Wedoany.com Report-Jun 2, Statkraft, a Norwegian state-owned utility, has announced plans to develop a green hydrogen project at the former Hunterston coal terminal in Ayrshire, Scotland. The company’s local subsidiary has signed an option agreement with Clydeport, a division of Peel Ports Group, to explore the potential for a hydrogen production, storage, and ammonia export facility at the Hunterston Port and Resource Campus, utilizing the site’s existing jetty.

Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director of Port Services at Peel Ports Group, stated: “Not only are we bringing a brownfield site back into economic use, it will contribute massively to inward investment and job creation in a region that desperately needs it.” The project aims to repurpose the brownfield site for sustainable energy production, supporting economic revitalization in Ayrshire without impacting trade or consumption patterns.

The Hunterston site is being positioned as a hub for renewable energy initiatives, with projections estimating £3.5 billion (USD 4.71 billion/EUR 4.18 billion) in inward investment and the creation of over 5,000 jobs. Peel Ports Group has secured planning permission for a £150-million redevelopment of the site’s marine yard, intended to support offshore wind projects, though it remains open to alternative proposals, including Statkraft’s hydrogen initiative.

The green hydrogen project aligns with efforts to advance clean energy solutions in Scotland, leveraging the site’s infrastructure to produce and store hydrogen, potentially exported as ammonia. This development supports local energy needs and contributes to the region’s transition to sustainable industries. Statkraft’s collaboration with Clydeport underscores a shared commitment to repurposing industrial sites for environmental and economic benefits.

The initiative is part of a broader vision to transform Hunterston into a renewable energy center, fostering job growth and investment while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By focusing on green hydrogen, Statkraft aims to support Scotland’s clean energy goals, enhancing regional energy security and sustainability.