Green scheme plans

Plans have been submitted for a major ‘green hydrogen’scheme near to Whitelee Wind Farm, pictured.

The application by Scottish Power includes a 20MW electrolyser, a device which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical energy – in this case, via wind and solar power.

Whitelee – which spreads across South Lanarkshire, East Renfrewshire and East Ayrshire – is the UK’s largest onshore wind farm.

The project includes a combined solar and battery energy storage scheme to help power the electrolyser.

Scottish Power said the facility would be able to produce up to eight tonnes of hydrogen per day.

It aims to supply hydrogen to the commercial market before 2023.

The facility will be powered by a 40MW solar farm and a 50MW battery energy storage scheme, all of which will be installed about three miles west of Lochgoin reservoir and adjacent to the existing Whitelee extension sub-station.

It marks the first project for the‘Green Hydrogen for Scotland’partnership between Scottish Power, specialist gas provider BOC and electrolyser manufacturer, ITM Power. It aims to create green hydrogen production facilities with clusters of refuelling stations across Scotland.

And it comes as nearby Glasgow – which aims to become the first net-zero city in the UK by 2030 – is set to host the United Nations 26th climate change conference later this year.

Green hydrogen provides a sustainable energy source that can provide clean, renewable energy for industries, heavy transport and companies while helping in the aim to reach net zero emissions in Scotland and the UK.

Consultations have taken place with local communities and stakeholders with a public information event held in December.

Scottish Power expects a decision on the planning application in the autumn.