Scotland | Hydrogen Action Plan
Offshore wind Scotland benefits from a large maritime zone and substantial wind resource across the region.
This makes it a key provider of offshore wind, not only to deliver its own net zero targets but also to help achieve net zero goals for the UK and, potentially, Northern Europe.
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Within Scottish waters, there are currently just under 2 GW of operational offshore wind projects and a further 3.82 GW of projects consented or under construction.
There are also 4.2 GW of projects with lease options ahead of ScotWind leasing results. The outcome of the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round was announced in early 2022. A total of 20 projects, with a combined capacity of 27.6 GW, secured lease options.
These are expected to generate billions of pounds of investment in Scotland’s economy over the next 20 years. Many of the successful applicants for ScotWind leases are considering hydrogen production as part of their plansÂ
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A planning round for innovation and targeted oil and gas decarbonisation (INTOG) opened on 24 August 2022, with the specific purpose of facilitating offshore wind development to decarbonise oil and gas infrastructure operations and contribute towards net zero.
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Some INTOG projects may have excess capacity beyond powering oil and gas platforms. Where possible, conversion to hydrogen as a form of storage for later use or transfer to another user offers a way to capitalise on that excess and provides potential further opportunities for the Scottish economy through the hydrogen supply chain.
These will support the ambition outlined in our Hydrogen Policy Statement of generating 5 GW of hydrogen by 2030. INTOG exclusivity awards will be announced in early 2023. INTOG will potentially enable the delivery of up to a further 5.7 GW of new offshore wind projects targeting oil and gas decarbonisation, with a further potential 0.5 GW to test new technologies or solutions including hydrogen production in Scottish waters.
Stay informed:Â ScotWind
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