Latest news with #StateraEnergy
STV News
25-04-2025
- Business
- STV News
Green hydrogen project granted planning permission by council
A green hydrogen project said to be the largest in the UK has obtained planning approval from Aberdeenshire Council. Statera Energy says the Kintore hydrogen facility could deliver £400m to the Aberdeenshire economy and support the transition of industrial clusters like Grangemouth, as well as providing thousands of jobs. The facility will produce hydrogen through electrolysis, using surplus wind power which would otherwise be turned off to balance the grid. It is initially planned to have a storage capacity of 500MW before scaling up to 3GW. Statera says hydrogen produced at Kintore could be supplied to the UK's most carbon-intensive industrial clusters through existing gas transmission pipelines. The UK-based company says the project will result in around 3,000 jobs during construction and 300 permanent jobs once it is operational. Planning permission in principle was granted by a full meeting of Aberdeenshire Council on Thursday. A report which went before councillors noted the 'significant' impact it would have on the local landscape but said the benefits in offsetting carbon emissions outweighed these. Tom Vernon, chief executive of Statera Energy, said: 'We are delighted to have secured planning approval for Kintore. 'Over the coming years, the sheer volume of wind generation coming on to the system in the UK will make electrolysers critical for harnessing wind energy that would otherwise go to waste. 'Kintore Hydrogen is designed to fully capitalise on the potential that hydrogen has to offer. 'The location and scale of this project means it can make best use of surplus wind power, significantly lowering hydrogen production costs. 'It will help balance the grid, contribute to the UK's energy security, and support the decarbonisation of the UK's hard-to-abate industries and power sector.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Kintore hydrogen facility in Aberdeenshire approved
The facility will produce hydrogen through electrolysis, using surplus wind power which would otherwise be turned off to balance the grid. It is initially planned to have a storage capacity of 500MW before scaling up to 3GW. Statera says hydrogen produced at Kintore could be supplied to the UK's most carbon-intensive industrial clusters through existing gas transmission pipelines. The UK-based company says the project will result in around 3,000 jobs during construction and 300 permanent jobs once it is operational. READ MORE: Planning permission in principle was granted by a full meeting of Aberdeenshire Council on Thursday. A report which went before councillors noted the 'significant' impact it would have on the local landscape but said the benefits in offsetting carbon emissions outweighed these. Tom Vernon, chief executive of Statera Energy, said: 'We are delighted to have secured planning approval for Kintore. 'Over the coming years, the sheer volume of wind generation coming on to the system in the UK will make electrolysers critical for harnessing wind energy that would otherwise go to waste. 'Kintore Hydrogen is designed to fully capitalise on the potential that hydrogen has to offer. 'The location and scale of this project means it can make best use of surplus wind power, significantly lowering hydrogen production costs. 'It will help balance the grid, contribute to the UK's energy security, and support the decarbonisation of the UK's hard-to-abate industries and power sector.'
Press and Journal
24-04-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Controversial plans for Kintore hydrogen plant backed by council despite local protests
Plans to create one of Europe's largest hydrogen plants near Kintore have taken a step forward – despite calls for it to be thrown out. Statera Energy wants to build the massive 3GW Kintore Hydrogen project near Laylodge. Once constructed, it would be the largest site of its kind in the UK. It has been earmarked for land near the Kintore substation and a recently approved battery energy storage system. The site will produce green hydrogen at an electrolysis plant using surplus wind power generated from turbines and water from the River Don. Water from the river will also be used to cool equipment on the site and would later be returned back to the Don. Members of the Garioch area committee had called for the project to be scrapped last month over fears the Kintore area was becoming too industrialised. Historic Environment Scotland had also objected over fears it would harm the South Leylodge steading stone circle. The application went before a council meeting today. It will ultimately be decided by the Scottish Government, but the local authority's input will be a key consideration. Senior development manager for the Kintore project, William Summerlin, made a case for the hydrogen plant. He claimed the site would create 'significant employment and economic opportunities' for the north-east and Scotland. Mr Summerlin also said that more than 3,000 jobs could be created during the construction period with over 300 operational jobs on site and in the supply chain. 'Businesses up and down Aberdeenshire are standing ready to tender for this project,' he told the chamber. 'Fabrication yards in Aberdeen and throughout the Shire are well-positioned to become assembly yards for electrolyser equipment. 'Kintore makes use of abundant Scottish wind power converting it into a different energy carrier, hydrogen, transporting it via our existing and repurposed gas pipelines that lie underground already. 'The project can also enable offshore wind investment, sustaining the north-east as a global energy leader.' East Garioch councillor Glen Reid admitted he found the application 'extremely difficult'. However following the debate, he found himself backing the proposal. He explained: 'With safety removed as a concern that we can consider here, do the socio-economic benefits outweigh the negative impacts? It's a hard judgement call. 'But given the transition that the north-east of Scotland is facing, the constant reduction in jobs within the oil and gas sector, there needs to be a future provision of high-quality, well-paid jobs for local school leavers and residents.' However not everyone was convinced. Inverurie councillor Marion Ewenson welcomed the jobs and the 'fantastic figure' of carbon offset, but there was one hurdle she couldn't get over. 'It's still a site which would produce a hazardous substance on the doorstep of the residents of Laylodge and Kintore,' she said. East Garioch councillor Jim Gifford called for the application to be refused. He noted there was a need for a plant like this as it was a 'great opportunity' to use extra electricity from turbines. But, he was concerned about where the site is to be located and the effects it has on the people around it. 'Hydrogen technology is the way forward other than electric vehicles, hydrogen is a much better solution,' he said. 'The effect on the residents and the amenity on those who have been living there for many years is going to be substantial and I don't think that's something we should inflict on them if we have a choice.' Mr Gifford noted that those living in Laylodge already live alongside two substations, battery storage units, pylons and turbines. 'It's a real challenge for folk living there and they need some protection,' he claimed. Following a vote, the planning permission in principle was granted by 43 to 16, with one no vote recorded. Aberdeenshire Council will now issue a note to the Scottish Government, advising their decision to support the application. This is needed due to the objection received by Historic Environment Scotland. As for the proposal itself, planners will draw up more detailed planning application that will be submitted at a later date.
