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According to SNP minister Gillian Martin, Scotland has set its sights on becoming a global leader in hydrogen exports; a move heralded as the country’s most significant industrial opportunity since oil and gas.
The Scottish Government has launched its first hydrogen export strategy, outlined in a report titled "A Trading Nation: Realising Scotland’s Hydrogen Potential – A Plan for Exports." The strategy envisions Scotland as a critical player in the global hydrogen market by 2030, focusing on investments in hydrogen production, transport, and storage infrastructure.
Key elements of the plan include:
Establishing regional hydrogen hubs to boost production and export capacity.
Developing hydrogen pipelines to connect Scotland with mainland Europe.
Enhancing infrastructure to support the burgeoning hydrogen economy.
The government projects that Scotland could produce up to 3.3 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2045, equivalent to approximately 90% of the nation’s current energy demand. This aligns with existing initiatives under the Green Industrial Strategy and Hydrogen Action Plan, reinforcing Scotland’s commitment to a greener energy future.
The strategy is not just about energy; it’s also about jobs. A report by PwC highlighted that 3.3% of all UK job listings in the past year were green jobs, compared to 2.3% in 2023, with Scotland accounting for 23,000 of these roles. The hydrogen sector is poised to contribute significantly to this trend.
Moreover, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) estimates that Scotland’s hydrogen export strategy could unlock a staggering £93 billion export opportunity over the next decade, leveraging the nation’s industrial strengths and renewable energy capabilities.
Unveiling the plan at Hydrasun, a Scottish company specializing in hydrogen refuellers and components, Minister Gillian Martin emphasized hydrogen's transformative potential for Scotland’s economy and its role in tackling the global climate crisis. Standing in for Energy Secretary Mairi McAllan, she underscored Scotland’s ambition to lead the green energy transition.
Scotland’s hydrogen strategy marks a pivotal moment in its industrial history. It sets the stage for the nation to capitalize on its renewable energy resources and drive a greener, more sustainable economy. Scotland is positioning itself as a critical player in the global hydrogen revolution with ambitious targets, a clear roadmap, and significant economic potential.
Ms Martin said: “Hydrogen is one of Scotland’s greatest industrial opportunities since oil and gas was discovered , and we have the environment, skills, knowledge, and experience to become a driving force behind the growth of the hydrogen sector in Europe and beyond.
“This plan focuses on the significant international trade opportunities presented by hydrogen and sets out the key steps required to secure and maximise the economic benefits.
“It provides the government, industry, and investors with clarity in the direction we must all move in, with pace, if Scotland is to build a sustainable and successful hydrogen economy – whilst helping to deliver a just transition for our energy sector.
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“Although the full economic potential of hydrogen is yet to be realised, Hydrasun is a great example of how Scottish businesses are already leading the way in the hydrogen sector.”
Dr Stuart Mitchell, director of Hydrasun, a D2Zero company, said: “We have a strong track record as an exporter, delivering hydrogen systems across Europe and Scandinavia.
“Our expanding footprint demonstrates the growing demand for Scottish hydrogen expertise overseas. Scotland’s proximity to key markets like Germany and the Netherlands provides the opportunity to be at the forefront of hydrogen exports.
“Continued support from the Scottish Government, through agencies like Scottish Enterprise, has enabled Hydrasun to accelerate its growth, expand into new markets, and deliver innovative solutions.
“Collaboration across industry sectors, governments, and communities is essential to fully realise hydrogen’s potential. Together, we can position Scotland as a global leader in hydrogen innovation and sustainability.”
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