A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked today (March 11) between H2 Green Limited and Getech has set out to carry out the vision of the proposed hubs, in an effort to accelerate decarbonisation in the Highlands.

Inverness has been unveiled as the location of the first hub, with hydrogen production, storage and delivery infrastructure all set to be developed in the city. The partnership will undoubtable confirm future hub sites in the near future.

Supporting the effort, the Highland Council has said it will contribute £100,000 ($130,000) to support costs of the initial work. The Council will also work with H2 Green and Getech on the plans for the largest administrative unit in the UK.

Dr. Jonathan Copus, CEO of Getech, said, “The signing of the MoU is a significant milestone for our plan to establish a world-class regional hydrogen network in the Highlands. At the core of this network is our first planned hydrogen hub with SGN Commercial Services located in Inverness, which will service large-volume customers.

“In line with these goals, we have already announced agreements with Eversholt Rail to accelerate the wide-scale deployment of their hydrogen-powered trains on the Far North and West Highland Lines of Scotland.

“These activities combined with the Highland Council initiative are set to establish the Highlands as the leading UK-centre for decarbonisation and innovation; they will also support job creation, deliver energy security and provide a sustainable path for the region’s net zero transition.”

Already, the parties have started negotiations for the terms of the joint venture agreement, under which the proposed plans will come to fruition. Supporting this, the Highland Council has granted H2 Green six months of exclusivity.

Councillor Margaret Davidson, Leader of the Highland Council, added, “The Highland Council and H2 Green have an agreed vision to create a regional network of hydrogen hubs across the Highlands.

“We view H2 Green as a dynamic and delivery-focused partner positioned to deliver this vision for the Council. The planned work has the potential to establish the Highlands as a leading innovation centre for the decarbonisation of commercial transport. We see this as an important opportunity to attract external investment into the region, providing additional jobs and supply chain developments that will accelerate the net zero transition.”