The Scottish Government has established additional funding to expedite the generation and storage of hydrogen as a renewable fuel.
The £10 million Hydrogen Innovation Scheme will give capital support over the next four years in order to encourage greater private investment in the technology and facilitate the entry of new enterprises into the sector.
The initial funding round will prioritize initiatives that promote the sustainable production of renewable hydrogen. Its effective storage and distribution, as well as its incorporation into our energy system, are essential to its viability.
ScotGov has pledged to invest £100 million in hydrogen over the course of this parliament, as part of a bigger £180 million investment package in new energy technologies outlined in its updated Climate Change Plan.
Net Zero and Energy Secretary Michael Matheson stated, “Scotland has the resources, the people, and the aspiration to become a global leader in the production of hydrogen for both internal use and export to Europe.”
“The Scottish Government is committed to working with the energy sector to establish hydrogen as a key component of a cleaner, greener energy system, thereby facilitating a just transition for the industry both domestically and internationally.
We constantly seek possibilities to engage with international partners and are open to the world. The Hydrogen Innovation Scheme provides crucial short-term funding to assist the sector grow, diversify, and realize its promise to enable the transition to a net-zero economy.”
Andy McDonald, the head of Low Carbon Transition at Scottish Enterprise, stated:
“Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government are partnering to develop opportunities in the hydrogen sector in Scotland that will maximize economic advantages and promote the energy transition.” We share the goal of establishing Scotland as a world leader in hydrogen technology.
“In an emerging area like hydrogen, it is crucial that we support Scottish companies and initiatives now to create new techniques and technologies that will help us realize our future goals in this sector and maintain as much value and intellectual property as possible in Scotland.”
Audrey MacIver, director of Energy Transition and Net Zero at Highlands & Islands Enterprise, stated, “The development of green hydrogen represents a potentially substantial economic opportunity for the Highlands and Islands.” Our region already has an abundance of the resources, infrastructure, and expertise necessary to develop a prosperous and sustainable renewable energy industry. There are already businesses and communities participating in creative hydrogen demonstration projects, where experiential learning is proven to be incredibly helpful.
“Further innovation in the production, distribution, and use of green hydrogen might expedite our transition to net zero while providing high-quality, sustainable jobs, including in many of our rural areas.
“We enthusiastically welcome this new innovation fund, which will increase our knowledge and expertise and put us on the path to a hydrogen-based economy.”
