Supply of green hydrogen to enable the transition away from fossil-fuels to zero-carbon fuels for ferries, HGVs, buses, trains, industrial processes, and heating in the region.
GreenPower, the independent renewable energy company which developed and operates the 46MW Carraig Gheal wind farm near Oban, has announced plans to create the Argyll Hydrogen Hub for production and distribution of green hydrogen in Argyll. Renewable electricity will be used to produce green hydrogen by electrolysis of water. GreenPower is purchasing an industrial site in Oban where the Argyll Hydrogen Hub will be based.
A webinar for potential future users across the Argyll region is being held on 23rd September. (1)
Green hydrogen is being hailed as an important zero-carbon fuel to help meet legally binding climate change targets. In Argyll there are several sectors currently dependent on fossil fuels where fuel-switching could radically reduce carbon emissions, and where jobs can be created through local production and use of green hydrogen.
There is significant potential in the region to decarbonise the transport sector including buses and coaches, HGVs serving distilleries, fish farms, forestry operations, refuse collection vehicles, and with a longer-term opportunity to fuel ferries and trains. Green hydrogen can also replace carbon-intensive fuels such as heating oil and LNG used in hospitals, leisure centres, care homes and industrial operations.
Rob Forrest, GreenPower CEO said: “As a company rooted in Scotland and with local operations in Argyll, we are delighted to announce our intention to further decarbonise the region and create clean, green jobs and economic development. We can see a future where all heavy road transport and shipping is powered by green hydrogen, and where any industry using heating oils or gas e.g. whisky distilleries, can switch fuels to run on environmentally friendly green hydrogen.
“Argyll has all the ingredients for the creation of a healthy, environmentally responsible green hydrogen sector. This marks the beginning of significant growth and Argyll could become a green hydrogen hub for export to the rest of the country. We think that is something worth aiming for.”
Notes to editors:
- To help local companies explore the potential of green hydrogen, GreenPower is hosting an online “Green Hydrogen Seminar”, 10-11am, Thursday 23 September21. To register for the event please email: enquiries@greenpowerinternational.com
- How electrolysis works: Green hydrogen is produced from the electrolysis of water, a process which splits water into its constituent parts of hydrogen and oxygen. When renewably sourced electricity is used this process is completely free of carbon.
- Statement on hydrogen policy by Scottish Government, published December 2020: Scottish Government Hydrogen Policy Statement – gov.scot (www.gov.scot).
- UK Government hydrogen strategy, published August 21: UK hydrogen strategy – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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