Innovative green hydrogen shore power trial launched at port of Leith

A consortium of four Scottish renewable and maritime companies have been awarded a UK Government Department for Transport grant of over £535,000 to develop an innovative UK-first approach that will use clean, green hydrogen energy to reduce carbon emissions from vessels when berthed in port. 

Supported by Forth Ports, the highly innovative trial will see the large tugs operating out of The Port of Leith powered by green hydrogen when tied up. The green hydrogen will be produced from treated wastewater from a nearby water treatment works, without compromising local water supplies. 

The year-long trial, run by partners Forth Ports, Waterwhelm, Logan Energy and PlusZero, will deliver a state-of-the-art demonstrator system for green hydrogen shore power which marine vessels can use when they are berthed, removing the need for the diesel-powered systems which are currently in use on some quaysides. 

The project draws together leading Scottish innovation and technology with sustainability expertise from the water, energy and transport sectors, and will be the first of its kind to be demonstrated at a UK port – leading the way for a circular economy approach to port decarbonisation across the country. 

The project will act as a precursor to the deployment of green hydrogen in shore power supply to large ships and vessels, addressing an important challenge in decarbonising the maritime industry, particularly in remote locations or areas where a connection to the main electricity grid is not available. 

Alasdair Smith, Commercial Director of Targe Towing, part of the Forth Ports group, said: “This is an exciting project for Forth Ports and Targe Towing as we work towards our commitment to reduce carbon emissions across Forth Ports group operations by 2032, and becoming net zero by 2042. 

“Our tug fleet currently uses diesel-powered generators to provide electricity when tied up in port. This new green hydrogen system shows how tugs or other vessels can be completely emission-free whilst berthed.

“The project will also serve to widen our knowledge and experience of working with hydrogen, which provides a foundation for future endeavours towards a net zero future. We look forward to starting this project with our partners in the Spring.”

Using specialist water treatment technology provided by Waterwhelm, fresh re-use water will be made from wastewater from the treatment works site in Seafield, Edinburgh, which will then be used to produce hydrogen at Leith Port. 

Waterwhelm’s leading technology enables water re-use and desalination processes to operate at significantly lower pressure, providing lower maintenance benefits as well as a world-beating reduction in electricity consumption and carbon emissions.

Dr Richard Wood, Research and Developer Manager and Engineer from Waterwhelm said: “Following a successful feasibility study, we are delighted to be partnering with Forth Ports, Logan Energy and PlusZero to deliver a combined state-of-the-art demonstrator system at the Port of Leith for the production, storage and utilisation of green hydrogen to supply green shore power. 

“Waterwhelm’s system will utilise waste heat and wastewater to produce re-use water for electrolysis – a new, innovative approach which is much needed to support the drive towards decarbonisation whilst reducing the upcoming demand on local water networks.”

Green hydrogen specialist partners Logan Energy and PlusZero will apply their expertise to bring the clean power solution to the port – a significant collaboration that highlights major strides in Scottish hydrogen innovation. 

Using a process known as electrolysis, East Lothian-based Logan Energy’s electrolyser technology will split the re-use water into oxygen and hydrogen. 

The hydrogen will then be used as a clean fuel for PlusZero’s combustion engine which will generate green electricity to provide shore power for the tug boats when they are in port, replacing the need for polluting diesel generators. 

Bill Ireland, Chief Executive Officer of Logan Energy said: “Hydrogen-based solutions can play a pivotal role in decarbonisation and achieving net-zero targets both in the UK and globally.  We’re honoured to be part of this consortium that can develop one such application where our innovative solutions can benefit UK industry.

“Logan Energy’s fully integrated system approach will take green energy and Waterwhelm’s clean water supply and produce, compress, and store hydrogen for the purpose of powering PlusZero’s equipment, without producing any emissions.  This will be a key demonstration within the marine sector that can be easily replicated elsewhere.”

David Amos, Managing Director at PlusZero said: “There is a huge amount of momentum behind hydrogen as an accelerator to the global energy transition.

“PlusZero’s ready-to-go clean power solution replaces the need for polluting diesel generators across multiple sectors of the economy – construction, events and production, and the industrial sectors.

“We are delighted to be demonstrating the true promise of this technology alongside our partners and Forth Ports, a company which is already leading the way in making Scotland’s renewables future a reality.”

The project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4), funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. CMDC4 is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £206m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector.

The UK Government Department for Transport Maritime Minister Lord Davies said: “Unlocking a sustainable maritime sector and the economic growth it provides relies on cutting edge technology to propel it to the next level.

“The voyage to sustainability demands bold investments to not just deliver greener shipping but highly skilled jobs across the UK.

“Transformative solutions can help shape the future landscape of the maritime industry and support jobs in coastal communities.”

Gaza: what you can do to help

How you can donate responsibly to help the people of Gaza

Make your donation safely

Donating through established and well-coordinated emergency response appeal mechanisms is the most effective way to support people during a humanitarian crisis. You can do this through the British Red Cross.

If you wish to help Gazans at this time, the UK government recommends that you donate to this organisation, or through other trusted aid organisations.

If you wish to donate to other charities, you should make a few checks before giving:

  • search the charity register to check the charity’s name and registration number. Most charities with an income of £5,000 or more must be registered, which means they are regulated by The Charity Commission
  • make sure the charity is genuine before giving them any financial information
  • if in doubt, ask the charity or organisation for more information

Donating essential supplies

One of the best ways to help is by donating cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods.

We cannot provide advice to you or your organisation on shipments (for example, transport, logistics, tax, customs).

Donating as a UK company

If your UK company wishes to donate, we recommend that you should also donate through established emergency response appeal mechanisms or other trusted aid organisations.

If your private sector organisation wish to explore donating goods in-kind, we encourage you to:

Operational guidance for organisations providing aid

We have published guidance for organisations operating in high-risk jurisdictions. This aims to support them to provide vital and legitimate humanitarian aid, while complying with counter-terrorism legislation and/or sanctions.

Councillors consider options for setting a balanced budget

FURTHER CUTS TO SERVICES LOOMING

City councillors have considered a report outlining proposals for balancing the city’s budget.

In order to plan for this reduction and a proposed national Council Tax freeze, while continuing to deliver the Council’s priorities, a number of savings and spending proposals have been published as part of a Revenue Budget Framework and Medium Term Financial Plan.   

Proposals include:  

  • A revised employer pension contribution rate of 17.6% which could save the council £16.5 million without impacting the value of employee pensions 
  • Continuing to provide annual support to the Council’s transport ALEOs worth £12.95 million in recognition of changing patterns of commuter usage
  • Additional actual investment of £11.4 million towards the delivery of health and social care services
  • Accelerating Council service payments to Edinburgh Leisure in 2024/25 of up to £3.2 million to provide additional financial support in 2024/25, including sums that would allow payment of the Real Living Wage, pending development of sustainable longer-term plans to ensure the organisation’s financial sustainability
  • Net savings of £1.7 million on the council’s energy spend, supporting sustainability goals
  • Recommendations to avoid reductions to school budgets in the 2024/25 academic session, further to a cross-party Motion passed at Tuesday’s Education, Children and Families Committee meeting
  • An ongoing change programme to underpin the transformation required by the Council if it is to close future budget gaps. 

At their meeting on Thursday (25 January), the Finance and Resources Committee also heard how the city faces a like-for-like cash-terms reduction in core grant funding of £10 million in 2024/25.  

A further meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee will take place on 6 February, before decisions are made at a special budget-setting meeting of the full council on 22 February.  

Cammy Day, Council Leader, said: “In four weeks’ time we will need to set the city’s budget for the year ahead so I’m pleased to see these proposals suggest a positive way forward.

“My priority as we agree savings and investments will be to ensure we continue to protect the core services on which so many people depend. We need to stay true to our ambitions, to focus on our financial plan and ending poverty, becoming net zero and creating a good, inclusive place to live and work.  

“What’s clear however is that we can’t achieve this alone. As a Council, we can shape and influence change through our policies and plans, but this needs to be a team effort, a pulling together of resources and plans across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

“So, while we develop sustainable financial plans to help us achieve savings, we also need to maximise the opportunities we have to raise more local income – including introducing a Visitor Levy as quickly as legislation will allow. 

“It’s also imperative that we find a better way of working with the Scottish Government which, yet again, seems set on making Edinburgh the most underfunded Council in Scotland.

“An estimated £10m reduction in the city’s funding is hugely disproportionate and I am urging the Scottish Government to reconsider. It is not to late listen to local government and put this right.  

“Over the next few weeks through COSLA and directly with Ministers I will continue to fight for fairer funding for our Capital City.”

Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, added: “This report, presented at Committee on 25 January, highlights the increasingly difficult decisions we’re taking ahead of the budget in February. The scale of our financial challenge is clear to see. 

“Local authorities have suffered a decade of continuous real term income cuts from central government and Edinburgh is no exception.

“This is despite the unique pressures which come with being Scotland’s capital city – our projected population growth, the climate crisis, escalating poverty under the cost-of-living crisis, unprecedented service running costs and our housing and homelessness emergency.

“The suggestions being put forward by officers to balance the budget are hugely important and I’m immensely grateful for their work on this, particularly in proposing funding for Edinburgh Leisure and for finding potential alternatives to education cuts.”

While Labour leads the city, the party ranks second in terms of number of councillors in Edinburgh and runs the city in a controversial partnership with the Conservatives and Lib Dems.

Last year the City of Edinburgh council passed not a Labour, but a Liberal-Democrat budget.

Join Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre’s Young at Heart group

🎉✨ Join the Young at Heart club! 🎲☕

Hi lovely followers! We’re looking for women aged 60 and above to join our Young at Heart group who meet every Friday 1-3pm. Picture this: Bingo thrills, endless laughter, and heart-warming tea sessions—all in one fantastic group! ☕🎉

Our ladies indulge in friendly Bingo battles, games of Dominos and savour cups of tea, having a good old natter and a laugh at the same time. Whether you’re interested yourself, or have an amazing lady in your life who might benefit from some relaxed socialising and games, get in touch!

You can pop into the centre or give us a message and we can get you or someone you know set up.

We can provide taxi transport for those less able to get to the centre independently. Please share and spread the message so we can make sure no one gets left behind.

Message on here, email info@drylawnc.org.uk or call 0131 315 4989.

Here’s our Spring timetable for 2024.

Keep an eye out for new activities as we have a few in the pipeline 

Spaces available for many of our activities, and don’t forget we have taxi service for our disabled attendees.

Email coordinator@drylawnc.org.uk for more info.

Trams: Northern Loop back on the agenda … twenty years late!

A public consultation will help inform the Strategic Business Case for a tram route from Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond, if approved by councillors next week.

On Thursday (1 February) Transport and Environment Committee will hear about a recommended north – south tram line, which would extend the existing network between the Airport and Newhaven.

This would run through the city centre via Roseburn then on to North and South Bridge, Clerk Street and Minto Street to Cameron Toll, before following the A7 to the BioQuarter. Further consideration is being given to potential future routes into neighbouring local authorities.

If members agree to proceed, a 12-week consultation in spring 2024 would show participants the recommended route across the four sections (Granton – City Centre; through the City Centre; City Centre – BioQuarter; and BioQuarter and beyond) and explain why it has been chosen. It will include details of alternative options that have been explored and the reasons why these have been discounted.

Engagement builds on a consultation on the City Mobility Plan (CMP) in 2020/21, which found that 62% of respondents would like to see tram network expanded, and 89% desired general improvements to public transport. Exploring the expansion of the tram network is outlined in the CMP and supports aims to both reduce car kms travelled by 30% and become a net zero city by 2030.

Future plans would build on the success of Trams to Newhaven, which was completed on time in June 2023, and has contributed to the award-winning Edinburgh Trams service carrying more than 9 million passengers in the last year.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Like cities around the world we’re challenged by poor air quality, congestion and carbon emissions relating to transport.

“This, paired with a rapidly increasing population – projected to grow at three times the rate of Scotland’s – demonstrates the pressing need to rethink the way we move people and goods around the Capital.

“By improving public transport, we want to provide safe, efficient and affordable travel in Edinburgh, and expanding the tram network is key to this. It’s clear that the public support it too, with almost two-thirds of respondents to our CMP consultation in favour of more tram routes. Of course, we know how disruptive a project of this scale can be to residents and businesses, but the success of the recently completed line to Newhaven is proof that we’re well prepared.

“Our recommended route for Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond links key areas of growth and development to the city and will more than double the capacity of our tram network. Not only would this support local regeneration and the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, but it would help create new jobs, boost economic growth and link to educational and cultural venues along the route.

“We’re already engaging with Transport Scotland to explore financial options, and it’s encouraging that mass rapid transit in the area has been highlighted as an investment priority by the Scottish Government. We’ll continue to work closely with them and other stakeholders as we look to progress this major project.

In addition to local policies, The Scottish Government National Transport Strategy (NTS) and Transport Scotland’s Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2) have highlighted Edinburgh and South-East Scotland Mass Transit as an investment priority.

“Alongside the existing line between the Airport and Newhaven, a Granton to BioQuarter tram service would also improve transport links to four priority investment zones identified in the City Plan 2030 – Waterfront, West Edinburgh, City Centre, and South-East Edinburgh – connecting major development sites, employment centres, retail hubs and educational facilities.”

If approved, the public consultation will run in spring 2024 and feedback received, along with a draft Strategic Business Case, would be reported to committee in autumn.

Tram from Granton to BioQuarter and Beyond: Consultation for Strategic Business Case Development, is being presented to committee as part of a package of reports looking to the future of transport in Edinburgh.

This includes: Our Future Streets – a circulation plan for Edinburgh, a framework for the design of all future projects to improve Edinburgh’s streets; West Edinburgh Transport Improvements Programme, which explores a series of improvements to the A8 corridor as a priority; and the first review of the City Mobility Plan.

Read the full report online and watch Transport and Environment Committee live via webcast from 10am on 1 February.

‘A LITANY OF AVOIDABLE FAILURES’ – Read the Edinburgh Trams Report

Edinburgh-Tram-Inquiry-Report-Signed-1Download

Police appeal following Southhouse incident

ASSAULT AND ROBBERY FOLLOWING FRACAS IN SOUTHHOUSE

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two men were assaulted and a car was stolen in Southhouse.

Around 8.35pm on Friday, 26 January 2024, emergency services attended Southhouse Square, following reports of a disturbance involving several men.

One man, aged 25, was found seriously injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. A second man, aged 24, was also injured in the altercation and sought medical treatment

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and are checking for relevant CCTV footage for any additional information on those involved.

Enquiries have established a black BMW car, with the registration YF13 OWK, was also stolen. Officers are asking people with dash cams or recording equipment in the area at the time to check their footage as there may be images which could assist the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the Southhouse Square area last night.

“The motive for these attacks is unknown and it is imperative we trace those responsible. Our enquiries have revealed that a group of up to five men were involved in a disturbance, which has resulted in two men being seriously injured.

“I would ask anyone who has any information regarding this incident to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3666 of 26 January 2024. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with the assurance that you can give your information anonymously.

 Amazon recognised as a Top Employer in the UK for 2024

Amazon, which has a fulfilment centre in Dunfermline, has been named as a Top Employer 2024 in the UK by the Top Employer Institute, one of the world’s most prestigious certifications in the field of human resources management. It recognises Amazon’s commitment to the development and wellbeing of its employees.

In addition to the UK accolade, awarded for the first time, Amazon has been certified as one of the Top Employers in Europe for a second consecutive year.

The Top Employer acknowledges companies’ commitment to a range of different areas of HR, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and more.

Amazon’s certification in both the UK and Europe is confirmation that the company’s dedication to a better world of work extends internationally, acknowledging the hard work that colleagues are doing at all of its operations sites, including the site in Dunfermline, corporate offices, and research and development centres in across the region.

Amazon Dunfermline General Manager, Jamie Strain, said: “It’s an honour that Amazon has been certified as a Top Employer 2024 in the UK for our ongoing commitment to the development and wellbeing of our employees.

“Across our business, we strive to be Earth’s best employer and are committed to creating an innovative and engaging workplace where our teams across the UK, who come from all backgrounds, are proud to work.”

Top Employers Institute CEO David Plink says: “Exceptional times bring out the best in people and organisations. And we have witnessed this in our Top Employers Certification Programme this year: exceptional performance from the certified Top Employers 2024.

“These employers have always shown that they care for the development and wellbeing of their people. By doing so, they collectively enrich the world of work. We are proud to announce and celebrate this year’s group of leading people-oriented employers: the Top Employers 2024.”

Amazon is dedicated to continual improvement in the workplace, offering some of the most advanced workplaces of its kind in the world, with competitive pay, and processes and systems to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all employees.

Whether in its corporate offices, research and development centres or its operations network, Amazon has created all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people.

From those starting work with no formal qualifications to people with doctorate-level qualifications, from graduates and apprentices to people with decades of experience in the workplace, Amazon has created roles across its business where people can develop their careers and positively impact the lives of Amazon customers.

Amazon is proud to have a diverse workforce in the UK, where employees are encouraged to chart their own path, with programmes such as Career Choice and apprenticeships opening opportunities for education and growth.

Amazon also offers a range of great benefits that support employees and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. These comprehensive benefits begin on day one and include private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, employee discount and commuter benefits.

This new recognition comes as Amazon was listed second on LinkedIn’s Top Companies 2023 list in the UK, as well as being certified a Level 3 Disability Confident ‘Leader’ in the UK, the highest level.

About the Top Employers Institute

Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in People Practices and has certified more than 2,300 organisations in 122 countries. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 9 million employees globally.

“Scotland must address the devastating effects of colonialism”-Foysol Choudhury

Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, raised concerns about maintaining pressure in this area following an event at the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow earlier this week, which marked the Scottish Government’s response to the recommendations made in the report by the Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums Steering Group.

The Scottish Government accepted the six recommendations from the group, which include amongst others that ‘Museums should ensure anti-racism is embedded in their workplaces and public spaces’ and that the ‘Scottish Government should demonstrate their support for restitution and repatriation of looted or unethically acquired items in Scottish collections’.

Mr Choudhury said the move is most welcome, but added that the acceptance of the recommendations should only be the beginning and that the hard work to implement the recommendations is still to come.

Following the event, which was held on Monday (22nd January ), Mr Choudhury said: “I am glad that the Scottish Government has accepted the recommendations and I congratulate the Steering Group and Sir Geoff Palmer for leading the important work.

“However, the Scottish Government should act on their words and, to facilitate these recommendations, they must ensure sustained funding and a focus on anti-racist education and culture.”

Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, who Chaired the Steering Group which provided the recommendations, said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government initiated this project and has accepted the recommendations.

“Museums and education go together and the recommendations are based on the education and actions required to improve inclusion and equality in our diverse society.”

After the event, Mr Choudhury visited Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, facilitated by Museums Galleries Scotland, to see a brand-new exhibit from Curator Nelson Cummins entitled Glasgow: City of Empire.

Mr Choudhury, Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson for Culture, said that this exhibition is a great example of how museums could, in practice, implement the recommendations of the Steering Group.

Mr Choudhury said: “One of the recommendations of the Steering Group, which the Scottish Government accepted earlier that day, was to ‘research, interpret, and share the histories of Scotland’s links to empire, colonialism, and historic slavery’, with another recommendation being to ‘involve the people of Scotland in shaping their work through co-production, to promote cultural democracy and participation for all’.

“This exhibition at Kelvingrove is an excellent example of how this can work in practice-it has been developed alongside local communities and youth to tell the stories of empire, and uses interactive education as a way to address the effects of this past, such as racism in Scotland today.

“This should be used as an example of what Museums across Scotland could achieve, highlighting the importance of sustained funding from the Scottish Government so that the Steering Group’s recommendations could be put into practice.”

Mr Choudhury said that he will continue to work alongside the cultural groups and campaigners who work towards implementing these recommendations, to share their work at Holyrood and hopefully help to facilitate partnerships which Mr Choudhury hopes will see more Museums around Scotland adopt exhibitions in line with the recommendations.

Will is Scran Academy’s new CEO

ANNOUNCEMENT📣

We’re THRILLED to announce a milestone in the Scran Academy journey – congratulations to Will Bain, our new CEO!  ✨

Since 2019, Will’s compassionate leadership as our first Catering Manager has elevated our operations, scaling up our Covid response and forming strong partnerships in Edinburgh. He has demonstrated dedication, strategic thinking, and a profound commitment to our mission.

Will’s appointment to CEO with his wealth of experience and passion marks an exciting new chapter for Scran Academy.

Join the team in congratulating Will on this remarkable achievement!  😀

Ensuring Adult Disability Payments meet people’s needs

Edel Harris appointed to chair independent review

Edel Harris OBE, former chief executive of the charity Mencap, has been appointed to chair the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment.

The Independent Review – a Programme For Government commitment – will consider people’s experiences of the Scottish benefit to ensure it continues to meet the needs of disabled people.

Adult Disability Payment is paid to disabled working age adults in recognition of the extra costs of being disabled or having a long-term health condition. It is currently supporting 137,490 disabled people in Scotland and has provided £461.8 million in payments since it was launched in August 2022.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Edel Harris brings a wealth of experience to this important position, both from her leading roles in third sector organisations and her personal experience as a family carer.

“A year on from the national launch of Adult Disability Payment, we are fulfilling our pledge to have an independent review to ensure it is meeting the needs of disabled people both now and in the future. Ms Harris will ensure the views of disabled people and groups that represent them are heard throughout the review.

“I am committed to continuing to improve the experience of people receiving this benefit – to ensure they are supported in line with the principles of dignity, fairness, and respect at the heart of our social security system.”

Adult Disability Payment was introduced in August 2022 as a replacement for the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment. It is paid to disabled working age adults in recognition of the extra costs of being disabled or having a long-term health condition.