The Cromarty H₂ project has been awarded a contract as part of the UK Government’s first Electrolytic H₂ Business Model allocation round (HAR1). Cromarty is one of 11 projects to be awarded a contract, collectively totaling 125 MW of H₂ production capacity across the UK.

Cromarty H₂, being jointly developed by Storegga and ScottishPower, will play a key role in contributing to the decarbonization of Scotland’s whisky industry, establishing a Regional H₂ Hub in the Inverness and Cromarty Firth region of Scotland. The construction of Cromarty H₂ will employ around 170 individuals during construction and create around 30 new high skilled jobs in the first phase, with more to follow as the project expands and develops. The site will supply green H₂ to the local whisky distilling sector, enabling them to switch from fossil fuels in line with their own ambitions and targets.

With its abundant natural resources and strategic positioning, Scotland possesses immense potential for renewable energy, making it a frontrunner in pioneering sustainable energy solutions in the race to net zero. Cromarty H₂ will not only aid in decarbonizing Scottish industry but will also help to kick-start the H₂ economy in the North of Scotland which aligns seamlessly with the Scottish Government’s H₂ Action Plan, the broader national strategy encompassing the creation of 14 Regional H₂ Hubs and associated H₂ use.

Cromarty H₂’s Phase 1 will produce close to 5,500 kg of green H₂ every day. The H₂ production plant will use 100% renewable power to split water into H₂ and oxygen via electrolysis. Long-term production, through future phases, has the potential to rise to over 100,000 kg/d, for delivery throughout the region to distilleries and other industrial and transport sectors.

“After a lot of hard work by the integrated Storegga and ScottishPower project team, particularly over the past 18 months since the UK Government launch of HAR1, I’m delighted that Cromarty has been selected by the UK Government Department of Energy Security and Net Zero as one of 11 projects to be awarded a funding support contract. As an SME originating from Northeast Scotland, I believe Storegga is able to bring a unique perspective and ambition to deliver decarbonization solutions for Scottish industry. We look forward to now being able to take the project forward to a final investment decision in 2024, with first production in 2026 and continuing to grow our H₂ investments in the region,” said Sarah Potts, Storegga’s H₂ Managing Director.