SSE Renewables' proposed Hydrogen Production Facility at its Gordonbush Wind Farm in the Scottish Highlands has been shortlisted for funding from the UK Government's Net Zero Hydrogen Fund.

The innovative Gordonbush Hydrogen scheme is currently under development and, if delivered, would be located at the existing Gordonbush Wind Farm, which is 2km north-west of Brora in Sutherland in Scotland's North East. The project is currently undergoing refinements prior to the submission of a planning application to the Highland Council, expected later this year.

Now, it has been selected as one of 20 shortlisted projects across the UK which could be eligible for funding under the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund to promote the further development of hydrogen. The Fund is part of the UK Government's 'multi-billion-pound investment plan', announced yesterday, to scale-up affordable and clean power and to build green industries in Britain.

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The UK Government fund shortlist contains electrolytic hydrogen projects totalling 408MW of capacity across England, Scotland and Wales. Contracts totalling up to 250MW of capacity are expected to be awarded in the upcoming funding round, subject to affordability and value for money. Contract awards are due to made in Q4 2023, with first projects targeting operational commissioning in 2025.

If developed, the Gordonbush Hydrogen facility would produce around 1,300 tonnes of Green Hydrogen annually. The scheme would use renewable energy generated at the adjoining 100MW-plus Gordonbush onshore wind farm to produce Green Hydrogen in an electrolyser unit using a process called electrolysis, in which water is split into its component parts of Hydrogen and Oxygen. The Green Hydrogen could then be used as a clean alternative to petrol, diesel or natural gas to help decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as industry, transport and manufacturing.

Annant Shah, Director of Strategy and Route to Market, said:

"We're delighted our Gordonbush Hydrogen project has been shortlisted by the UK Government for possible funding to promote the further development of a hydrogen economy in Britain.

"The production of Green Hydrogen 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 a net zero economy.

"Progressing to the shortlist stage of the Government's Net Zero Hydrogen Fund is another important step forward as we progress this innovative project for Scotland and the UK."