Scotland has launched its inaugural hydrogen sector export strategy, positioning the nation as a frontrunner in the production and export of the clean fuel.
Titled A Trading Nation: Realising Scotland’s Hydrogen Potential – A Plan for Exports, the plan has outlined “where the opportunities for growth lie for businesses and investors.”
The Scottish government has stated that the nation could deliver up to 3.3 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2045 – around 90% of Scotland’s total current energy demand.
Under the new strategy, Scotland will aim to boost hydrogen demand, infrastructure and exports while developing its supply chain and international market links. The viability of hydrogen pipelines from Scotland to mainland Europe and Ireland will also be explored.
Read more:Hydrogen pipeline could see Scotland meet 10% of Europe’s import demand, says report
Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin announced the initiative during a visit to Scottish firm Hydrasun. “Hydrogen is one of Scotland’s greatest industrial opportunities since oil and gas was discovered,” she said.
© Scottish government | Gillian Martin
“It provides the government, industry and investors with clarity in the direction we must all move in, with pace, if Scotland is to build a sustainable and successful hydrogen economy – whilst helping to deliver a just transition for our energy sector.
“Although the full economic potential of hydrogen is yet to be realised, Hydrasun is a great example of how Scottish businesses are already leading the way in the hydrogen sector.”
The announcement comes not long after the government scrapped Scotland’s target of reducing greenhouse gases by 75% by 2030, determining that the goal was “out of reach.”
Read more: Scotland abandons ‘out of reach’ 2030 emissions goal
However, the nation has actively accelerated the development of hydrogen-based projects over the past year.
Last September, the Scottish government made £7m ($9.2m) of funding to kick-start local green hydrogen projects with production capacities ranging from 5 to 400MW.
Read more:Scottish funding made available for local green hydrogen projects
Furthermore, Statera Energy submitted plans to build its 3GW green hydrogen project in Aberdeen last month, dubbed Kintore Hydrogen.
Once constructed, Statera has said it will be the “largest” hydrogen project in Europe, with the first 500MW of operational capacity scheduled to be online by 2028.
Read more:Statera officially submits plans for Scottish 3GW hydrogen project
Labour’s first budget in 14 years confirms £2bn for green hydrogen projects
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed £2bn ($2.6bn) of funding for 11 green hydrogen projects totalling 125MW of capacity.
Previously selected for funding under the Conservatives, Reeves, in the first Labour budget for 14 years – delivered by the female Chancellor – confirmed that the revenue support will be carried out.
“Today, I am providing funding for 11 new green hydrogen projects across England, Scotland and Wales,” Reeves said. “They will be amongst the first commercial-scale projects anywhere in the world.”
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