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The system will generate hydrogen from water at Whitelee near Glasgow, the largest onshore wind farm in the UK.
Hydrogen generated at the site will be used as zero-carbon fuel. Developed by ITM Power and BOC, in conjunction with ScottishPower’s hydrogen division, the facility will be able to produce 2.5-4 tonnes of hydrogen per day – enough fuel for 225 buses travelling to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh each day.
Energy minister Greg Hands said: “This first-of-a-kind hydrogen facility will put Scotland at the forefront of plans to make the UK a world-leading hydrogen economy, bringing green jobs to Glasgow while also helping to decarbonise local transport – all immediately following the historic Cop26 talks.
“Projects like these will be vital as we shift to a green electricity grid, helping us get the full benefit from our world-class renewables, supporting the UK as we work to eliminate the UK’s contribution to climate change.”
Jim Mercer, business president of BOC UK & Ireland, said: “The Green Hydrogen for Glasgow project is both innovative and exciting. It will help to shape the future of energy storage and demonstrate the value of hydrogen to Scotland’s growing low-carbon economy. This project will accelerate development across multiple disciplines – from production and storage, to transportation and end use.”
An additional £2.25m in government funding will support the development of hydrogen skills and standards in the UK. The funding, under the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, will see the British Standards Institution (BSI) develop technical standards for hydrogen products. A consortium of Energy and Utility Skills and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers will establish new standards and training specifications for hydrogen gas installers.
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