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Large-scale green hydrogen facility planned in Orkney
Offshore Wind Power Limited (OWPL), the consortium formed by Macquarie’s Green Investment Group, TotalEnergies and Scottish developer Renewable Infrastructure Development Group (RIDG), is studying the use of offshore wind to power the production of green hydrogen on an industrial scale on the island of Flotta in Orkney, Scotland.
The OWPL consortium has submitted a proposal to the Crown Estate Scotland’s offshore wind leasing round (ScotWind) to develop the N1 plan option area west of Orkney. If successful, the West of Orkney wind farm could deliver renewable power to a green hydrogen production facility at the Flotta terminal.
Plans to power the proposed Flotta hydrogen hub are being developed by OWPL in partnership with Flotta Terminal’s owner Repsol Sinopec, and energy company Uniper. The proposal is also supported locally by EMEC Hydrogen.
Commenting on the proposal, Edward Northam, Head of Green Investment Group Europe, says: ‘We believe that green hydrogen could provide a critical alternative route to market for some of Scotland’s largest offshore wind projects and play a significant role in creating wider economic benefits as the North Sea goes through its energy transition.’
José Luis Muñoz, CEO, Repsol Sinopec, adds: ‘We fully support our industry’s transition to clean, green energy and a secure future for skilled oil and gas workers in Scotland and across the UK… The Flotta terminal has been in operation since 1976 and has made a significant contribution to Orkney’s economy and communities for more than 40 years. This project would enable the terminal to be progressively transformed over time into a diversified energy hub where conventional oil and gas operations continue, co-existing alongside the development of a sustainable long-term green future for the facility. The repurposing of Flotta will require local stakeholders’ support, retaining and upskilling the current workforce as well as the creation of long-term skilled jobs during both construction and hydrogen operations.’
Artist’s impression of the planned Flotta hydrogen hub
Source: OWPL
