Arup announced on 19 March that it has been appointed by the Scottish Government to undertake an assessment of the potential of hydrogen as a fuel within Scotland’s energy system. Arup, an engineering and consultancy firm, is to assess Scotland’s potential and requirements needed to support the use of hydrogen, with it to also consider how the fuel might support Scotland in achieving its net zero targets. Reflecting on the costs and benefits of the hydrogen sector for Scotland, the assessment outcomes will support the development of a hydrogen policy statement and action plan.
Clare Lavelle, Head of Energy Consultancy at Arup, added that “hydrogen can bring many benefits as a low carbon energy source”. She explained that: “Scotland’s natural resources, existing industrial skills and ambitious carbon reduction targets” will support the development of its hydrogen economy. The initial report and assessment are anticipated to be published later this year.