Innovative green hydrogen production scheme one of 20 projects shortlisted across the UK
SSE Renewables’ proposed Hydrogen Production Facility at its Gordonbush Wind Farm in the Scottish Highlands has been shortlisted for funding from the UK Government’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund.
The innovative Gordonbush Hydrogen scheme is currently under development and, if delivered, would be located at the existing Gordonbush Wind Farm, which is 2km north-west of Brora in Sutherland in Scotland’s North East. The project is currently undergoing refinements prior to the submission of a planning application to the Highland Council, expected later this year.
Now, it has been selected as one of 20 shortlisted projects across the UK which could be eligible for funding under the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund to promote the further development of hydrogen. The Fund is part of the UK Government’s “multi-billion-pound investment plan”, announced yesterday, to scale-up affordable and clean power and to build green industries in Britain.
The UK Government fund shortlist contains electrolytic hydrogen projects totalling 408MW of capacity across England, Scotland and Wales. Contracts totalling up to 250MW of capacity are expected to be awarded in the upcoming funding round, subject to affordability and value for money. Contract awards are due to made in Q4 2023, with first projects targeting operational commissioning in 2025.
If developed, the Gordonbush Hydrogen facility would produce around 1,300 tonnes of Green Hydrogen annually. The scheme would use renewable energy generated at the adjoining 100MW-plus Gordonbush onshore wind farm to produce Green Hydrogen in an electrolyser unit using a process called electrolysis, in which water is split into its component parts of Hydrogen and Oxygen. The Green Hydrogen could then be used as a clean alternative to petrol, diesel or natural gas to help decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as industry, transport and manufacturing.
"We’re delighted our Gordonbush Hydrogen project has been shortlisted by the UK Government for possible funding to promote the further development of a hydrogen economy in Britain.
Annant Shah Director of Strategy and Route to Market
The production of Green Hydrogen from renewable sources such as wind energy has the potential to play a revolutionary role in decarbonising power production, heavy industry, and transport as part of our journey towards a net zero economy.
Progressing to the shortlist stage of the Government’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund is another important step forward as we progress this innovative project for Scotland and the UK."
About Green Hydrogen Co-Location
Hydrogen is fast being recognised as having a potentially revolutionary role to play in helping Scotland and the UK to reach net zero carbon emission targets. While other fuels such as petrol, diesel or natural gas produce harmful carbon dioxide emissions when used, hydrogen emits only water vapour into the atmosphere.
The production of green hydrogen takes the opportunity a step further. It uses zero carbon electricity from renewable sources such as wind power to separate water into its component parts of oxygen and hydrogen in a process called electrolysis. The hydrogen produced as a result can then be stored and distributed to potential transport, heating and manufacturing customers.
With an operational renewable portfolio of 4GW and a development pipeline of around 14GW of new onshore and offshore renewable projects in the UK, Ireland and selected international markets, SSE Renewables is well placed to provide the future renewable power needed to power a green hydrogen economy.