Northeast Scotland (NES) have developed a proposal to create a H₂ Valley in the region, called TH2ISTLE. A H₂ Valley is a European term for a geographical area where H₂ is made, moved, stored and used in multiple ways – like a Hub.

The Northeast is Scotland’s oldest H₂ hub, and Aberdeen has successfully delivered pioneering collaborative EU H₂ projects that continue to run to date. The burgeoning H₂ sector provides new energy transition opportunities for local companies and skills.

The TH2ISTLE concept envisions an expansion of the region’s H₂ capabilities. A demand-led, interconnected set of H₂ activities would begin to decarbonize interesting sectors like agriculture, distilleries and off-road vehicles, among others.

Coordinated by Aberdeen City Council, the TH2ISTLE consortium involves approximately 30 partners from industry, public sector, academia and international replicators. This includes almost 20 local supply chain companies experienced in the energy industry who will deliver key components and expertise.

ASCO will support and optimize the logistics of H₂ supply across the TH2ISTLE project. Key activities will cover:

H₂ production

• Integrated production of green H₂ from the new Aberdeen H₂ Hub project, TECA and HydroGlen, and the refurbished existing sites at Kittybrewster and ACHES.

H₂ Storage & Distribution

• An optimized tube trailer network to distribute H₂ from production sites to end users, enhanced by digital monitoring.
• Development of Scotland’s first “H₂ highway”, with two new H₂ refueling stations (HRSs) between Peterhead and Aberdeen.
• Development of a H₂ bowser to connect to remote H₂

H₂ End-users

• A fleet of H₂-powered road and offroad vehicles (HGVs, vans, passenger vehicles, construction vehicles and agricultural vehicles) deployed by public and private sector users.
• ETZ’s Green H₂ Test & Demonstration Facility, to develop innovative H₂
• Conversion of local distilleries to enable trials of 20% H₂
• Innovative nano catalyst ammonia production, co-located with the Aberdeen H₂
• H₂-fueled generators to provide power in off-grid applications, such as construction sites.

Innovation and Studies

• Creation of a Digital Twin to monitor and assess TH2ISTLE system’s performance.
• Technical, environmental and economic studies; analysis of regulatory barriers.

Engagement and Skills

• Events, workshops and webinars to explain TH2ISTLE’s progress and achievements.
• Awareness-raising, skills development, outreach to young people and local communities.

In April 2024, the proposal was submitted to a European funding competition for H₂ Valleys. If successful, TH2ISTLE could be awarded €9 MM, which would complement the existing and additional funding in place for these projects. A funding decision is expected in Summer 2024 and the TH2ISTLE project’s prospective start date is Q1 2025.