Norwegian Statkraft and Clydeport Explore Green Hydrogen Facility at Hunterston Port

Norwegian renewable energy supplier Statkraft and Clydeport, part of the UK’s Peel Ports Group, have exchanged an option agreement to explore the potential development of a green hydrogen facility at Clydeport’s Hunterston Port and Resource Campus (PARC) site in Scotland.

Peel Ports Group revealed that the proposed facility by Statkraft would focus on the production, storage, and export of hydrogen. The facility, connected to the existing jetty at the site through a pipeline, aims to facilitate the export of hydrogen from the UK on vessels in the form of ammonia.

Stuart Marley, Statkraft’s Principal Hydrogen Project Manager, expressed enthusiasm, stating: “Hunterston is an ideal location for this facility, given its strategic positioning and excellent infrastructure. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in reducing emissions from carbon-intensive industries, and we are eager to advance our plans for the site.”

Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director – Port Services at Peel Ports Group, commented on the significance of the project, saying: “This marks an exciting new chapter for Hunterston – hydrogen is essential for the energy transition, and we are proud to contribute to such a development here on Scotland’s west coast. It underscores Hunterston’s potential to host various innovative renewables projects, bringing a disused site back to life and significantly boosting investment and job creation in the region.”

Several renewables projects are already in advanced stages at Hunterston, including XLCC’s undersea energy cable factory, Highview Power’s Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) facility, and Bakkafrost’s onshore aquaculture facility. Peel Ports Group has secured planning permission for the £150 million ($202 million) redevelopment of the site’s marine yard. The overall Hunterston site is poised to attract £3.5 billion ($4.7 billion) in investment and generate over 5,000 jobs.

Despite Statkraft’s previous decision to pause the development of new green hydrogen projects, the option agreement signifies a renewed focus on the sector. While the company remains selective in its new ventures, it continues to progress existing projects in anticipation of potential investments. Statkraft has reiterated its commitment to the long-term viability of green hydrogen, affirming that activities related to this clean energy source will remain part of its portfolio.