A regional network covering almost a third of Scotland offering stations making and refuelling vehicles with green, electrolysed hydrogen, is on the cards, following this morning’s announcement from energy asset developer Getech.
The Houston- and Holborn-headquartered company’s subsidiary H2 Green has signed a memo of understanding with the Highlands Council, to develop the glens-spanning network, drawing on wind power sites scattered across Britain’s biggest administrative area.
First on the list is a planned plant at Inverness, run with the area’s gas pumper and piper SGN. The West of Scotland city is prioritised to assist rolling stock provider Eversholt Rail accelerate deployment at scale of hydrogen-powered trains serving communities in the Scotland’s Far North and West Highlands, displacing diesel.
The civic authority has pledged £100,000 towards a feasibility and enactment study, aimed at optimising locations for H2 Green’s hydrogen production, storage and delivery infrastructure.
Also scoped in the deal are drawing up commercial agreements for offtake of green H2, focussing on initiatives to decarbonise transport in the Highlands
Commercial terms will also be hammered out relating to by-products in electrolysing green hydrogen, such as oxygen and zero-emission heat
“These activities, combined with the Highland Council’s initiative, are set to establish the Highlands as the leading UK-centre for decarbonisation and innovation,” commented Getech’s CEO Dr Jonathan Copus .
“They will also support job creation, deliver energy security and provide a sustainable path for the region’s net zero transition.”
Councillor Margaret Davidson, leader of the Highland Council, was just as enthusiastic.
“We view H2 Green as a dynamic and delivery-focused partner positioned to deliver this vision for the council”, she said.
“The planned work has the potential to establish the Highlands as a leading innovation centre for the decarbonisation of commercial transport. We see this as an important opportunity to attract external investment into the region, providing additional jobs and supply chain developments that will accelerate the net zero transition.”
Once seen as lagging hydrogen’s blue or grey varieties in its commercial viability, green hydrogen appears to be having a development moment.
More on the initiative here.
