Highland Council members have given their backing to plans to capitalise on hydrogen as a driving force in achieving net zero ambitions and transitioning to a green, circular economy.
On 1 April, it announced that it will now work to formalise support for the emerging hydrogen economy in Highland, after its members were presented with a report that highlighted how a transition to hydrogen can act as a catalyst for transformation and regeneration, directly supporting Highland’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
Members also gave initial support for the Opportunity Cromarty Firth project, which will form a major part of this vision. It includes range of opportunities, such as a new applied research centre which will be dedicated to developing floating offshore wind and green hydrogen technologies, with the goal to create a global centre of excellence and innovation. Another opportunity is a green hydrogen hub, producing hydrogen within the Cromarty Firth area from wind. Such a hub was cited as being key to both regional and national decarbonisation plans, offering export opportunities for expertise and technologies.
There was further recognition from members that partnership working with Aberdeen City Council will successfully enable the establishment of economies of scale and efficiencies. It was also stated that it would be beneficial to work alongside an organisation that already has substantial hydrogen experience due to its work to date.
