New funding to push forward renewable energy production

The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) has launched a funding opportunity to accelerate the development of electrolyser technology. 

Two to five applicants will be selected to share a fund of up to £500,000, with successful projects being given the money to push their electrolyser technology towards the pilot or prototype level.  

Electrolysers are key for the production of sustainable hydrogen. By using electricity, they split water into hydrogen and oxygen without emitting carbon dioxide.

Awarded as part of the NZTC’s Energy Hubs Project, the money is expected to help funded projects enhance electrolyte efficiency, which is regarded as crucial for the success of such hubs.

At these sites, low-carbon hydrogen is integrated with offshore wind resources, helping to accelerate the transition to net zero.

Currently, several energy hubs are dotted across the country, including locations in Aberdeen, Cromarty, and Orkney.

They have been located so that they will integrate various energy vectors to meet national power demands and facilitate European and worldwide energy export. 

NZTC’s project works to address the technology challenges and opportunities these hubs may face.

Funded by the Scottish Government’s energy transition fund, the programme is supporting seven projects to transform the North Sea energy system. 

Scottish Government energy minister Gillian Martin said: “This will make hydrogen more attractive to exporters and help secure new markets for our abundant renewable energy resources.

“We are supporting innovative, green technologies to spur on the just transition, build a sustainable economy and help reach net zero.”