Next step in bid to build Whitelee hydrogen plant

The project aims to become one of the UK's first large-scale green hydrogen production facilities, directly powered by renewable energy

An application has been lodged to allow the production and storage of hydrogen at the site of the UK's largest onshore wind farm.

Scottish Power has applied for hazardous substances consent to operate a green hydrogen facility next to Whitelee wind farm, near Eaglesham.

The proposed development involves producing hydrogen through the electrolysis of water using power from the adjacent wind and solar farms, then storing and transporting it in high-pressure trailers.

The plan was first mooted in 2021 when the UK government awarded the project £9.4m.

The application to East Ayrshire Council outlines plans for the storage and handling of several controlled substances on the site.

These include up to four tonnes of hydrogen, 1.3 tonnes of diesel, and 0.24 tonnes of sodium hypochlorite, all of which are subject to strict regulations under hazardous materials law.

Hydrogen that is created on the site will be stored in a number of mobile tube trailers. These will be used to export the hydrogen via road, with up to six heavy goods vehicle movements per day expected.

The plan states that the hydrogen facility will be located more than 1km (0.6 miles) from any public areas, including the B764.

It goes on to say that about 10 permanent staff are expected to work at the site, in addition to occasional workers at the co-located solar and wind farms.

The company plans to install venting systems, CCTV, fencing, and potential protective structures like blast walls.

A broad application for the facility was made in 2021, with a view to having it up and running by the end of 2023.

However, Scottish Ministers opted to "call in" the application, viewing the project as nationally significant in relation to policies on hydrogen production and net zero.

The application was eventually approved in January and has been followed up with planning applications for an associated pipeline and this application for hazardous material consent.

East Ayrshire Council will assess the application, with potential for public comment during the consultation period.

Story from Local Democracy Reporter Kevin Dyson