Hebridean Hydrogen Park

The Outer Hebrides relies almost entirely on imported energy - in 2003/04 approximately 97% of the energy consumed was imported (link to audit page). The remoteness of the islands adds considerably to the cost of this energy and consequently the population suffer some of the highest fuel costs and highest levels of households in fuel poverty in the UK.

Ironically the Outer Hebrides are surrounded by the richest renewable energy resources in the world.

The Outer Hebrides are located at the extremities of the centralised electricity generation and distribution model. Local grid infrastructure is operating at capacity and is linked to the national grid via a single 32kV line. This prevents the exploitation of the renewable resources for electricity generation and exportation.

Harnessing this renewable resource for the production of hydrogen provides a viable alternative to traditional carbon-based fuels. It is worth noting that the majority of energy consumed in the Outer Hebrides is for domestic heating and transportation carbon-based fuels. Electricity comprises only 20% of the energy usage. Displacing carbon-based fuels with renewably generated hydrogen would have an immediate impact on the local communities.

The circumstances in the Outer Hebrides represent a unique opportunity for pre-commercial hydrogen technologies to be demonstrated on a near-commercial basis.

To encourage a local hydrogen economy Comhairle nan Eilean Siar developed the Outer Hebrides Hydrogen Strategy. A key element of the strategy is the aspiration to create the Hebridean Hydrogen Park to

• Develop a hydrogen skills base within the islands
• Establish a local renewable hydrogen production and supply infrastructure
• Demonstrate the opportunities and benefits of hydrogen technologies

The Hebridean Hydrogen Park will be achieved in three phases.

Phase 1: Hebridean Hydrogen lab - Capacity Building

• Establish a local skills base
• Build local capacity
• Raise community awareness of hydrogen technologies and their integration with renewable energy generation.

Phase 2: Hebridean Hydrogen seed (H2seed) - Infrastructure and demonstration

• Create a local hydrogen supply chain
• Establish hydrogen production infrastructure 
• Establish hydrogen demonstration projects.

Phase 3: Hebridean Hydrogen growth (H2growth) - Market development

• Widen the range of demonstration projects
• Develop local hydrogen markets
• Develop export potential

The Hebridean Hydrogen Park will ensure the Outer Hebrides are at the forefront of the emerging hydrogen economy, well placed to take advantage of research and development activities, pre-commercial developments and commercial opportunities.