Aberdeen City Council partnered with Opportunity North East to jointly fund a study to establish hydrogen demand across 12 organisations in North East Scotland.
Aberdeen City Council (ACC) together with Scottish Enterprise (Scotland’s national economic development agency) and Opportunity North East (ONE – responsible for developing Aberdeen City Region economic activities after the oil and gas industry downturn) held a meeting to discuss the Smart HyAware programme and hydrogen demand in North East Scotland. ACC engaged with its stakeholders to determine if there was any interest in pursuing hydrogen as part of their fleet replacement programmes.
Following sufficient interest and agreement from stakeholders, ACC and ONE agreed to jointly fund a study to profile and establish hydrogen demand in the region. The stakeholders included ACC, Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council, Highland Council, Moray Council, NatureScot, North East Scotland College, NHS Grampian, Robert Gordon University, Royal Mail, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Water, with support from ONE and Scottish Enterprise.
The study involved gathering fleet data from all stakeholders – approximately 4,000 vehicles were reviewed. Analysis of the data allowed the consultant to recommend the most appropriate zero emission vehicles across various categories. The conclusions showed that 32% of the collective fleet were hydrogen compatible. Vehicle manufacturers were engaged as part of the study to map out real world, commercially available solutions. The study also looked at optimal hydrogen refuelling station locations along strategic routes.
Resources needed
An Invitation to Quote was issued on Public Contracts Scotland to determine the most appropriate consultant. Cenex was awarded the tender. ACC, ONE, Scottish Enterprise and Cenex had fortnightly virtual meetings to discuss how to progress the Study results.
Evidence of success
The practice demonstrates the involvement of local, regional and national organisations in both the public and private sectors working together towards the development of hydrogen technology. Findings from the Study have been shared with Scottish Government and Transport Scotland (transport arm of Scottish Government). They are also being used as the basis for establishing joint procurements with Aberdeenshire and Highland Councils to pursue the purchase of hydrogen vehicles.
Difficulties encountered
One of the stakeholders was unable to provide detailed fleet data within the specified timeframe. ACC made the decision on behalf of the partnership for Cenex to proceed with an assessment of the fleet and recommend the most appropriate zero emission vehicle rather than delay the study for everyone.
Potential for learning or transfer
This good practice can be transferred because it shows the potential of collaboration between public and private sector organisations. The collaboration allowed the region to collectively establish hydrogen demand and showed the opportunities available for joint procurements.
A key benefit of the Study is the continuous engagement that ACC has had with all 12 stakeholders and the opportunities it has brought for greater learning and understanding of hydrogen technology for all involved. As a result of ACC’s involvement in this study, we were able to introduce Aberdeenshire and Highland Councils to ULEMCo (experts in hydrogen solutions for transport). This has been followed by discussions on how we might work together to purchase hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and retrofit current diesel vehicles.
Also, while ACC continues to work with local stakeholders, having both Scottish Enterprise and ONE involved in the good practice has increased the overall reach of the study results.
Tags: Case study, Energy transition, Green economy, Green infrastructure, Green public procurement, Hydrogen, Low-carbon, Procurement, Public procurement, Renewable energy, Renewables, Stakeholders, Transport
