Hydrogen Future Debate at the Scottish Parliament
On Tuesday 2 February the second in a series of six parliamentary debates across Europe was held at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Organised by CIFAL Findhorn, United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR), Fuel Cell Europe, Air Products, SHFCA and Royal Mail, hosted by Rob Gibson MSP and chaired by Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, Scotland’s Hydrogen Future Debate brought together representatives of all political parties in Scotland and leaders of the UK hydrogen and fuel cell industry to explore the feasibility, potentiality and practicalities of hydrogen to meet Scotland’s renewable energy targets for 2020.
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Tom Read, CEO, Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association, gave an overview of the hydrogen scenario in Scotland including the 200km hydrogen transport corridor from Aberdeen to Inverness, and demonstrations of hydrogen energy systems in Fife and Shetland.
Dr Martin Blake, Head of Sustainability for Royal Mail Group gave input as a potential customer of hydrogen, emphasising that although the business cannot afford hydrogen at current prices, strategically hydrogen is part of a low carbon future.
Ian Williamson, Hydrogen and Bio Energy Systems Director of Air Products provided the voice of a company which has sold hydrogen gas and infrastructure globally for many years and is keen to drive the market by lowering costs through increasing production, if there is initial demand.
A lively discussion followed resulting in an understanding that hydrogen and fuel cell technology is feasible today (although not yet economically so) and is definitely part of a portfolio of solutions to meet Scottish renewable energy targets. By the end of the evening it was clear that strong leadership, engagement and financial support is needed from government, suppliers and customers to ensure continuing research, demonstration and successful commercialisation. A strong hydrogen infrastructure must be prioritised to increase demand, lower prices and make the production of green hydrogen sustainable for all.