The Scottish Government is advancing plans to export green hydrogen to Germany, with initial plans to transport it by ship before a potential pipeline is built. In 2023, the government explored the idea of a £2.6-B hydrogen pipeline that could meet a third of Germany's energy needs by 2030. Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin emphasized that Scotland's surplus electricity could be used to produce green hydrogen, which would be shipped to Germany initially, and later transported via the proposed pipeline. The pipeline would end in Emden, Germany, and is seen as a key opportunity to boost the hydrogen market in Europe.

The development of a hydrogen economy in Scotland could create significant economic benefits, with estimates ranging from 70,000 to over 300,000 jobs and potential annual Gross Value Added impacts between £5 billion and £25 billion by 2045, depending on the scale of production and exports. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity to split water, and when burned, it does not release carbon dioxide, making it a cleaner energy source. Martin's recent trade visit to Germany highlighted the government's commitment to moving forward with the project, emphasizing the importance of political will to make progress.