Port of Aberdeen explores subsea hydrogen storage at new South Harbour

Port of Aberdeen, in partnership with Subsea7, has secured a grant of £150,000 from the Scottish Government to investigate the feasibility of storing hydrogen underwater at the new Aberdeen South Harbour.

The ‘H2Shore – Hydrogen coastal storage and distribution’ project will conduct thorough engineering analyses to determine the most effective technological approach and identify an appropriate offshore location. Additionally, the project will develop an outline business case.

Energy consultancy firm, Xodus, is tasked with scrutinising the necessary distribution and bunkering requirements, with a focus on equipment, processes, and operating procedures.

This study is among 32 projects to receive funding from the Hydrogen Innovation Scheme, a programme dedicated to fostering innovation in renewable hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. 

“Securing Scottish Government funding for our H2Shore project is a significant achievement,” Marlene Mitchell, Commercial Manager, Port of Aberdeen, said. “Ports have a pivotal role in the transition to hydrogen technologies, contributing to the journey towards net zero emissions and serving as crucial infrastructure for hydrogen transport and trade. This initiative is one of many promising opportunities we’re exploring to position Port of Aberdeen at the forefront of Scotland’s burgeoning hydrogen economy.”

“We are delighted to be working with Port of Aberdeen on this innovative hydrogen storage project,” Stian Sande, Group Strategy Director Energy Transition, Subsea7, said. “We are looking forward to exploring and evaluating suitable concepts with the goal of enabling and accelerating offshore hydrogen production, storage and infrastructure. As a global leader in delivering complex energy projects, we continue to work with our partners and clients to make the energy transition possible.”

Port of Aberdeen is constantly evolving to support new industries. With the largest berthage in Scotland, its world-class infrastructure, strategic location, and expert supply chain make Aberdeen the port-of-choice for oil and gas, renewables, decommissioning, general cargo, cruise, and ferry services.

Aberdeen is a multimodal port and provides customers with an integrated logistics and services hub. The port’s professional, flexible, value-adding solutions help to reduce risk and reduce projects costs for customers.

Port of Aberdeen was also recently named Business of the Year at the 2023 Northern Star Business Awards, endorsing the port’s commitment to the region’s economy.