Exploring the Future of Low Carbon Hydrogen Production in Scotland
Key Ideas
  • Hydrogen plays a key role in Scotland's low carbon future, with blogs from the SPICe committee focusing on supply, transportation, and potential uses of hydrogen fuel.
  • Scotland currently produces hydrogen via steam methane reforming at industrial sites like Grangemouth, aiming to transition towards low carbon sources like green hydrogen.
  • Electrolysis is highlighted as a promising method for producing green hydrogen in Scotland, leveraging the country's renewable energy potential.
  • Cost competitiveness of green hydrogen production is dependent on capital cost reductions, renewable power cost decreases, and efficient electrolyser technology.
In May 2025, the Net Zero Energy and Transport committee conducted evidence sessions at the Grangemouth industrial site in the United Kingdom, focusing on the potential role of low carbon hydrogen. The discussions emphasized the importance of hydrogen in a low carbon future, with two new SPICe blogs exploring supply, transportation, and potential uses of hydrogen fuel. Currently, hydrogen is utilized in the UK for chemical production and oil refining, primarily sourced from fossil fuels. Scotland produces hydrogen via steam methane reforming at industrial sites like Grangemouth, although this method results in greenhouse gas emissions termed 'grey hydrogen.' To tackle emissions, there is a growing interest in low carbon hydrogen production methods, such as green hydrogen via electrolysis. The Scottish Government is keen on green hydrogen, as it can be produced using renewable energy sources abundant in Scotland. However, the cost of electricity remains a critical factor in green hydrogen production costs. The government commissioned research through ClimateXChange to assess the costs of producing green hydrogen in Scotland and other countries, concluding that Scotland's offshore wind power costs are higher. Despite this, there is optimism about the potential for green hydrogen. The study compared production from various sources like nuclear energy in France and hydroelectricity in Norway. Electrolysis is seen as a vital technology for green hydrogen production, with different scales of electrolysers available. This push towards low carbon hydrogen production showcases Scotland's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.
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