GreenPower has received approval from Argyll and Bute Council to commence the production of green hydrogen on Scotland's west coast in a move it hopes could ultimately help decarbonise transport and power hospitals.
The company describes green hydrogen as "a zero-carbon fuel that can help meet climate obligations while delivering sustainable fuel for a range of purposes". It now plans to construct a production and distribution centre at the Glenshellach Industrial Estate in Oban, with an aim to assist distilleries and fish farms transition away from fossil fuels.
Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy, and could also be utilised for heating. The company is further investigating potential hydrogen production at the proposed Barachander Wind Farm, which is the sister project to the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm, a 20-turbine project operated by GreenPower in west Argyll.
The green hydrogen project, expected to commence operations by the end of 2025, could potentially distribute the fuel nationwide.
In December, the UK Government announced funding for 11 green hydrogen projects, labelling them as "essential to achieving our net zero targets".
Paul Minto, director of green hydrogen at GreenPower, said: "With this planning consent for the Argyll Hydrogen Hub we are putting Oban on the UK green hydrogen map."
"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 to decarbonise the transport sector including buses and coaches, HGVs serving distilleries, fish farms, forestry operations, refuse collection vehicles, and to fuel ferries, planes and trains."
"Green hydrogen could replace carbon-intensive fuels such as heating oil and LNG used in hospitals, leisure centres, care homes and industrial operations."
Rob Forrest, chief executive of GreenPower, said: "We already have renewable energy facilities in Argyll and 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 and could become a green hydrogen hub for export to the rest of the country."
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