A multi-partner plan involving the Port of Cromarty Firth has been launched to establish a green hydrogen hub in the Highlands that will see Scotland become a major player in developing hydrogen technology.

The North of Scotland Hydrogen Program aims to develop a hub in the Cromarty Firth to produce, store and distribute hydrogen to the region, Scotland, other parts of the UK and Europe.

One of its projects will provide distilleries in the region with hydrogen. A feasibility study into this kick starter Distilleries Project will begin this month and is due to be completed in June. It is being privately funded by partners including ScottishPower, drinks giants Glenmorangie, Whyte and Mackay and Diageo and Pale Blue Dot Energy who are also leading the project.

The delivery of green hydrogen to Glenmorangie, Whyte and Mackay and Diageo will give them the opportunity to decarbonize the heating of their distilleries and maltings, which are situated close to the Cromarty Firth. This would be achieved by using hydrogen as a substitute for fossil fuels to create the energy needed to make steam so the distilling process can be achieved.

Up to 15 new offshore wind sites are due to be developed in the coming years, with a significant number of the schemes on the doorstep of the Cromarty Firth. That, along with the Port’s deep waters, established facilities and location at the end of the gas grid and in close proximity to large amounts of renewable energy, make the area "perfect" for a green hydrogen hub, according to a statement in the Port of Cromarty Firth's release.