and we look forward to participating in the safe and efficient delivery of the pioneering EOWDC venture.”

The European Union has awarded the EOWDC a grant of up to €40million under the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) for the development of the project which was awarded demonstrator site status by The Crown Estate in 2010.

———-

The official Scottish Government Announcement can be found here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/03/EOWCA160313

The appointments, which were elected by associate members, have been announced  following AREG’s Annual General Meeting (Wednesday, February 20). They include: Andrew Donaldson, of Petrofac; Kevin Moran, of Tymor Marine Ltd; and Tim Sheehan, of Reef Subsea.

AREG’s chief operating officer, Morag McCorkindale, said: “We welcome three prominent industry figures who each have considerable expertise, particularly in business development and the supply chain. This, combined with the impressive credentials of existing Board members, further strengthens AREG’s ability to ensure that Aberdeen City and Shire plays a leading role as a world-class energy hub.

“The AGM also provided an opportunity for the new Board and AREG members to discuss current industry issues and how we can best address them as well as identify opportunities for collaboration between members. This provides important industry feedback that helps AREG to further shape its strategy for building a sustainable energy industry in the region and to ensure it capitalises on the substantial business opportunities being created in the global market place.”

Andrew Donaldson is renewables director at the offshore projects business of international energy services provider, Petrofac, where he is responsible for the company’s renewable energy projects’ delivery business. He joined Petrofac from Scottish Southern Energy (SSE) where he led the development of SSE’s offshore engineering activities and was responsible for the engineering of all of SSE’s offshore renewable energy projects. These included the development of SSE’s offshore wind turbine test site at Hunterston and delivering its Centre for Offshore Renewables in Glasgow.

Andrew also led the creation and delivery of SSE’s alliances which brought Technip, Subsea 7, Wood Group and Atkins into alliances with the leading power industry manufacturers, Siemens and Mitsubishi. He subsequently secured significant funding from the Technology Strategy Board as part of a UK consortia that was formed to deliver Mitsubishi’s 7MW offshore wind turbine. 

Kevin Moran, who has been re-elected to the AREG Board for a second term, is the managing and business development director for Tymor Marine Limited, a specialist design and analysis company that he formed in April 2012. Having started his career in the Merchant Navy, he has held senior positions with a number of multi-national organisations including Wood Group Renewable Energy and DOF Subsea.

Kevin, who is also a member of Scottish Renewables’ Board of Directors, is focused on the development of the supply chain and making sure it has voice in the growth of offshore renewable energy.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the offshore industry, Tim Sheehan has held a variety of roles in the sector specialising in subsea engineering. He has held a number of positions including vice president commercial for Technip and managing director of Bibby Offshore. In more recent years, Tim has been both managing director of subsea contracting major, Acergy UK, and deputy regional vice president for its Northern Europe and Canada regions.

In 2010, Tim joined Rotech as Group CEO before moving to Reef Subsea after the Rotech Subsea business was acquired in 2011. Reef Subsea is a leading Tier 2 subsea contractor operating in both the oil & gas and renewables sectors.

Speaking on behalf of the new Board members, Mr Moran said: “We are all pleased to have been given this opportunity to help further develop AREG’s standing and that of its members within the renewables industry. AREG has become recognised as the key driver of renewable energy in the North-east of Scotland and we will continue to work hard to ensure that this is maintained.

“AREG is helping the region develop a robust renewable energy supply chain and, as part of the Board, we will play our part in identifying opportunities and working with our network of contacts to ensure that the region can maximise these.”

The AREG Board also includes chairman Jeremy Cresswell and the following directors: Councillor Jean Morrison, of Aberdeen City Council; Councillor Jim Gifford, leader of Aberdeenshire Council; Professor Paul Mitchell, director of the Institute of Energy Technologies at the University of Aberdeen; and John Black, a partner at Anderson Anderson and Brown.

Scottish Renewables and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) have developed a new Supply Chain Share Fair. It is being introduced as part of Scottish Renewables’ annual Offshore Wind Conference and Exhibition, which runs today and tomorrow (Jan 29 and 30) at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and is delivered in partnership between Scottish Renewables and Scottish Enterprise.

The Offshore Wind Supply Chain Share Fair has been designed to give supply chain companies the opportunity to find out about the timing and procurement processes for planned contracts and business opportunities in the sector.

Key developers, manufacturers and operations and maintenance organisations have been brought together at this event to present their forward project plans for the next 18 months and engage with potential suppliers. It is hoped that this new format for supply chain development, which is used successfully in the oil and gas industry, will further assist the growth of the industry and accelerate project developments.

Industry-leading companies such as AREVA, EDP Renewables, Global Energy, Mainstream Renewable Power and FoundOcean are among those taking part in the Share Fair.

This year’s conference, which will celebrate the significant progress being achieved by the offshore wind sector, is set to be the largest ever and is anticipated to attract more than 700 delegates and 60 exhibitors.

AREG was behind the concept for the Share Fair which is believed to be the first of its kind for the renewables industry and there are plans to significantly grow the event in future.

Chief Operating Officer at AREG, Morag McCorkindale, said “AREG is committed to helping to stimulate the growth of Scotland’s renewables industry. This includes encouraging the development of a sustainable supply chain, particularly in offshore wind, and facilitating the transfer of vital oil and gas skills into renewables.

“The Scottish Renewables’ conference is a key offshore wind event which attracts high-profile industry players. It is therefore a strong, vibrant platform for the Supply Chain Share Fair, especially because it is held in Aberdeen where we have a critical mass of expertise. The region has a robust supply chain eager to support a new growth industry. Indeed, many companies with offshore oil and gas roots in the region are already operating in the offshore wind sector and driving forward the sector’s growth and diversification.”

Ms McCorkindale will also be speaking today at a conference session focusing on innovation and its potential to have a rapid impact on the pace and growth of developing offshore wind.

She said: “Scotland’s offshore wind industry has a forward-thinking vision to ensure its long-term sustainable growth with innovation being integral to its progression. Innovative developments such as one of AREG’s flagship projects, the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC), have the very real potential to significantly accelerate the development of offshore wind and create considerable new offshoots in business opportunities.

“As well as delivering renewable energy to the national grid, the EOWDC is expected to contribute to improving cost and competitiveness in the offshore wind sector through the demonstration of new technologies in a real time offshore environment before full-scale commercial deployment, contributing to risk and cost reduction.”

The EOWDC, planned to be located off the coast of Aberdeen, is a joint venture between AREG and Vattenfall, plus consortium partner Technip Offshore Wind Ltd.

Ms McCorkindale is also a guest speaker at an Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce breakfast being held tomorrow as part of the Scottish Renewables’ conference along with Matthew Green, a project director at the offshore wind power business unit within Vattenfall, Europe’s sixth largest generator of electricity; Alex Hill, office chief advisor to Government for Scotland and Northern Ireland for the Met Office.

AREG is exhibiting at Scottish Renewables conference on stand 22 where the private-public partnership will be showcasing Aberdeen City and Shire’s broad offshore wind capabilities, transferable skills and the breadth of members’ expertise and track record as well as the EOWDC.

For more information about the Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind conference and exhibition, please visit:  http://www.scottishrenewables.com/events/offshore-wind/

The application for a cable route and substation compound on land to the south-east of Blackdog village would form part of the onshore connection between the proposed EOWDC and the National Electricity Transmission System.

It has been submitted by Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Ltd (AOWFL). AOWFL is a joint venture by Vattenfall, Europe’s sixth largest generator of electricity, and innovative private-public partnership Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) which are driving forward the EOWDC project along with Technip Offshore Wind Ltd, a leading provider of specialist offshore wind installation and project management services.

AOWFL also anticipates submitting a planning application for onshore works to Aberdeen City Council after identifying a second option for a cable route and substation compound. 

Iain Todd, project spokesman for the EOWDC, said: “The onshore works are a key element of the EOWDC which will deliver major economic benefits to Aberdeen City and Shire, Scotland and the UK. The EOWDC is also widely recognised as a centre of European importance, helping to accelerate the development of the offshore wind industry.”

As part of the application, AOWFL will be conducting a public consultation with the local community between January 18 and February 8.

The planning application submission comes three months after a Scoping Opinion, supported by a scoping report presenting proposals for the onshore works, was completed. This also involved AOWFL and Aberdeenshire Council inviting comment on the proposals from consultees and key stakeholders in the area to help inform the on-going site layout design and environmental assessment process.  

As part of its consultation, representatives from AOWF also attended a meeting of Belhelvie Community Council in October, 2012, when they pre-informed members about the planning application which is supported by an Environmental Statement including an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Mr Todd said: “The consultation process ensures that the local community and key stakeholders have the opportunity to express their views on the proposals for the onshore works at an early stage, in advance of a planning application being submitted.”

The onshore works are likely to consist of two onshore substation buildings with associated electrical infrastructure to be located on land to the south of Hareburn Terrace and underground cables between the substations and the sea.  

The 11-turbine EOWDC will deploy a number of ‘first run of production’ Round 3 offshore wind turbine models to demonstrate their capabilities.

Recent Government reports have concluded that, with an enormous ramping up of installed offshore wind capacity expected in UK waters by the end of this decade, deployment centres like the EOWDC will play a vital role in helping to reduce the cost of generation in offshore wind and deliver more than £7billion in added value to the UK economy. The EOWDC consortium believes that the centre will place the North East and Scotland at the forefront of the globally-competitive offshore wind industry.

The EU has awarded a grant of €40million under the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) for the development of the EOWDC. Last year, Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Ltd AOWFL also announced the signing of working agreements with six potential suppliers to deploy state-of-the-art wind turbines at the ground-breaking EOWDC site and several months later, it was announced that all statutory consultees had lifted their objections to the project.

Note: Sole responsibility for this document lies with the author.
The European Union (EU) is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) brought together industry experts at the meeting which was held at Aberdeen’s Carmelite Hotel.

AREG’s chief operating officer, Morag McCorkindale, said: “As the creation of innovative technologies increases, it is important not only to develop new solutions but also to protect the resulting intellectual property because these developments are the source of competitive advantage, new business and income.

“AREG and its members work collectively through our membership meetings to share knowledge and thereby take full advantage of new opportunities in the renewable energy industry. As a result, the region continues to play a key role in positioning Scotlandat the forefront of the renewables globally and AREG actively encourages its members to develop approaches that can be used locally, nationally and internationally to provide a sustainable energy future for generations to come.” 

Craig Watson, partner at patent and trade mark attorneys, Harrison Goddard Foote, spoke about what can and cannot be patented, identifying inventions and assessment, selection and protection of these assets.

He said: “With so many patents coming out of the renewable industry, there have been a great number of new developments – many of which make the whole process of patenting cheaper and quicker as well as the recently introduced 10% corporation tax for companies with patents in place.

“Having attended many AREG events, it’s good to be able to share our IP expertise with the other members.”

Jamie Allan, director of patents at Murgitroyd and Company – which provides specialist IP protection advice – discussed Trade Mark and Design IP issues facing renewable energy companies, looking at how these affect businesses and how they can be used to their advantage. The presentation contrasted Trade Mark and Design protection with Patents, setting out why companies should consider these complimentary forms of protection, and what to do to avoid conflict with competitors’ rights.  

He said: “Many suppliers and operators are now improving their positions in the renewable energy market by making more use of these simple, powerful and cost effective forms of protection which directly affect everyone in the supply chain. My talk aimed to show businesses how they can, and why they should.” 

Andrew Allan-Jones, a partner at commercial law firm Bond Pearce LLP, outlined how companies can make IP work, covering practical approaches to defending intellectual investment.

“For renewables businesses, managing IP risk effectively is a key factor for business growth, avoiding “bet the company” disputes and a way to encourage investment,” said Mr Allan-Jones.

AREG is a pioneering private-public partnership which aims to position the region as a global energy hub with a reputation for delivering renewable energy innovation. Its membership has soared to more than 170 members, spanning the full spectrum of renewable energy expertise including onshore and offshore wind, marine and hydro, bio, solar, geothermal energy and hydrogen and fuel cells.

The news comes after it was revealed earlier this week that all other statutory consultees, which had objected to the plans, had removed their objections.

SNH lifted its objection following consideration of the Environmental Statement that has been included in the Addendum to the EOWDC consent application. The objection has been lifted subject to a number of conditions of consent being put in place.

SNH had previously advised Marine Scotland that there should be a condition of consent in place requiring a design statement for landscape and visual purposes. In response, the Addendum includes five design objectives guiding the design. SNH has confirmed that it “support these objectives”.

Iain Todd, the EOWDC project spokesman, said: “This represents yet another significant landmark for the project and we are very encouraged that all statutory consultees have now lifted their objections to the project. Throughout the evolvement of the EOWDC, we have continued to work closely and diligently with each consultee in order to meet their requirements and the outcome demonstrates the positive benefits of this collaboration.

“We do believe we have a very strong case for the environmental and economic benefits of the EOWDC to the North East and Scotland, as well as its key role in positioning the region at the forefront of offshore wind globally. The partners remain hopeful for a positive decision on the consent application from the Scottish Government later this year.”

David Bale, SNH Tayside & Grampian unit manager, said: “After considering the application in detail, we believe the development could go ahead without adverse effects to the marine environment, as long as certain conditions are in place to protect sea birds, dolphins and various whale species.”

Other key stakeholders which have lifted their objections to the EOWDC following discussions with the developers behind the green energy scheme include the MoD, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and RSPB Scotland. The objections were lifted subject to a number of conditions to minimise impacts during construction and operation.

Concerns about the impact of the EOWDC on air defence operations at RAF Buchan have eased after the MoD assessed the developer’s mitigation proposal. Similarly, air traffic controllers at National Air Traffic Services (NATS) have agreed plans for the wind farm developers to invest in radar hardware.

RSPB Scotland was also concerned about impacts on sensitive bird species. These concerns have been lifted after further studies showed that the impacts would be low and within acceptable limits.

Vattenfall, Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group and Technip which form the consortium behind the EOWDC – will deploy a number of ‘first run of production’ offshore wind turbine models to demonstrate their capabilities.

Recent Government reports have concluded that, with an enormous ramping up of installed offshore wind capacity expected in UK waters by the end of this decade, deployment centres like the EOWDC will play a vital role in helping to reduce the cost of generation in offshore wind and deliver more than £7billion in added value to the UK economy.

The EOWDC consortium believes that the Centre will place the North East and Scotland at the forefront of the burgeoning global offshore wind industry.

The EU has awarded a grant of €40million under the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) for the development of  the EOWDC.

Earlier this year, Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Ltd (AOWFL) – the joint venture beween Vattenfall and AREG which is driving the project – also announced the signing of working agreements with six potential suppliers to deploy state-of-the-art wind turbines at the ground-breaking EOWDC site.

Clashindarroch Wind Farm is an onshore project situated in Clashindarroch Forest near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. The forest is managed by Forestry Commission Scotland and is one of the largest woodland blocks in the north east of Scotland.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Marr area committee voted to grant planning permission for the 18 turbine wind farm on 14 December 2010, the consent being released in the summer of 2012. Vattenfall are now planning a forward programme for the development of the wind farm, which will generate enough electricity to meet the equivalent domestic requirements of around 24,296 households. They are currently going through a tendering process for the construction stage of the project and have reached the point where they are able to engage with local businesses and companies who would be interested in tendering for future contracts during the construction phase of the project.

Vattenfall is hosting this event to outline the supply chain opportunities available to local businesses through this project as well as within the wider onshore wind industry. You will be able to meet with potential main contractors, our own project team and Economic Development representatives from Aberdeenshire Council – to gain an insight into the tendering criteria for onshore wind energy developments.

While some turbine components still need to come from parts of Europe, the skills and services needed to build, operate and maintain wind farms are not specialist, they already exist in the local area – from civil engineering to plant operators and site investigation research to the production of steel and aluminum fittings and fixings.

Key Contracts and Areas of Work:

• Balance of Plant Contract (Civils and Electrical – may be two separate contracts)

• Turbine Supply Contract

• General Services

• Operation and Maintenance

If you would like to attend, please register your interest at:  supplychainevent@vattenfall.com

For further information, download the event brochure here: Clashindarroch_Supply_Chain_Info_Pack.pdf_22543115 (1)

If you have any additional questions please contact Jordon Ridley, Project Administrator, Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd: jordon.ridley@vattenfall.co.uk

NB: Due to the access bridge being damaged, we request all vehicles utilise the rear entrance which may be accessed via the B9022 which intersects the main Inverness/Aberdeen Road, the A96, north of the Huntly roundabout.

Objections to a cutting edge offshore wind farm and test facility, off Aberdeen, have been lifted by key stakeholders following discussions with the developers behind the green energy scheme.

The objections were lifted subject to a number of conditions to minimise impacts during construction and operation.

Concerns about the impact of the 11-turbine European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) on air defence operations at RAF Buchan have eased after the MoD assessed the developer’s mitigation proposal. Similarly, air traffic controllers at National Air Traffic Services (NATS) have agreed plans for the wind farm developers to invest in radar hardware.

RSPB Scotland was also concerned about impacts on sensitive bird species. These concerns have been lifted after further studies showed that the impacts would be low and within acceptable limits

Iain Todd, the EOWDC project spokesman, said: “The removal of a number of objections is another significant step forward for the scheme and the EOWDC partners hope for a green light on its consent application from the Scottish Government later this year.

“The EOWDC is a cutting edge scheme that will deliver major economic benefits to the North East economy and to Scotland. If the North East, Scotland and the UK are to establish and maintain their lead in offshore wind it needs demonstrator sites like the EOWDC,” added Mr Todd.

The consortium behind the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre – Vattenfall, Technip and the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group – will deploy a number of ‘first run of production’ offshore wind turbine models to demonstrate their capabilities.

Recent Government reports have concluded that, with an enormous ramping up of installed offshore wind capacity expected in UK waters by the end of this decade, deployment centres like the EOWDC will play a vital role in helping to reduce the cost of generation in offshore wind and deliver more than £7billion in added value to the UK economy. The EOWDC consortium believes that the centre will place the North East and Scotland at the forefront of the burgeoning global offshore wind industry.

The EU has awarded a grant of €40million under the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) for the development of the EOWDC.

Earlier this year, the joint venture company behind the EOWDC – Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Limited (AOWFL) - also announced the signing of working agreements with six potential suppliers to deploy state-of-the-art wind turbines at the ground-breaking EOWDC site.

Offshore wind developers consider demonstration sites, such as the EOWDC, of critical importance when designing the next generation of wind technology. The Aberdeen project is ideally placed to attract inward investment and jobs to not only Aberdeen City and the Shire, but Scotland, the UK and Europe.

Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group will bring together industry representatives at their members meeting to be held in the Town and County Room in Aberdeen City Council’s Town House.

AREG’s chief operating officer, Morag McCorkindale, said: “AREG and its members work proactively to maximise new opportunities being created in renewable energy and to overcome the challenges faced by the industry.

“As a region, the north-east of Scotland is driving forward breakthroughs in the renewable energy sector which are vital to Scottish, UK and European efforts to build a sustainable, low carbon economy in a globally competitive market.”

She added: “AREG’s member events provide a platform for them to interact, collaborate and share their expertise and know-how. Collaboration between organisations is essential to drive development, ensuring that Aberdeen City and Shire continues to be recognised as a global-leading energy hub.”

Charlie Cameron, training manager, AquaTerra Solutions, will outline the latest developments in practical health and safety training when working on renewable energy installations.

“As the offshore renewables industry continues to grow, it is important that we ensure practical health and safety training is available in order to minimise risk, particularly when working at height and in confined spaces.

“We create tailored training packages to provide all personnel with a safe environment in which to work, protecting assets, people and business continuity,” said Mr Cameron.

He added: “AREG’s seminars are beneficial as they provide members an opportunity to share information, best practice and encourage a collaborative approach as well as giving a greater insight into what is actually happening in the renewables sector.”

Ian Williams, chairman and partner, Campbell Dallas LLP, will discuss several projects the company has on the horizon, based in the UK and overseas, with owners and developers in wind and hydro.

He said: “Our specialist team are currently advising on a range of UK and international hydro and wind based projects. We are also in the early stages of talking to a prospect about the construction of an anaerobic digester in the central belt of Scotland.

“In June, a presentation to EU lawyers in Barcelona on UK expertise and capacity at a conference aimed at promoting renewable energy in the EU was well received and showcased what we can offer the industry globally.”

Other speakers include Willie Dawson, operations manager, Dawson Energy who will give an overview of 3Sun Group, their history and what projects they are currently involved in; Richard Cooke, head of business development – renewables, Petrofac, will be sharing the company’s experiences and ambition for the offshore wind market; and Chris Napier, general manager – marine renewables, J+S Ltd, will discuss the latest engineering solutions in the renewable sector.

The five company representatives will then take part in a Q&A session with AREG chairman, Jeremy Cresswell, during which members will be given the opportunity to discuss recent developments in the industry and the role that north-east Scotland can play in strengthening the UK’s renewables sector.

The pioneering private-public partnership, which has positioned Aberdeen City and Shire at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, has over 170 members spanning the full spectrum of renewable energy expertise including onshore and offshore wind, marine and hydro, bio, solar, geothermal energy and hydrogen and fuel cells.

Among the company’s new members are Atkins, Raeburn Christie Clark and Wallace, AD Heating Ltd, Aggreko, Augmentias, Canyon Offshore Limited and The Stewart Group.

Ms McCorkindale said: “These new members further strengthen AREG’s membership portfolio with capabilities ranging from legal and financial expertise, offshore support vessels, offshore infrastructure engineering, design and implementation, and project management and consultancy.

“Between them, they epitomise some key strengths of Aberdeen City and Shire businesses through their innovation, cost effective solutions and practical offshore experience in renewables projects.”

Alex Salmond today gave the green light for a pioneering clean energy hub inScotland, includingEurope’s largest hydrogen bus fleet, as he announced funding of up to £3.3 million for the EU-backed project. 

The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise funding will enable Aberdeen City Council, supported by Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, to start the project’s first phase with an order for 10 hydrogen fuel-cell buses – which produce water vapour instead of carbon monoxide and other harmful emissions. 

They will be operated on First and Stagecoach bus routes in the city by early 2014 and refuelled atScotland’s first large hydrogen refuelling station, which will also be able to refuel hydrogen-powered passenger cars, as they become available.  Scottish & Southern Energy Power Distribution (SSEPD), working with BOC, will develop an integrated ‘whole hydrogen’ system which can harness wind energy to produce and store hydrogen that is then used as fuel for the bus fleet, and for generating electricity at times of peak demand. 

TheFirst Ministersaid: “Through our Green Bus Fund, the Scottish Government is already supporting the roll-out of 74 low carbon buses, such as diesel-electric hybrids, to cut harmful vehicle emissions.  Hydrogen buses will eliminate these local emissions. Aberdeenis alreadyEurope’s offshore energy capital and this exciting new project can help position it as a leading city for low carbon technology and green transport.  With a strong group of project partners, this initiative will boostScotland’s profile as a key hydrogen technology hub and a world-leading investment location for pioneering low carbon energy and transport systems.” 

The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise have each committed up to £1.65 million to support the project, which has also received funding from the European Commission, and the UK Technology Strategy Board. In addition to the City Council, SSE and the two bus operators, other project partners include Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, Ballard Power Systems, BOC, Element Energy, Scotia Gas Networks and Van Hool. 

Aberdeen City Council leader Barney Crockett commented: “This funding is a vital contribution to Aberdeen City Council and its partners’ work to introduce a fleet of hydrogen buses to the area.  I believe this initiative will stimulate further innovative hydrogen technology projects and attract even more high-level investment to this city.  It is a crucial step towardsAberdeenbecoming a world-leading, smart hydrogen city.” 

Giles Fearnley, Managing Director of FirstUKBus said: “This is an exciting, ground-breaking project which we are delighted to be a part of, particularly in our home city,Aberdeen. Throughout theUK, First is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, particularly emissions from our buses.  We already operate 68 hybrid vehicles, including 10 inScotland, with a further 41 on order across theUKand have made tremendous advances in engineering which has reduced our fuel consumption.  This project therefore is a natural fit, and one we hope that will be very successful.  We’re looking forward to operating the hydrogen buses.” 

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director, Stagecoach Bluebird, added: “Bus travel can deliver huge environmental advantages over taking the car. Powering vehicles from renewable sources such as hydrogen can make the bus an even greener and smarter option. We already source energy for one of our bus depots in Aberdeenshire using geothermal heat extracted from the ground, as well as harvesting rainwater to clean our buses. Locally-generated hydrogen fuel is an exciting prospect and will complement the range of measures we are taking across Stagecoach Group to grow our business sustainably and help our customers cut their carbon footprint.” 

SSEPD’s Director of Distribution Stuart Hogarth commented: “This is an ambitious project which allows us to explore new ways of managing energy flows on our network and should help keep the costs of energy down in the future. We’re pleased to be working with a group of partners who are experts in their field and to be helping introduce a new form of sustainable transport forAberdeen.” 

Scottish Enterprise Director of Energy & Low Carbon Technologies Adrian Gillespie said: “In supporting this project we can help to realise the long-term benefits of investing in hydrogen infrastructure. By providing a means of managing or storing surplus electricity from wind-farms, this project could play a vital role in enabling the management and storage of Scotland’s vast renewables resources. The recently-published Smart Grid Sector Strategy estimates that theUKmarket for energy management products and services will be worth over £1.2 billion by 2020. As well as creating opportunities for companies already involved in hydrogen-related technologies, this project could also create opportunities for companies in other sectors to diversify their activities into the hydrogen production and storage market.” 

Background: 

TheFirst Ministerannounced the funding inAberdeenwhere he also viewed a hybrid-electric bus – powered by a sophisticated battery system and supported by a traditional diesel engine –  which was recently introduced with support from the £5.9 million Green Bus Fund. Local emissions from the hybrid buses are around a third less than conventional buses. The hydrogen fuel-cell buses, to be introduced following today’s announcement, will produce zero local emissions. 

Hydrogen is an energy carrier, like electricity, that requires a source of primary energy to make it.  Currently, most global hydrogen production comes from fossil fuels but it can also be produced from electrolysis, using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The use of hydrogen as a transport fuel offers great promise as a key component of a low carbon energy system. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit no harmful local emissions, have a much higher efficiency than fossil-fuelled equivalents and are virtually noise-free. Hydrogen can also be generated from a wide range of sources, offering improved energy security and, if generated from renewables, one of few routes to fully decarbonise road transport. 

Beyond benefits for the transport sector, hydrogen has a potentially vital role in energy storage.  Hydrogen generated from renewable electricity sources such as wind can be stored and then used for a variety of end uses including regenerating electricity at times of peak demand, and potentially as a way of decarbonising the natural gas network. .Hydrogen technologies can play a key role in facilitating the mass deployment of renewables and are rapidly developing to the point of technical and commercial maturity. TheAberdeendemonstration project is an important step on the path to the commercial use of hydrogen as a fuel, addressing both transportation and energy storage aspects of hydrogen technologies.