The Scottish government has pledged to set out its plans for hydrogen in its 2020-21 Programme for Government, which looks to ensure a green recovery from COVID-19.
Protecting Scotland, Renewing Scotland, presented on 1 September, set out how Scotland will require a diverse, balanced energy mix if it is to meet its emissions targets. For a successful transition, security of supply, affordability and access to viable alternative options will have to be combined with innovative and smart emissions reduction action. Considering this, it concluded it was clear hydrogen will play a key role in enhancing, supporting and completing the energy transition across a range of sectors.
It added that hydrogen will also play its part in aiding the economic recovery, through production for the domestic market and export, and generating jobs.
Pledging to continue Scotland’s “strong track record” when it comes to supporting hydrogen innovation, the government pledged to provide £6.9mn of funding for SGN’s H100 project in Fife. The world-first programme is seeking to use green hydrogen to heat around 300 local homes, while creating an estimated 100 jobs in its first phase. On a broader basis, in a bid to take a more strategic approach to hydrogen and capitalise on the success and innovation seen so far, the Scottish government pledged to produce a Hydrogen Policy Statement and Hydrogen Action Plan. These will look to support the expected growth of the hydrogen economy in Scotland and prepare for the role that hydrogen may play in meeting net zero targets. It added that this will be completed before the end of 2020 alongside an update to its Climate Change Plan, which will ensure that it reflects the central importance of a green recovery to Scotland’s progress.
