MEMBER NEWS: ETZ announces Energy Incubator & Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub

March 28, 2023
MEMBER NEWS: ETZ announces Energy Incubator & Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub

Energy Transition Zone Ltd (ETZ) has unveiled plans for the new hydrogen production and vehicle re-fuelling facility at Hareness Road in Aberdeen, together with a solar farm located on the adjacent former landfill site. The planning application for the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub has been submitted to Aberdeen City Council. The Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub (AHH) will be a phased green hydrogen production and re-fuelling facility with the aim of assisting Aberdeen City Council’s vision of Aberdeen being at the forefront of a hydrogen economy.

The planning application for the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub has been submitted by bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited, a joint venture between bp and Aberdeen City Council. Phase one of the development includes a hydrogen production and re-fuelling facility, as well as a solar farm, with the two being connected via a solar grid connection. The later phases of the AHH will involve an increase in hydrogen production to upscale the development to provide for a greater range of needs and uses.

Aecom have developed the design of the hydrogen facilities at the Hareness Site, creating separate areas for hydrogen vehicle refuelling, maintenance and hydrogen tanker deliver when the hydrogen equipment is not operational for maintenance. The hydrogen facility footprint, equipment and storage requirements are based on expected demand from main user groups such as buses, waste refuse vehicles and other commercial users. Further details for the AHH development are given in the Hydrogen Hub design statement.

ETZ Ltd has also today announced funding support From bp & Scottish Enterprise for Scotland’s first Energy Incubator & Scale Up Hub, a £6.5 million 3000sqm facility will support supply chain expansion and deliver a ‘cutting-edge innovation ecosystem’. ETZ Ltd has secured £1.25m from global energy firm bp and £2m support from Scotland’s national economic development agency Scottish Enterprise to begin construction of Scotland’s first Energy Incubator and Scale Up Hub (EISH). The remainder of the funds for the project will be supported through the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund.

Sir Ian Wood, ETZ Ltd Chairman, said: “Innovation and a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit have been the hallmark of the North East of Scotland’s energy sector for over 50 years. The Energy Incubator and Scale Up Hub will help build on that proud reputation, allowing us to expand our vital energy supply chain, and be an integral part of the Innovation Campus and Energy Transition Zone.”

Adrian Gillespie, Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive, added: “In a region renowned for its engineering talent, innovation and ingenuity, Aberdeen’s Energy Transition Zone will be a leading innovation district at the forefront of a green energy future. Scottish Enterprise has supported the Energy Transition Zone since its inception and is delighted to provide its Energy Incubator and Scale Up Hub project with £2 million funding. The hub will provide a base for green energy start-ups as well as oil and gas companies and associated supply chains who are pivoting their expertise towards the net zero transition.”

The Energy Incubator & Scale Up Hub will be the focal point of the Innovation Campus, one of five specialist campuses being developed across the Energy Transition Zone which will become the largest dedicated energy transition complex in Scotland. Located at Hareness Road in Altens Industrial Estate, the Hub will comprise 3000 sqm of flexible industrial and collaboration space that will foster manufacturing, supply chain company building, technology research and development and commercialisation, alongside targeted business support to drive entrepreneurship, innovation and growth. Subject to planning permission, work is expected to begin on the facility in Summer 2023 with opening planned for summer 2024.

Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub application: https://publicaccess.aberdeencity.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=RRG8YQBZHGE00
ETZ Energy Incubator and Scale Up Hub: https://etzltd.com/news/etz-ltd-secures-funding-support-from-bp-scottish-enterprise-for-scotlands-first-energy-incubator-scale-up-hub

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AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

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AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
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The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
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Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
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Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise