The report sets out Scotland’s strengths as a world-leading producer and exporter of clean hydrogen in the next decade due to its unique geography, infrastructure and energy expertise. 

The report was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and undertaken by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and the Net Zero Technology Centre, which assessed the global market, competition, technology, locations, infrastructure and export opportunities. 

The initial ‘Development and Integration of Early, Clean Hydrogen Production Plants in Scotland’ report will be followed up with a site prospectus that will assess key locations in Scotland suitable for clean hydrogen production and will be launched ahead of COP26 in November. 

Head of low carbon transition at Scottish Enterprise, Andy McDonald, described the report as the first of its kind to lay out in detail the opportunities for Scotland to produce and export clean hydrogen. 

He added: “This report sets out the current and future potential for blue and green hydrogen as part of an integrated energy economy in Scotland that will lead the way to a just transition. 

“The demand for clean hydrogen is increasing in many countries and opens up huge international export opportunities which is really exciting as we can capitalise on the expertise from the oil and gas industry as well as develop new strengths and assets, both in Scotland and globally. 

“The hydrogen economy is a key area of focus for Scottish Enterprise and also supports Scotland’s net zero 2045 target as we will require a creative and innovative approach to powering transport and heating the homes of the future.”