Perthshire moves closer to green Hydrogen production

Major project for South Perthshire

Consultations begin this week on a government-backed Hydrogen facility in South Perthshire which could create jobs and help local businesses decarbonise energy use.

Green Cat Hydrogen, which employs 160 people in Scotland and Canada, will use electrolysis to produce over 1000 tonnes of clean hydrogen per year through its Strathallan Hydrogen Facility project, north west of Braco.

Subject to consultation, the energy produced will then be transported to local businesses such as hospitality providers and distilleries, as they transition to greener energy.

National backing

The facility will use the existing Strathallan Wind Farm site, currently under construction, when it moves to Phase 2 of expansion from 4 turbines to a further 5.

Scottish Government backed the Perthshire scheme to the tune of £320,549 through a fund designed to accelerate the hydrogen economy.

Local residents and businesses will get the opportunity to view the plans at the first of two consultation events, this Thursday, at Braco Village Hall, between 2pm and 6.30pm.

Planning has been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council by the company, founded in 2022, which has offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Calgary.

Decarbonising transport

Hydrogen is currently used in the production of products such as fertiliser, metal and glass manufacture and pharmaceuticals.

However, it will be used in future in shipping, aviation and long-distance transport – one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions – whilst also being deployed in the manufacturing of steel.

When the Strathallan Wind Farm is fully operational, it will provide over 20MW of clean energy for Hydrogen production.

Upon receiving funding from Scottish Government, Green Cat Hydrogen CEO, Dr Gavin Catto, said: “We see Green Hydrogen projects such as these as a fundamental element of Scotland’s energy transition and we are proud to be playing our part.”

Green Cat Hydrogen is also behind a similar project at Binn Ecopark near Glenfarg.