Shetland Islands Council is being asked to back an attempt to kickstart a hydrogen economy in the isles, putting it at the forefront of the world’s green energy movement.
The SIC’s transport and environment committee will today be asked to give its support to a bid for £30,000 government funding that is being co-ordinated by SHEAP, the business behind the Lerwick district heating system.
If successful the project could be shortlisted for the Scottish Government’s £20 million Local Energy Challenge Fund, which would pay 100% of its development costs.
The concept is to erect a wind turbine north of Lerwick at Rova Head, which would produce electricity that could be used to expand the district heating system and produce hydrogen.
The hydrogen could be used to power vehicles, be bottled for domestic use or generate electricity.
The council could consider purchasing a fleet of hydrogen-powered lorries, in the same way Aberdeen City Council runs hydrogen buses under a £1.65 million government-funded project.
