A TRAILBLAZING green energy hydrogen plant in a Ross-shire community promises to sustain 30 permanent jobs and apprenticeships and provide a potential template for other projects to follow.
But this week’s decision to give the go-ahead to a hydrogen production facility on a site 12km north of Alness, and to the east of the operational Beinn Tharsuinn Wind Farm, was not without controversy with come councillors questioning the location on a greenfield site.
The Cromarty Hydrogen Project is a 15 megawatt hydrogen production facility.
Cromarty Green Hydrogen Project’s future secured after being acquired by Protium in £100m investment
It was taken over by hydrogen developer Protium, who operate a hydrogen network in England and Wales. They have taken over the Storegga portfolio, which includes the Cromarty Hydrogen project and a similar venture in Speyside.
Project backers say it will provide access to affordable green hydrogen and act as a launchpad for broader regional industry—fuelling long-term economic expansion and secondary job creation.
“We view ourselves as long-term partners in the Highland economy,” said Kim McCann, chief commercial officer, Protium, after this week’s planning committee go-ahead.
“This planning approval is a huge vote of confidence in our approach: producing Highland green energy for Highland use. By turning the region’s natural wind wealth into a local asset, Cromarty will build energy independence, reduce reliance on global fuel markets, and catalyse long-term economic growth.”
Protium’s flagship 15MW green hydrogen electrolysis facility will be the first stage of the so-called Highland Hydrogen Hub.
As the only hydrogen project selected under the UK Government’s Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1), Cromarty leverages significant Westminster financial support to directly lower energy costs for locally produced, zero-emission fuel.
By producing and consuming green hydrogen within the region, the project ensures that all benefits remain directly within the Highlands, says backers.
The company prides itself on providing end-to-end solutions to help businesses decarbonise reliably, affordably, and safely by replacing fossil fuels across construction, manufacturing, transport and operations.
Protium pledges to prioritise local recruitment, and emphasises upskilling and apprenticeships to keep young talent within their home communities.
It says construction timelines and community engagement updates for the Cromarty Green Hydrogen Production Facility (CGHPF) “will be announced in due course”.
But opinions were divided as Highland Council voted to grant planning permission for the site, writes local democracy reporter, Olivia Andrews.
Permission has been granted for a major hydrogen production facility to be built in Edderton, near Tain, as members of the north planning committee made the decision on Wednesday (August 5) following a vote.
The Cromarty Hydrogen Project will include a 15MW hydrogen production and storage facility with a hydrogen purification plant, hydrogen and oxygen processing plant and compression and cooling equipment – along with other associated infrastructure.
It was explained in the report discussed at the meeting that the energy making process at the plant had been described as “green hydrogen” by the applicant.
As a renewable energy source would be used to make the hydrogen meaning it would be classed as zero carbon.
The site will measure just over 11 hectares and is made up of open moorland – situated 12 km from Alness.
During the decision, all members who spoke indicated a support for hydrogen production in the area but some felt the greenfield site was not right for the proposal.
Councillor Richard Gale (East Sutherland and Edderton, Liberal Democrats) moved a motion to refuse the application as he said the development would be better placed on a brownfield site.
It was explained to the committee by planning expert Peter Whelan that the applicant had looked at 10 alternate sites but had not been “forthcoming” when the council asked for further details.
Cllr Gale’s motion was seconded by his party colleague Councillor Jan McEwan (Wick and East Caithness) and during the vote the pair were joined by Councillor Margret Paterson (Dingwall and Seaforth, Independent) but the trio ultimately lost the vote three to nine.
The winning amendment to grant the application was put forward by Councillor Raymond Bremner (Wick and East Caithness, SNP) who said he took a “different view” from his colleagues.
He explained, the committee were being asked to look at the site presented to them and he could not see enough of a reason to refuse it.
Cllr Bremner was joined by Councillor Angela MacLean (Dingwall and Seaforth, Liberal Democrats) as she acknowledged the concerns raised by residents but said “we have to start somewhere”.
Before the vote took place the committee was also informed by the council’s legal team that the stance the rejection was based on was unlikely to hold up should the applicant appeal.
There were 10 public objections to the plans with concerns raised about the impact on the local roads, traffic and the effect on the residents private water supply.
