£3.4 million for Scotland’s hydrogen future

Projects across the country to receive a share of funding

Eleven projects designed to accelerate Scotland’s hydrogen economy are set to benefit from a share of £3.4 million funding.

The Scottish Government funding will help develop green hydrogen production, improve the hydrogen supply chain, and enhance hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure.

Opening a parliamentary debate on Scotland’s hydrogen future, Acting Net Zero Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Hydrogen stands as a critical pillar of Scotland’s route to net zero by 2045, but also, alongside the development of our offshore wind capacity, as one of Scotland’s greatest industrial opportunities since the discovery of oil and gas in the North Sea.

“A just transition remains at the heart of our approach, and we are determined that no community, particularly those which have powered our economy for generations, will be left behind as we move away from burning fossil fuels towards a low carbon energy system.

“We are working to build a hydrogen economy in which the benefits of our energy transition are shared, and which harnesses the full potential of our skilled people, our worldclass industries, and our natural resources.”

In September 2024 the Scottish Government invited projects to apply for a match-funding grant award of up to 50%, to the maximum value of £2 million.

Shortlisting saw 18 projects invited to submit a full application to delivery partner Scottish Enterprise, with funding ultimately provided to 11 successful projects.

Hydrogen action plan – gov.scot

Lead OrganisationProject TitleCouncil AreaGrant Award
European Marine Energy CentreSustainable Fuels OrkneyOrkney Islands£375,000
Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.Creca Hydrogen FacilityDumfries and Galloway£490,088
Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.Strathallan HydrogenPerth and Kinross£320,549
Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.Binn Ecopark HydrogenPerth and Kinross£258,478
Protium Green SolutionsProtium Lanark – Hydrogen IslandSouth Lanarkshire£450,619
SSE Hydrogen DevelopmentsPeterhead 1&2 HydrogenAberdeenshire£162,600
Statkraft Hydrogen UK Holding LtdShetland Hydrogen Project 2 Pre-FEEDShetland Islands£270,500
Storegga Hydrogen (Cromarty)Cromarty Hydrogen Phase 2 LongmanHighland£238,400
Storegga Hydrogen (Cromarty)Cromarty Hydrogen Phase 2 Muir of OrdHighland£290,155
Glacier EnergyFeasibility and Industrial ResearchAberdeen City£382,000
HydrasunStandardised Tube Trailer Industrial Hydrogen Offtaker PanelsMultiple: Aberdeen City; Glasgow City; Highland£147,122

UK’s first hydrogen training centre opens for next generation of green gas engineers

  • UK’s first hydrogen training centre for Gas Safe* registered engineers opens at Fife College.
  • Over 100 local engineers will be upskilled to safely install and maintain hydrogen appliances for SGN’s H100 Fife project.
  • The centre is a key milestone for H100 Fife which will deliver an end-to-end green hydrogen gas network, providing heating and cooking for several hundred local homes.
  • GMB union, SGN and Fife College leaders highlight the need to upskill gas workers for a low-carbon future.

Energy network SGN and Fife College are celebrating the opening of the UK’s first hydrogen training centre for gas engineers yesterday.

The facility, located at Fife College’s Levenmouth Campus, will train over 100 Gas Safe registered engineers this year, equipping them with the green skills needed to safely convert homes from natural gas to hydrogen.

This training is essential for the engineers who will be involved in SGN’s green hydrogen trial, H100 Fife, which will supply green hydrogen to homes in Levenmouth through a new purpose-built network.

Gary Smith, General Secretary of GMB, the UK’s largest energy union, welcomed the launch. He said: “The opening of this hydrogen training centre is a milestone for the gas industry and its workforce. As we transition to a net-zero economy, it’s vital that we not only protect jobs but also ensure that workers are upskilled for the future.

“This centre will empower today’s engineers to safely work with hydrogen while preparing them for roles that will shape the transition to green energy. It’s a testament to the resilience of the workforce and their ability to adapt to the changing energy landscape.”

The training centre offers hands-on experience with hydrogen appliances and systems, supported by leading manufacturers such as, Baxi, Worcester Bosch, Clean Burner Systems (CBS), Bosch Home Appliances and MeteRSit.

It will ensure that engineers gain the knowledge and competency to safely install, test, and maintain hydrogen appliances and heating systems in domestic settings, advancing the UK’s transition to green energy solutions. Every engineer taking part will gain an official hydrogen qualification added to their Gas Safe registration.

Simon Kilonback, CEO of SGN, commented: “The opening of the UK’s first hydrogen training centre for Gas Safe engineers is a major milestone for SGN and the energy sector as a whole.

“We’re excited to be working with the local community as we deliver our end-to-end hydrogen network in Fife. This is a key part of our wider plans to harness the potential of green gasses like hydrogen and biomethane to help decarbonise homes and businesses.”

Training will be delivered to local Gas Safe registered engineers in Fife by expert trainers with experience in delivering gas training with support from industry professionals. SGN has developed the courses in partnership with Fife College for the past two years, alongside key stakeholders such as certification body BPEC, Energy & Utility Skills and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).

Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said: “Fife College is proud to be a national leader in clean energy skills as we launch this dedicated hydrogen training facility. We are honoured to work in such a deep and innovative partnership with SGN. 

“Through this cutting-edge centre at our Levenmouth Campus, we are working to upskill over 100 engineers with the specialist knowledge needed to support the UK’s transition to net zero.

“This collaboration with SGN forms part of our wider commitment to sustainability, which also includes the opening of our new Dunfermline City Campus – Scotland’s first net-zero-ready vocational training campus – later this year. Together, these landmark developments place Fife College at the forefront of delivering the skills and infrastructure needed to shape a more sustainable future for us all.”

The engineers being trained from SGN, Baxi, Worcester Bosch and Warmworks will help convert natural gas homes over to hydrogen when the H100 Fife trial launches later this year. Fife Council staff will also be trained as part of SGN’s commitment to future-proof local engineers for the challenges ahead.

The opening of the training centre is a landmark event in SGN’s efforts to support the UK’s transition to net zero and underscores the vital role of skilled engineers in integrating hydrogen as a key low-carbon energy source.

Colleges recommend further action to deal with impact of Coronavirus

A collaboration between colleges in east central Scotland has published their proposals on how best to deliver skills and opportunities in Scotland to support the economic recovery.

The East Central Scotland Colleges Collaboration, consisting of Edinburgh College, Fife College, Forth Valley College and West Lothian College, worked to produce a comprehensive skills programme designed to help meet the future needs of the Scottish economy.

Titled the ‘Our Futures Programme’, their report recommends eight distinct reskilling and upskilling products that colleges provide much needed support to individuals and employers who are set to be hit by the economic downturn caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

They include suggestions such as the creation of Skills Boost Academies in key areas such as digital and industry, and the development of Accelerator Programmes, which would see colleges across Scotland able to introduce accelerated versions of existing qualifications that are already on offer, such as engineering, computing and care. These innovative programmes will place the College sector at the forefront of the country’s agenda for economic recovery.

The other educational products that are recommended in the report include:

  • Kick Start+
  • Pre Apprentice Pathways
  • Short Accredited Programmes
  • Cooperative Apprenticeships
  • Adopt an Intern+ (AAI EmployAbility)
  • Winter Leaver Guarantee

Each skills product was developed by the four colleges alongside Skills Development Scotland (SDS) having analysed labour market information, unemployment rates, levels of furlough, growth sectors and the local knowledge each of the colleges have of their region.

It comes after the Scottish Government formally launched the Young Person’s Guarantee last week, which is designed to help those whose job prospects are set to be hit by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Each of the proposals closely align with the skills-related commitments set out in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government and target areas that are seen as an economic priority for Scotland.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford FRSE MBE said: “We know that coronavirus is having a significant impact on people’s livelihoods and businesses across the world in a way that we couldn’t have fully anticipated at the start of the year.

“The impact of the virus is unprecedented, and across Scotland the number of unemployed people is expected to rise due to the economic impact we are already experiencing – which is set to continue as we navigate our way through these uncertain times.

“Together, with the other three colleges, Edinburgh College is determined and committed to delivering a range of support and opportunities for people of all ages across our region to retrain and upskill – focusing on meeting the skills needs of businesses and industries that have been hardest hit by the virus.

“By working together, and in collaboration with government and industry partners, we believe the products set out in the ‘Our Futures Programme’ will make an important contribution to enabling people and businesses across East Central Scotland to thrive.”

Principal of Fife College Dr Hugh Hall said: “Colleges across Scotland know that we have a vital role to play in helping individuals and businesses deal with the economic impact caused by the Coronavirus.

“That’s why our four colleges came together in this collaboration – to help develop a strategy for how we can best help deliver the fast-track and relevant training we need in Scotland over the short to medium term.

“Each of the recommendations in the report have been formulated after thorough analysis of the jobs market, and could make a huge difference to those looking to upskill and reskill, and to the businesses who will be looking for skilled workers in the coming months.

“The Young Person’s Guarantee launched by the Scottish Government last week is an important step towards helping deal with unemployment, and colleges have a huge part to play in that. We have the potential to do more, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government to help develop and implement these ideas.”

Dr Ken Thomson, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “I am very excited about Forth Valley College’s involvement in the East Central Scotland College Collaboration initiative.

“By working together, we can have a really positive impact on the people who are, or who will be, affected most by the pandemic lockdown and the inevitable economic downturn that is starting to hit us.

“As a college, we have always been at the forefront of innovative programmes which meet the needs of both individuals and local and national skills agendas.

“Now, this new collaboration will enable all four colleges involved to tap into each other’s expertise to provide the very best courses, professional training, upskilling, reskilling and opportunities.

“This is a chance to make learning work for the people of the Central Belt and the East of Scotland and help the country on the road to economic, educational and social recovery.”

Principal of West Lothian College Jackie Galbraith said: “Colleges are playing a vital role right now to help people and businesses deal with the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus.

“At a local level, West Lothian College is working hand in hand with the council and other partners to support economic recovery and to strengthen our communities.

“With unemployment rising, our four colleges have created a comprehensive programme to develop the skills people need to succeed in the jobs market now and in the future. This collaborative effort will add real value to what is coming out of our respective local partnerships.

“The Young Person’s Guarantee is a major step towards avoiding high levels of youth unemployment, and this exciting partnership of the four colleges in East Central Scotland will play a pivotal role in making the guarantee a reality for thousands of young people.”

Napier students help HMP Polmont women get creative with photography project

Touching images developed by participants under the guidance of Edinburgh Napier students

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and that age-old adage is never more true for the photographers behind this suite of touching images. Continue reading Napier students help HMP Polmont women get creative with photography project