Aberdeen Hydrogen Project

The Aberdeen Hydrogen Project seeks to explore and develop novel commercial arrangements and operational practices, to support the future implementation of new equipment that will have direct impact on the distribution system. Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution (SSEPD) has previously implemented a number of active network management schemes, whereby the variable output of renewable (wind) generators is managed in real time to ensure that network capacity is not exceeded. Through this mechanism network assets can be utilised better, resulting in reduced spending on network reinforcement and quicker connections for generators. This project will explore the opportunities created by linking the electrical network with the transport sector, using hydrogen as an energy vector. Electrolysers used to create hydrogen can be used to act as a flexible demand, thereby providing a service to the electrical network to manage capacity. This integration of energy systems brings with it a number of opportunities to reduce network investment costs and improve asset utilisation, but also challenges to develop the necessary commercial arrangements and operational practices.
The project has identified a suitable location for an electrolyser refuelling system to be trialled on the network. The electrolyser is now installed and will be operated in a variety of simulated operational scenarios in real time to assess its capabilities.