By Scott Wright
PLANS to transform the Port of Cromarty Firth into a hub for green hydrogen have received a further boost after a major supply deal was clinched with Norway.
The Highland port has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gen2 Energy AS to import hydrogen created from surplus renewable energy from Norway into the UK market.
The partnership is designed to provide security of supply as the Port proceeds with its plans to produce, store and distribute green hydrogen through investment in new facilities, first revealed in March. One of its first projects will be to examine the possibility of powering distilleries across the Highlands with the emerging renewable power.
The Port is ultimately aiming to generate hydrogen on site through the development of a “gigawatt-scale” electrolyser, which will in turn be used to supply energy not just to the Highlands, but throughout Scotland and other parts of the UK.
Cromarty said the deal with Gen2 gives it the confidence to press ahead with its infrastructure plans, noting that it guarantees green hydrogen to those who wish access to the green energy by the middle of 2023. It also declared the contract will support the Scottish Government’s ambition to generate five gigawatts of renewable and low-carbon energy by 2030, enough to power 1.8 million homes.
Green hydrogen is created through the electrolysis of water using equipment powered by electricity generated by renewable resources.
The deal struck between the Port of Cromarty Firth and Gen 2 will see the Scottish harbour become the first UK transhipment hub for the Norwegian company’s hydrogen, produced from the country’s surplus renewable energy. The hydrogen will be shipped across the North Sea to the port, before then being distributed to customers across the UK by road, rail and sea.
It looks set to build on the prominent role that the Port has played in supporting the development of Scotland’s offshore renewable energy sector in recent decades.
Bob Buskie, chief executive of the 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.”
He added: “Through this MoU, we have the potential to not only distribute green hydrogen but develop our own substantial production infrastructure, allowing Scotland to retain its position as a global frontrunner in clean energy. It will also have a positive effect on Scotland’s energy transition plans and provide skilled jobs and business opportunities for decades to come.”
Jonas Meyer, chief executive of Gen2 Energy, said: “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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