Aberdeen’s business partner for its hydrogen goals has been announced as the oil and gas firm BP. According to projections, hundreds of employment might be created in the next ten years if the city becomes a major hydrogen hub. Aberdeen Municipal Council’s city growth and resources committee has now approved the collaboration with BP. A fleet of hydrogen-powered double-decker buses already exists in Granite City. Despite its large involvement in the fossil fuel industry and criticism from environmentalists, BP insists on investing in renewables.

Greenpeace’s appeal against the UK government’s approval of a North Sea oil development was dismissed in October. In 2018, BP received approval to drill at the Vorlich location off the coast of Aberdeen. According to the plan, the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub will include a solar power facility as well as a green hydrogen production and refueling facility. Green hydrogen is made from renewable energy sources rather than greenhouse gas-emitting technologies. According to Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing, the news was significant because it supported the city’s Net Zero Vision and prepared the way for Aberdeen to become a world leader in the production of hydrogen-based green fuel and energy. Heavy industries and heavy transportation, such as trucks, buses, and rail, are the most likely applications for hydrogen, at least at first.