Perth-based SSE, a leading generator of renewable electricity and one of the largest electricity network companies in the UK, has taken the next step in its green hydrogen push.
SSE Renewables and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy yesterday unveiled plans to produce and deliver green hydrogen through electrolysis, using renewable energy from SSE's 100MW-plus Gordonbush onshore wind farm in Sutherland.
Under the proposals, green hydrogen would be produced by SSE Renewables at the north location using Siemens Gamesa's renewable hydrogen upgrade solution.
The green hydrogen could then be used as a clean alternative to petrol, diesel or natural gas.
The move follows last year's agreement between both companies to explore opportunities to produce green hydrogen on co-located onshore wind farm sites.
SSE Renewables says hydrogen is fast being recognised as having a potentially-revolutionary role to play in helping Scotland and the UK reach net zero carbon-emission targets. While other fuels such as petrol, diesel or natural gas produce harmful carbon-dioxide emissions when used, hydrogen emits only water vapour into the atmosphere.
The Gordonbush facility would be capable of producing up to 2,000 tonnes of green hydrogen each year.
The overall development would also include a battery energy-storage system which would be capable of keeping for later use any surplus, or constrained, renewable energy produced by the wind farm at times of excess wind on the electrical grid.
Annant Shah, of SSE Renewables, said: "Green hydrogen produced from renewable sources such as wind energy has the potential to play a revolutionary role in decarbonising power production, heavy industry and transport, as part of our journey towards net zero emissions.
"Combining electrolyser and battery technology with wind farms could be a game changer in solving the renewables-variability challenge and shows the potential for wind power to help enhance energy security by reducing our reliance on imported gas.
"As an integrated group, SSE has a view across the whole energy value chain and is uniquely positioned to deliver.
"With this development at Gordonbush, we'll be able to divert some of our abundant wind resource in the Highlands to begin production of a locally-sourced low-carbon fuel for transport and heavy industry, develop a green hydrogen supply chain to support local job creation, and play our part in supporting Scotland's emerging green-hydrogen revolution."
SSE Renewables has a renewable portfolio of 4GW and a development pipeline of around 11GW of new onshore and offshore renewable projects.
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