Scottish Water will host a further consultation event to discuss a proposal for a new pipe to supply water to a hydrogen production plant next to Beinn Tharsuinn Windfarm, west of Edderton.

The pipe would run just over 20km from an existing storage tank for untreated water near Newmore Water Treatment Works, north of Invergordon, to the proposed plant east of the wind farm, joining the B9176 Struie Road at Ardross and following it north to the wind farm access road. Three pumping stations would also be installed as part of the project, at various stages along the route.

Scottish Water's commercial subsidiary, Scottish Water Horizons, is developing the potential new water infrastructure on behalf of ScottishPower and Storegga who have already applied for planning consent for the Cromarty Hydrogen Project.

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Water feedstock supply is needed for the production of green hydrogen via electrolysis, a process by which water is broken down using renewable electricity to release hydrogen and oxygen.

The follow-up consultation event will include the latest details of the proposed pipeline, the feedback received from consultation to date, and the chance to speak to members of the project team. The event is part of work to prepare a formal planning application for the pipeline which could be submitted to The Highland Council later in the year.

Project Manager Mathieu Souleau said: "The feedback we receive at these events will form a key part in the development of our proposals and the preparation of a planning application. Our earlier event was well-attended and enabled some very useful conversations. We would very much encourage members of local communities and others with an interest in our proposals to come along and find out more."

A drop-in consultation event on will be held on Tuesday, 23 April from 3pm to 7.30pm at Ardross Hall.