UK’s first off-grid green hydrogen site invites potential buyers 

3 August 2023 – A pioneering new renewables project which could drive forward the development of the UK’s green hydrogen industry is offering potential customers the chance to secure a supply of green energy.

The new 2.5 megawatt site, based in Knockshinnoch near New Cumnock in Ayrshire, will use wind energy to create green hydrogen off-grid. The project was one of a select few projects awarded a UK Government grant through the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund earlier this year. Potential buyers are being offered access to green hydrogen once the project begins production, expected in summer 2025.

Renantis, the global renewable energy developer and operator, is leading the development of the project in partnership with Logan Energy, which manufactures and installs hydrogen energy systems, and Hive Hydrogen, a hydrogen project and supply chain developer. 

The green hydrogen produced at Knockshinnoch could be used by UK transport firms and local authorities to power hydrogen trucks and buses, creating only water as a waste product. The fuel will be eligible for claiming Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates, which would help them satisfy UK Government requirements to increase use of renewable fuels in the transport sector. Industrial processes, such as those used in manufacturing, could also benefit, replacing fossil fuel energy or existing fossil-intensive feedstocks with green hydrogen.

The technology used in the Knockshinnoch project produces green hydrogen by using electricity from onsite wind turbines to power electrolysis equipment which splits water molecules to create hydrogen. The entire process produces zero emissions. By favouring production of hydrogen in remote locations, as exemplified in Knockshinnoch, the UK’s off-grid renewables opportunities can be unlocked – negating the need for often expensive grid connection infrastructure works. 

The project will also create opportunities for local communities to co-invest in green hydrogen and share in any future success. 

Stefano Socci, hydrogen lead at Renantis, said: “Green hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in the UK’s future energy mix, which is why projects like this are so important. The sector is still in its infancy and there are many challenges to be overcome, but this project is at the vanguard of how green hydrogen could be produced and used locally without the need for a grid connection. 

“By opening discussions with potential customers who share our vision of a completely renewable future, we move another step closer to producing green hydrogen at a scale which not only has commercial benefit for all parties but helps to decarbonise the energy sector over the long-term.”

Josh Williamson, Director of HIVE Hydrogen, which is leading the project’s off-taker engagement process, said: “This project represents a great opportunity, not only for UK’s off-grid renewables, but also to realise emissions savings in critical end-user areas.”

Customers which are interested in commercial discussions should have prospective demand volumes of up to six tonnes of green hydrogen per week. 

Potential buyers can register their interest via the following links: 

England – https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/a65319ba-340b-4d2b-99b0-1cd4c86119da

Scotland –https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL484068