EXPLAINED: How hydrogen power could help Easter Ross-based Glenmorangie and Whyte & Mackay
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The Highlands is one of just 20 sites across the UK to receive funding to develop hydrogen energy as the Cromarty Hydrogen Project is in line for a share of the £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund.
The cash will back the first tranche of new green hydrogen production projects as part of development of this new power source.
It comes after the announcement of the green freeport which aims to rededicate the Cromarty Firth to renewable energy instead of oil and gas, with one major element being the North of Scotland Hydrogen Programme.
The Cromarty Hydrogen Project is run by Storegga, previously known as Pale Blue Dot Energy, with a view to supporting the energy demands of local distilleries
A feasibility study led by with Storegga was funded by ScottishPower, Glenmorangie, Whyte and Mackay and Diageo.
Now the UK government appears to be on board with the Cromarty Hydrogen Project as part of ambitious plans to scale-up affordable, clean, home-grown power and build thriving green industries in Britain.
The plans are aimed at improving the country’s energy security and independence and reducing household bills for the long term and maintaining a world-leading position in achieving net zero.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who travelled to Invergordon earlier this year for the freeport announcement, said: “When global energy supplies are disrupted and weaponised by the likes of Putin, we have seen household bills soar and economic growth slow around the world.
“We have stepped in to shield people from its worst impacts by helping to pay around half the typical energy bill. But we are also stepping up to power Britain and ensure our energy security in the long term with more affordable, clean energy from Britain, so we can drive down energy prices and grow our economy.
“That’s why we’re driving forward plans to boost renewables, revive nuclear and build new thriving industries like carbon capture, which will in turn create good jobs across the country, provide new opportunities for British businesses at home and abroad, and maintain our world-leading action to reach net zero.”
