Scottish port, Norway's Gen2 Energy sign green hydrogen MOU

Scotland Port of Cromarty Firth has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Norway's Gen2 Energy to develop a channel for hydrogen imports into the country, a statement released by the port said May 24.

In what could be a major boost for Scotland's hydrogen ambitions, the port hopes to complement its own future hydrogen production with green hydrogen imports and transshipment capabilities for the Norwegian exporter.

There are already plans to build a large electrolyzer facility on the site, with the port aiming to have both means available by mid-2023. The port will also become the first transshipment hub for Gen2 Energy upon its completion.

"The MOU is a massive boost in the bid to establish a green hydrogen hub in the Cromarty Firth," the statement said, "adding a new international angle to its aim to produce, store and supply hydrogen to the Highland region, other parts of Scotland, the UK and Europe."

The Norwegian company plans to export green hydrogen produced from electrolysis with surplus renewable power as its feedstock, predominantly from hydro-electric power.

These volumes will be transported across the North Sea to the port, from where it will be distributed onward by road, rail and sea, the port's statement said, although no mention was made of the medium of seaborne transport.

"This is a historic moment for the Port, and for the move towards green hydrogen as a reliable and secure source of energy in the Highlands, Scotland, and the UK," The port's chief executive Bob Buskie said.

"Norway's remote northern regions have similar issues to the Highlands in terms of an excess of renewable energy, and constraints on putting that energy into the electricity grid," Buskie said. "However, they are significantly more advanced domestically in the production of green hydrogen. The ability to produce and ship hydrogen to new markets is a huge opportunity for them and they see the Port as a key partner to the UK market."

"This will give companies throughout Scotland, and indeed the UK, the confidence to switch their infrastructure to clean energy sources, accelerating the decarbonization process."

Gen2 Energy CEO Jonas Meyer hailed the agreement as a "significant milestone" for the creation of a value chain between Norway and the UK.

"Gen2 Energy is working diligently to build large-scale production and distribution of green hydrogen with zero emissions through the value chain," Meyer said.

"Together with Port of Cromarty Firth, we are able to provide customers with easily adaptable plug and play solutions for green hydrogen and ensure supply security from multiple production locations."