Scottish Power Renewables has formed a partnership with the electrolyser manufacturer ITM Power to roll out a network of green hydrogen refuelling stations across Scotland.
The companies are initially proposing to build a 10MW hydrogen production facility on the outskirts of Glasgow that will be supplied with electricity from Scottish Power’s wind and solar farms. The plant would be operated by BOC – the third partner in the project.
The team are aiming to begin supplying hydrogen commercially within the next two years to businesses, local authorities and other organisations operating fleets of heavy vehicles.
“While electrification will play a significant role in taking petrol and diesel vehicles off our roads and make an important difference for the planet, it can only go so far, and we’re doing something about that,” said Lindsay McQuade, chief executive of Scottish Power Renewables.
She continued: “By working with industry leaders ITM Power and BOC to bring our collective expertise together, we will maximise the potential of this new technology to offer fleet operators and industry a packaged solution that brings all of the pieces of the jigsaw together – production, distribution, supply. All they have to do is provide the vehicles.”
ITM Power already operates more than half a dozen hydrogen refuelling stations and is currently assembling a new factory in Sheffield that will be capable of producing 1GW of electrolysers per year.
Chief executive Graham Cooley said: “This project provides the opportunity to fulfil Scotland’s rich potential for the simultaneous decarbonisation of power and transport fuel. ITM Power is proud to be participating in this project with our strategic partners.
“Green Hydrogen for Glasgow is an important step forward for the city’s net zero targets and enables Scotland to demonstrate that its most densely populated urban areas can fully utilise its abundant local renewable energy resources to decarbonise its transport system and industry.”