A groundbreaking hydrogen project called Surf ‘N’ Turf has had its official launch in Orkney.
Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse was among 70 guests who travelled from as far as Malta and Spain to see the scheme’s hydrogen fuel cell at Kirkwall Pier.
The Scottish Government-funded project is managed by Community Energy Scotland, providing practical help for communities on green-energy development and energy conservation, working with the European Marine Energy Centre, Orkney Islands Council, Eday Renewable Energy, and ITM Power.
It aims to generate hydrogen from wind and tidal energy – hence Surf ‘N’ Turf – and use it to avoid grid limitations and supply important local demand such as the ferries. As well as allowing
Orcadians to harness locally-sourced energy, benefits include a reduction of fossil fuel imports and fewer CO2 emissions.
Mr Wheelhouse, said: “Hydrogen itself and hydrogen fuel cells both have huge potential in Scotland’s low-carbon energy system. We will continue to support innovation in suitable hydrogen initiatives.”
