A North-east partnership has been awarded €9million of European Union funding to create a Small Hydrogen Valley in the region to speed up the transition to cleaner energy.
On Tuesday partners in the project, known as TH₂ISTLE, will come together for a kick-off meeting at the University of Aberdeen. The event will facilitate collaboration between the international consortium of 28 which ranges from universities to industry leaders and economic development agencies.
Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in decarbonising, particularly in sectors where electrification is difficult such as heavy transport, ports, manufacturing, agriculture and food and drink production.
The funding from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership will support the integration of multiple existing and planned green hydrogen production sites across the North-east, linked by a dedicated tube‑trailer distribution network and strategically spaced refuelling points.
The project will help to examine the role that green hydrogen can play in the region’s wider energy system and energy transition opportunities. The demonstration projects will provide real examples of the commercial and technical uses of hydrogen, served by a local and European supply chain.
Alongside the deployment of hydrogen production, distribution and refuelling infrastructure, TH₂ISTLE includes activities focused on skills development, public engagement and knowledge sharing. The project will develop digital tools, including a regional hydrogen digital twin, and generate evidence to inform future hydrogen valley developments elsewhere in Europe.
Scottish Enterprise is a full project partner, leading on activity to maximise economic impact, learning and replication across Scotland.
Suzanne Sosna, Director of Energy Transition at Scottish Enterprise, said: “TH₂ISTLE stands out as a hydrogen valley that will go beyond individual demonstrations to deliver a fully connected network of hydrogen projects. We are pleased to be supporting the region to grow its expertise into new commercial opportunities with proven demand across multiple sectors.
“With a strong focus on skills and replication, this project will help strengthen and expand Scotland’s collaboration between public and private partners in the green hydrogen market.”
Professor Nick Forsyth, Provost of the University of Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to welcome project partners to the University of Aberdeen for the launch of TH₂ISTLE. Bringing together expertise from academia, industry and the public sector, the project provides an important opportunity to explore how hydrogen can contribute to the energy transition while supporting sustainable economic growth across North-east Scotland.
“Aberdeen has a long track record in hydrogen innovation and deployment, and TH₂ISTLE builds on that foundation by creating new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and regional leadership in the development of low-carbon energy solutions.”
Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe, Project Lead at the University of Aberdeen said: “Hydrogen can play an important role in the transition to a lower-carbon energy system, particularly in sectors where decarbonisation is more challenging. Realising that potential will require a clear understanding of where hydrogen can deliver the greatest benefits and how it can be integrated effectively into existing industries, but also, how it can transform them.
“Through TH₂ISTLE, researchers at the University of Aberdeen will contribute with digital modelling and simulation expertise, alongside socio-economic analysis, to help assess opportunities, inform decision-making and support the region as it adapts to a rapidly changing energy landscape.”