Statera Energy Gets Green Light for Ambitious Green Hydrogen Project

A game-changing green hydrogen project, poised to become the UK’s largest, has secured planning approval from Aberdeenshire Council. This pioneering facility, developed by Statera Energy, promises to be a cornerstone for the UK’s low-carbon future, delivering a substantial £400 million boost to Aberdeenshire’s economy.

The Kintore hydrogen plant, designed to tap into the power of surplus wind energy, will create thousands of jobs and play a critical role in decarbonising some of the UK’s most carbon-intensive industrial areas — including Grangemouth. The project is poised to have a significant impact on the local economy. Statera predicts the creation of around 3,000 jobs during its construction phase and 300 permanent roles once operational.

At the heart of the facility’s operation is electrolysis, which produces hydrogen. The energy harnessed will come from excess wind power that would otherwise go unused, as it would be turned off to balance the grid. The project's first phase aims to deliver a storage capacity of 500 MW, with plans for future scaling to an ambitious 3 GW.

In an exciting development, Statera has outlined plans to channel the hydrogen produced at Kintore into the UK’s existing gas transmission networks, ensuring it reaches the country’s most industrialised areas. This innovative approach could help transition industrial clusters toward cleaner energy, thus playing a vital role in the nation’s decarbonisation efforts.

Aberdeenshire Council approved a comprehensive review of the project’s potential impact on the local landscape. While the scale of the facility was recognised as significant, the long-term benefits—especially in reducing carbon emissions—were deemed to outweigh any potential environmental concerns.

With the green light now given, this £400 million venture appears poised to transform Aberdeenshire into a hub for green energy innovation, while supporting the UK’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Tom Vernon, chief executive of Statera Energy, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning approval for Kintore.

“Over the coming years, the sheer volume of wind generation coming on to the system in the UK will make electrolysers critical for harnessing wind energy that would otherwise go to waste.

“Kintore Hydrogen is designed to fully capitalise on the potential that hydrogen has to offer.

“The location and scale of this project means it can make the best use of surplus wind power, significantly lowering hydrogen production costs.

“It will help balance the grid, contribute to the UK’s energy security, and support the decarbonisation of the UK’s hard-to-abate industries and power sector.”