Hebridean Hydrogen Growth (H2growth)

H2growth is the third phase of the Hebridean Hydrogen Park. It will continue the expansion of the local hydrogen economy in the Outer Hebrides and develop export markets.

Suitable activities for H2growth are being evaluated at present and funding is being sought both internally from the Comhairle’s 2008-12 capital programme (£700,000) and externally from enterprise companies, National and European Government and technology developers (approximately £3,100,000).

Organisations with an interest in being involved in this phase of development are encouraged to contact us here.

H2growth is expected to begin in spring 2009.

Activities under consideration include:

Transportation

This will extend the range of demonstration hydrogen fuelled vehicles to the commercial, industrial and tourism sectors and include fuel cell based vehicles as well as ICE vehicles. Examples include forklift trucks, flatbed trucks, agricultural and leisure vehicles.

Stationary Applications

Stationary Fuel Cell applications will be developed. At a small-scale the provision of hydrogen UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems for the Connected Communities broadband network is under consideration. These systems require relatively small volumes of hydrogen and will establish valuable practical experience in charging, transporting connecting hydrogen cylinders. It is also proposed to provide UPS systems for the Comhairle’s IT server facility. Larger scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP) applications are also being considered.

Electrical Grid Management

The use of grid connected electrolysers for the active management of power flows across the electrical grid infrastructure.

Ancillary Activity

Performance evaluation research and development; commercial opportunities for vehicle conversion to hydrogen and tourism opportunities from the demonstration leisure vehicles.

Export Markets

The development of hydrogen-for-energy export markets. These including non-energy markets such as agricultural fertiliser components for which large volumes of hydrogen are required).