Local politicians are being urged to kick start job creation in clean energy by giving their backing to a major hydrogen project today.
With tens of thousands of oil and gas jobs facing an uncertain future, councillors in Aberdeenshire have the chance to approve the Kintore Hydrogen project this afternoon, which will create 3,000-plus construction jobs and a further 300-plus when operational.
The plant - which will generate £400million in GVA for the North-east economy - would use its strategic location to take abundant electricity from offshore wind to produce green hydrogen through a process of electrolysis.
A decision on the project, which is being promoted by Statera Energy, will be taken by Aberdeenshire Council's full council later today, with council officers recommending that the project is approved.
They cite sustainable economic growth and the potential for Aberdeenshire to play a leading role in the development of clean, green energy as reasons for approval.
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has said the scheme is "vital" to North-east Scotland’s energy transition ambition.
AGCC chief executive Russell Borthwick added: “The opportunity for our region to play a leading role in the production of green hydrogen, as we move away from oil and gas, is one we cannot afford to let slip through our hands.”
Don Harrold, the project director for Kintore Hydrogen, said the project could be the next big thing for the North-east economy, where thousands of energy jobs have been lost in recent years.
"There is a substantial overlap in the skills required in the oil and gas sector and those needed in green hydrogen production," he said.
"This emerging sector has the potential to create good quality jobs in significant numbers and drive productivity."
He added: "Consenting a major project like Kintore Hydrogen would demonstrate that the North-east is open for business and send the signal that our region still has the cutting-edge skills and ambition to be a world leader in the energy sector as we move towards a more sustainable future.
"Kintore Hydrogen can be the catalyst for a transition that attracts investment and keeps us at the forefront of technological innovation, helping to ensure our region’s prosperity for many years to come."