A HIGHLAND port could become a major link in the country’s market for green hydrogen after signing an agreement with a Norwegian company.
Port of Cromarty Firth has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gen2 Energy to create what it describes as a commercial pathway to import green hydrogen.
The partnership will offer security of supply for the Cromarty Firth’s own plans for a large-scale electrolyser facility, and will guarantee the clean, green hydrogen to those who want to access it by mid-2023 – giving them the confidence to make concrete commitments to start switching their infrastructure.
It will also help realise the Scottish Government’s ambition to become a leading hydrogen nation generating 5GW of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen by 2030 – enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 1.8 million homes.
The MoU is also a huge boost in the bid to establish a green hydrogen hub in the Cromarty Firth, adding a new international angle to its aim to produce, store and supply hydrogen to the Highland region, other parts of Scotland, the UK and Europe.
Cromarty Firth will become the UK transhipment hub for Gen2 Energy’s hydrogen, produced from Norway’s surplus renewable energy, which will be shipped across the North Sea to the port. Hydrogen would then be distributed across the UK by road, rail and sea.
Bob Buskie, chief executive of Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “This is a historic moment for the port, and for the move towards green hydrogen as a reliable and secure source of energy in the Highlands, Scotland and the UK.
“We are on the cusp of another renewable energy revolution, with demand for clean energy rising every year. This MoU can put the Highlands on the map as one of the largest suppliers of clean hydrogen energy in Europe, alongside our established leadership in the onshore and offshore wind markets.
“Norway’s remote northern regions have similar issues to the Highlands in terms of an excess of renewable energy, and constraints on putting that energy into the electricity grid. However, they are significantly more advanced domestically in the production of green hydrogen. The ability to produce and ship hydrogen to new markets is a huge opportunity for them and they see the port as a key partner to the UK market.
“This will give companies throughout Scotland, and indeed the UK, the confidence to switch their infrastructure to clean energy sources, accelerating the decarbonisation process.”
Jonas Meyer, CEO of Gen2 Energy, added: “We are very pleased to sign this MoU with Port of Cromarty Firth. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the creation of a value chain for hydrogen between Norway and the UK, resulting in significant environmental and social benefits as we move towards a net zero-emission society.
“Gen2 Energy is working diligently to build large-scale production and distribution of green hydrogen with zero emissions through the value chain. Together with Port of Cromarty Firth, we are able to provide customers with easily adaptable plug and play solutions for green hydrogen and ensure supply security from multiple production locations.”
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