PLANS have been approved for the establishment of a green hydrogen production and distribution centre in Oban.
Alloa-based GreenPower is behind the plans for the Argyll Hydrogen Hub, which aims to supply hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water and powered by renewable energy.
The firm said the hub has the potential 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 added it is also actively considering the potential for hydrogen production at its other energy generation sites, including at the proposed Barachander Wind Farm, the sister project to Carraig Gheal.
Paul Minto, director of green hydrogen at GreenPower, said, “It is an exciting time for the new hydrogen market in UK and with this planning consent for the Argyll Hydrogen Hub we are putting Oban and the region on the UK green hydrogen map. Green hydrogen is an important zero-carbon fuel that can help meet climate obligations while delivering sustainable fuel for a wide range of purposes.
“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. We expect our green hydrogen facility to begin production by the end of 2025, and we welcome all potential users to contact us to discuss supply options.
“There is significant potential 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, planes and trains. Green hydrogen could 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, added, “As a company rooted in Scotland we already have renewable energy facilities in Argyll, and we are delighted with this approval which means we can take further steps in the region to create clean, green jobs and more 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 can switch fuels to run on environmentally friendly green hydrogen.
“Argyll has all the ingredients for the creation of a clean, environmentally responsible, local energy system based on green hydrogen. This marks the beginning of significant growth and Argyll could become a green hydrogen hub for export to the rest of the country.”
