With a new £16.5 million ($22.97 million) grant from the Scottish Government, the Net Zero Technology Transition Programme (NZTTP) will try to speed up the adoption of hydrogen technologies.
The NZTTP will use the funds to advance a number of hydrogen-related projects aimed at promoting hydrogen adoption in the region and transforming the North Sea energy system, with an emphasis on emissions reduction.
One proposal is the creation of Energy Hubs, where gigawatt-scale low-carbon hydrogen may be produced and connected with Scotland’s offshore wind resource, which will be critical in the transition to net zero emissions.
In addition, financing will be provided for the Hydrogen Backbone Link, which aims to unlock Scotland’s hydrogen export potential by constructing pan-European infrastructure, including the repurposing of existing pipelines.
This will aid in the expansion of Scotland’s supply chain and the stimulation of manufacturing prospects.
Michael Matheson, Net Zero and Energy Secretary for the Scottish Government, said, “The Scottish Government is wholly committed to ending our contribution to climate change by 2045, and doing so in a way that ensures a just transition to net-zero, making sure no-one is left behind.
“We want to secure jobs for the energy workforce and create new jobs in the northeast – and across Scotland – by seizing the huge opportunities our energy transition and wider journey to net-zero present.
“The Energy Transition Fund is helping the energy sector to grow and diversify and accelerate the journey to net-zero and underpin the north-east’s ambitions to become a world leader in this transition.
“This funding will help the NZTC, working with industry and academia, to help grow Scotland’s role as a global leader in net zero technology solutions, delivering security of energy supply, diversifying the sector, and creating the next generation of highly skilled, green jobs.”