The Project 

It is clear that the planet is facing a “climate change emergency” and the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner fuel sources is fundamental in the fight against bigger disasters. Such alternative options can avoid greenhouse emissions and Hydrogen, as a versatile energy carrier, has the potential to play a major role in these efforts towards a zero emission goals. It is light and highly reactive, thus when it is produced by renewable energy (e.g. offshore wind), carbon emissions release to the atmosphere can be minimized, which are called “green hydrogen”.  

 

In this context, the Scottish Government has set an ambitious goal that indicates the reduction of emissions by 75% until 2030 and a complete net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases pathway until 2045 [1],[2]. This creates opportunities for the Scottish Islands to become hubs of innovation in hydrogen production and application, due to their power potential and energy independence.  

 

Existing Islands, such as the Orkney Islands, have been making significant progress towards this target, and other regions like the Shetland’s Islands, located in with its privileged location in terms of renewable offshore wind power potential, should follow their example[3].